Scarlet-chested Sunbird

The Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Chalcomitra senegalensis, presents a striking dichotomy between the sexes. The male is adorned with a vivid scarlet breast, a hallmark of the species, and a shimmering green crown. In contrast, the female is cloaked in a more subdued dark brown plumage, lacking the distinctive supercilium of her male counterpart. These birds are relatively small, measuring between 13 to 15 centimeters in length. Males weigh 7.5 to 17.2 grams, while females are slightly lighter, weighing in at 6.8 to 15.3 grams.

Identification Tips

When seeking the Scarlet-chested Sunbird, one should look for the male's unmistakable red chest and iridescent green head. The female, however, may require a keener eye due to her more cryptic brown tones. Both sexes share a slender, curved bill, designed for nectar feeding.

Habitat

These sunbirds favor woodlands and gardens, thriving at elevations as high as 2,400 meters. Their preference for flowering plants makes them a common sight in verdant, nectar-rich environments.

Distribution

The species boasts a wide range across Sub-Saharan Africa, from South Sudan to the southernmost tip of South Africa. It is a familiar resident in countries such as Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, among others.

Behaviour

The Scarlet-chested Sunbird is a nectarivore, flitting from flower to flower with a grace that belies its rapid wingbeats. It is also known to catch insects in flight, displaying remarkable agility.

Song & Calls

The male Scarlet-chested Sunbird's song is melodious, a series of sweet notes that can be heard emanating from the treetops, particularly during the breeding season.

Similar Species

The Scarlet-chested Sunbird can be confused with Hunter's Sunbird, but the latter lacks the scarlet chest that is so characteristic of the former.

Diet and Feeding

These sunbirds have a diet that primarily consists of nectar, which they extract with their specialized bills. They also supplement their diet with insects, which they adeptly catch on the wing.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Scarlet-chested Sunbird as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face any immediate threat of extinction.