Plain-backed sunbird

Plain-backed sunbird
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Nectariniidae
Genus: Anthreptes
Species:
A. reichenowi
Binomial name
Anthreptes reichenowi
Gunning, 1909

The plain-backed sunbird, also known as blue-throated sunbird (Anthreptes reichenowi) is a sunbird. The sunbirds are a group of very small Old World passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed most of the time.

The plain-backed sunbird has a disjunct distribution, with one subpopulation in the coastal lowlands of Kenya and north-eastern Tanzania, and another in Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It may be at risk from clearance of lowland forest throughout its range.

  1. ^ BirdLife International (2016). "Anthreptes reichenowi". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2016: e.T22717602A94541610. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22717602A94541610.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.