Identification
Size of Loten's Sunbird-i.e. smaller
than the sparrow, but noticeably larger than the Hin Malkurulla, from
which it is readily distinguished by its darker green plumage. Sexes
alike.
It is even more sociable than the
other birds, forming very large, scattered flocks except in the breeding
season, when the birds pair off.Always on the move, it spends its
waking hours in an almost caseless search for small caterpillars (the
tea tortix, Homona coffearia, being a special favourite), tiny moths,
etc.,and in visiting nectar-producing blossoms and berry-bearing
shrubs.
The breeding season is from
March to May. Sometimes they have a second season in August-September.
The nest is large and not quite solidly built. It is a neat cup,
composed of fine fibers, moss and fluff, slung hammock-wise in a fork of
a leafy twig. They lay two eggs that measure about 16.2×11.3mm. The
eggs are very pale prussian blue in color.
