Cyanomitra veroxii
The Grey Sunbird (Cyanomitra veroxii) is a medium-sized passerine, often distinguished from its more brightly colored relatives by its subdued, largely uniform grey plumage. Measuring approximately 13-15 cm in length with a weight typically ranging from 9 to 14 grams, both sexes present a dark grey back and crown, transitioning to a paler grey underparts, sometimes with a faint yellowish wash on the lower belly and undertail coverts. A key identification feature is its relatively long, slende...
This species primarily inhabits evergreen and riverine forests, dense woodlands, coastal dune scrub, and thickets. It is typically found at lower to mid-elevations, often near water sources or in areas with abundant flowering plants.
The diet consists predominantly of nectar extracted from a wide variety of flowering plants, which is supplemented by small insects and spiders. They forage by probing flowers with their specialized bills and gleaning arthropods from foliage.
Grey Sunbirds are primarily diurnal, actively foraging throughout the day and typically roosting solitarily or in pairs within dense foliage at night. Their foraging strategy involves acrobatic movements as they probe flowers for nectar with their long, decurved bills, often hovering briefly like...
The Grey Sunbird is widely distributed across Southern and Eastern Africa, maintaining a resident presence throughout its range. Its primary distribution extends from southern Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda southwards through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Significant populations are found i...
Least Concern
- The Grey Sunbird is one of the few sunbird species where males and females are virtually indistinguishable in plumage, lacking the bright iridescence of many relatives. - Despite its 'grey' name, its plumage can sometimes show a subtle, pearly sheen, particularly on the belly, under certain lig...