Marico sunbird

Introduction: Dry Acacia savannah, broad-leaved woodland with river thorn and forest fringing swampland are the preferred habitat of the Marico sunbird (Cinnyris mariquensis). Although they are often observed singly or in pairs, they often gather in mixed flocks with other nectar-seeding sunbirds.

Distribution: Mainly central Namibia extending north to the Oshikato Region and the Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip).
Diet: Prefers to probe flowers from perch, gleaning flies, caterpillars, small moths, spiders and termites. Visits blue thorn flowers, coral trees, wild dagga and jacaranda.

Description: Predominantly an iridescent green colour with a blackish brown tail and dark brown flight feathers.
Breeding: Females build a pear-shaped nest in under 12 days made from grass stems bound by spider web. Usually 2 eggs are laid from January to February and incubated by the female only for around 14 days.

Size: 11cm.

Weight: 11g.