Bronzy Sunbird

The bronzy sunbird, Nectarinia kilimensis, is a captivating avian species belonging to the Nectariniidae family. The male of the species is adorned with a shimmering bronze-and-green plumage that often appears black under certain lighting conditions. In contrast, the female is distinguished by a pale eyebrow and a yellowish patch below the belly, finely streaked for subtle beauty. Notably, some subspecies found in Angola exhibit a unique splash of green, setting them apart from similar species in the region.

Identification Tips

To identify the bronzy sunbird, look for the male's distinctive lack of purple tones, which are present in some female sunbirds. The long, thin, and well-curved bill is a hallmark of the species, aiding in their nectar-feeding habits. Females can be recognized by their less vibrant plumage and the characteristic pale eyebrow.

Habitat

The bronzy sunbird is typically associated with the edges of Afromontane forests, thriving on mountain sides and within the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe, adjacent to Mozambique. Their habitat extends to a variety of remote environments, including savannas, dry shrublands, grasslands, seasonally flooded areas, and rural gardens. They are most prolific in subtropical forests and brushlands.

Distribution

This species graces the African continent with its presence, found in countries such as Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. They tend to avoid populated areas, favoring the tranquility of more secluded locales.

Behaviour

The bronzy sunbird leads a life of specificity, with a diet that includes nectar, spiders, and insects. They are known to consume a variety of insects, such as ants, beetles, bugs, wasps, bees, flies, and termites.

Song & Calls

The vocal repertoire of the bronzy sunbird is a delightful mix of twittering notes and cleaner whistle sounds, often heard during the early morning and midday, adding a melodious backdrop to their natural habitats.

Breeding

In the breeding season, the male's involvement is fleeting, departing soon after conception. The female takes on the nurturing role, laying 1 to 2 eggs typically from September to May, with a peak in activity from October to December. She single-handedly constructs an oval-shaped nest over 5 to 15 days, using an array of natural materials and securing it with spider web. The chicks are primarily cared for by the female for 16 to 21 days, gaining full independence a few weeks post-fledging.

Similar Species

The bronzy sunbird can be differentiated from the malachite and scarlet-tufted sunbirds by the absence of green streaking in the latter species and the unique green splash found in some bronzy sunbird subspecies in Angola.

Diet and Feeding

The bronzy sunbird's diet is a precise blend of nectar, spiders, and insects, with a preference for ants, beetles, bugs, wasps, bees, flies, and termites. This specialized diet supports their energetic lifestyle and contributes to their role in the ecosystem as pollinators.

Conservation status

The bronzy sunbird is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. Remarkably, the species has benefited from the cultivation of Protea plants, which, despite being poisonous to humans, provide a rich source of nectar that the sunbirds frequently exploit.