Crimson Sunbird

My initial encounter with the Crimson Sunbird took place over two years ago during a visit to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Enthralled by this vibrant and energetic avian marvel, I found myself captivated by its diminutive size and distinctive, squeaky presence—especially the striking red head, a hallmark feature of the male Crimson Sunbird, the national bird of Singapore.

Amid the lush surroundings, Crimson Sunbirds create a lively spectacle, emitting their frequent squeaks as they forage amidst flower trees, skillfully leaping from branch to branch. Observing them sipping nectar, one can't help but be reminded of hummingbirds, their wings fluttering in rhythmic harmony. 

flapping wings

While the Crimson Sunbird is a relatively common sight, capturing it on camera proves to be a challenge due to its restless nature. A recent sighting left me pondering as I observed a bird in the bushes. The presence of grey patches amidst the characteristic red head raised questions—was it a different species, or perhaps a mutant variant of the Crimson Sunbird? This curiosity prompted a deeper dive into the intricate details of crimson sunbirds.

It turns out that the juvenile male Crimson Sunbird undergoes a fascinating transformation. Initially speckled with grey patches, its head gradually transitions to a crimson red, a metamorphosis beautifully captured in the second of following photos.

As is often the case in the world of birds, the female Crimson Sunbird dons a more subdued palette—devoid of the vivid red plumage, featuring dulcet olive-colored upperparts and subtly yellow-tinged underparts.

Discovering of the crimson sunbird metamorphism of plumage  on my own makes watching crimson bords so much more fascinating.

my observation

 

male crimson sunbird plumage progression