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Nesting Fork-Tailed Sunbird

Changing the topic slightly I last week watched a male F-t Sunbird doing the display which I think someone posted pictures of, maybe in spring last year. It was at Magazine Service Gap Reservoir Road on HK Island.

Actually the bird was making an unusual ticking sound so I thought I was looking for a very late Asian Stubtail or similar, but noticed this glaring bright yellow object swaying around slightly - these of course are the bright yellow rump feathers (I think) which are normally completely hidden under the bird's wings at rest, but which it raises to stunning effect during this display. It looks almost like a bright yellow flattened mushroom coming out of the bird's back.

It impressed me enormously and must be very impressive to female Sunbirds.

Maybe others see it often but it was the first time I've seen it.

M. Turnbull

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