Bates's sunbird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bates's sunbird |
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Bates's sunbird (Cinnyris batesi) is a tiny, shy bird found in the forests of Western and Central Africa. It's known for its dull green feathers and its love for nectar from flowers. Even though it's small, it plays an important role in its forest home.
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About Bates's Sunbird
What Does Bates's Sunbird Look Like?
Bates's sunbird is a very small bird, only about 9 to 10 centimeters long. That's about the length of your finger! It weighs only 5.7 to 7 grams, which is less than a pencil.
This sunbird has dull green feathers on its back and a yellowish belly. It has a short, curved beak, perfect for sipping nectar. Its wings are dark brown, and its tail is black with olive edges.
Males and females look quite similar. Both have special yellow feathers on the sides of their chest. These feathers are usually longer and brighter on the male birds. Because of its plain colors and quiet habits, this little bird can be hard to spot in the forest!
Where Does Bates's Sunbird Live?
Bates's sunbird lives in the forests and rainforests of Africa. You can find it from Liberia in the west all the way to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. It also lives in countries like Angola and northern Zambia. This bird is also found on the island of Bioko.
It prefers to live high up in the tops of tall trees in thick rainforests. But you might also see it at the edges of forests, in areas where new trees are growing, or even in places with tall trees near farms.
What Does Bates's Sunbird Eat?
Bates's sunbirds love to drink nectar from the blossoms of flowering trees. They are also known to eat insects, spiders, berries, and small fruits.
These birds often fly around in small groups of about ten. They sometimes even join bigger groups of different bird species. You might spot them on branches covered with moss and other plants called epiphytes.
To save energy at night, especially when it's cold, Bates's sunbirds can slow down their body's processes. This helps them stay warm and healthy.
How Does Bates's Sunbird Build Its Nest?
Bates's sunbirds build amazing hanging nests that look like little pockets. They make them from soft plant fibers, dry leaves, and spider webs. They often add green moss to the outside to help the nest blend in. The inside is lined with soft, cotton-like materials.
The nest usually hangs from a bush about 3 meters (10 feet) above the ground. Sometimes, they even hang their nests from old cables in empty buildings! The female bird lays 1 or 2 eggs. They lay eggs in July in Cameroon, December in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and February in Gabon.
Who Was Bates?
The name "Bates's sunbird" and its scientific name, Cinnyris batesi, honor a person named George Latimer Bates. He was an American naturalist, which means he studied nature. He traveled a lot in West Africa, exploring and learning about the plants and animals there. He lived from 1863 to 1940.
