Cinnyris coccinigastrus
Splendid Sunbird
A medium-large, long-billed sunbird; males are richly metallic dark green above with a violet throat shading to scarlet on the breast and a black belly, while females are dark grey above with a yellow-washed, streaked belly. Favours wet savanna and woodland with oil palms in The Gambia.
Identification
Males are distinguished from the similar Superb and Johanna's Sunbirds by the black (not red) belly; females resemble female Copper Sunbird but are more streaked below with a less distinct pale eyebrow.
Want to see the Splendid 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.
Where to find it
Western Region, coastal Gambia, near Brufut village (a short drive from the Kotu/Kololi/Senegambia resort area)
Brufut Woods (also known as Brufut Forest or the Brufut Woods Nature Trail) is a small community-managed patch of coastal woodland and forest on the edge of Brufut village, easily reached from the coastal resort area. It's one of the best-known sites in the country for owls and for the Long-tailed Nightjar, and is popular with visiting birders for its mix of dense forest, open woodland, scrub and grassy clearings along a network of trails.
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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