Copper Sunbird

The Copper Sunbird, Cinnyris cupreus, is a diminutive passerine, a jewel of tropical Africa. The adult male measures approximately 12.5 cm in length, a tapestry of iridescent hues.

Identification Tips

Males of the species are distinguished by their gleaming coppery sheen, while females are more subdued in coloration. The subspecies C. c. cupreus and C. c. chalceus, though similar in size, can be identified by their respective geographic ranges.

Habitat

This bird favors the savannas but is also known to inhabit a variety of environments including degraded forests, woodlands, marshes, mangroves, coastal thickets, and even agricultural landscapes.

Distribution

The Copper Sunbird's territory spans from Senegal and Guinea in the west to South Sudan and Kenya in the east, and further south to Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. It is a resident bird, non-migratory, and thrives across its extensive range.

Behaviour

A nectar-feeder by nature, the Copper Sunbird is often observed sipping from a selection of flowers, favoring those of Calliandra spp., Leonotis leonurus, Syzygium spp., and Senegalia polyacantha. It also supplements its diet with fruits, spiders, and insects, some of which it adeptly snatches in flight.

Diet and Feeding

The Copper Sunbird's diet primarily consists of nectar, which it delicately extracts from flowers. It also partakes in fruits and small invertebrates, displaying a diverse palate that supports its energetic lifestyle.

Conservation status

The species boasts a wide range and a robust population, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature to classify it as "Least Concern." It remains a common sight within its habitat, showing resilience in the face of environmental changes.