Olive-backed Sunbird

Three sunbird species are said to be common here. They are the Olive-backed (which is the commonest species of sunbird in Singapore), the Crimson (the island’s national bird), and the Brown-throated (the largest of the three and also known as Plain-throated).

The sunbirds are a group of very small birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding their young. Their flight is fast and direct on their short wings.

Click on the above photo for high-res image This is a female Olive-backed Sunbird. I was lucky that she perched there long enough for me to get a close-up shot. And she's got some nectar at the tip of her beak.
This bird is also known as Yellow-bellied Sunbird, 
and its scientific name is Cinnyris jugularis (formerly Nectarinia jugularis). 
The Olive-backed Sunbirds in this blog were spotted at Sengkang Riverside.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageIt is really interesting to watch these little sunbirds visiting flowering plants to drink the nectar and forage for insects - they are a real jewel in a concrete jungle.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageA female Olive-backed seen sipping nectar from the flowers of the Water Canna plant (Thalia geniculata).

Click on the above photo for high-res image Most species can take nectar by hovering, but usually perch to feed most of the time.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageOlive-backed Sunbirds are fun to watch whilst feeding.

Click on the above photo for high-res imageThe non-native Water Canna is a favourite of the Sunbirds at Sengkang Riverside.