Fire-tailed Sunbird
A species of Red Sunbirds and Allies Scientific name : Aethopyga ignicauda Genus : Red Sunbirds and Allies
Fire-tailed Sunbird, A species of Red Sunbirds and Allies
Botanical name: Aethopyga ignicauda
Genus: Red Sunbirds and Allies
Content
Description
Photo By Arnab Pal
Description
The fire-tailed sunbird (Aethopyga ignicauda) is a species of sunbird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in the northern parts of the Indian subcontinent, primarily in the Himalayas, and also in some adjoining regions in Southeast Asia. The species occurs in Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Thailand and Tibet. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Males reach a length of 15 cm. including their long tail; females are about two-thirds that length. They live in conifer forests at altitudes up to 4,000 meters, descending into the valleys during the cold season. They eat insects, and also nectar. Both parents take part in feeding the young.
Size
20 cm
Feeding Habits
Fire-tailed Sunbird predominantly feeds on nectar, supplemented with small insects and spiders. Foraging occurs alone or in pairs, often joining mixed-species flocks post-breeding. Insect-catching is performed mid-air, displaying a varied diet and sociable feeding behavior.
Habitat
Fire-tailed Sunbird predominantly inhabits coniferous and oak forests, typically with an understorey of rhododendrons. The species is also found in juniper scrub habitats, usually in regions that are above the tree line. Their presence is marked within the montane evergreen forests, both broadleaf lower and upper montane types, often preferring the forest edges.
Dite type
Nectivorous
Photo By Arnab Pal
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Perching birds Family
Sunbirds and spiderhunters Genus
Red Sunbirds and Allies Species
Fire-tailed Sunbird