Bird
Scarlet-chested Sunbird
Chalcomitra senegalensisAlso known as Senegal Sunbird
Velvety black males stand out dramatically across African woodlands, displaying an iridescent crimson chest shield and brilliant metallic green crown. Females present a muted olive-brown upperpart with dense dark streaking on pale underparts. Active pairs flit constantly between flowering trees, using long curved bills to extract nectar while aggressively driving rival pollinators away from choice blossoms.
NectarivoreDiurnalVibrant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyFloral nectar, Spiders, Small flies
Predators
- Shrikes
- Owls
- Tree snakes
ThreatsLocal habitat clearing, pesticide overuse
HabitatsSavanna, open woodlands, riverine thickets, gardens
Life span4–8 years
Classification
- OrderPasseriformes
- FamilyNectariniidae
- GenusChalcomitra
- SpeciesChalcomitra senegalensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look for brilliant males singing from exposed high perches near flowering aloes or coral trees.
- Gardening: Plant indigenous nectar-producing shrubs and succulents to attract resident breeding pairs.
- Observation: Watch quietly near suspended domed nests without approaching too closely during egg incubation.
Frequent Companion (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Look-alike (c) 116916927065934112165, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by 116916927065934112165 · cc-by
Image unavailableNectar Host 
Close Relative (c) Derek Keats, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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