Dusky sunbird

Introduction: Dusky sunbirds (Cinnyris fuscus) are capable of moving large distances to find resources from succulent and Nama Karoo northwards through semi-arid coastal plains with rocky inselbergs, watercourses supporting scrub and sand dunes.

Distribution: Locally common in range throughout most of Namibia less for the north-east and south southern Namib Desert dune seas. Abundant around wild tobacco plants near Keetmanshoop.
Diet: Prefers to probe for nectar from a perch. Probes various aloes, the quiver tree, honey-thorns, mistletoes and some garden plants and wild tobacco.

Description: Blackish brown with purple-blue head and upper parts with grey-brown flight feathers. Fuscus is Latin for 'dull or dusky'
Breeding: Aerial displays, vigorous singing and territory defence attitudes are part of their courtship behaviour. Nest are built from dry grass, leaves and bark and bound together with spider web. From 2 to 3 eggs are laid from September to June and incubated for around 12 days by the female.

Size: 12cm.

Weight: 9g.