This Bird Appears To Be Black When You First See It, And Its Wonderful Colors Show Themselves Only When The Light Hits It

Green and maroon iridescent patches make the amethyst sunbird one of the most elegant birds

Damjan

• Published in Animal Stories
• November 7, 2021

The amethyst sunbird, which is also known as the black sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina), is a genus of passerine birds in the Nectariniidae family. Amethyst sunbirds are a sexual dichromatism species, which means males and females have different colors.

The males are about 5 inches long with black plumage and a green forecrown. They also have iridescent red or purple throat and shoulder patches.

The females have brown plumage, with a pale yellow-brown breast and belly. The amethyst sunbird is native to the Afrotropics, primarily south of the equator.

It prefers to live in coastal evergreen woodlands and valley bushes. It primarily feeds on nectar and prefers Aloe but will also eat insects and spiders if the opportunity presents itself.

The amethyst sunbird breeds from September through to February. The female creates an oval-shaped nest from lichen, grass, stalks, and bark bonded together with a spider web.

It is firmly affixed to a drooping branch, bush, or creeper, usually 12 to 20 feet above the ground. The female lays one to three eggs and lays on them alone for 13-18 days.

The young ones are fed mainly by females, feathering 14-18 days after hatching and becoming independent seven days later.

See the photos of these beautiful birds below:

Meet amethyst sunbird, AKA black sunbird

The amethyst sunbird is sexually dichromatic - males and females have different colors.

It prefers to live in coastal evergreen woodlands and valley bushes

In courtship, a male will hop about a branch near a female, drop one wing, then the other, and finally both wings. The wings will then be fluttered and displayed.

A receptive female may lower her head, and assume a rigid stance.

The amethyst sunbird primarily feeds on nectar and prefers Aloe

The amethyst sunbird breeds from September through to February.

The female lays one to three eggs and lays on them alone for 13-18 days

The Amethyst Sunbird is highly territorial and avoids involving large groups of birds. However, once they find a partner, the male and female remain monogamous and mate for life. Their pear-shaped nests are built high up in tall trees and are made up of grass, twigs, and leaves.

According to most sources, the male and female Amethyst Sunbird have a lifespan between 16-22 years.

According to the IUCN Red List, the Amethyst Sunbird is given the conservation status of Least Concern. Although their numbers are unknown, their population has had a stable trend so far.

This is a very territorial bird, and mates for life

Its wonderful colors make it one of the most elegant birds

Watch and listen to amethyst sunbird:

The Amethyst Sunbird is a loner. It is famous for living alone or in pairs and interacts with melodious and continuous twittering.

Some of their communication resembles the sounds that insects make. In general, sunbirds are hostile and make loud distracting noises in the presence of other birds.

They may appear cute small, and fragile, but they are a force to be reckoned with. They are not hostile to humans, so don't be afraid if you come across one of these fantastic birds.

Just remember to observe them from a safe distance so that you wouldn't disturb them.

Damjan