Anthreptes neglectus
The Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird (*Anthreptes neglectus*) is a striking, small passerine bird, highly prized by naturalists for its localized distribution and iridescent beauty. Males display a dazzling, deep violet to blue-purple sheen across their back, rump, and upper tail coverts, contrasting with olive-green wings and a dark olive crown. Their underparts are a clean greyish-white, often with a subtle yellow wash on the belly. Females, true to the sunbird family, are more subtly attired,...
This species primarily inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, as well as moist montane forests, favoring forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. It is typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to approximately 1,200 meters.
The diet consists mainly of nectar, which it siphons from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented by small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or captured in flight.
The Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird is a diurnal species, active from dawn to dusk, often observed singly or in pairs, but sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Its primary foraging strategy involves probing flowers for nectar with its specialized tongue, often hovering briefly like a hu...
The Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird is an obligate resident of coastal East Africa, boasting a highly fragmented and localized distribution. Its primary range encompasses southeastern Kenya, notably within the Shimba Hills National Reserve and the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest. In Tanzania, it is found in ...
Near Threatened
- The Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird is one of the most geographically restricted sunbird species in Africa, making it a highly sought-after sighting for birders. - Its scientific name 'neglectus' is Latin for 'neglected' or 'overlooked,' perhaps alluding to its elusive nature or its late scientif...