Cinnyris notatus
The Malagasy Green Sunbird, *Cinnyris notatus*, is a striking passerine endemic to Madagascar, renowned for its vibrant sexual dimorphism. Males are resplendent, sporting an iridescent metallic green-blue head, mantle, and throat, contrasting sharply with a bright yellow belly and a distinctive dark band across the chest; their overall length averages 12-15 cm and they typically weigh around 8-12 grams. Females, in contrast, are much plainer, displaying olive-green upperparts and a duller yel...
This adaptable species thrives across a variety of forested habitats, including primary and secondary forests, forest edges, plantations, and gardens, from sea level up to elevations of approximately 2000 meters.
Primarily a nectivore, feeding on the sweet liquid from a wide variety of flowering plants by probing or hovering, supplementing its diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage.
The Malagasy Green Sunbird is a diurnal and highly energetic bird, spending its days actively foraging for nectar and insects. Males are fiercely territorial, especially during the breeding season, performing elaborate display flights and aggressively chasing off rivals to defend prime feeding an...
The Malagasy Green Sunbird is endemic to the island of Madagascar, where it is a widespread and common resident across almost all suitable habitats. Its distribution spans the entire island, from coastal lowlands to montane forests, typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to appro...
Least Concern
- Endemic to Madagascar, making it a unique avian gem of the island. - The dazzling iridescent green and blue hues of the male's plumage are not due to pigments but rather to the microscopic structure of their feathers, which refract light. - These sunbirds are vital pollinators for numerous nati...