The Pemba sunbird (Cinnyris pembae) is a species of bird in the sunbird family. It is endemic to Pemba Island, in Tanzania.

Pemba sunbird
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Nectariniidae
Genus: Cinnyris
Species:
C. pembae
Binomial name
Cinnyris pembae
Reichenow, 1905
Range in Tanzania
Synonyms

Nectarinia pembae

Males have a wingspan of 51.5-53 mm, while females have a wingspan of 47.5-50 mm.[2] As pictured, adult males display iridescent blue-green coloration on their head and throat with bluish violet coloration on their wings and across their breast. Females have a gray-brown coloration on their head and wings, a pale yellow underside with blurry streaking and a small pale yellow lateral streak posterior to the eye.[3]

A breeding pair were seen feeding their chicks in the characteristic hanging nest on Unguja Island in June 2018.

References edit

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Cinnyris pembae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22718017A94562636. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22718017A94562636.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  2. ^ Clancey, PA; Williams, John (1967). "The systematics of the Little Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus (Shaw), with notes on its allies". Durban Museum Novitates. 5: 27-41. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Pemba Sunbird - eBird". eBird. Retrieved 25 April 2024.