At Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, there’s no shortage of sunbirds and flowerpeckers. Flowers were plentiful and these little birds seemed very engaged in their favorite tree! It was lovely to see some of the species just in one tree! But getting a decent picture is another story. Here are some of my best shots.. having stood by the tree for the whole morning! *Cough*

The Loten’s sunbird below (named after Dutch governor of Ceylon, Joan Loten), is also known as Long-billed sunbird or Maroon-breasted sunbird, is endemic to peninsular India and Sri Lanka.

Female Loten’s sunbird at Salim Ali Sanctuary

The male Loten’s Sunbird is more obliging!

Another endemic to India Subcontinent is the Purple-rumped Sunbird! There were quite a few of these sunbirds hovered about the flowering tree. The male has a beautiful collage of colours as compared to the female,  I was totally captivated by it. 🙂

purple-rumped sunbird

purple-rumped sunbird-female in India

Also found in the same tree was the common yet sassy, glossy looking Purple Sunbird!

purple sunbird

Found in Southern India is the resident, Nilgiri Flowerpecker.  This species is said to be differentiated from the other sub species by its pale brown on the upperside, whitetish underside along with a wider white brow.. !  This little fellow had been feasting on nectar the whole morning, evidenced by the coloration on its face! 😛

nilgiri flowerpecker

And here’s us four, waiting patiently by the flowering tree. 🙂

The four of us at Salim Ali Sanctuary