The purple sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) is a small sunbird. Like other sunbirds they feed mainly on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. They have a fast and direct flight and can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird but often perch at the base of flowers - however, they are not related to hummingbirds. The adult breeding male has a plumage that may appear all black (particular in low light) or dark metallic blue or purplish-black - depending on the light conditions. Females are yellow-grey to olive brown above and yellowish below. The immature male is darker brown above than adult female, has chin and throat black, otherwise yellowish below with heavy black mottling. The immature female is similar to the adult but darker brown on upperparts, with throat and breast grey, abdomen with yellow wash.
The purple sunbird is found in India and Sri Lanka.
