Golden-winged Sunbird
Drepanorhynchus reichenowi
A large dark sunbird with a long and deeply curved bill. Both sexes show a large yellow panel in the wing and yellow sides to the tail. Males are mostly blackish, but in breeding plumage have copper iridescence on the breast, head, and back. Females are dark brown on the back and pale below with a yellow wash. Found in montane woodland, grassland, gardens, and forest edges.Easily separated from other sunbirds by the golden wing. The song is a high-pitched sizzle, and the most common call is a rattling “tr-tr-tr-tr-tr.”
Identification
The male golden-winged sunbird is about 9 in (23 cm) long and the female is about 6 in (15 cm) long, the male having long central tail feathers. Yellow-edged feathers in the wings and tail are key identification pointers in all plumages of both the male and female. Body feathers of the male in breeding condition are a conspicuous metallic reddish-copper colour, which are mostly replaced by dull-black feathers in the non-breeding condition. The underparts of the male are brownish-black. The female is olive above and yellowish below. Immature are similar to females, except their underparts are darker.
Taxonomy
German naturalist Gustav Fischer described the golden-winged sunbird in 1884, its species name honouring Anton Reichenow. It is classified as the only species in the genus Drepanorhynchus or sometimes in the genus Nectarinia.<p>Three subspecies are recognised. The nominate subspecies is found in southern and western Uganda into Kenya (including Mt Kilimanjaro) and Tanzania, subspecies lathburyi is smaller and its plumage has a more red-metallic sheen and is found in more montane regions of Kenya from 1700 to 2300 m, and subspecies shellyae is found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo above 2100 m. Females of this subspecies have a grey rather than green crown.
- Scientific name
- Drepanorhynchus reichenowi
- Authority
- Fischer, GA, 1884
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Drepanorhynchus
Range and habitat
The golden-winged sunbird is found in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, between altitudes of 1170 and 2300 m. It is found in forest verges and clearings, in cultivated areas, bamboo forest and tall grassland. The species is locally nomadic, following food supply.
- Migration
- Vertical migration
Behavior
Migration pattern: Vertical migration.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Narrow-billed Tody
Todus angustirostris
A small, gemlike species that prefers higher elevation moist woodlands, but also occurs in coffee plantations. The rather large head, long bill, and short tail create a profile shared only by the Broad-billed Tody within its range. Both species have bright green upperparts and a red throat and sides. Note especially the pale eyes of Narrow-billed Tody, as compared to the dark eyes of Broad-billed. Many Broad-billed also have a buff-yellow wash below, which the Narrow-billed lacks. On birds lacking buff below, the Broad-billed can be identified by its all red lower bill, which is black tipped in the Narrow-billed. Further clues to identification include altitude, with this species occurring above 700 meters elevation and the Broad-billed occurring mostly below 700 meters. The Broad-billed also tends to forage higher within woodlands on more open perches. Vocalizations include a buzzy “chik-zhwik” with second note slightly upslurred and a rapid buzzy chatter at about 14 notes per second; compare this with the quick “weep” or “whip” uttered by the Broad-billed.
White-headed Duck
Oxyura leucocephala
Remarkable odd-looking diving duck with a long tail, often held cocked. Males have a striking white face and black crown that contrasts with their large blue bill and chestnut body. Female and juveniles have a darker brown bill, more extensive dark crown and pale cheek stripe, similar to Ruddy Ducks. Silent and rarely flies. Rare and local. Usually found in shallow, open water with dense aquatic plants.
Annam Prinia
Prinia rocki
A dull and poorly marked prinia with a strong bill and a long, graduated tail. Light brown above with faint dark streaking. Pale below, sometimes with some dark smudging along the sides of the breast. In breeding plumage, develops a rufous wash on the underparts. Found at moderate elevations in open dry forest, shrubby areas, and forest or agricultural edges. Can be retiring and difficult to see in dense vegetation. Sings two different song types: a dry rolling trill and a repeated two-syllabled “tulip.” Separated from other prinias by its plainness and lack of contrasting head markings.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.