Dusky Sunbird
NameDusky Sunbird
Common NameDusky Sunbird
Scientific NameCinnyris fuscus
FamilyNectariniidae
Wingspan (cm)14.5
Length (cm)11.5
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsAdult males have a dark, iridescent green head, throat, and upper breast that can appear dusky brown in poor light. Their back is dark brown, and the belly is dull greyish-white, often with some streaking. Females are duller, primarily grey-brown above and paler, unstreaked greyish-white below, lacking the strong iridescence of the male.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched 'chip-chip-chip' or 'tseep-tseep' call. Their song is a fast, jumbled series of high-pitched, somewhat metallic notes.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsdesert, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to southwestern Africa, its range extends through arid and semi-arid regions of Angola, Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.
Identifying Featureslong downcurved bill, small size, iridescent green throat and upper breast (male), dark overall plumage (male), pale belly (female)
Description
The Dusky Sunbird is a small, slender bird characterized by its long, decurved bill, adapted for feeding on nectar. Males display dark, iridescent plumage, while females are duller. They are active and often seen flitting among flowering plants in arid environments.
