Olive-backed Sunbird hovering

The above image was photographed by Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS in the Tambun Interior in the Malaysian state of Perak on 17th July 2011.

The Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) was trying to access some small aphid-like insects on the under-surface of what looks like a leaf of Amaranthus sp. Although it did land on the plant to search for insects, hovering was the preferred method on this occasion and was used a number of times.

“These were some of the best hovering episodes I have observed, although still not able to match the delightful humming birds,” added Amar.