Regal Sunbird

Overview

The regal sunbird (Cinnyris regius) is a small species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests and is currently assessed by the IUCN as being of Least Concern, though its population trend is thought to be declining due to habitat loss.

Identification

• Adult males display iridescent golden-green heads and upper parts, dark wings and tail, and a boldly marked red and yellow breast and belly.
• Adult females have dull olive upper parts and yellowish, faintly streaked underparts.
• Females can be distinguished from similar species such as the Rockefeller's sunbird by their throat colour, and from double-collared or variable sunbirds by their more olive upper parts and uniform yellowish-olive underparts.

Habitat

The species is found across the Albertine Rift montane forests, ranging from Uganda to Tanzania, at altitudes between 1,500 and 3,100 m. Its habitat encompasses evergreen mountain forest, mixed forest, secondary growth forest, scrubland and bamboo.

Did you know?

Despite being common across a wide range, the population trend for Cinnyris regius is considered declining as a result of forest habitat loss.