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Crimson Sunbird – juvenile male plumage progression

on 25th August 2018
A younger juvenile with clear gape, showing the first sign of some orange-red and on the throat and breast.

“The flowering and fruiting Malayan Mistletoe (Dendrophthae pentandra), that attracts birds, has allowed me to document juvenile male Crimson Sunbirds (Aethopyga siparaja siparaja) as they moult into adulthood. Details on juveniles are lacking for the region (Wells 2007).

A slightly older bird with more development of orange-red and the beginnings of the moustachial streaks.

“Between 9-12 juveniles currently visit the plants, usually very early from 7.30-9.30am. I have seen 9 juvenile Crimson Sunbirds at one time but suspect the number is larger as, this area is vast and, they congregate here for their nectar feast. Some juveniles tend to be very territorial and even chase adult Crimson Sunbirds away; hence I have seen very few adults.

A bird with a less prominent gape, full orange-red throat with greater colour spread to the breast.

“Here are 4 self-feeding birds that show plumage progression from juvenile to immature (images from top down):

An immature bird with crimson developing on shoulders, neck and lower breast, and orange at throat has deepened.

“A younger juvenile (clear gape) showing the first signs of some orange-red on the throat and breast.

“Next is a slightly older bird with more development of orange-red and the beginnings of the moustachial streaks.

Head shorts merged to show colour change.

“The next stage is a bird with a less prominent gape, full orange-red throat with greater colour spread to the breast. Up to this point the brilliant red has still not developed.

Sub-adult plumage.

“Post 4 shows an immature bird with crimson developing on shoulders, neck and lower breast, and orange at throat has deepened. There is no forehead metallic plumage as yet. The next stage will be a deepening and extension of the crimson-scarlet to involve the full upper parts of the body at which point the metallic plumage on forehead starts to develop.

Full adult plumage.

“Note bill in all these 4 birds – the upper mandible has become black unlike the younger, still feeding-dependent, juveniles that have orange beaks.

“Note the feet – the juveniles start with bright orange feet and progress to develop dark black feet as in adults, although, even then the soles retain some orange in adults.”

Dato’ Dr Amar-Singh HSS
Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
13th &15th August 2018

Location: Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Habitat: Secondary growth at city fringe

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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