A male scarlet-backed flowerpecker gently perched on a twig in the Hazarikhil Sanctuary in Fatikchhari. This passerine bird is found in subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, and occasionally gardens, in a number of countries throughout South and East Asia, including Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand and more. However, it is known to be rare in Nepal and Bhutan. It feeds primarily on seeds, fruits and flower nectar, hence the name "flowerpecker". The bird is sexually dimorphic, meaning the males and females are easily distinguishable – the male has navy blue upperparts with a bright red streak down its back from its crown to its tail coverts, while the female and juvenile are predominantly olive green.

PHOTO: MD SUMON