Anthreptes aurantius
The Violet-tailed Sunbird (*Anthreptes aurantius*) is a dazzling member of the Nectariniidae family, characterized by its compact size, typically measuring 10-11 cm in length. Males are particularly striking, showcasing an iridescent violet-blue crown, nape, upper mantle, and a spectacularly long, shimmering violet-blue tail, contrasting sharply with their olive-green back and wings, and bright yellow underparts. A metallic violet rump adds to their splendor, making them unmistakable in their...
Found primarily in lowland evergreen rainforests, this species also inhabits forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. It typically occurs at elevations up to 1000 meters, often near flowering plants.
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, but supplements its diet significantly with small insects and spiders. It also consumes some fruit pulp.
The Violet-tailed Sunbird is a highly active and agile species, typically observed flitting rapidly among flowering trees and shrubs during daylight hours. They are generally seen alone or in pairs, but occasionally join mixed-species foraging flocks to exploit food sources. Foraging involves ade...
The Violet-tailed Sunbird is endemic to West-Central Africa, primarily inhabiting the extensive lowland rainforest belt. Its distribution spans across countries including southeastern Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko island), Gabon, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo...
Least Concern
- The male Violet-tailed Sunbird's iridescent violet-blue tail can appear almost black in poor light, only revealing its stunning true color in direct sunlight, a visual trick for identification. - Despite its name, the 'plain-backed' sunbird genus *Anthreptes* includes species with remarkably vi...