Dec 19

Bird of the day

Golden-winged sunbird

Drepanorhynchus reichenowi

The golden-winged sunbird (Drepanorhynchus reichenowi) is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. Three subspecies are recognised.

It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests and East African montane forests.

The male golden-winged sunbird is about 9 in (23 cm) long and the female is about 6 in (15 cm) long, the male having long central tail feathers. Yellow-edged feathers in the wings and tail are key identification pointers in all plumages of both the male and female. Body feathers of the male in breeding condition are a conspicuous metallic reddish-copper colour, which are mostly replaced by dull-black feathers in the non-breeding condition. The underparts of the male are brownish-black. The female is olive above and yellowish below. Immature are similar to females, except their underparts are darker.

Aliases

Nectarinia reichenowi, Drepanorhynchus reichenowi, Necterinia reichenowi

Data retrieved on October 15, 2025 at 7:35 AM