Tacazze Sunbird

Overview

The Tacazze Sunbird is a large sunbird of East African highlands, found in montane forest edge, moorland, and highland gardens from Ethiopia south through Kenya and Uganda. Breeding males grow notably elongated central tail feathers and show glossy dark purple-green iridescence over most of the body.

• Family: sunbirds (Nectariniidae)
• Diet: nectar and small insects
• Range: East African highlands, from Ethiopia to Kenya and Uganda

Feather Identification

• Body: male feathers appear blackish at a distance but show strong purple and green iridescent highlights in direct sunlight.
• Tail: breeding males grow elongated, pointed central tail feathers, a distinctive shape among sunbirds.
• Size: notably larger overall than most sunbirds, with a correspondingly larger, more robust decurved bill.
• Underparts: belly feathers are dark, lacking bright yellow or scarlet patches.
• Vs. similar species: the combination of large size, elongated tail feathers, and overall dark iridescent plumage separates it from smaller East African sunbirds like the Bronze Sunbird, which it closely resembles.

Plumage Notes

Breeding males show the longest tail feathers and richest iridescence; some populations show a shorter-tailed non-breeding or eclipse-like plumage. Females are plain grey-brown, lacking iridescence and elongated tail feathers, making sex identification straightforward. Juveniles resemble females until males molt into adult plumage.

Habitat & Range

This sunbird inhabits montane forest edge, moorland, heathland, and highland gardens across the East African highlands, including Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and neighboring areas, typically at higher elevations than many other sunbirds.

Behavior

Tacazze Sunbirds feed on nectar from a variety of montane flowering plants, including tubular highland flora, and supplement their diet with small insects. Nests are pouch-shaped and suspended from vegetation. The song is a varied, warbling series of notes, and calls include sharp chips given during territorial disputes.