Cinnyris regius
The Regal Sunbird (*Cinnyris regius*), often called the Royal Sunbird, is a breathtakingly beautiful passerine of the family Nectariniidae, captivating birders with its jewel-like plumage. Measuring a petite 10-12 cm (4-4.7 inches) in length and weighing around 5-8 grams, this species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism. Males are resplendent with an iridescent emerald-green head and upper breast, contrasting sharply with a vivid scarlet lower breast and belly, and dark wings and tail, often ...
Predominantly inhabiting subtropical and tropical moist montane forests and shrublands, the Regal Sunbird thrives at elevations typically ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 meters, occasionally venturing higher.
Primarily a nectivorous species, the Regal Sunbird feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplementing its diet with small insects, spiders, and occasionally tiny fruits. Its long, decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue are perfectly adapted for probing deep into blossoms.
The Regal Sunbird is a highly active, diurnal species, constantly on the move in search of sustenance. Its foraging strategy primarily involves hovering gracefully before flowers to probe for nectar with its specialized tongue, though it also gleans insects from foliage and occasionally hawks the...
The Regal Sunbird is endemic to the Albertine Rift Mountains, a biodiversity hotspot spanning central Africa. Its breeding and year-round range encompasses the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, southwestern Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and western Tanzania. This distribution is largely contiguous...
Least Concern
- The male Regal Sunbird's iridescent plumage doesn't rely on pigments but on the microscopic structure of its feathers, which scatters light to create a dazzling, ever-changing sheen. - Despite its small size, often weighing less than 10 grams, it is known for its aggressive territorial defense ...