Variable Sunbird

What the Variable Sunbird sounds like

Recorded by Kileo Jumah · Song · Arusha, Tanzania, Tanzania · CC0 · via xeno-canto

Recorded by Anne Ndung'u · Call · Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via xeno-canto

When to see the Variable Sunbird

One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is November, the month with the most records.

Where to see the Variable Sunbird

The map shades 31 countries with regular records, and 2 more in a lighter tone where the bird turns up only as a stray. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.

Recorded as a rare visitor in South Africa, Djibouti.

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.

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.