Identification
A large, dark sunbird that is usually found near the coast, although inland populations exist locally, perhaps most notably in Angola. Occurs in a variety of disturbed and edge habitats as well as in swamps and coastal woods. Males are overall chocolate-brown with iridescent purple-pink throats and foreheads, while females are a much paler olive-brown with noticeably darker throats. Bill is relatively straight. Distinguished from the smaller and more compact Green-throated Sunbird by its larger size, its small purple throat and crown, and the female’s dark throat. Calls include liquid “pip” notes and buzzy trills, with songs comprising variable combinations of these notes.