Photo: Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikimedia Commons)
Regal Sunbird
Cinnyris regius
Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of Africa.
Found across 2 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius) is a member of the Nectariniidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 6.6 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 Cinnyris
- Species regius
Quick facts
- Weight
- 6.6 g
- Diet
- Nectar-feeders
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Not Evaluated
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Regal Sunbird is a nectarivore — it feeds mainly on nectar.
Behaviour
A bird of semi-open forest, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Regal Sunbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius) is a species of bird in the Nectariniidae family, part of the order Passeriformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF ec.
It is a very small bird. Adults weighs around 6.6 g, with a wing length of about 5.3 cm and a tail of around 4.5 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 77,000 km².
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Regal Sunbird?
The Regal Sunbird is a very small bird that weighs around 6.6 g.
Where does the Regal Sunbird live?
The Regal Sunbird is found across Africa with a range covering AF ec, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Regal Sunbird belong to?
The Regal Sunbird (Cinnyris regius) belongs to the Nectariniidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Regal Sunbird eat?
The Regal Sunbird is a nectarivore — it feeds mainly on nectar.
Does the Regal Sunbird migrate?
The Regal Sunbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Regal 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.
How large is the Regal Sunbird's range?
The Regal Sunbird has a mapped global range of about 77,000 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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Guides for this bird
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