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This active little breeding resident is a cheerful bird found commonly in the lowlands and mid hills of the country. Scarce in the higher hills. This species is restricted to the Indian Subcontinent.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as “Least Concerned” (National Red List 2012).

This is a species protected under the Fauna and Flora Protection Ordinance as amended by Act No. 22 of 2009.

I have seen this species to be most common in the forest reserves of the wet lowlands up to about 1500m from sea level. They always move about in groups and the groups become small towards the northern forests. They feed on nectar, fruits and insects. The highest altitude at which I have recorded this species so fat has been at 2820m at Nuweraeliya. I have not seen this species in the Mannar island. It is not uncommon in well wooded gardens, and I have regularly seen them in Nugegoda, Kotte and Ragama until the mid-nineties. They make their nasal calls as they feed to keep in touch with the other members of the flock. Having visited one tree when some members of fly off the whole flock will follow to alight on the next tree.

This is a regularly seen species in Wilpattu but in small groups. Flocks of 3 – 4 birds visit my home garden regularly. They eagerly visit the Gadumba trees and fly down to the bird bath to drink.