Temminck's Sunbird

Overview

Temminck's sunbird (Aethopyga temminckii) is a species of sunbird found in tropical moist montane forests. Its common name and Latin binomial commemorate the Dutch aristocrat and zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck.

Identification

• Males are mostly scarlet with a greyish belly, while females are drab olive with rufous fringes on the wings and tail.
• Males feature yellow and purple bands between the back and tail, as well as four purple bands on the head emanating from the beak.
• Males are longer-tailed than females and measure 12.5 cm in length, whereas females are 10 cm long.

Habitat

The species inhabits tropical moist montane forests in Borneo, Sumatra, West Malaysia, and south west Thailand. It is found at altitudes of up to 1800 m.

Did you know?

This bird has previously been considered conspecific with the Javan sunbird, Aethopyga mystacalis.