Variable Sunbird

Cinnyris venustus

Least ConcernUncommonNectarWoodlandDomed nestTiny · 7 g

About the Variable Sunbird

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

Recording: Kileo Jumah · CC0 · via xeno-canto
Recording: Anne Ndung'u · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

Where it lives

Regular rangeRare visitor

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

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.

Play BeakBrain

Every 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.