The Red-legged Honey Bunting, or Uraeginthus ruberrimus in scientific lingo, is a little and colourful bird that may be found across Asia. It is frequently referred to as the African Silverbill or the Red-billed Silverbill and is a member of the finch family. Due to their small size and colourful plumage, these birds are a treat to observe for both birdwatchers and environment lovers.

The Red-legged Honey Bunting is a little bird with a length of 10–11 cm and a weight of 9–12 grammes. Its small, conical red bill is unusual because to its colour. The males have a vivid blue head and neck, as well as a red patch on their lower throat and a black patch around their eyes.

The male’s underparts are white, while his top parts are brownish-grey. While the females have a brownish-grey head and neck, a pale eye ring, and a white patch on the lower throat, they also have a pale eye ring. Additionally, they have buffy-brown underparts, whereas their top parts are brownish-grey.

The Red-legged Honey Bunting may be found across Asia, notably in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. They can be found in gardens and agricultural regions, but prefer open, grassy settings like savannas, meadows, and grasslands.

These little birds consume nectar, seeds, and insects for food. Their name, the Honey Bunting, refers to their specific fondness for blossom nectar. They can gather nectar from flowers because to a unique tongue they have. They also consume insects and seeds that are discovered on the ground.

March through August are the Red-legged Honey Bunting’s breeding months. To draw females, the males put on a courting show. After becoming a partnership, they construct a cup-shaped nest from grass and twigs. The female lays two to four eggs, which she then takes care of for roughly 13 to 14 days. Incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks are tasks shared by both parents.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has designated the Red-legged Honey Bunting as a species of Least Concern. They still exist in a variety of habitats across Asia, despite the fact that it is thought that their numbers are diminishing as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation.

Small and colourful, the Red-legged Honey Bunting may be found all throughout Asia. They are a rare and intriguing bird to see due to its colourful plumage, fondness for nectar, and unique tongue. These birds are still widely dispersed and are listed by the IUCN as a species of least concern despite threats like habitat loss.