White-bellied Sunbird
NameWhite-bellied Sunbird
Common NameWhite-bellied Sunbird
Scientific NameCinnyris talatala
FamilyNectariniidae
Wingspan (cm)14
Length (cm)11
Weight (g)8
Plumage DetailsMales display an iridescent metallic green head, nape, and upper back, with a narrow iridescent blue-purple band across the upper chest. This contrasts sharply with a clean white belly and undertail coverts. Females are duller, generally greyish-brown above and pale yellowish-white below.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a rapid, high-pitched 'tsip-tsip-tsip' or 'chip-chip-chip' call, often given in flight or while foraging. They also have a trilling song.
Primary Dietnectarivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland, urban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across a wide range of Southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Identifying FeaturesIridescent metallic green head and upper back (male), Iridescent blue-purple chest band (male), Clean white belly (male), Long, slender, decurved black bill, Small size
Description
The White-bellied Sunbird is a small, active bird known for its vibrant plumage in males. It typically feeds on nectar from various flowering plants, using its long, decurved bill, and also supplements its diet with small insects.
