Photo: Joseph Smit / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Socotra Sunbird
Chalcomitra balfouri
Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of Africa.
The Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri) is a member of the Nectariniidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 10.9 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Least Concern.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Widespread and abundant — not currently at risk.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Passeriformes
- Family Nectariniidae Sunbirds
- Genus Chalcomitra
- Species balfouri
Quick facts
- Weight
- 10.9 g
- Diet
- Omnivores
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Least Concern
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Socotra Sunbird is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Behaviour
A bird of semi-open scrub and shrubland, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Socotra Sunbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri) belongs to the Nectariniidae family of the order Passeriformes. Its range spans Africa. Its distribution covers AF Socotra.
It is a very small bird. Adults weighs around 10.9 g, with a wing length of about 6 cm and a tail of around 4.8 cm.
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern. That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 3,622 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Socotra Sunbird?
The Socotra Sunbird is a very small bird that weighs around 10.9 g.
Where does the Socotra Sunbird live?
The Socotra Sunbird is found across Africa with a range covering AF Socotra, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Socotra Sunbird belong to?
The Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri) belongs to the Nectariniidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Socotra Sunbird eat?
The Socotra Sunbird is a omnivore — it takes a broad, omnivorous diet of both plant and animal foods.
Does the Socotra Sunbird migrate?
The Socotra Sunbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Socotra Sunbird endangered?
The IUCN Red List currently assesses it as Least Concern That category covers species that remain widespread and reasonably abundant in the wild.
What sound does the Socotra Sunbird make?
1 real field recording of the Socotra Sunbird — including its call — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Socotra Sunbird's range?
The Socotra Sunbird has a mapped global range of about 3,622 km².
Conservation
Every bird benefits from bird-safe windows, native plants, and keeping cats indoors. Small changes at home add up to real protection.
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