Cyanomitra verticalis
The Green-headed Sunbird (Cyanomitra verticalis) is a striking medium-sized passerine, typically measuring 13-15 cm in length with a long, distinctly decurved black bill. Males boast an iridescent metallic green head and throat that can appear deep black or bluish in varying light, contrasting with a dull olive-green back and yellowish underparts, dark wings, and tail. Females are similar but lack the brilliant iridescence, presenting a duller olive-green head and throat, sometimes with faint...
Primarily inhabits moist lowland and montane forests, forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth, often tolerating human-modified landscapes like plantations and large gardens, typically up to 2,000 meters in elevation.
Feeds predominantly on nectar extracted from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented significantly by small insects, spiders, and occasionally small fruits, primarily through probing flowers and gleaning foliage.
The Green-headed Sunbird is a highly active and restless species, typically observed singly or in pairs, though it may occasionally join mixed-species foraging flocks. Daily activity revolves around continuous foraging throughout daylight hours, with individuals likely roosting communally or soli...
The Green-headed Sunbird exhibits a widespread distribution across West and Central Africa, extending from Sierra Leone and Guinea eastward through Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic. Its range continues into the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea...
Least Concern
- The iridescent green head of the male Green-headed Sunbird can appear black, bluish, or even dark purple depending on the angle of light, making it a tricky identification challenge at times. - Unlike many hummingbird species in the Americas, sunbirds rarely hover for extended periods, preferri...