Deep Forest Canopy
Species Radar
Sunbirds and Spiderhunters

Purple Sunbird

Cinnyris asiaticus

The purple sunbird is a small bird in the sunbird family. It occurs in parts of the Arabian peninsula and South and Southeast Asia. It has a fast and direct flight and can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird but often perches at the base of flowers. It feeds mainly on nectar and insects, especially when feeding young. The males can appear all black in harsh sunlight but the purple iridescence is visible on closer observation or under good light conditions. Females are olive above and yellowish below.

Where are you looking?

Select a tracking region above to ping the eBird database and reveal live hotspots for the Purple Sunbird.

Low-Light Telephoto Systems

Identifying specific features of the Purple Sunbird requires high-contrast magnification. Check out the top-rated 8x42 optics.

View Pro Optics

Expedition Prep

Targeting the Purple Sunbird?

Build a custom travel itinerary around these hotpot clusters using our trip planning suite.

Open Planner