Seychelles sunbird facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Seychelles sunbird |
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| Female at nest with arachnid in bill | |
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cinnyris
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| Species: |
dussumieri
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| Synonyms | |
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Nectarinia dussumieri |
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The Seychelles sunbird (Cinnyris dussumieri) is a small songbird from the sunbird family. It is named after a French explorer called Jean-Jacques Dussumier. This bird lives only in the Seychelles islands. Local people there call it kolibri in their language, Seychellois Creole.
Some scientists place this bird in the Cinnyris group, while others put it in the Nectarinia group. Even though it lives in a small area, the Seychelles sunbird is quite common. Its population is stable, which means it's not decreasing. Because of this, the International Union for Conservation of Nature says it is a "least concern" species. This means it is not currently at risk of disappearing.
Contents
What Does the Seychelles Sunbird Look Like?
This small bird is usually about eleven to twelve centimeters long. Its feathers are mostly a dull grey color.
Male Sunbirds
Male Seychelles sunbirds have a special look. Their head and throat shine with a bright, iridescent (rainbow-like) violet-green color. Their belly area is brown. Under their wings, they have yellow or orange tufts of feathers. These tufts are easier to see when the bird is flying. The male also has a long, thin beak that curves downwards. Its legs are black.
Female Sunbirds
Female sunbirds look a bit plainer than the males. They have pale grey feathers on their underside. They do not have the bright yellow or orange tufts under their wings that the males have.
Sounds They Make
Male Seychelles sunbirds sing a high-pitched, loud, and sometimes harsh song. They also make various rough-sounding calls. Female sunbirds sing too!
Where Do Seychelles Sunbirds Live?
The Seychelles sunbird lives on most of the larger islands in the Seychelles. These islands are made of granite rock. This bird is one of the native species that has adapted well to changes made by people. You can find them in forests, gardens, bushy areas, and even in mangrove swamps. They live from sea level up to about 900 meters (about 2,950 feet) high.
What Do Seychelles Sunbirds Eat?
When looking for food, this sunbird is very busy and active. It flies with a wavy motion to flowers like hibiscus. It feeds on nectar (the sweet liquid from flowers) and also eats insects.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Seychelles sunbirds can breed all year round. However, the best time for them to have babies is usually in September and October.
Nest Building
The female bird lays just one egg at a time. The nest is shaped like a pear. It is made from grass and moss, and held together with strong spiderwebs. To keep the egg and baby safe from animals like cats and rats, the nest usually hangs from the very end of a tree branch.
