- +256 (0) 774114499
- [email protected]
A jewel-like Albertine Rift endemic with bright yellow flanks and a brilliant red breast — a signature Rwenzori sunbird.
The adult male is most similar to Rockefeller's Sunbird but has extensive bright-yellow sides to the breast and flanks and a shorter bill. The female and immature are dark olive-green above, with a yellowish-olive wing panel and paler olive below with a blackish tail.
A variety of songs: one is a continuous twittering punctuated by explosive sparrow-like chirps; another a hissing, high-pitched, rapidly delivered flourish; and the strangest, a rambling low-pitched warble with loud chirps.
An Albertine Rift endemic, common in highland forests including edges and clearings from 1,550 m to 3,000 m but mainly above 1,800 m. In our area it is found above 2,200 m and not beyond 3,170 m — from a little below Sine Camp up to Kalalama, extending to Samalira Camp.
Mainly nectar, though it eats insects and spiders during the breeding season to feed its young and when flowers are scarce.
Breeds mostly from November to January in the Rwenzori, using the middle level of shrubs and some tree branches for nesting.
Moves in short flights from plant to plant. Known as a nectar-sucker from flowers and banana passion-fruit flowers where the forest is near community cultivation.
Our guides know where to find it along the Kilembe Trail. Let us build a trek around the birds you most want to see.