Beautiful Sunbird
NameBeautiful Sunbird
Common NameBeautiful Sunbird
Scientific NameCinnyris pulchellus
FamilyNectariniidae
Wingspan (cm)13
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)7.5
Plumage DetailsAdult males have an iridescent metallic green head, throat, and mantle, transitioning to a metallic blue-green on the back and rump. A narrow blue-violet band separates the green throat from a bright red breast band, below which the belly is yellow. The wings are dark, and the tail is dark blue-black with elongated central streamers. Females are duller, typically olive-brown above and yellowish below, lacking the male's vibrant iridescence and tail streamers.
Vocalization / CallTheir vocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched trill or series of chirps, often described as 'tsip-tsip-tsip' or a fast 'chick-chick-chick-chick'. They also produce softer contact calls.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeThe Beautiful Sunbird is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, ranging from Senegal and Mauritania in the west, eastwards through the Sahel region to Ethiopia, and south to parts of Angola and northern Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent metallic green and blue plumage (male), Long, decurved black bill, Bright red breast band (male), Yellow belly (male), Long central tail streamers (male)
Description
The Beautiful Sunbird is a small, vibrantly colored passerine bird known for its iridescent plumage and long, decurved bill. Males display striking greens and blues, often with a distinctive red breast band and elongated tail streamers. They are active foragers, primarily feeding on nectar from flowers.
