From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Splendid Sunbird
Splendid Sunbird
Splendid Sunbird Species: C. coccinigaster
Binomial name
Cinnyris coccinigaster
(Latham, 1802)
Sunbird,
The Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigaster (formerly
placed in the genus Nectarinia), is a sunbird. The sunbirds
are a group of very small Old World passerine birds which
feed largely on nectar, although they will also take in-
sects, 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 sus-
pended nest in a tree. It is a seasonal migrant within its
range.
Splendid Sunbirds are 15cm long, and have medium-
Conservation status
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 fe-
male is greenish-brown above and yellowish below.
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
This species is a common breeder in wet savannah
Scientific classification and woodland with Oil Palms Elaeis guineensis. The latter
provide sap from the incisions made in the trunk to col-
Kingdom: Animalia
lect the liquid to make palm wine.
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves References
Order: Passeriformes Birds of The Gambia by Barlow, Wacher and Disley, ISBN
1-873403-32-1
Family: Nectariniidae
Genus: Cinnyris
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splendid_Sunbird"
Categories: IUCN Red List least concern species, Cinnyris
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