Cinnyris venustus
Variable Sunbird
A tiny, active nectar-feeding bird found in open woodland, gardens, and cultivated land; the nominate subspecies occurs from Senegal and The Gambia east to Nigeria and Central African Republic. Males have a glossy green head, throat, and nape with a maroon breast band, and belly colour varies by subspecies — hence 'Variable'.
Identification
Male shows iridescent green head/upper breast, a narrow maroon breast band, and a yellow lower belly in the West African (nominate) form — distinguishing it from Splendid or Beautiful Sunbird, which lack the maroon band or have different belly colours.
Want to see the Variable Sunbird?
Join Yaya on a trip to one of the sites below, or ask about an itinerary built around it — he'll help you plan the best way to find it in the field.
Tours that target this bird
A comprehensive birding, wildlife and nature tour combining the finest habitats of The Gambia with Northern Senegal's Saloum Delta — coastal wetlands, mangroves, woodland, rice fields, savannah and riverine forest, plus a boat excursion to the Scissor-tailed Kite colony at Kousmar.
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