19th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
A shimmering male sunbird sits on the branch of a Scarlet Cordia tree, making chirrupy birdcalls.

A shiny Purple Sunbird (Cinnyris-asiaticus) sits on the branch of a Scarlet Cordia tree with its glossy metallic blue plumage shining brightly against the orange-red flowers of the tree. The breeding male has purple-black underparts which can be clearly seen in the picture. Its bill is open because he’s making chirrupy birdcalls to attract a female.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 05.2021
Date Uploaded: 11.2021
Photo Location: Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
Camera: NIKON D5500
Copyright: © Chandana Roy