Shelleys sunbird

Introduction: Shelley's Sunbird (Cinnyris shelleyi) exhibits iridescent plumage with shades of green, blue, and bronze. Foraging for nectar, it hovers near blossoms with a long, slender bill. It constructs cup-shaped nests and displays during breeding.

Description: Shelley's Sunbird is a striking bird, displaying iridescent plumage that varies in shades of green, blue, and bronze, depending on the light. It has a long, slender bill perfectly adapted for reaching into flowers to extract nectar.

Habitat: This species is commonly found in various habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and gardens. It is often seen near flowering plants, where it can forage for nectar.

Diet: The primary diet of Shelley's Sunbird is nectar, which it obtains from a variety of flowering plants. It uses its long bill to access the nectar from deep within the blossoms. It may also consume small insects and spiders as supplementary protein sources.

behaviour: This bird is highly active and agile, hovering near blossoms to extract nectar with its long bill. It is often observed performing elaborate aerial displays during the breeding season to attract mates.

Reproduction: Shelley's Sunbird constructs a cup-shaped nest using plant fibers, spiderwebs, and other materials. The nest is often adorned with lichen for camouflage. The female lays a clutch of eggs, and both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young chicks.

Size: Shelley's Sunbird measures about 12 centimetres (4.7 inches) in length.

Weight: It typically weighs around 8–10 grams.