Cinnyris teysmanni
The Flores Sea Sunbird, *Cinnyris teysmanni*, is a captivating and diminutive passerine, endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia. Measuring approximately 10 cm (4 inches) in length, the male boasts a resplendent metallic green crown, mantle, and back, contrasting with iridescent dark blue-purple wings and tail. A broad, shimmering blue-purple gorget adorns its throat and upper breast, while striking scarlet pectoral tufts emerge from its flanks, though often concealed. The underparts...
Inhabits forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, gardens, and plantations, typically found from sea level up to 1,000 meters elevation.
Feeds primarily on nectar extracted from a wide variety of flowering plants, supplemented significantly by small insects and spiders, which are either gleaned from foliage or snatched in mid-air.
Highly diurnal, the Flores Sea Sunbird is constantly active, darting between flowering plants to feed. While capable of hovering briefly like a hummingbird, it predominantly perches to probe flowers for nectar. Males are intensely territorial, aggressively defending rich feeding patches with ener...
Endemic to the Lesser Sunda Islands of Indonesia, the Flores Sea Sunbird is primarily distributed across Flores, Komodo, Rinca, and Sumbawa. It also has recorded presence on Alor Island, though less frequently observed there. This species is entirely resident within its range, exhibiting no migra...
Least Concern
- The male Flores Sea Sunbird's dazzling metallic plumage is not due to pigment, but rather microscopic feather structures that refract light, creating iridescent colors that change with viewing angle. - Despite its small size, it plays a vital role as a pollinator for numerous native flowering p...