- Cinnyris mediocris
Nectarinia mediocris
Includes: Usambara Double-collared Sunbird and Forest Double-collared Sunbird
Identification
11–12 cm (4¼-4¾ in)
- Iridescent green upperparts and head
- Red breast band
- Brown underparts and tail
Similar Species
Can be told from the similar Northern Double-collared Sunbird by the narrower more orangey breast band and a paler belly.
Distribution
Eastern Africa: found in Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Mozambique.
Taxonomy
This is one of the many Sunbirds that have recently been moved to the genus Cinnyris from the genus Nectarinia.
Subspecies
Four subspecies recognised[1]:
- C. m. mediocris in the highlands of Kenya and northern Tanzania
- C. m. usambaricus in the highlands of southeast Kenya (Taita Hills) and northeast Tanzania - sometimes split as Usambara Double-collared Sunbird
- C. m. fuelleborni in the highlands of Tanzania to northern Malawi and northeast Zambia - sometimes split as Forest Double-collared Sunbird (together with bensoni)
- C. m. bensoni in the highlands of Malawi and northern Mozambique
Habitat
They can be found in montane forests, upland heaths, bamboo stands, open grassland and gardens.
Behaviour
Diet
Their main diet consists of nectar with the addition of insects, flies and spiders.
References
- Clements, J. F., T. S. Schulenberg, M. J. Iliff, D. Roberson, T. A. Fredericks, B. L. Sullivan, and C. L. Wood. 2016. The eBird/Clements checklist of birds of the world: v2016, with updates to August 2016. Downloaded from http://www.birds.cornell.edu/clementschecklist/download/
- Handbook of the Birds of the World Alive (retrieved July 2016)
- Wikipedia
Recommended Citation
- BirdForum Opus contributors. (2024) Eastern Double-collared Sunbird. In: BirdForum, the forum for wild birds and birding. Retrieved 7 May 2024 from https://www.birdforum.net/opus/Eastern_Double-collared_Sunbird