Usambara Double-collared Sunbird

Cinnyris usambaricus

A medium-sized sunbird. Males are colorful, green and red, and females drab olive-brownish. Males have yellow shoulder tufts that are usually hidden. Found in montane forest, forest edge, and gardens. Similar to other double-collared sunbirds, but separated by range. Female is plainer than female Banded and Amani Sunbirds, with a longer bill. The calls include “tsik” and “tseet” notes, and the song is a long, rapid jumble. 

Taxonomy

The Usambara double-collared sunbird was described as a subspecies of the eastern double-collared sunbird by the German ornithologist Hermann Grote in 1922 and given the trinomial name Cinnyris mediocris usambaricus. He description was based on specimens collected in the Usambara Mountains of Tanzania. It was promoted to species status based on differences in plumage and genetics. The species is monotypic.

Scientific name
Cinnyris usambaricus
Authority
Grote, 1922
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Nectariniidae
Genus
Cinnyris

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Duida Woodcreeper

Duida Woodcreeper

Lepidocolaptes duidae

Medium-sized woodcreeper with a slender, curved bill. Combination of bill shape and unstreaked upperparts separate it from other woodcreepers. It is one of several species formerly known as Lineated Woodcreeper, all of which look very similar but have different voices and ranges. Duida Woodcreeper is known from eastern Ecuador, northeastern Peru, northwestern Brazil, eastern Venezuela, and near the southern and eastern borders of Colombia. Song is a series of whistles that decreases in pitch and accelerates near the end. Inhabits canopy of lowland and foothill rainforest, and often joins mixed-species flocks.

Paddyfield Warbler

Paddyfield Warbler

Acrocephalus agricola

Warm brown above and pale below; strong dark eyestripe contrasts with white eyebrow. Smallish reed warbler with long and strongly rounded tail, short bill with dark tip, and short primary projection. Difficult to separate visually from other small Acrocephalus warblers, especially Blunt-winged Warbler; note Paddyfield’s more prominent pale eyebrow which strengthens behind the eye, as well as longer-winged appearance. Also compare with Iduna warblers. Breeds in extensive reed beds; in nonbreeding season found in marshes, but also more scrubby areas. Distinctive, melodious song.

Mandarin Duck

Mandarin Duck

Aix galericulata

Small exotic-looking duck found at lakes and parks, usually with nearby trees. Male very ornate with big orangey "sail fins" on the back, streaked orangey cheeks, and a small red bill with a whitish tip. Female has narrow white spectacles on shaggy gray head, bold pale dappled spots along flanks, and pale bill tip. Mainly found in pairs or singly, but will gather in larger flocks over the winter; perches readily in trees over water. Native to East Asia, but has established feral populations throughout Western Europe.

Start Your Bird Watching Journey

Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.