male; glossy black body; purple throat (South Africa; 2007-06-30)


Amethyst Sunbird
Chalcomitra amethystina

Native Range: Africa

Notes: the breeding male is a glossy black sunbird whose only colors (irridescent green on the crown and amethyst purple on the throat) may be visible only in good light; female is much browner but does show light yellow facial streaks that are a good field mark.

dorsal view; green crown visible here (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
sipping nectar with its long decurved bill (South Africa; 2007-06-30)

female; brownish; light yellow lines frame eye (South Africa; 2007-06-30)
female; drab; long decurved bill (South Africa; 2007-06-30)