Category: Water Body Restoration

What you see here is the Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica), captured in a bush near the Vettai Perumal Temple Kanmai. These tiny birds, about 10 cm long, are found in gardens, forests, scrublands, and farms across India and Sri Lanka.

The males are striking with a bright purple rump and shiny throat, while females are duller in color. With their long, curved beaks, they skillfully sip nectar from flowers, but they also eat small insects and spiders. Active and fast-flying, they are often seen hovering near blooms.

During the breeding season from February to September, the female builds a hanging, pouch-shaped nest from plant fibers and spider webs, usually laying two eggs. The eggs hatch in about 14-15 days, continuing the life of this delightful little bird, which typically lives 5-7 years.