Moreau's sunbird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moreau's sunbird |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cinnyris
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| Species: |
moreaui
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| Synonyms | |
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Nectarinia moreaui |
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The Moreau's sunbird (Cinnyris moreaui) is a small, colorful bird found only in Tanzania, a country in Africa. It belongs to the Nectariniidae family, which includes many types of sunbirds. These birds are known for their bright feathers and long, curved beaks, perfect for sipping nectar from flowers. Moreau's sunbird lives in moist mountain forests. Sadly, its home is shrinking, which is why it's considered "near-threatened" by conservation groups.
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What Moreau's Sunbird Looks Like
Moreau's sunbird is a small bird, about 12 centimeters (5 inches) long. It has a special look depending on if it's a male or a female.
Male Moreau's Sunbird
Adult males are very colorful! Their upper parts, like their back and head, shine with a bronzey-green color. Their rump (the area above the tail) is green, and their tail is dark brown. They have a bright green throat. Below that, a thin blue band separates the green from their red to orange chest. Their belly and the sides of their chest are yellow. Males have dark brown or black eyes. Their curved beak and legs are black.
Female Moreau's Sunbird
Adult females are a bit different. Their upper parts are olive green. The feathers on their head and back have shiny greenish-grey edges. Their tail is dark brown, but the outer feathers are lighter. The chin and throat are greyish-yellow. Their chest and belly are olive-yellow. Like the males, females have dark brown eyes and black beaks and legs.
Young Moreau's Sunbird
Young male sunbirds look a bit like adult males. However, their upper parts are a dull greyish-olive and don't shine as much. Their underparts are a dull yellowish-olive. Young females look like adult females but are generally less bright. They also don't have the shiny edges on their head and back feathers. Their underparts are a dull yellowish-green.
Where Moreau's Sunbird Lives
Moreau's sunbird lives only in the mountains of Tanzania. This means it is "endemic" to this area. Its home is in moist montane forests, which are forests found in mountain regions.
Mountain Homes
These birds usually live at heights between 1,350 and 1,800 meters (about 4,400 to 5,900 feet) above sea level. In some places, like the Udzungwa Mountains, they can be found even higher, up to 2,500 meters (about 8,200 feet).
Moreau's Sunbird Habits
Moreau's sunbirds are often seen in bushes along roadsides. They also live high up in the forest canopy, which is the top layer of trees.
What They Eat
These sunbirds love to eat nectar, which is the sweet liquid found in flowers. They use their long, curved beaks to reach deep into blossoms. They probably also eat insects, which are a good source of protein.
Nesting Habits
The female Moreau's sunbird builds the nest. It's a small, dome-shaped nest with an opening at the top. This cozy home keeps the eggs and young birds safe.
