The shining sunbird (Cinnyris habessinicus) is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
Subspecies
Cinnyris habessinicus habessinicus (Hemprich and Ehrenberg) Cinnyris habessinicus turkanae van Someren Cinnyris habessinicus alter Neumann
Description
Cinnyris habessinicus are highly dimorphic and have three distinct plumages, juvenal, immature and adult. Adult males in breeding plumage have brilliant metallic green upperparts and throat, a violet or blue crown, a bright red band across the breast with a narrow line of metallic blue, and blue-black wings and tail. The female are mainly gray or brown. These small sunbirds mainly feed on nectar.
Distribution
It is found in Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, and Uganda.
Habitat
This species prefers rocky or sandy areas and dry river beds with Acacia and Ziziphus trees.