Humblot's sunbird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Humblot's sunbird |
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| Galawa Beach Hotel, Comoros | |
| Conservation status | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Nectariniidae |
| Genus: | Cinnyris |
| Species: |
C. humbloti
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| Binomial name | |
| Cinnyris humbloti Milne-Edwards, A & Oustalet, 1885
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| Synonyms | |
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Nectarinia humbloti |
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The Humblot's sunbird (Cinnyris humbloti) is a small, colorful bird. It belongs to the Nectariniidae family, also known as sunbirds. This special bird only lives on the islands of Grand Comoro and Mohéli. These islands are part of the Comoros in Africa. It is an endemic species, meaning it is found nowhere else in the world.
Contents
About the Humblot's Sunbird
Humblot's sunbirds are about 11 centimeters (4.3 inches) long. Males weigh between 5.5 and 7 grams. Females are slightly heavier, weighing 5.5 to 8 grams.
What the Males Look Like
Adult male Humblot's sunbirds are very striking. Their upper body is green, often with a shiny dark or gold look. The throat and upper chest are also glossy green. Below that, their lower chest is red. They have bright yellow feathers under their wings, called pectoral tufts. Their lower chest and belly are yellowish-green.
On the island of Mohéli, the males look a bit different. Their green upper parts are not as shiny. Their throat and upper chest have a purple shine instead of green.
What the Females Look Like
Female Humblot's sunbirds are olive green on their upper body. Their head is a bit greyer. The feathers near their tail are brighter. Their underparts are greyer with dark spots and streaks. Females also have a white tip on their tail and pectoral tufts.
Their Song and Calls
The song of Humblot's sunbird sounds like a mix of chipping notes. When they are alarmed or want to contact other birds, they make a harsh "tssk, tssk" sound.
Where They Live
Humblot's sunbirds are found only on the islands of Grand Comoro and Mohéli. They live in different places, from forests and gardens to scrubland. You can find them from sea level up to about 790 meters (2,590 feet) high.
Life and Habits
Humblot's sunbirds find their food in interesting ways. They often pick insects off the tips of leaves, especially from coconut palm fronds. They can also hover in the air to grab insects.
These birds also love to sip nectar from flowers. They drink nectar from plants like Cocos nucifera (coconut palms), Cussonia spp, Eucalyptus, and Impatiens spp.
Nesting and Reproduction
The nest of a Humblot's sunbird is carefully built. It is made of fine grass and covered with moss. The inside is lined with soft strands from milkweed plants. The nest is attached to a branch with moss. Humblot's sunbirds usually lay their eggs in August and September.
Types of Humblot's Sunbird
There are two main types, or subspecies, of Humblot's sunbird:
- Cinnyris humbloti humbloti A. Milne-Edwards & Oustalet, 1885: This type lives on Grand Comoro Island.
- Cinnyris humbloti mohelicus Stresemann & Grote, 1926: This type lives on Mohéli Island.
Why the Name?
The scientific name of this bird, Cinnyris humbloti, honors a French naturalist named Léon Humblot.
 | Emma Amos |
 | Edward Mitchell Bannister |
 | Larry D. Alexander |
 | Ernie Barnes |
