The scarlet-tufted sunbird is a species of bird in the Nectarinia of the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. It is also known as the red-tufted sunbird and the scarlet-tufted malachite sunbird.
Region
East African Highlands and Albertine Rift
Typical Environment
Occurs on high mountains and plateaus of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. It favors afro-alpine moorlands above the treeline, especially stands of giant lobelia and heaths. Typical sites include Mt. Kenya, Kilimanjaro, the Rwenzori and Virunga ranges, Mt. Elgon, and the Nyika Plateau. Within these habitats it uses flowering shrubs, boggy moorlands, rocky slopes, and edges of ericaceous thickets.
Altitude Range
3000–4800 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-altitude sunbird is famed for the male’s vivid scarlet shoulder tufts displayed during courtship and territorial shows. It frequents afro-alpine zones and often feeds from giant lobelias, acting as an important pollinator at elevations where few other nectarivores occur. It tolerates cold, wind, and intense UV typical of East Africa’s mountaintops and may make short altitudinal movements following flowering peaks.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Males display by flaring the scarlet tufts and chasing intruders around flowering patches. The nest is a pendant, purse-like structure of plant fibers with a side entrance, built low to medium height in shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of twitters and tinkling notes, interspersed with sharp chits. Males give rapid display calls while hovering or perched near favored flowers.
