In the Western Ghats, it can overlap in some areas with the crimson-backed sunbird but the male of that species has reddish upperparts, a broader breast band and generally darker eyes.

The nominate subspecies from Sri Lanka has a more bluish violet throat whereas the Indian form flaviventris (two other proposed populations whistleri from Maddur in Karnataka and sola from Pondicherry are subsumed) has a more pinkish tinge.

It is found in Gujarat to the west[4] (possibly a recent expansion[5]) and extending into Assam (Hailakandi[6]) or Meghalaya[2] in the east.

[2] This species is found in a variety of habitats with trees, including scrub and cultivation and is usually absent from dense forest.

[2] The nest is made up of fine plant fibres, cobwebs and is studded on the exterior with lichens, bark pieces, flying seeds and other materials.

The clutch consists of two eggs which are generally oval, pale greenish and white with spots and streaks, becoming more dense at the broad end.

[19] It has been noted that they maintain special scratching posts, where they get rid of pollen and nectar sticking to their head.

[22] Sunbird may indulge in dew-bathing, or bathing by sliding over drops of rain collected on large leaves.

A species Haemoproteus raymundi has been described from a specimen from Goa but the identification and taxonomic placement of this malaria-like protozoan is disputed.