Sunbird

For other uses, see Sunbird (disambiguation)}}}.

The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small 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.

Although they are completely unrelated, the sunbirds find counterparts in the hummingbirds of the Americas and the honeyeaters of Australia. The resemblances are due to convergent evolution due to the similar nectar-feeding lifestyle.

The sunbirds are tropical species, with representatives from Africa to Australasia; however, the greatest variety of species is in Africa where the group probably arose. Most species are sedentary or short-distance seasonal migrants.

Like the hummingbirds, they are strongly sexually dimorphic, with the males usually brilliantly plumaged in metallic colours. Sunbirds have long thin down-curved bills and brush tipped tubular tongues, both adaptations to their nectar feeding. Up to three eggs are laid in a purse-shaped suspended nest.

Family: Nectariniidae
* Genus Chalcoparia (sometimes included in Anthreptes)
** Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Chalcoparia singalensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
- * Genus Deleornis (sometimes included in Anthreptes)
- ** Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, Deleornis fraseri [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
  - ** Grey-headed Sunbird, Deleornis axillaris (sometimes considered subspecies of D. fraseri) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
    - * Genus Anthreptes
    - ** Plain-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes reichenowi [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
      - ** Anchieta's Sunbird, Anthreptes anchietae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Plain Sunbird, Anthreptes simplex [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Plain-throated Sunbird, Anthreptes malacensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Red-throated Sunbird, Anthreptes rhodolaemus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Mouse-brown Sunbird, Anthreptes gabonicus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Western Violet-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes longuemarei [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes orientalis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes neglectus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Violet-tailed Sunbird, Anthreptes aurantium [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Little Green Sunbird, Anthreptes seimundi (sometimes included in Nectarinia) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Green Sunbird, Anthreptes rectirostris [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Banded Sunbird, Anthreptes rubritorques Conservation status: Vulnerable
        * Genus Hedydipna (sometimes included in Anthreptes)
        ** Collared Sunbird, Hedydipna collaris [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Pygmy Sunbird, Hedydipna platura [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Nile Valley Sunbird, Hedydipna metallica [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Amani Sunbird, Hedydipna pallidigaster [Conservation statusConservation status:] Endangered
        * Genus Hypogramma
        ** Purple-naped Sunbird, Hypogramma hypogrammicum [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Anabathmis (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
        ** Reichenbach's Sunbird, Anabathmis reichenbachii [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Principe Sunbird, Anabathmis hartlaubii [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Newton's Sunbird, Anabathmis newtonii [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Dreptes (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
        ** Sao Tome Sunbird, Dreptes thomensis Conservation status: Vulnerable
        * Genus Anthobaphes (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
        ** Orange-breasted Sunbird, Anthobaphes violacea [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Cyanomitra (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
        ** Green-headed Sunbird, Cyanomitra verticalis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Cyanomitra cyanolaema [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Blue-headed Sunbird, Cyanomitra alinae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Cameroon Sunbird, Cyanomitra oritis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Bannerman's Sunbird, Cyanomitra bannermani [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Eastern Olive Sunbird, Cyanomitra olivacea [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Western Olive Sunbird, Cyanomitra obscura [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Mouse-colored Sunbird, Cyanomitra veroxii [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Chalcomitra (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
        ** Buff-throated Sunbird, Chalcomitra adelberti [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Carmelite Sunbird, Chalcomitra fuliginosa [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Green-throated Sunbird, Chalcomitra rubescens [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Amethyst Sunbird, Chalcomitra amethystina [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Chalcomitra senegalensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Hunter's Sunbird, Chalcomitra hunteri [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Socotra Sunbird, Chalcomitra balfouri [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Leptocoma (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
        ** Purple-rumped Sunbird, Leptocoma zeylonica [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Crimson-backed Sunbird, Leptocoma minima [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Copper-throated Sunbird, Leptocoma calcostetha [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Purple-throated Sunbird, Leptocoma sperata [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Black Sunbird, Leptocoma sericea (formerly Nectarinia aspasia) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Nectarinia
        ** Bocage's Sunbird, Nectarinia bocagii [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Purple-breasted Sunbird, Nectarinia purpureiventris [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Tacazze Sunbird, Nectarinia tacazze [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Bronze Sunbird, Nectarinia kilimensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Golden-winged Sunbird, Nectarinia reichenowi [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Red-tufted Sunbird, Nectarinia johnstoni [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Malachite Sunbird, Nectarinia famosa [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Cinnyris (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
        ** Olive-bellied Sunbird, Cinnyris chloropygius [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Tiny Sunbird, Cinnyris minullus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Miombo Sunbird, Cinnyris manoensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris chalybeus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Neergaard's Sunbird, Cinnyris neergaardi [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Stuhlmann's Sunbird, Cinnyris stuhlmanni (sometimes considered subspecies of C. afer) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Prigogine's Sunbird, Cinnyris prigoginei (sometimes considered subspecies of C. afer) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Montane Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris ludovicensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris preussi [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris afer [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Regal Sunbird, Cinnyris regius [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Rockefeller's Sunbird, Cinnyris rockefelleri Conservation status: Vulnerable
        ** Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris mediocris [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Moreau's Sunbird, Cinnyris moreaui [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Beautiful Sunbird, Cinnyris pulchellus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Loveridge's Sunbird, Cinnyris loveridgei [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Mariqua Sunbird, Cinnyris mariquensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Shelley's Sunbird, Cinnyris shelleyi [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Congo Sunbird, Cinnyris congensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Red-chested Sunbird, Cinnyris erythrocerca [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Black-bellied Sunbird, Cinnyris nectarinioides [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Purple-banded Sunbird, Cinnyris bifasciatus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Tsavo Sunbird, Cinnyris tsavoensis (sometimes considered subspecies of C. bifasciatus) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Violet-breasted Sunbird, Cinnyris chalcomelas [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Pemba Sunbird, Cinnyris pembae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Orange-tufted Sunbird, Cinnyris bouvieri [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Palestine Sunbird, Cinnyris oseus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Shining Sunbird, Cinnyris habessinicus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Splendid Sunbird, Cinnyris coccinigaster [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Johanna's Sunbird, Cinnyris johannae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Superb Sunbird, Cinnyris superbus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Rufous-winged Sunbird, Cinnyris rufipennis Conservation status: Vulnerable
        ** Oustalet's Sunbird, Cinnyris oustaleti [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** White-breasted Sunbird, Cinnyris talatala [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Variable Sunbird, Cinnyris venustus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Dusky Sunbird, Cinnyris fuscus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Ursula's Sunbird, Cinnyris ursulae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Bates' Sunbird, Cinnyris batesi [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Copper Sunbird, Cinnyris cupreus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Purple Sunbird, Cinnyris asiaticus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Olive-backed Sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Apricot-breasted Sunbird, Cinnyris buettikoferi [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Flame-breasted Sunbird, Cinnyris solaris [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Souimanga Sunbird, Cinnyris sovimanga [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Seychelles Sunbird, Cinnyris dussumieri [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Madagascar Sunbird, Cinnyris notatus [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Humblot's Sunbird, Cinnyris humbloti [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Anjouan Sunbird, Cinnyris comorensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Mayotte Sunbird, Cinnyris coquerellii [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Long-billed Sunbird, Cinnyris lotenius [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Aethopyga
        ** Gray-hooded Sunbird, Aethopyga primigenia [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Mount Apo Sunbird, Aethopyga boltoni [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Lina's Sunbird, Aethopyga linaraborae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (nt)
        ** Flaming Sunbird, Aethopyga flagrans [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Metallic-winged Sunbird, Aethopyga pulcherrima [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Elegant Sunbird, Aethopyga duyvenbodei [Conservation statusConservation status:] Endangered
        ** Lovely Sunbird, Aethopyga shelleyi [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Gould's Sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** White-flanked Sunbird, Aethopyga eximia [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Green-tailed Sunbird, Aethopyga nipalensis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Fork-tailed Sunbird, Aethopyga christinae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Black-throated Sunbird, Aethopyga saturata [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Western Crimson Sunbird, Aethopyga vigorsii (sometimes considered subspecies of A. siparaja) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Crimson Sunbird, Aethopyga siparaja [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Scarlet Sunbird, Aethopyga mystacalis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Temminck's Sunbird, Aethopyga temminckii (sometimes considered subspecies of A. mystacalis) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Fire-tailed Sunbird, Aethopyga ignicauda [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        * Genus Arachnothera - spiderhunters
        ** Thick-billed Spiderhunter, Arachnothera crassirostris [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Spectacled Spiderhunter, Arachnothera flavigaster [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Long-billed Spiderhunter, Arachnothera robusta [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Little Spiderhunter, Arachnothera longirostra [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Yellow-eared Spiderhunter, Arachnothera chrysogenys [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Naked-faced Spiderhunter, Arachnothera clarae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Gray-breasted Spiderhunter, Arachnothera modesta (sometimes considered subspecies of A. affinis) [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter, Arachnothera affinis [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Bornean Spiderhunter, Arachnothera everetti [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Streaked Spiderhunter, Arachnothera magna [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        ** Whitehead's Spiderhunter, Arachnothera juliae [Conservation statusConservation status:] Lower risk (lc)
        
        References
        
        External links
        
        [Sunbird videos] on the Internet Bird Collection
        
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Sunbird

References

External links