Amethyst Sunbird

Chalcomitra amethystina

Woodland. Has an iridescent purple throat and shoulder-patches.

Sunbirds

Not Endemic

Description

Common resident. Breeding male is entirely iridescent green except for blue-black wings and tail. Non-breeding male is yellow below, variably speckled overall with green feathers. Female told by large size and long bill. The call is ‘chew-chew-chew, chi-chi-chi-chiew… chit-chit-chit…’ with variations in speed and sequence; also a rapid warbling song. Usually found in groups on fynbos-covered hillsides (including suburbia in coastal regions), Karoo hills and montane foothills. Male frequently calls from a high vantage point and is aggressive towards other males.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

Small, insectivorous and nectar-drinking birds with decurved bills adapted to flower-probing. Males have iridescent plumage and yellow, orange or red tufts on the sides of the breast (pectoral tufts) that are displayed in excitement. Some males undergo an annual eclipse when they adopt drab, non-breeding plumage resembling the normal plumage of the female. Immatures are like females, often with a dark throat. Their flight is swift and erratic, males spending much time chasing females and other males. They gather in numbers when favoured nectar-rich plants are in blossom.