Bronze Sunbird
Nectarinia kilimensis
Medium-sized sunbird with a long, thin, well-curved bill. Males have bronze-and-green iridescence, though they look black in most light. There is an odd all-green subspecies in Angola, but it does not overlap in range with Malachite or Scarlet-tufted Sunbirds. The female has a pale eyebrow and pale yellowish underparts with fine streaking. Found in montane habitats including forest, grassland, woodland, and gardens. Vocalizations include a jumble of twittering notes and cleaner whistles. Male similar to male Tacazze Sunbird, but lacks any purple tones to the plumage. Female Bronze Sunbird separated from female Tacazze and Malachite Sunbirds by paler underparts with fine streaks.
Identification
Bronzy sunbirds have a long, thin, well-curved bill. Males have bronze-and-green undertones but most often look black in light. While the male has the undertones, the female however has a pale eyebrow and an added yellowish park below the belly with fine streaking. On some subspecies specifically located in Angola there is a splash of odd green, but it does not overlap in range with malachite or scarlet-tufted sunbirds in similar areas which do not have this green streaking. Male sunbirds lack any purple tones to the plumage which is found on female species.<p>Bronzy sunbirds use a jumble of twittering notes followed by cleaner whistle sounds. These sounds are most often heard during the early morning and mid day.
Taxonomy
Genus: Nectarinia; Family: Nectariniidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Nectarinia kilimensis
- Authority
- Shelley, 1885
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Nectarinia
Range and habitat
The bronzy sunbird can be found in Africa. While not very common they can be best found near the edges of the Afromontane forest, mountain sides and Zimbabwe's eastern highlands and adjacent next to Mozambique. Other countries they can be found include Angola, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. They stay far away from populated areas in these countries and have adapted to most remote environments. These environments include Savannas, dried shrub-land, grass, seasonally flooded areas, and rural gardens. They are most abundant in subtropical forests and brush-land.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Dark rusty-orange kingfisher with thick lipstick-red bill. Bright azure blaze on rump most evident on flying birds. Shy and seldom seen in the open, instead preferring heavily shaded waterways in thick, tangled forests. Gives a loud descending rattle on breeding grounds; wintering birds silent.
Northern Flicker
Colaptes auratus
Large, brownish woodpecker with black barring on the back and black spots on the belly. Easily recognized in flight by its bright white rump. Also note large black crescent-shaped mark on breast. Wings and tail flash yellow or red, depending on the subspecies. Generally "Yellow-shafted" is found in eastern and northern North America, and "Red-shafted" is found in western North America as far south as Oaxaca. Typically singly or in pairs, but can gather in large loose groups during migration and winter. Often seen feeding on the ground in open areas, foraging for ants and worms. Vocal and conspicuous: listen for loud “kleer!” call and series of laughing notes.
Bran-colored Flycatcher
Myiophobus fasciatus
Small, mostly brown flycatcher that inhabits lightly wooded areas and forest edge. Good field marks include its streaky breast, tan wingbars, and lack of strong facial markings. Typically seen alone or in pairs, often sitting quietly on a low perch. Vocalizations include a rising trill and a clear whistle. Note that birds found west of the Andes from southern Colombia to northern Chile are now considered to be different species.
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