Chalcomitra rubescens
The Green-throated Sunbird (Chalcomitra rubescens) is a vibrant avian jewel of Central Africa, renowned for the male's dazzling iridescent plumage. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm in length and weighing 8-12 grams, the adult male boasts a glossy metallic green throat and crown, often extending to the upper breast, brilliantly contrasted by a broad iridescent crimson-red band across its dark, often blackish, chest. Its back, wings, and tail are dark brown or black, and it possesses a distinct...
Found primarily in tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forests, woodlands, forest edges, savannas, and cultivated areas like plantations and gardens, typically from sea level up to 2,000 meters.
Feeds primarily on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects (such as ants, beetles, and flies) and spiders, which are either gleaned from foliage or hawked in flight.
Green-throated Sunbirds are diurnal, highly active foragers, spending their days darting among flowers. They employ a specialized foraging strategy, using their long, decurved bills and tubular tongues to extract nectar, often hovering like hummingbirds or perching while feeding. Small insects an...
The Green-throated Sunbird is a widespread resident across much of Central Africa, with its distribution extending into parts of West and East Africa. The nominate subspecies, *Chalcomitra rubescens rubescens*, ranges from southeastern Nigeria, through southern Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon,...
Least Concern
- Despite their hummingbird-like ability to hover at flowers, sunbirds are not related to hummingbirds; this is a remarkable example of convergent evolution. - The brilliant iridescent colors of the male's plumage are structural, created by the microscopic arrangement of feather barbules that ref...