Aethopyga siparaja (Crimson sunbird)

Aethopyga siparaja, commonly known as the Crimson Sunbird, is one of the most vibrant bird species recorded in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP). Characterized by its brilliant crimson plumage, metallic green crown, and slender, down-curved bill, Aethopyga siparaja brings flashes of color to the dense forests and flowering trees within GHNP. Its agile flight and preference for nectar-rich environments make it a key pollinator in the park’s lower and middle elevation zones.

Visitors trekking through GHNP’s subtropical forests often catch glimpses of Aethopyga siparaja as it flits energetically among blossoms, contributing both to the beauty and ecological functioning of the park.

Aethopyga siparaja-Crimson sunbird (click to enlarge)

Habitat and Distribution in GHNP

Aethopyga siparaja is primarily found in subtropical and lower temperate forests within GHNP, typically between 1,000 and 2,400 meters elevation. It favors habitats rich in flowering plants, including forest edges, shrubby clearings, and near watercourses where vegetation is abundant.

The bird is particularly active during the spring and early summer months, when many native Himalayan plants, such as rhododendrons and cherry trees, are in full bloom. Sightings of Aethopyga siparaja are common along sun-drenched trails where dense forest opens into glades filled with wildflowers.

Feeding Behavior

Aethopyga siparaja feeds mainly on nectar, inserting its curved bill deep into flowers. It also consumes small insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season when protein demand is high. Unlike some other sunbirds, it often hovers like a hummingbird to feed but will also perch while drinking nectar.

Its lively behavior and high-pitched calls make it a delightful presence in the flowering zones of GHNP. Males display a more vivid crimson coloration during the breeding season, while females and young birds show duller olive-green tones.

Conservation Status and Importance

Although Aethopyga siparaja is classified as a species of Least Concern, conservation of its natural habitat remains crucial. The dependence of Aethopyga siparaja on healthy flowering plant communities ties its survival closely to the overall ecosystem health of GHNP.

The protected status of GHNP offers a safe refuge where Aethopyga siparaja continues to thrive, supporting the park’s biodiversity through its role in pollination.