Purple Sunbird and Butea monosperma

Santi Xayyasith’s images show the Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) takes nectar from flowers of Butea monosperma, commonly known as Flame of the Forest and Bastard Teak. The tree is a member of the legume family and has bright orange-red flowers.

Purple Sunbird takes small insects, spiders, fruits and flower nectar (Cheke & Mann, 2008). Of flower nectar, a few plants are listed but no mention of Butea monosperma.

Santi Xayyasith
Thailand
8th February 2017

Reference:
Cheke, R. A. & C. F. Mann, 2008. Family Nectariniidae (Sunbirds). In: del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & D. A. Christie (eds.), Handbook of the birds of the world. Vol. 13. Penduline-tits to Shrikes. Lynx Editions, Barcelona. Pp. 196-320.

This post is a cooperative effort between Birds, Insects N Creatures Of Asia and BESG to bring the study of birds and their behavior through photography and videography to a wider audience.