This Bird Appears to Be Black When You First See It, and Its Wonderful Colors Show Themselves Only When the Light Hits It
The amethyst sunbird, also known as the black sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina), is a genus of passerine birds in the Nectariniidae family. Amethyst sunbirds exhibit sexual dichromatism, meaning 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 inhabit coastal evergreen woodlands and valley bushes. It primarily feeds on nectar, favoring aloe, but will also consume insects and spiders when the opportunity arises.
The amethyst sunbird breeds from September to February. The female constructs an oval-shaped nest from lichen, grass, stalks, and bark, bonded together with spider silk.
The nest 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 incubates them alone for 13 to 18 days.
The young are primarily fed by the female, fledging 14 to 18 days after hatching and becoming independent seven days later.
See the photos of these beautiful birds below:
Meet the Amethyst Sunbird, a.k.a. the 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.
During 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 to February.
The female lays one to three eggs and incubates them alone for 13 to 18 days.
The Amethyst Sunbird is highly territorial and avoids 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 of grass, twigs, and leaves.
According to most sources, the male and female Amethyst Sunbird have a lifespan of 16 to 22 years.
According to the IUCN Red List, the Amethyst Sunbird is classified as Least Concern. Although their numbers are unknown, their population has shown a stable trend so far.
This is a very territorial bird that mates for life.
Its wonderful colors make it one of the most elegant birds.
Watch and listen to the Amethyst Sunbird:
The Amethyst Sunbird is a solitary bird. It is known for living alone or in pairs and communicates with melodious and continuous twittering.
Some of their communication resembles the sounds made by insects. In general, sunbirds are hostile and produce 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 as not to disturb them.
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