Superb Sunbird
Cinnyris superbus
A vividly patterned West and Central African sunbird whose males combine a violet throat, scarlet breast band, metallic blue-green head, and bright yellow belly.
- Feather type
- Iridescent contour feathers with a bright yellow belly
- Colours
- Metallic blue-green head, violet throat patch, scarlet breast band, yellow belly
- Bird size
- Small, ~12-14 cm
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Overview
Overview
The Superb Sunbird lives in lowland forest, forest edge, and swamp forest across parts of West and Central Africa. Males are among the most multicolored sunbirds, showing a metallic blue-green crown, a small violet throat patch, a scarlet breast band, and a contrasting bright yellow belly.
- Family: sunbirds (Nectariniidae)
- Diet: nectar and small insects
- Range: West and Central Africa, including the Congo Basin
Identifying the Feather
Feather Identification
- Head: crown and nape feathers show metallic blue-green iridescence.
- Throat: a small violet or purplish patch sits just below the bill, often bordered by darker feathers.
- Breast: a scarlet band crosses the upper chest below the throat patch.
- Belly: lower underparts are bright yellow, a strong contrast to the darker upper body.
- Vs. similar species: the yellow belly combined with a scarlet chest band and violet throat patch is a distinctive combination not shared by most sympatric sunbirds.
Plumage & Molt
Plumage Notes
Adult males display the full multicolored pattern year-round, with the brightest iridescence in fresh post-molt feathers. Females are duller olive above with pale yellowish underparts, lacking the male's throat patch and breast band. Juveniles resemble females until they molt into adult male plumage.
Habitat & Range
Habitat & Range
This sunbird favors lowland rainforest, forest edge, and swamp forest across parts of West and Central Africa, including the Congo Basin. It is generally resident, with local movements linked to the flowering of forest trees and epiphytes.
Behavior & Field Notes
Behavior
Superb Sunbirds feed on nectar from forest flowers and epiphytes, supplementing their diet with small insects and spiders. They build small hanging nests from plant fibers. Vocalizations include a thin, high-pitched song and sharp calls given while foraging in the forest canopy or edge.
Frequently asked questions
What colors combine on a male Superb Sunbird?
Males show a metallic blue-green head, a small violet throat patch, a scarlet breast band, and a bright yellow belly.
Where does the Superb Sunbird live?
It is found in lowland and swamp forest across parts of West and Central Africa, including the Congo Basin.
How can you distinguish females from males?
Females are duller olive above with pale yellowish underparts and lack the violet throat patch and scarlet breast band.
What habitat does this species prefer?
It prefers lowland rainforest, forest edge, and swamp forest habitats.
Superb Sunbird guides
In-depth guides for identifying and understanding Superb Sunbird.
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