4048. PHOTOGRAPHY. The Ornate Sunbird.

 

The difference is primarily one of classification: the Ornate Sunbird is now recognized as a distinct species, while the name "Olive-backed Sunbird" (Cinnyris jugularis) is now used for a different species, specifically the Garden Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis). 

 

The Ornate Sunbird (Cinnyris ornatus) was previously considered a subspecies of the larger Olive-backed Sunbird complex. For Singapore, the Ornate Sunbird is the species you would now see, while the name Olive-backed Sunbird is no longer correct for it.  

 

Key Points: 

Taxonomic Split: 
Scientific studies, particularly those based on DNA analysis, have led to the splitting of the formerly widespread "Olive-backed Sunbird" into several distinct species.  

Ornate Sunbird: 
This new species, Cinnyris ornatus, is found in regions including Mainland Southeast Asia, Java, Borneo, and the Lesser Sunda Islands.  

Garden Sunbird: 
The nominate form, which was previously the "Olive-backed Sunbird," is now designated as the Garden Sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis, and is primarily found in the Philippines.  

Geographic Relevance: 
For Singapore, the "Olive-backed Sunbird" is now correctly called the Ornate Sunbird.  
 
 
Ornate sunbird. Male has iridescent blue-black forehead and throat. Common resident in Singapore. Photo by Brian Peck. Zoom lens 500mm. Incorrectly named as "Olive-backed Sunbird" in Singapore's NParks website. 
 
UPDATE: 
https://2010vets.blogspot.com/2025/09/4048-photography-ornate-sunbird.html