Cinnyris pulchellus
Beautiful Sunbird
A tiny, active nectar-feeder found across the Sahel from Senegal and The Gambia east to Ethiopia and Kenya. The breeding male has a black head, metallic green upperparts, a scarlet breast bordered with yellow, and a black belly with long central tail feathers; the female is plainer brown above with yellowish underparts.
Identification
Breeding males are distinguished from similarly patterned sunbirds by the yellow tuft bordering the scarlet breast band and the black (not blue/purple) belly.
Want to see the Beautiful Sunbird?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Tours that target this bird
A carefully paced 15-day tour from the Atlantic coast through the mangrove-lined River Gambia and into the eastern part of the country, balancing serious birding with rest, wildlife and Gambian culture. Around 300 species are possible depending on season.
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A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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