Splendid Sunbird
Cinnyris coccinigastrus
A fairly large, long-billed sunbird in which males and females are very different. Males are dark, with an iridescent multi-colored hood and a black belly. Females have olive-brown upperparts, yellowish underparts with blurry streaking, and a vague pale eye-stripe. Found in lush savanna, gardens, coastal scrub, forest clearings, and forest edge. Male similar to male Superb and Johanna’s Sunbird, but separated by the black rather than red belly. Female similar to female Copper Sunbird, but more streaked below, with a less distinct pale eyebrow. The song is a slow series of several low-pitched whistled notes. The most common call is a repeated scratchy scolding.
Identification
The splendid sunbird (Cinnyris coccinigastrus) is a sunbird. The sunbirds are a group of very small Old World passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also feed on insects, especially when feeding young. Their flight is fast and direct on short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed most of the time. The splendid sunbird breeds in west and central tropical Africa. One or two eggs are laid in an oval suspended nest in a tree. It is a seasonal migrant within its range. Splendid sunbirds are 15 cm long, and have medium-long thin down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues, both adaptations to their nectar feeding. The adult male is mainly glossy purple, with a dark green back and wing bar, and a crimson breast patch. The female is greenish-brown above and yellowish below. This species is a common breeder in wet savannah and woodland with oil palms, Elaeis guineensis. The latter provide sap from the incisions made in the trunk to collect the liquid to make palm wine.
Taxonomy
Genus: Cinnyris; Family: Nectariniidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Cinnyris coccinigastrus
- Authority
- (Latham, 1801)
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Cinnyris
Range and habitat
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
Population trend: stable.
- Population trend
- stable
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
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