Cinnyris ursulae
Ursula's Sunbird (Cinnyris ursulae) is a captivating jewel of the Central African forests, measuring a diminutive 10-11 cm in length and weighing a mere 6-8 grams. The male boasts resplendent iridescent green-blue upperparts, contrasting with a blackish-green tail and wings, and a striking iridescent purple band across its chest, often complemented by a variable yellow wash on the belly and flanks. Females are more subtly adorned, featuring olive-green upperparts and dull yellowish underparts...
This sunbird primarily inhabits moist evergreen lowland and montane forests, as well as forest edges and dense secondary growth, typically from sea level up to 2000 meters.
The diet of Ursula's Sunbird consists mainly of nectar, supplemented significantly by small insects and spiders, typically obtained through probing flowers and gleaning from foliage.
Ursula's Sunbird is a diurnal species, generally observed singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks. Its primary foraging strategy involves hovering or perching to probe flowers for nectar with its specialized decurved bill, but it also gleans insects and spiders from fo...
Ursula's Sunbird is a resident species endemic to a restricted range within Central Africa, showing no migratory movements. Two distinct subspecies define its distribution: *Cinnyris ursulae ursulae* is found solely on Bioko Island, part of Equatorial Guinea. The mainland subspecies, *Cinnyris ur...
Least Concern
- The species' scientific name, *ursulae*, is a tribute to Ursula, reflecting its somewhat secretive nature within the dense forest canopy. - Despite its small size, it plays a vital role as a pollinator for various flowering plants within its Central African forest ecosystem. - Like hummingbirds...