About the Abyssinian Sunbird
The Abyssinian sunbird, formerly the shining sunbird, is a species of passerine bird in the sunbird family Nectariniidae. The Arabian sunbird was formerly treated as a subspecies.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The Abyssinian sunbird is highly dimorphic and has three distinct plumages, juvenile, immature and adult. Adult males in breeding plumage have brilliant metallic green upperparts and throat, a violet or blue crown, a bright red band across the breast with a narrow line of metallic blue, and blue-black wings and tail. The females are brownish-buff, paler below. These small sunbirds mainly feed on nectar and small insects.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where the Abyssinian Sunbird lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Sudan.
When to see the Abyssinian Sunbird
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Neergaard's SunbirdCinnyris neergaardiNeergaard's sunbird is a small species with a relatively short beak.
Rwenzori Double-collared SunbirdCinnyris stuhlmanniThe sunbird is a large-sized species.
Black-bellied SunbirdCinnyris nectarinioidesThe black-bellied sunbird can be characterized by a curved bill used for nectar feeding and a small frame.
Learn the Abyssinian Sunbird in BeakBrain
Photo and call practice, free in any browser.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.