Copper sunbird facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Copper sunbird
female
male
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Nectariniidae
Genus:	Cinnyris
Species:	C. cupreus
Binomial name
Cinnyris cupreus (Shaw, 1812)
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Synonyms
Nectarinia cuprea

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The copper sunbird (Cinnyris cupreus) is a small, colorful bird found in tropical Africa. It belongs to the Nectariniidae family, which are often called sunbirds because they feed on nectar. You can find these birds across a wide area, from countries like Senegal and Guinea in the west, all the way to South Sudan and Kenya in the east. They also live southwards in places like Angola, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

What Does the Copper Sunbird Look Like?

Adult male copper sunbirds are about 12.5 centimeters (5 inches) long. They are quite small and light. The males of the western group, called C. c. cupreus, weigh between 7.5 to 11 grams. The males from the eastern group, C. c. chalceus, weigh about the same. Female copper sunbirds are a bit lighter, weighing from 7.3 to 10.2 grams.

There are two main types, or subspecies, of the copper sunbird:

• C. c. cupreus: This group lives in the western parts of Africa. Their home stretches from Senegal to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Ethiopia, western Kenya, and western Tanzania.
• C. c. chalceus: This group is found in the eastern half of the bird's range. They live from Angola to the southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, western Zambia, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

Where Do Copper Sunbirds Live?

Copper sunbirds live in many countries across Africa. Some of these include Angola, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zambia. They do not migrate, which means they stay in the same area all year round.

These birds like to live in savannas, which are grassy plains with scattered trees. You can also find them in other places like forests that have been changed by humans, woodlands, marshes, and even near farms. They are quite adaptable!

What Do Copper Sunbirds Eat?

The copper sunbird mainly sips nectar from flowers. Nectar is a sweet liquid that gives them energy. They have a special long beak and tongue to reach deep into flowers. Some of their favorite plants include Calliandra species and Leonotis leonurus.

Besides nectar, they also eat fruits, spiders, and insects. Sometimes, they even catch insects while flying!

Is the Copper Sunbird Endangered?

No, the copper sunbird is not in danger. It lives across a very large area and there are many of them. Because it is a common bird, the International Union for Conservation of Nature says its conservation status is "least concern". This means they are not worried about this species disappearing.