Rufous-winged Sunbird
Cinnyris rufipennis
Rufous-winged Sunbird (Cinnyris rufipennis) — 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 Rufous-winged Sunbird (Cinnyris rufipennis) is a member of the Nectariniidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 8.8 g. The IUCN Red List lists it as Vulnerable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List (opens in a new tab)Facing a high risk of extinction in the wild.
Where it fits
- Class Aves
- Order Passeriformes
- Family Nectariniidae Sunbirds
- Genus Cinnyris
- Species rufipennis
Quick facts
- Weight
- 8.8 g
- Diet
- Nectar-feeders
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Woodland
How to identify
Similar birds
Least Concern
Vulnerable
Least Concern
Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Rufous-winged Sunbird is a nectarivore — it feeds mainly on nectar.
Behaviour
A bird of dense forest, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Rufous-winged Sunbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Rufous-winged Sunbird (Cinnyris rufipennis) is a member of the Nectariniidae family, within the order Passeriformes. It occurs naturally across Africa. Its distribution covers AF c Tanzania.
It is a very small bird. Adults weighs around 8.8 g, with a wing length of about 5.4 cm and a tail of around 3.5 cm.
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern. Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
Its mapped global range covers an estimated 4,406 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Rufous-winged Sunbird?
The Rufous-winged Sunbird is a very small bird that weighs around 8.8 g.
Where does the Rufous-winged Sunbird live?
The Rufous-winged Sunbird is found across Africa with a range covering AF c Tanzania, where it is typically found in wooded and forested habitats.
What family does the Rufous-winged Sunbird belong to?
The Rufous-winged Sunbird (Cinnyris rufipennis) belongs to the Nectariniidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Rufous-winged Sunbird eat?
The Rufous-winged Sunbird is a nectarivore — it feeds mainly on nectar.
Does the Rufous-winged Sunbird migrate?
The Rufous-winged Sunbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Rufous-winged Sunbird endangered?
It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is a focus of conservation concern Vulnerable species face a high risk of extinction in the wild if pressures continue.
What sound does the Rufous-winged Sunbird make?
1 real field recording of the Rufous-winged Sunbird — including its song — can be played in the Songs & calls section on this page, credited to the recordist who captured it.
How large is the Rufous-winged Sunbird's range?
The Rufous-winged Sunbird has a mapped global range of about 4,406 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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