Birds of Uganda – Collared Sunbird

Given it’s equatorial location & abundance of fresh water, the sheer density of wildlife in Uganda can get your head spinning. There are (well) over 1000 bird species confirmed in the country alone. And what birds! Some of them look like actual runway models. We have already looked at some absolutely beautiful starling types but now we move on to another type of bird, the lovely sunbirds. Today we meet the Collared Sunbird (or Hedydipna collaris).

Birds of Fashion

Sunbirds are tiny birds similar to hummingbirds & honeyeaters. They are tiny nectar eaters often with bright iridescent plumage that can fly quickly & hover when feeding. Although similar they are not related, so their similarities are simply convergent evolution. The Collared Sunbirds are truly tiny & only grow to about 9–10 cm long. Sadly, the genders are very physically different, but it’s the boys that really take the spotlight with their glossy green plumage & yellow belly.

Family Ties

We were unable to find much specifically about the Collared Sunbird, so this information is about sunbirds generally. Both partners help to build their distinct nest & feed the young, but females do most of the incubating.

Collared Lifestyle

Like hummingbirds, sunbirds generally feed mainly on nectar. Although they do supplement with insects, especially when feeding young. The Collared sunbird is one of the few sunbirds that are mainly insectivorous (live mostly on insects). The Collared Sunbird is commonly found across most of sub-Saharan Africa.

More Birdwatching

We are excited to embark on this fun new series of posts & can’t wait to share more about the amazing bird species that make up the diverse wildlife of Uganda. Stay tuned for more to come & in the meantime, perhaps you should come visit Uganda & meet some of them for yourself!