South African (Western Cape) Sunbird (1 Viewer)

L

Livetowander

Active member

• May 21, 2020

• #1

I think this will be fairly straightforward. I'm not familiar with the area and so I'm not able to identify the bird without seeing the front and I have a suspicion that the color I do see will vary with the angle of the light. Taken September 2011. Thank you.

 

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J

Jack Dawe

Well-known member

• May 21, 2020

• #2

Looks like an Amethyst Sunbird to me.

 

L

Livetowander

Active member

• May 21, 2020

• #3

Thank you. I did see a female amethyst nearby.

 

C

Carl Beel

Active member

• May 23, 2020

• #4

i'm not very convinced about Amethyst Sunbird. they are only shiny on the throat and forehead while the bird in the picture looks much more extensively glossy and blue, which does not fit with Amethyst Sunbird (mostly black). Maybe it's one of the double-collared sunbirds?

 

L

Livetowander

Active member

• May 24, 2020

• #5

@CarlBeel I've just reviewed a few photos of male amethysts and I see what you mean about there being more iridescence in my individual than an amethyst would have. Thanks for your input.

 

K

Kamba

Well-known member

• May 24, 2020

• #6

I’m also thinking one of the Double Collared. The sheen should be green but light on sunbirds does funny things. Agree the shine is too extensive for Amethyst.

 

L

Livetowander

Active member

• May 25, 2020

• #7

Thanks Kamba.

I will now see if I can narrow it down to either Greater or Southern double-collared.