Fauna
Bird

Variable Sunbird

Cinnyris venustus

Also known as Yellow-bellied Sunbird

Variable sunbirds display striking regional differences, with breeding males featuring metallic green and purple upperparts alongside bellies that range from bright yellow to orange or white depending on the subspecies. These tiny, restless birds dart acrobatically between blossoms to drink nectar or snatch small spiders and flying insects from the air. Females build hanging purse-shaped nests woven from grass, spiderwebs, and bark fibers suspended from slender twigs.

Nectar FeederColorfulActive
Variable Sunbird reference1 / 7
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyFlower Nectar, Small Insects, Spiders
Predators
  • Snakes
  • Domestic Cats
  • Small Birds of Prey
ThreatsLocal habitat clearing and heavy pesticide use
HabitatsSavannas, open woodlands, scrublands, and gardens
Life span3–6 years
Classification
  1. OrderPasseriformes
  2. FamilyNectariniidae
  3. GenusCinnyris
  4. SpeciesCinnyris venustus
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
  • Spotting: Look for hyperactive darting motion around flowering shrubs and garden plants.
  • Listening: Listen for high-pitched, metallic chattering calls and sweet twittering songs.
  • Gardening: Planting native tubular flowers like aloes draws them into suburban yards.
Related species
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