The Fire-tailed Sunbird is a stunning little bird that is easily recognizable due to its long tail of fiery red. This bird measures approximately 16 cm long and has a mantle and nap that are also flame red in color. The fiery tail of the bird has red uppertail coverts, which is what gives it its unique name. The bird’s breast and belly are streaked with a beautiful combination of yellow and red, while its crown and throat are iridescent with blue and black hues.
The female of the species has an orange-yellow wash on her belly and brownish-orange tail sides. The Fire-tailed Sunbird is native to Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Thailand and is endemic to these regions.
These birds are commonly found in temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. They are nectar feeders but will also supplement their diet with insects when given the opportunity.
Despite being a well-known bird, little is known about its breeding patterns in the Himalayan and Hengduan Mountains. However, it is known that the nestling period lasts around 19.5 days, and both males and females participate in feeding the nestlings. Females have been found to have significantly higher feeding frequencies than males.
Compared to low-altitude birds, the Fire-tailed Sunbird invests more in its offspring by producing fewer eggs and providing more parental care to nestlings. This species is classified as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, which is good news as it does not qualify for a more at-risk category.
