Variable Sunbird

Description:

A gorgeous little sun bird, only about 5 cm tall, quite common around Tanzania, extremely active flitting here and there very fast. Most often seen in pairs in my experience.

Habitat:

Seems to like quite dense foliage, but can be forest or garden, not too dry. I have seen them inland in the savanah and out on the coast.

Notes:

I gather the males are quite feisty and territorial as in urban areas you will often see them finding a reflection and spending ages and ages telling off the other male in the reflection. Sometimes the house window, sometimes in car parks I have seen them hanging around the side mirrors on the car as well. Amusing, but I am sure exhausting.