From Opus

Cinnyris chloropygius

Nectarinia chloropygia

Photo by Jeluba
Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, November 2009

[edit] Identification

10.5–11.0 cm. Glossy dark green forehead to back and throat; scarlet breast, brown wings and tail, and olive belly.

[edit] Distribution

Southeastern Nigeria to Angola.

[edit] Taxonomy

This is one of the many Sunbirds that have recently been moved to the genus Cinnyris from the genus Nectarinia.

[edit] Habitat

Forests, plantations, mangroves, farmland, well-wooded savanna, parks, and gardens.

[edit] Behaviour

Diet includes the flowers of hibiscus, bougainvillea, and other garden flowers, but also attracted to banana, cassava, and coffee flowers. It also takes small insects, spiders, and seeds.

It builds an oval nest made from grass, dead leaves, and bark, suspended from bush or palm. 1-3 white or grey eggs are laid. It is parasitized by the African Emerald Cuckoo and by Cassin's Honeyguide.

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