Least Concern Birds

Scarlet-chested Sunbird

Chalcomitra senegalensis

Scarlet-chested Sunbird feeds on nectar; found in African savannas and gardens.

Scientific name	Chalcomitra senegalensis
Swahili name	Mchwa wa jua wa kifua chemchemi
Conservation status	Least Concern
Class	Aves
Order	Passeriformes
Family	Nectariniidae
Size	Male: body length approximately 12-13 cm, weight about 7-10 g; female: slightly smaller body length and lighter weight

See this species in the app

How to identify

Male has a bright scarlet red chest; back and head with metallic green sheen; female is duller in color without bright red chest; slender, curved bill adapted for nectar feeding; wings and tail relatively short

Habitat

Sparse woodland savanna, shrubs, gardens, and open woodlands, commonly found in areas rich in flowers

Diet

Primarily feeds on nectar, also captures insects and spiders to supplement protein

When it is active

Diurnal, active during the day, especially frequent foraging in early morning and late afternoon

Where it lives

Widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Masai Mara region

How to spot it

Observe in flower-rich shrubs or gardens; best times are early morning and late afternoon; use telephoto lenses to capture nectar feeding behavior

Photography tips

Use natural light, choose flower backgrounds to highlight the bright chest coloration; use fast shutter speeds to capture flight and feeding moments

Threats

Habitat loss and degradation, pesticide use potentially affecting food sources, local environmental changes

Similar species

The Scarlet-chested Sunbird is similar to other sunbirds such as the Purple-chested Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus), distinguished by chest color and plumage sheen; Scarlet-chested has a bright scarlet chest, Purple-chested has a purple chest

📖 how to spot the scarlet chested sunbird on safari