Western Miombo Sunbird Cinnyris gertrudis Scientific name definitions

10·5–12·5 cm; 6·6–8·8 g. Rather similar to previously conspecific C. manoensis. Adult male has uppertail-coverts greyish or narrowly tipped glossy green (without blue or violet), less blue in green of upperparts, narrower red breastband (7–11·5 mm vs. 10–13·5 mm), and underparts paler grey with longer and more profuse yellow pectoral tufts (extending well beyond breastband and wing bend), and bill shorter and finer than nominate (see Taxonomy above). Adult female differs from same plumage of C. manoensis appears much less greyish overall, with head, body and wings having a more blackish wash, particularly obvious against the strikingly white underwing-coverts. Juvenile similar to adult female but more olive and underparts strongly washed yellow, with young male gains adult dress only at end of third year, until when retains many dull olive feathers above and on breast, red and blue breastbands are irregular, and no white on tail.

Not globally threatened (Least Concern). Common in Malawi and Zimbabwe; locally common in Angola and locally very common in NW Zambia; uncommon in Tanzania. Occurs in several protected areas, e.g. East Mikumi National Park (Tanzania).