Black-bellied Sunbird

Overview

The Cinnyris nectarinioides, or black-bellied sunbird, is a small, sexually dimorphic sunbird found primarily in eastern Africa. It is a resident species that remains in its territory year-round without seasonal migration.

Identification

• Males feature a golden-green head and upperparts, a black upper tail with metallic blue tips, and an orange breastband, while females are yellow-olive with dark brown crown streaks.
• Both sexes possess black bills and legs, with breeding males reaching 13 cm and females 10 cm in length, weighing typically between 4 and 6 grams.
• The call consists of 6 to 20 rapid 'chip' notes repeated five times per second, accompanied by a rising and falling 'tsi' note that accelerates towards the end.

Habitat

This species inhabits arid savannahs, terrestrial areas, and inland wetlands within Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Somalia. It shows a strong preference for river vegetation and savannah environments, where it is considered locally common in Kenya but rarer in other parts of its range.

Diet

Primarily feeding on nectar from acacias, baobab, and mistletoes, this bird also consumes insects and spiders. Unlike hummingbirds, it does not hover but instead perches on flowers while feeding, often foraging in the higher levels of trees to capture arthropods.

Did you know?

The black-bellied sunbird has acquired the nickname 'spiderhunter' due to its habit of actively preying on spiders alongside insects and nectar.