Nile Valley Sunbird

Overview

The Nile Valley sunbird (Hedydipna metallica) is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae, classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. It is a tiny passerine native to the Horn of Africa and parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

Identification

• Hedydipna metallica is a very small bird, measuring only 9 to 10 cm in length during winter.
• In the non-breeding season, both sexes appear pale grey above with washed-out yellow underparts and possess a long, slender, slightly down-curved bill.
• By February, the male adopts nuptial plumage consisting of a glossy green upper body, a brilliant sulfur-yellow belly, and tail streamers that add approximately five centimetres to his total length.

Habitat

This species is found across a range of locations including Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, and Yemen.

Did you know?

In February, the male undergoes a dramatic transformation, changing from a dull winter appearance to a 'glossy green extrovert' to court his duller mate.