Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird
Anthreptes neglectus
Fairly small sunbird with an unusually short, warbler-like bill. The male has iridescent violet upperparts, while the female has brownish upperparts. Both sexes show pale-gray underparts, though the female often also shows a yellow wash. Generally uncommon in forest and lush woodland at low and middle elevations. Vocalizations include a “chek” call and typical sunbird twittering. Similar to Eastern and Western Violet-backed Sunbirds, but there is little overlap in range or habitat, and distinguished by the brownish back of the head and grayer underparts.
Identification
The Uluguru violet-backed sunbird (Anthreptes neglectus) is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. The bird is small with a short bill. The male is an iridescent upper body while the female has a brown upperbody. Both have pale-gray underbodies. It is found in forests in eastern Kenya, eastern Tanzania (including the Uluguru Mountains, the basis for its common name) and north-eastern Mozambique. It is part of the violet-backed sunbird superspecies. In 2024, Anthreptes neglectus is listed as Least Concern.
Taxonomy
Genus: Anthreptes; Family: Nectariniidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Anthreptes neglectus
- Authority
- Neumann, 1922
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Anthreptes
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: declining.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Other Birds
Black-winged Bishop
Euplectes hordeaceus
Breeding males are spectacular birds with a mix of black and orange-red plumage. Males’ wings are glossy black and unusually broad, conspicuous in flight. Females and non-breeding males are brown and streaky. Found in many open habitats, including woodland, cultivation, moist grassland, marshes, and forest clearings. The song is long and rattling, with some “radio static” notes mixed in. Males often give this song in a display flight. Breeding males identified by combination of orange-red crown and breast. Non-breeding males still easily recognized by their black wing. Female similar to other bishops, but larger.
Gray-cowled Wood-Rail
Aramides cajaneus
Large, brightly colored, chicken-like rail of freshwater marshes and damp woodland, less often occurs in mangroves. Unlike many rails, can be conspicuous, even bold, walking in the open along the edge of ponds and rivers, twitching its short black tail; usually seen singly or in pairs. Note long yellowish bill, hot-pink legs, and gray head and neck contrasting with orangey breast. Similar to Russet-naped Wood-Rail, but barely any range overlap, and Gray-cowled has a dull brown patch on the back of the head.
Evergreen-forest Warbler
Bradypterus lopezi
Mid-sized warbler with a long, spiky tail. Varies geographically, with most birds dull brown or olive-green, though there is a bright rufous subspecies around the Albertine Rift. Found in forest at middle and high elevations. Skulks in dense undergrowth; remarkably shy and elusive. The song is a series of several “chu-wit” couplets that increase in volume. Similar to Cinnamon Bracken- and Bangwa Warblers, but in most of the range distinguished by much less rufous overall coloration. Around the Albertine Rift, distinguished from Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler by the lack of a well-defined white throat.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.