Home › Aves › Nectariniidae › Crimson-backed Sunbird (Leptocoma minima)
SPECIES PROFILE
Crimson-backed Sunbird (Leptocoma minima)
Leptocoma
IUCN STATUS
Least Concern
CONSERVATION STATUS
Least Concern
CLASS
Aves
GEOGRAPHICAL RANGE
Endemic to Western Ghats India
DIET
Omnivorous
HABITAT
Forests gardens at higher elevations
🔬 Classification
PHYLUM
Chordata
CLASS
Aves
ORDER
Passeriformes
FAMILY
Nectariniidae
GENUS
Leptocoma
📋 Description
SIZE
8-10 cm long 5-8 g
COLORATION
Males crimson back metallic green females olive
ADAPTATIONS
Long curved bill for nectar feeding agile hovering
🌿 Ecology
HABITAT
Forests gardens at higher elevations
DIET
Omnivorous
GEOGRAPHIC RANGE
Endemic to Western Ghats India
REPRODUCTION
Lays 2 eggs in hanging nests incubated 13-15 days
DIET DETAILS
Nectar insects spiders
⚠️ Threats & Conservation
PRIMARY THREATS
Habitat loss climate change
💡 Interesting Facts
1
Crimson Sippers: Crimson-backed Sunbirds hover with 6-gram bodies sipping 4 grams of nectar daily in Kerala's hills. Males' crimson backs are vibrant.
2
Endemic Pollinators: These sunbirds cover 1000 sq km in Tamil Nadu's high elevations nesting in mossy branches. Habitat fragmentation threatens their range.
🔭 Sighting Guide
📍 BEST PLACES TO SIGHT
Thattekad Bird Sanctuary in Kerala
Anamalai Tiger Reserve in Tamil Nadu
Silent Valley National Park in Kerala
🗓️ BEST TIME TO SIGHT
Year-round Higher elevations ensure visibility for spotting sunbirds
🎯 SIGHTING TIPS
Watch crimson-backed sunbirds hovering near flowering plants in hills
