Photo: John Gerrard Keulemans / Public domain (Wikimedia Commons)
Scarlet-tufted Sunbird
Nectarinia johnstoni
Scarlet-tufted Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstoni) — Songbirds & Perching Birds of Africa.
Found across 4 guides in our atlas — open any for the full checklist, photos and what's around right now.
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstoni) is a member of the Nectariniidae family found in Africa. Adults weigh 15.2 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 Nectarinia
- Species johnstoni
Quick facts
- Weight
- 15.2 g
- Diet
- Nectar-feeders
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Habitat
- Grassland & open country
How to identify
Similar birds
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Biology & behaviour
Diet
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird is a nectarivore — it feeds mainly on nectar.
Behaviour
A bird of open grassland, it spends much of its time perched in trees and shrubs.
Migration
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstoni) is a species of bird in the Nectariniidae family, part of the order Passeriformes. It is found across Africa. Its distribution covers AF e.
It is a small bird. Adults weighs around 15.2 g, with a wing length of about 7.7 cm and a tail of around 11.3 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 21,000 km² — a relatively restricted global range.
Songs & calls
Frequently asked questions
How big is the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird?
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird is a small bird that weighs around 15.2 g.
Where does the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird live?
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird is found across Africa with a range covering AF e, where it favours open grassland, scrub and lightly vegetated country.
What family does the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird belong to?
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstoni) belongs to the Nectariniidae family, in the order Passeriformes.
What does the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird eat?
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird is a nectarivore — it feeds mainly on nectar.
Does the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird migrate?
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird is largely sedentary, staying within its range year-round rather than making regular long-distance migrations.
Is the Scarlet-tufted 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 Scarlet-tufted Sunbird make?
1 real field recording of the Scarlet-tufted 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 Scarlet-tufted Sunbird's range?
The Scarlet-tufted Sunbird has a mapped global range of about 21,000 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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