Splendid Sunbird

Overview

The Splendid Sunbird is found across West Africa's forest edges, gardens, and coastal scrub, where males display a striking combination of iridescent green upperparts and a bold scarlet breast patch. It is one of the more vividly marked sunbirds within its range, favoring flowering trees and shrubs in both natural and human-altered habitats.

• Family: sunbirds (Nectariniidae)
• Diet: nectar and small insects
• Range: West Africa, from Senegal to Cameroon

Feather Identification

• Head and back: male feathers show glossy metallic green iridescence across the crown, nape, and back.
• Breast: a broad, bright scarlet patch covers the upper chest, bordered by the green throat above.
• Belly: lower underparts are dark, glossy blackish, contrasting with the scarlet chest.
• Flight feathers: wings and tail are dull blackish-brown, without iridescence.
• Vs. similar species: the combination of a dark glossy belly with a scarlet (rather than yellow or orange) chest patch helps separate this species from other West African sunbirds.

Plumage Notes

Adult males retain their green, scarlet, and dark plumage year-round, with brightness peaking after molt when feathers are fresh. Females are duller, olive-brown above and pale grey-yellow below, lacking iridescence. Juveniles resemble females until males acquire adult coloration.

Habitat & Range

This species occupies forest edge, secondary growth, coastal scrub, and gardens across West Africa, from Senegal east to Cameroon. It is generally resident, moving locally to track flowering trees and shrubs.

Behavior

Splendid Sunbirds feed on nectar from a range of flowering plants, supplemented with small insects taken by gleaning or brief aerial sallies. Nests are small hanging pouches built from plant fibers and spider silk. Calls include sharp chips, and the song is a fast, high-pitched warble delivered from prominent perches.