Ruby-cheeked Sunbird
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
30 Apr 2022 to 25 Jul 2022


General details
Species Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis
Record ID 10247
Date range 30 Apr 2022 to 25 Jul 2022
Location Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Count 3 individuals
Age Adult
Sex Male and Female
Subrecords 10256, 10295
Related records 1031
Date added 01 May 2022

Record accepted.

Committee's view
Vote results For: 8
Wild: 8
Verdict Accepted / Wild (Verifiable)

References (see all)
References eBird

Descriptions
Identification
Both individuals unmistakable with red eyes, orange throat and upper breast. Male had iridescent green crown and nape. At least one individual was calling prior to observation.
Habitat/behaviour
Initially heard calling from the direction of the Aerie Tower. A pair subsequently landed on the horizontal branch of a Sea Apple tree directly above the walkway at the pond briefly before being flushed by a group of hikers entering the site. Not heard or seen again afterward. This pond seems to be within the territory of a male bird that was seen regularly in the latter half of 2021, and he appears to have found a partner. Some of the Sea Apples around the pond were flowering and the large Ficus by the viewing platform was fruiting although the birds were not observed interacting with any of these food resources.
Viewing conditions
It was a fine day with no wind and blue skies.
Observer's experience
Numerous sightings throughout Southeast Asia
Observer's experience w/similar species
The main possible source of confusion were the multiple Brown-throated Sunbirds around the site during the entire time that I was there. However, none of these birds had a orange throat and upper breast, or iridescent green upperparts in the case of male birds.

Revisions to this record
Date revised Changes made
23 Jul 2022 Minimum number of individuals present at the site is three, as two males were reported on multiple occasions in May (see eBird link above). Therefore, the count for this record was updated from two (originally submitted by observer) to three.

RECOMMENDED CITATION

Bird Society of Singapore. (2022). Record 10247: Ruby-cheeked Sunbird Chalcoparia singalensis. Retrieved March 28, 2024, from https://records.singaporebirds.com/record/10247/.

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