|
|
|
Useful Links |
Dusky Sunbird | Cinnyris fuscus
The Dusky Sunbird is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Nectariniidae bird family group which includes birds such as Sunbirds. The description for the Dusky Sunbird (Latin name Cinnyris fuscus) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Cinnyris fuscus can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 788 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 996. You will find a picture of the Dusky Sunbird on page 1008. NOTE: The reference for the information following is "Roberts Birds of Southern Africa", 7th Edition*. This edition contained a number of taxonomic changes as well as changes to English names used traditionally and in earlier editions of most bird books in South Africa. The following paragraph notes such changes if any. The Latin name for this bird is Nectarinia fusca in the Roberts 6th Edition. The Dusky Sunbird is known in Afrikaans as Namakwasuikerbekkie. The Dusky Sunbird is near Endemic to the Southern African Region which means it is mainly found in this region but is not restricted here alone. The Cinnyris fuscus can be found in other parts of the world. The Dusky Sunbird has a height of 12 cms and weighs around 10 gms. The head is coloured black, brown while the bill is coloured black. The Cinnyris fuscus has a black coloured throat, black legs and a black coloured back. The eyes are brown. The male Cinnyris fuscus has physical features that are slightly different from the female bird. Take note of the main distinguishing features such as colour, size and leg length relative to the body size. Colours of body parts can be helpful. Be aware what may appear brown to one person is described in Roberts using some other word ... for example brown, black. See colours used in Roberts. Head is black, brown Eyes are brown Bill is black Legs are black Throat is black Back is black Feeding Habits ...The bird also drinks nectar from flowers high up in the tree canopy. Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...The Dusky Sunbird is a monogamous bird which means that the bird finds and breeds with one partner for the rest of its life. The bird lays between 2 to 3 eggs and they are coloured white. The nest is built high up in the tree canopy and is protected from predators by branches and the dense green foligae. This bird is very common in most of the Southern African Forests The bird is an urban dweller as well, being at home in parks, gardens and in old vacated buildings Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...The Dusky Sunbird is mainly seen singly or in pairs in the wild. |
