Western Violet-backed Sunbird

The Western violet-backed sunbird, also known as Longuemare's sunbird, is a dazzling avian species belonging to the Nectariniidae family with the scientific name Anthreptes longuemarei.

Identification Tips

This species is characterized by its striking violet sheen on the back, which is particularly noticeable in the males. Observers should look for this distinctive iridescence when trying to identify the bird.

Habitat

The Western violet-backed sunbird is typically found in mesic woodlands, where it flits about in a habitat that provides both the shelter of trees and the open spaces necessary for its flight patterns.

Distribution

As the most widely ranging species in the violet-backed sunbird superspecies, it inhabits a vast expanse of tropical mainland sub-Saharan Africa, in regions not occupied by other members of its superspecies.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List has classified the Western violet-backed sunbird as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.