Olive-bellied Sunbird
Cinnyris chloropygius
Small sunbird in which males are colorful, green and red, and females drab brownish. Males have yellow shoulder tufts that are usually hidden. Found in forest clearings, along forest edge, and in woodland, moist savanna, gardens, and brush. Often feeds on low flowers. The song is a quick, high-pitched jumble. Similar to Tiny Sunbird, but larger, with a shorter and more curved bill, and males are less bluish above. Male very similar to male double-collared sunbirds, but lacks blue or purple band above the red on the breast.
Identification
The olive-bellied sunbird is a small species, and very similar to the tiny sunbird (Cinnyris minullus) in appearance. The adult male has a metallic green head, back and throat, dark brown wings, a metallic blue rump and a black tail with a purplish-blue sheen. It has a narrow blue breast band above a wider scarlet breast patch, lemon-yellow pectoral tufts and an olive belly. It differs from the slightly smaller tiny sunbird in having a larger beak and no blue bars among the red breast plumage. The adult female has an olive-brown head and upper parts, dark brown wings and dark brown tail. The underparts are olive washed with yellow, and are yellower and less streaked than the tiny sunbird.
Taxonomy
Genus: Cinnyris; Family: Nectariniidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Cinnyris chloropygius
- Authority
- (Jardine, 1842)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Cinnyris
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Black-headed Saltator
Saltator atriceps
Fairly common in humid tropical lowlands. Favors forest edge, plantations, adjacent semi-open areas with trees and hedges. Usually in noisy small groups moving at mid-upper levels. Black head and bib surrounds white throat patch (throat patch buffy in Los Tuxtlas region of southern Veracruz), upperparts bright golden green. Larger and noisier than the rather similar Buff-throated Saltator, which has a less contrasting black head.
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Large and impressive raptor with a range encompassing much of the Northern Hemisphere. Mostly dark brown; the namesake golden nape can be hard to see, especially from below. Immatures have a white patch on the underwing and a white tail base. Compared to similar immature sea eagles such as White-tailed and Bald Eagle, lacks significant white mottling on the belly. Also note the relatively short-necked profile. Often holds wings in slight V-shape when soaring. Hunts mainly mammals in remote, open country from grasslands and steppes to mountainous areas.
Arabian Green Bee-eater
Merops cyanophrys
A small, dainty bee-eater of arid, open terrain with scattered trees, including semideserts, palm groves, and gardens. Mainly green with a slender black face mask, throat band, and a stunning electric-blue face and throat. Juveniles are duller than adults and lack the short tail spike. In flight, note the rusty underwing with a black trailing edge. Flies gracefully as it catches insects and other prey. Calls are a series of gentle liquid trills or more staccato notes.
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