Gorgeous Sunbird
Cinnyris melanogastrus
A slim, long-billed sunbird in which breeding males and females are very different. Breeding males are mostly dark green with a red-and-yellow band across the underparts, and a black belly. Females are plain, with gray-brown upperparts and white underparts tinged with yellow. Found in a wide variety of open habitats including savanna, woodland, and gardens. Similar to Black-bellied Sunbird, but breeding males are separated by the more extensive yellow in their belly band, and females by their reduced streaking below. Little or no range overlap with Beautiful Sunbird, but if in doubt the black belly of breeding male Gorgeous Sunbird will identify it. The common call is a quiet chipping, and the song is a high-pitched jumble typical of sunbirds.
Identification
The gorgeous sunbird (Cinnyris melanogastrus) is a small passerine bird in the sunbird family Nectariniidae that is found in southern Kenya and Tanzania. It was formerly placed in the Nectarinia genus, a genus of the Nectariniidae family but was later changed to the Cinnyrus genus. It was also formerly considered to be conspecific with the beautiful sunbird.
Taxonomy
Genus: Cinnyris; Family: Nectariniidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Cinnyris melanogastrus
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Cinnyris
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
American Redstart
Setophaga ruticilla
Adult males are striking and distinctive: mostly glossy black with bright orange flashes on the wings, tail, and sides. Females and young males are duller gray and olive with yellow patches instead of orange. Habitually flicks and fans tail while foraging for insects. Breeds in mature deciduous forests, often near water. Migrants can be found in any wooded habitat. Fairly extensive winter range throughout most of Middle America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. Song is extremely variable.
Golden-naped Barbet
Psilopogon pulcherrimus
The highest-ranging of Borneo’s endemic barbets, found in montane forest from 1000 m up to 3000 m or more. Stunning emerald-green with neon-powder-blue crown and throat; namesake golden nape only visible from certain angles. Yellow-crowned Barbet is similar in appearance, but the two do not overlap in altitudinal range. Slow-moving and often difficult to locate; forages at middle and upper levels. Best detected by voice: two bright, hollow-sounding notes followed by a brief ascending trill.
Collared Plover
Anarhynchus collaris
Uncommon, petite plover of beaches, coastal lagoons, lakeshores, gravel bars, and sandbars along rivers. Note slender black bill, brightly patterned head, narrow black breast band, and long pinkish legs. Despite the name, does not have white collar around back of neck like most small plovers. Typically found in pairs or as single birds; not in flocks like many other small plovers. At high tide they often roost with other plovers such as Wilson’s and Semipalmated plovers.
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