The Brilliant Beauty of the Black-Throated Sunbird

I have a completely untested theory that a surprisingly large number of bird photographers are people who secretly wish they could make beautiful art. The problem is that this artistic ambition is sometimes paired with very little actual artistic ability—and, fortunately, enough self-awareness to recognize the problem. Bird photography provides a wonderfully convenient alternative. Instead of creating beauty themselves, photographers simply borrow it from nature.

All that remains is the comparatively modest task of capturing that beauty with a camera, which can provide enough creative satisfaction to make up for the fact that pressing a shutter button is not exactly the most demanding artistic process.

Photographing the Black-Throated Sunbird

Consider these photographs of Black-throated Sunbirds, featuring both males and females, although it must be admitted that the theory above applies particularly well to the male.

Hand me a set of paints and brushes, and I will probably struggle to accomplish anything beyond damaging an otherwise perfectly respectable sheet of paper. Put a camera and an adequately expensive lens in my hands, however, and I can occasionally create an image convincing enough to make an unsuspecting viewer believe that I actually have some kind of artistic vision.

A Few Facts About the Black-Throated Sunbird

Still, in an attempt to make this article about more than attractive bird photographs, here are a few approximately scientific observations about the Black-throated Sunbird.

The species is scientifically known as Aethopyga saturata. The name saturata refers to something that is richly or intensely colored, which seems particularly appropriate when describing the striking plumage of the male. The scientific name therefore sounds slightly like the diagnosis of an unusual medical condition while also acknowledging the bird's vivid appearance.

Mixed-Species Flocks

In Peninsular Malaysia, the Black-throated Sunbird participates in mixed-species feeding flocks found in highland habitats. Compared with some of the more subdued members of these gatherings, it tends to stand out considerably more.

This is particularly convenient for photographers. After all, it is considerably easier to create the illusion of artistic talent when photographing an intensely colorful sunbird than when pointing a camera at something as visually restrained as a Mountain Fulvetta.

Changing Plumage of Young Males

Young male Black-throated Sunbirds do not immediately develop the spectacular appearance associated with mature males. Instead, they pass through several stages of relatively dull plumage before eventually acquiring their brilliant adult coloration.

These successive changes in appearance have been documented in detail, and photographs illustrating the different stages show just how dramatically the males transform as they mature.

The Mysterious Metallic Throat

One research paper describes the bird's throat as appearing black, while noting that under favorable lighting it can reveal a metallic purple-blue coloration. Unfortunately, I was unable to verify this particular effect in my own photographs.

There is, however, some blue coloration visible along the sides of the throat. Perhaps that subtle blue was the feature the researchers were referring to.

A Pollinator With a Territorial Attitude

Another scientific study includes the Black-throated Sunbird, together with other sunbirds and flowerpeckers, among the birds that pollinate aerial mistletoes.

The study does not suggest that these birds possess any special appreciation for aesthetics. Instead, it points out that males can be aggressive and territorial, particularly when feeding. They are apparently not especially interested in sharing mistletoe bushes with competitors.

Black-Throated Sunbirds at Baihualing

The photographs featured here were taken at Baihualing in Yunnan, China. Black-throated Sunbirds visit the bird hides there, and the males in particular appear to have a fondness for bathing.

For photographers, this is an especially convenient arrangement. The birds provide the beauty, the bathing behavior provides an interesting subject, and the camera does the rest. In other words, nature once again handles the difficult artistic work while the photographer simply has to be in the right place and press the shutter.