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The variable sunbird or yellow-bellied sunbird, formerly Nectarinia venusta, is a sunbird. The sunbirds are a group of small Old World passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed most of the time.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
What the Variable Sunbird sounds like
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in South Africa, Djibouti.
When to see it
Peak activity in November · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Greater Double-collared SunbirdCinnyris aferThis sunbird is 14 cm long and exhibits a clear sexual dimorphism.
Marico SunbirdCinnyris mariquensisThe Marico sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae, which is native to woodlands of the eastern and southern Afrotropics.The bird is typically found in the southeast of the continent of Africa.
Palestine SunbirdCinnyris oseaThe Palestine sunbird is 8 to 12 cm long with a wingspan of 14 to 16 cm.
Learn the Variable 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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