Breathtaking contrast of iridescent green and purple
The green and maroon iridescent spots on the plumage, which initially appear to be fully black, only become visible when the light catches them.
The Nectariniidae family of passerine birds includes the amethyst sun bird (Chalcomitra amethystina), also referred to as the black sun bird.
A dichromatic reproductive species has different-colored plumage on the male and female.
The male is around 14 cm long, with a forecrown that is mint green and black in color.
He stands out because to the iridescent red to purple spots on his neck and shoulders.
The female has light yellow breast and belly feathers with brown stripes, and dark brown tail feathers. This bird is native to the Afrotropics, mostly in the equatorial region.
The Amethyst sunbird prefers expansive valley bushveld and coastal evergreen woods, but it will occasionally stray into dry open woodlands.
These birds will travel long distances to nectar-producing plants, like aloe, to feed.
They will also take beetles and spiders if given the chance. These birds breed from September to February.
Lichen, grasses, stalks, and bark are adhered with spider web to form an oval-shaped nest by the female.
It is firmly attached to a limb that is 2 to 6 meters above the ground and is dangling from a tree, bush, or creeper.
The female lays 1-3 gray eggs, which she then independently incubates for 13–18 days.
The female provides the majority of the food for the chicks, which hatch 14–18 days after development and become independent after one week.
