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Olive-backed Sunbird: Male eclipse

on 13th September 2018
Male.

The male Olive-backed Sunbirds (Cinnyris jugularis) is olive-green above with iridescent blue-black forehead, throat and breast (Robson, 2008) (above). The belly and vent is yellow.

Female (Photo: Sun Chong Hong).

The female is olive-green above and plain yellow on the underside (above).

Male eclipse.

Birdwatchers and bird photographers who use Robson (2008) as their guide will be aware of the male eclipse category. This category refers to the male plumage that has an iridescent blue-black stripe restricted to the centre of the throat and breast (above).

According to Wells (2007), such male eclipse is especially found among the Olive-backed Sunbirds in Singapore. This male eclipse plumage identifies the male as non-breeding. With time, it is assumed that this plumage will moult to the adult male breeding plumage. Cheke & Mann (2008) refer such individuals as non-breeding males.

Olive-backed Sunbird with traces of black on its throat and chest (Photo: Johnny Wee).

However, there are cases of female plumage with varying traces of black on the chin and/or breast (above, below). Are these eclipse plumage? Or at best the beginning of eclipse plumage?

Olive-backed Sunbird with slight traces of black on its chin and breast.

If so, then the image below is evidence of cooperative breeding among Olive-backed Sunbirds.

If this is eclipse plumage, then there is co=operative breeding among Olive-backed Sunbirds (Photo:Mark G aka strobby).

After all, Wells (2007) mentioned: “…the ‘pre-adult’ interpretation seems the more likely, with black chin to breast acquired progressively…” And that ringing may resolve the issue.

YC Wee
Singapore
1st August 2018

Note: I wish to thank Dato’ Dr Amar-Sinngh HSS for useful discussion.

References:
1.
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.
2. Robson, C., 2008. A field guide to the birds of South-east Asia. New Holland, London. 544 pp.
3. Wells, D.R., 2007. The birds of the Thai-Malay Peninsular. Vol. II, Passerines. Christopher Helm, London. 800 pp.

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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