Collared Sunbird

Hedydipna collaris

The Collared Sunbird, Hedydipna collaris, is a sunbird. The sunbirds are a group of very small Old World passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Collared Sunbird is in fact mainly insectivorous.
Collared sunbird (male) Only the male has the blue collar.
We have been fortunate that this pair have been visiting our bird table for some time. Such petty little things. Collared Sunbird,Fall,Geotagged,Hedydipna collaris,South Africa,birds,south africa,sunbirds

Appearance

Collared Sunbirds are tiny, only 9-10 cm long. They have short thin down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues, both adaptations to nectar feeding.

The adult male has glossy green upperparts and head with a yellow belly and narrow purple breast band. The female is a duller green above and entirely yellow below.
Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris) Chale Island, Kenya. Mar 8, 2023 Collared Sunbird,Hedydipna collaris

Behavior

Sunbird flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed most of the time.
Collared sunbird This little bird is really testing my patience. Its been almost 2 years since I last managed to get a photo of one of these and since then I have been trying to get a better shot. The last three days I have been watching this one and waiting for it to come to a suitable position, but it never stays for more than a split second. I am still not happy with this shot, but it is marginally better than the last one and I may never get another opportunity...but I will keep trying!!! Collared Sunbird,Geotagged,Hedydipna collaris,South Africa,Spring,birds,sunbirds

Habitat

Collared Sunbird is a common breeder across most of sub-Saharan Africa. Two or three eggs are laid in a suspended nest in a tree. It is a seasonal migrant within its range. This species is found in forests near water.

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyNectariniidae
GenusHedydipna
SpeciesH. collaris