Western Violet-backed Sunbird
Anthreptes longuemarei
Broad-leaved woodland. Chin and upperparts entirely violet; below white.
Sunbirds
LC
Not Endemic
Description
Common resident of the Zimbabwean plateau. Male differs from male of [Southern Double-collared Sunbird] only in grey upper rump (blue restricted to upper tail coverts only) and paler belly; females indistinguishable. However, ranges are not known to overlap. Voice and behaviour like [Southern Double-collared Sunbird]. Pairs occur in miombo and other broad-leaved woodland, montane forest fringes and suburbia.
Quick Facts
Size
12.5-14 cm - S
Names
A: Blousuikerbekkie
G: Violettmantel-Nektarvogel
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.
Distribution
Gallery
Behaviour
Breeding
Habitat
Pairs occur in miombo and other broad-leaved woodland, montane 'forest' fringes and suburbia.
