The Elegant Regal Sunbird
The Elegant Regal Sunbird: This is one of the vibrant Albertine Rift endemic bird species from the Nectariniidae family (Cinnyris regius). It mainly inhabits the highland thick rain forests. Adult females are dull brown, whereas males are more beautiful with colorful yellow, green, and red patches. Its calls are sharp and harsh and fast-paced, in a disorderly way. The male’s special underparts are yellow, which sets it apart from all other similar sunbirds.
The female is more yellowish and paler than the double-collared sunbird. The adult female lacks a noticeable light eye stripe, which makes it different from the female Rockefeller’s sunbird. With its beautiful olive upperparts and yellow underparts, it is also somewhat more muted in color but amazing.
Description of the Elegant Regal Sunbird
This Regal Sunbird is considered among the small bird species with brightly contrasting colors, where mature males have brightly defined traces of red and yellow underpants, shimmering golden-greenish wings and tail, and the upper parts of the head. The female’s plumage is characterized by yellowish underparts with weak bands and colorless olive upperparts. Due to its lighter throat, oftentimes, the female bird species may be mistaken for the female Rockefeller’s sunbird, however, the male is recognized. Though they have greener upperparts and yellower underparts, the female Rwenzori double-collared sunbird and the female northern double-collared sunbird are similar as well. The variable sunbird is another species that is similar, but the regal can be identified by its more olive upperparts and more uniform yellowish-olive underparts.
Status
Following the Elegant Regal Sunbird, it is one of the vibrant Albertine Rift endemic bird species from the Nectariniidae family (Cinnyris regius)This is a common bird species that spans a wide range, although according to research, there is a decline in its population trend due to habitat loss, classified as “least concern” for ecological preservation as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, there are no particular/special dangers found.
Birdwatchers who are interested in birding safaris in Uganda should plan carefully with a sense of adventure since this will take you through Uganda’s diverse landscapes and destinations that are rich in birdlife. For travelers seeking more captivating and rewarding birding trips in the entirety of East Africa, please don’t hesitate to keep in touch with Nakra Safaris.
Range/Habitat of the Elegant Regal Sunbird
Following the elegant Regal Sunbird, this unique bird species covers the entire Albertine Rift montane and lush forests ranging from Uganda to Tanzania, covering between 1,500 and 3,100 m (4,900 and 10,200 ft) above sea level. Its area of concentration includes the emerald montane and tropical rain forests, secondary growth forest, scrubland, and bamboo. Uganda is home to a diverse array of bird species, including the striking Regal Sunbird, and serves as a sanctuary for birdlife with its diverse ecosystems. The Echuya Forest Reserve is one of the unique birdwatching spots for avid birders with a passion for Albertine Rift endemics, including the Regal Sunbird and others, especially during nature walks in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga National Park.
Besides the Regal Sunbird, such destinations are home to Albertine Rift endemic birds such as the rare Shelly’s Crimsonwing, Archer’s Robin-chat, Rwenzori Apalis, Kivu Ground Thrush, Dusky Crimsonwing, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Black-faced Apalis, and the beautiful Rwenzori Turaco, among others. These destinations offer an engaging experience of Uganda’s beauty, offering visitors the opportunity to see unique bird species such as the Regal Sunbird due to their rich ecosystem. For nature and birdwatchers of birding, visiting these habitats is inevitable because it provides a gateway into Uganda’s flourishing birdwatching environment.
What is the best time to go birdwatching in Uganda?
Following the Elegant Regal Sunbird: This is one of the vibrant Albertine Rift endemic bird species from the Nectariniidae family (Cinnyris regius). Birdwatching in Uganda is done throughout the year. However, the best time to see Uganda’s birds, especially the Albertine Rift endemics, is during the dry season, from December to February and from June to September. This period is characterized by plenty of food with intermittent rain; these times are good for birdwatching since they boost a lot of bird activity. The main hatching season in vital conservation areas, such as Mgahinga National Park and Bwinhttps://nakrasafarisuganda.com/birdwatching-safaris-in-uganda/di Impenetrable National Park, occurs in May and June, offering avid birders a captivating opportunity to see bird species such as the Regal Sunbird within Uganda’s lush forests.
