Orange-tufted Sunbird Cinnyris bouvieri

Generally uncommon and local small sunbird of open and sparsely wooded habitats across a range of elevations throughout central Africa. Male is stunning, with sparkling green head and back, dark purple forehead, and purple-and-red breast band. Namesake orange “tufts” near the front edge of the wing are often hidden. Compare with other similarly plumaged sunbirds across wide range, but note breast band, extensive forehead patch, and strongly decurved long bill. Female is much duller and harder to tell apart from other dull-plumaged sunbirds in the area; note plain, unmarked face and long bill, as well as relatively unstreaked yellow belly. Typically seen singly, occasionally gathering at flowering trees and shrubs. Song starts off with a few quick introductory notes before a loud, pulsing trill. Calls include a “chik” and high-pitched “tseep!”