entry photo titled: plain prinia on asparagus
in our garden we grow many medicinal herbs and spices. right outside our kitchen window we have some shatawari (asparagus racemosus) plants. they are a type of asparagus but not used as vegetables. the roots have many beneficial qualities and are often prescribed in ayurveda, especially for women's issues. the thorny plants grow like vines and spread quickly. small white flowers and green berries can often be seen simultaneously. the branches may be dry to the point that they look dead but with some rain they burst in flower which attracts a few species of birds.
among them is the plain prinia (Prinia inornata), a common bird in south and southeast asia. throughout the range there is great variation in appearance but as both the english and latin name indicate it has a rather drab appearance. on the other hand it is not shy and will often sing on an exposed perch. the song however sounds more like an insect than a typical songbird. nonetheless we are very happy to have them visit our garden and feed on mosquitoes. i doubt they nest in our garden because they prefer the thicker shrubbery of some nearby plots
to the left of the shatawari is a hibiscus bush with lovely red flowers which attract several species of sunbirds. here is a crimson-backed sunbird (Leptocoma minima). they occasionally visit us but even though they are close by our house it is challenging to get a proper photo which shows the amazing coloration of the breeding males because they are constantly moving.
to the left of the shatawari are some firecracker plants (Cuphea spp) which are a favorite of the different sunbirds we often see. i think the sunbirds have planted these because we sure didn't. they grow very fast and produce lots of tubular flowers which are a perfect match for the sunbirds long thin beaks.
the bird above is a purple sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus)
here the crimson-backed sunbird is drawing nectar from the flower. sadly, again the angle of the shot does not capture the fine colors of the neck and breast.
in front of our house some meters to the left of the above plants are a few crown flowers or hanuman flowers (Calotropis gigantea) which are very persistent. they tend to take over so we keep cutting them back but shortly thereafter they are fully grown with lots of flowers. here a female purple sunbird is enjoying the nectar from the many flowers.