Malachite Sunbird — printable fact sheet

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Malachite Sunbird

Nectarinia famosa

The Malachite Sunbird is a strikingly beautiful bird native to southern Africa, notable for the male's vibrant iridescent green plumage during the breeding season. This species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females displaying more subdued olive coloration compared …

Classification

Bird

Family

Nectariniidae

Habitat

Montane grasslands, fynbos, heathlands, and gardens

Diet

Omnivore

Conservation status

Least Concern

Lifespan

5-8 years

Weight

10-20 grams

Scientific name

Nectarinia famosa

Did you know?

Outside of the breeding season, male Malachite Sunbirds molt into a much duller plumage that closely resembles the female's coloration.
Male Malachite Sunbirds dramatically change color in the breeding season, becoming a vivid metallic green. Their long, curved bills and brush-tipped tongues are perfectly adapted for feeding on tubular flowers. These birds are important pollinators for several South African plants, including aloes and proteas.

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