Pygmy Sunbird
NamePygmy Sunbird
Common NamePygmy Sunbird
Scientific NameHedydipna platura
FamilyNectariniidae
Wingspan (cm)11
Length (cm)14
Weight (g)6.5
Plumage DetailsMale plumage features an iridescent metallic green head, nape, back, and upper breast. The lower breast and belly are bright yellow. Wings and outer tail feathers are dark brown to black. The most striking feature of the male is the pair of very long, thin, black central tail streamers.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a high-pitched, rapid, and often metallic-sounding song, typically a series of 'tsip-tsip-tsip' or 'swee-swee-swee' notes, sometimes incorporating chirps and trills.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across the Sahel belt of Africa, extending from Senegal in the west, eastwards through countries like Mali, Niger, Chad, Sudan, and into Eritrea and Ethiopia.
Identifying Featuresiridescent green head and back, bright yellow belly, long central tail streamers (male), small size, thin, downcurved bill
Description
A small, active sunbird known for its vibrant plumage. Males display iridescent green upperparts and a bright yellow belly, complemented by distinctive long central tail streamers. They primarily feed on nectar, often seen flitting among flowers in open woodlands and savannas.
