Scarlet-chested Sunbird
Chalcomitra senegalensis
The Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis) is a uncommon spiderhunters and sunbird found in 35 countries, weighing about 12 g. The scarlet-chested sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
About the Scarlet-chested Sunbird
The scarlet-chested sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in many areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, and from South Sudan to South Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
How to identify it
The scarlet-chested sunbird is similar to Hunter's sunbird in appearance, with adult males having a characteristic red–scarlet coloured breast and an iridescent green patch on top of its head. The female is dark brown with no supercilium. It inhabits woodland and gardens, at elevations of up to 2,400 metres (7,900 ft). The bird is around 13–15 centimetres (5.1–5.9 in) in length, with males having a weight of 7.5–17.2 grams (0.26–0.61 oz) and females weighing 6.8–15.3 grams (0.24–0.54 oz).
What the Scarlet-chested Sunbird sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Mauritania.
When to see it
The Scarlet-chested Sunbird can be seen all year round, with peak activity in November. It is a resident species across most of its range.
Easily confused with
Quick questions
- How do you identify a Scarlet-chested Sunbird?
- The scarlet-chested sunbird is similar to Hunter's sunbird in appearance, with adult males having a characteristic red–scarlet coloured breast and an iridescent green patch on top of its head. Full identification notes are on this page.
- How big is a Scarlet-chested Sunbird?
- The Scarlet-chested Sunbird is a tiny sized bird weighing about 12 g.
- Where can you see a Scarlet-chested Sunbird?
- The Scarlet-chested Sunbird occurs in 35 countries, including South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Nigeria.
- What does a Scarlet-chested Sunbird sound like?
- You can listen to a field recording of the Scarlet-chested Sunbird on this page, contributed to xeno-canto under open licences.
- What birds look similar to a Scarlet-chested Sunbird?
- The Scarlet-chested Sunbird is most easily confused with the Amethyst Sunbird, the Hunter's Sunbird and the Green-throated Sunbird.
- Is the Scarlet-chested Sunbird endangered?
- The Scarlet-chested Sunbird is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Learn the Scarlet-chested Sunbird for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
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