Anabathmis reichenbachii
The Reichenbach's Sunbird (*Anabathmis reichenbachii*) is a captivating member of the Nectariniidae family, characterized by its striking sexual dimorphism and iridescent plumage. Males are particularly resplendent, sporting a shimmering metallic green crown and back, a deep purplish-blue throat, and a vibrant yellow belly, contrasting with olive wings and a long, decurved black bill. Females, while lacking the male's intense iridescence, are still identifiable with their olive-brown upperpar...
This sunbird primarily inhabits coastal mangroves, lowland secondary forests, forest edges, and cultivated areas such as plantations. It is typically found at low elevations, generally below 500 meters above sea level.
The diet consists predominantly of nectar extracted from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders. They forage primarily by probing flowers or gleaning arthropods from foliage.
Reichenbach's Sunbirds are diurnal and highly active, often foraging continuously throughout the day, usually roosting secretively in dense foliage at night. Their primary foraging strategy involves probing flowers for nectar with their specialized long, decurved bill, often while perched but som...
The Reichenbach's Sunbird is resident across a significant portion of West and West-Central Africa, primarily inhabiting coastal and lowland regions. Its breeding range extends from Sierra Leone in the west, eastward through Liberia, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Nigeria. Further distrib...
Least Concern
- The male Reichenbach's Sunbird's iridescent plumage is structural, meaning the vibrant colors are produced by the microscopic structure of the feathers scattering light, rather than by pigments. - Its extremely long, decurved bill is a perfect example of co-evolution, adapted to fit the shapes ...