Photo Feature
White-browed Fulvetta and Fire-tailed Myzornis
<p>Lower-altitude rhododendrons have larger blooms, a longer flowering period and more nectar volume that suit birds, whereas higher-altitude rhododendron species have smaller, tubular blooms with concentrated nectar to attract insects. However, some high-altitude Himalayan birds, such as this White-browed Fulvetta <em>Fulvetta vinipectus</em> and Fire-tailed Myzornis <em>Myzornis pyrrhoura</em> are often seen around the bright red nectar cups of rhododendrons. Many bird-pollinated rhododendrons have peak flowering seasons between May and July, when bird activity is highest. In response, the Myzornis’ nesting period coincides with the blooming of the rhododendron.</p>
<p><strong>Photo:</strong> Tathagata Chakraborty (White-browed Fulvetta) & Biraj Kumar Sarkar (Fire-tailed Myzornis).</p>