Sunbirds and Spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes. Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in India.
- Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
- Purple-rumped Sunbird Leptocoma zeylonica
- Crimson-backed Sunbird Leptocoma minima (E)
- Purple-throated Sunbird Leptocoma sperata
- Purple Sunbird Cinnyris asiaticus
- Olive-backed Sunbird Cinnyris jugularis
- Long-billed Sunbird Cinnyris lotenius
- Gould's Sunbird Aethopyga gouldiae
- Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis
- Black-throated Sunbird Aethopyga saturata
- Vigors's Sunbird Aethopyga vigorsii (E)
- Crimson Sunbird Aethopyga siparaja
- Fire-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga ignicauda
- Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
- Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna
Read more about this topic: Birds Of India