Cock: The whole plumage is dark metallic purple, looking black in some lights, but in the sun’s rays it displays a green or lilac sheen. The beak is long and curved.
Hen: Upper plumage earthy brown, lower plumage very pale yellow.
Found only in S. India. Very common in Madras. (Illus. B. P., pp. 78, 82, and 90.)
[107]. Arachnechthra asiatica: The Purple Sunbird. (F. 895), (J. 234), (-I.)
Cock: Very like A. lotenia, but this species is smaller and its curved beak is shorter. It is a very fine songster, its voice being as sweet as that of the canary or the pied wagtail.
Hen: Upper plumage earthy brown, lower plumage yellow.
Found all over India, but is only a summer visitor to the Punjab and N.W. F. P. (Illus. I. F., frontispiece.)
[108]. Arachnechthra zeylonica: The Purple-rumped Sunbird (F. 901), (J. 232), (-I.)
Cock: From a little distance the cock looks like a black-and-white bird, the upper parts and breast appear black, and the lower parts white. Closer inspection, however, reveals a livery of many colours, each of which has a beautiful sheen. There is a patch on the crown which appears metallic lilac in some lights and emerald green in others. The neck and upper back are dull crimson, the lower back, chin, and throat are brilliant metallic purple. The tail and wing feathers are dark brown. There is a maroon collar below the throat. The lower plumage is bright yellow.
Hen: Upper plumage earthy brown, lower parts yellow.