Anthreptes gabonicus
The Mangrove Sunbird (Anthreptes gabonicus) is a distinctive, albeit subtly plumaged, member of the Nectariniidae family, uniquely adapted to its coastal habitat. This small passerine, typically measuring around 10-12 cm in length, features a relatively long, decurved bill suited for nectar feeding. Males exhibit a dull olive-green upperparts, a greyer breast and belly, and a metallic bluish-green sheen on the throat and upper breast, which can appear dark in certain light, contrasting with t...
Exclusively found in mangrove forests, coastal thickets, and adjacent brackish water estuaries, typically at sea level or low elevations.
Primarily consumes nectar from flowering mangrove species and various coastal plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and bark.
Mangrove Sunbirds are active, diurnal foragers, constantly flitting through mangrove canopies in search of food. They employ agile hovering and acrobatic maneuvers to extract nectar from flowers and probe bark and leaves for small invertebrates. Though generally solitary or found in pairs, they m...
The Mangrove Sunbird is resident along the coastal regions of West and Central Africa, exhibiting a disjunct distribution. Its range extends from Senegal and Gambia in the west, continuing intermittently through countries such as Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, ...
Least Concern
- The Mangrove Sunbird's duller plumage, compared to many iridescent sunbirds, helps it blend into the dappled light of dense mangrove forests. - It possesses a specially adapted, long, decurved bill perfectly suited for probing deep into mangrove flowers to extract nectar. - Unlike most sunbirds...