Anthreptes anchietae
Anchieta's Sunbird (Anthreptes anchietae) is a small, relatively drab passerine endemic to the miombo woodlands and Afromontane forests of south-central Africa, notably distinct from many of its brightly colored relatives. Measuring approximately 11-12 cm in length and weighing 9-12 grams, both sexes exhibit similar olive-green upperparts, which can show a subtle, often elusive, iridescent blue-green sheen on the crown and rump, particularly in good light. Their underparts are a dull greyish-...
This species primarily inhabits Afromontane forests, miombo woodlands, and forest edges, typically found at elevations ranging from 900 to 2400 meters.
Primarily nectivorous, Anchieta's Sunbird also consumes a significant amount of small insects and spiders, occasionally supplementing its diet with small fruits, all acquired through active probing and gleaning.
Anchieta's Sunbird is an active diurnal forager, often observed singly, in pairs, or small family groups, and frequently joins mixed-species foraging flocks to exploit food resources. They forage by probing flowers for nectar, hovering briefly, and gleaning small insects, particularly spiders and...
Anchieta's Sunbird is endemic to the miombo woodland belt of south-central Africa, where it is a resident species throughout its range with no significant migratory movements. Its distribution spans across Angola, the southern and eastern parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Malawi,...
Least Concern
- This sunbird is named after José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta, a Portuguese explorer and naturalist. - Unlike most sunbirds, the male Anchieta's Sunbird lacks the vibrant, iridescent metallic gorget, making it one of the dullest members of its family. - Males and females are almost indistinguis...