[CRAddison]

Hi,

Can anyone identify this bird that I snapped at our lodge in the Masai Mara, Kenya in October 2011?

With the shape of the beak and size of bird it seems very similar to a Sunbird of some sort but I can't find any pictures that look like this one?

Thanks,

Chris.

[Larry Lade]

Perhaps an Amethyst Sunbird. I would like to see a frontal view though.

Chris, I see that this is your first post to BirdForum, so may I extend a warm welcome to you from the Administration and staff. We are glad to have you aboard!

[TZBirder]

Probably marico (or mariqua depending on the spelling in your book)

[Larry Lade]

Colin, what was it that indicated to you that the sunbird is probably a Marico. (Trying to advance my knowledge of Kenya's birds!)

[TZBirder]

It's far and away the commonent black-bellied, short-tailed, glossy-backed sunbird in the E Af savannah. The other common 'black' sunbirds like Amethyst (usually a highland bird) and Scarlet-chested are not glossy on the back. And that irridescent greenish blue is very typically Marico / purple banded / etc. Of which Marico is the most likely in the Mara, by a very, very long way.

[Nick Elliston]

I would agree with TZBirder. Back colour looks wrong to me for Amethyst. It is not just Marico's that look like this on the back, but agree Marico is by far most likely.

[CRAddison]

Dug out another picture (very similar) but you can see the colour on the head a bit better on this one.

[Larry Lade]

Thanks, Colin and Nick, I defer to your more informed knowledge of the birds and the areas involved.