About Cinnyris reichenowi Sharpe, 1891
Cinnyris reichenowi Sharpe, 1891, commonly known as the northern double-collared sunbird, is a medium-sized sunbird species. Adult males have metallic green heads and backs that carry a steely-blue sheen in certain lighting. Their rumps are greyish-brown, their uppertail coverts are metallic purple, their tails are black with blue gloss, and their main flight feathers are dark brown. A narrow purple collar sits below the metallic green throat, above a scarlet breast and pale brown belly. They have pale yellow pectoral tufts, which are not visible at all times. Their eyes are black or dark brown, and their beaks and legs are black. Adult females have more muted plumage, with dark olive green upper parts and a dark brown tail. Their underparts are greyish-olive, and their bellies have a yellow tinge. Juveniles have similar plumage to adult females. In terms of ecology, the northern double-collared sunbird is often found in small mixed-species flocks, associating with white-eyes of the genus Zosterops and the oriole finch Linurgus olivaceus. It typically perches in the mid-storeys of trees, scanning from side to side. It feeds on nectar, insects and their larvae, and spiders. Males are territorial, sing vigorously, and are aggressive year-round. They will attack other males of their own species, sometimes leading to mid-air fights that can continue on the ground. They also fight with the Cameroon sunbird Cyanomitra oritis and the olive-bellied sunbird Cinnyris chloropygia.
