The shining sunbird (Cinnyris habessinicus) is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
| Shining sunbird | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Nectariniidae |
| Genus: | Cinnyris |
| Species: | C. habessinicus |
| Binomial name | |
| Cinnyris habessinicus | |
| Synonyms | |
Nectarinia habessinica | |
Subspecies
- Cinnyris habessinicus habessinicus (Hemprich and Ehrenberg)
- Cinnyris habessinicus turkanae van Someren
- Cinnyris habessinicus alter Neumann[2]
Description
Cinnyris habessinicus are highly dimorphic and have three distinct plumages, juvenal, immature and adult. Adult males in breeding plumage have brilliant metallic green upperparts and throat, a violet or blue crown, a bright red band across the breast with a narrow line of metallic blue, and blue-black wings and tail. The female are mainly gray or brown. These small sunbirds mainly feed on nectar.[2]
Distribution
It is found in Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.[2]
Habitat
This species prefers rocky or sandy areas and dry river beds with Acacia and Ziziphus trees.[2]