Female (Southern) © Nigel Voaden
Male (Southern) © Nigel Voaden
Female (Southern) © Nick Hudson
Female (Northern) © Kyle Kittelberger

Western Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes longuemarei

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Identification

POWERED BY MERLIN

Fairly small sunbird with an unusually short, warbler-like bill. The male has an iridescent violet head and back, while the female has brownish upperparts and a pale eyebrow. Found in a variety of lush woodland habitats, including miombo and Guinea savanna. Often in pairs, and sometimes joins mixed-species flocks. Vocalizations include high-pitched calls, scolds, and a quick jumbled song. Very similar to Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, but in the area of overlap, separated by the male’s violet rather than turquoise rump, and by the female’s yellow-tinged rather than pure-white belly.

POWERED BY MERLIN