19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - SCARLET CHESTED SUNBIRD (MALE) (Chalcomitra senegalensis)

The Scarlet-chested Sunbird is a medium-sized bird found in sub-Saharan Africa, easily identified by the male's striking scarlet chest and iridescent green crown and throat. It feeds on nectar and insects, using its long, curved bill to extract food from flowers, and can often be seen hovering while it forages. Females are duller, dark gray-brown with streaked underparts. Both sexes are known for the male's loud "tjip" and "teeeuw" calls. 

Appearance and size

Male: Glossy velvet-black with a bright scarlet chest, iridescent green crown, throat, and sometimes a green "moustache" stripe below the eyes.

Female: Dark gray-brown with a heavily streaked or mottled underparts; lacks the bright chest and iridescent green head of the male.

Size: About 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in) long. Males weigh between 7.5 and 17.2 grams, while females weigh slightly less. 

Diet and foraging

Primary diet: Nectar from flowering plants, such as aloes.

Supplemental diet: Insects and spiders.

Foraging behavior: Often hovers or perches to feed, using its long, decurved bill to reach into flowers. 

Habitat and range

Habitat: A variety of dry and moist savanna, parkland, and gardens.

Range: Sub-Saharan Africa.

Elevation: Can be found at elevations of up to 2,400 meters (7,900 ft). 

Nesting and reproduction

Nest builder: The female builds the nest, a bulky dome-shaped structure made from materials like grass, spider web, and leaves.

Nest placement: Nests are suspended from branches, sometimes near wasp nests for added protection.

Eggs: Lays 1-3 eggs, which are incubated by the female for about 13-15 days.

Chicks: Both parents feed the chicks. Young birds will leave the nest after about 15-20 days. 

Calls

Male calls: A loud series of "tjip" and "teeeuw" notes.