Plain-backed Sunbird
Anthreptes reichenowi
Silhouette: Sheatherius · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyNectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
- GenusAnthreptes (Plain-throated Sunbirds, Violet-backed Sunbirds, and Allies)
- SpeciesAnthreptes reichenowi (Plain-backed Sunbird)
About the Plain-backed Sunbird
The plain-backed sunbird, also known as blue-throated sunbird (Anthreptes reichenowi) is a sunbird. The sunbirds are a group of very small Old World passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed most of the time.
The plain-backed sunbird has a disjunct distribution, with one subpopulation in the coastal lowlands of Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania, and another in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It may be at risk from clearance of lowland forest throughout its range.
(Blue-throated sunbird =) Plain-backed sunbird - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds. BirdLife Species Factsheet Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Plain-backed Sunbird in Tsavo East National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Tsavo East National Park
Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird
Anthreptes orientalis
Collared Sunbird
Hedydipna collaris
Olive Sunbird
Cyanomitra olivacea
Amethyst Sunbird
Chalcomitra amethystina
Hunter's Sunbird
Chalcomitra hunteri
Tsavo Sunbird
Cinnyris tsavoensis
Amani Sunbird
Hedydipna pallidigaster
Variable Sunbird
Cinnyris venustus
Purple-banded Sunbird
Cinnyris bifasciatus
Black-bellied Sunbird
Cinnyris nectarinioides
Mouse-colored Sunbird
Cyanomitra veroxii
Usambara Double-collared Sunbird
Cinnyris usambaricus
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tsavo East National Park | 🇰🇪 Kenya | |
| 2 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park | 🇿🇦 South Africa | |
| 3 | Gorongosa National Park | 🇲🇿 Mozambique |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Plain-backed Sunbird in Tsavo East National Park?
About 10% of wildlife watchers report a Plain-backed Sunbird sighting in Tsavo East National Park, based on 222 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Plain-backed Sunbird in Tsavo East National Park?
October has the highest sighting rate for Plain-backed Sunbird in Tsavo East National Park in our monthly data.