Cinnyris buettikoferi
The Apricot-breasted Sunbird (*Cinnyris buettikoferi*) is a captivating passerine endemic to the Indonesian island of Sumba, a jewel in the Nectariniidae family. Measuring approximately 10-12 cm (4-4.7 inches) in length, the male is strikingly adorned with an iridescent metallic green head, throat, and upper breast, transitioning sharply to a vibrant apricot-orange band across its lower breast, which gives the species its evocative name. This brilliant coloration is further accented by a narr...
This species primarily inhabits tropical lowland forests, forest edges, secondary growth, and disturbed areas including plantations and gardens, across a range of elevations on Sumba Island.
The primary diet consists of nectar, supplemented significantly by small insects and spiders, which are gleaned from foliage or caught in flight.
Apricot-breasted Sunbirds are highly active and diurnal, constantly flitting through foliage in search of sustenance. Their foraging strategy primarily involves probing flowers for nectar with their specialized decurved bill, often hovering briefly or perching, but they also glean small insects a...
The Apricot-breasted Sunbird (*Cinnyris buettikoferi*) is strictly endemic to Sumba Island, one of the Lesser Sunda Islands in Indonesia, where it is a year-round resident throughout its restricted range. There are no known migratory movements or significant vagrant records outside of Sumba, ceme...
Near Threatened
- The Apricot-breasted Sunbird is a true island specialist, found exclusively on Sumba, an island in Indonesia, making it an endemic treasure. - Its brilliant apricot breast patch is a unique identifier, distinguishing the male from most other sunbird species. - Like other sunbirds, it possesses ...