Beautiful Sunbird vs Marico Sunbird

In short

The Beautiful Sunbird and Marico Sunbird are both part of the sunbird family, but they can be distinguished by their plumage and tail features. The Beautiful Sunbird's breeding males have elongated central tail feathers, while the Marico Sunbird lacks this feature. Both species share similar habitats but differ slightly in their vocalizations.

Identification tips

• Breeding male Beautiful Sunbird: Look for elongated central tail feathers.
• Plumage: Note the vibrant iridescence in both, but the Beautiful Sunbird is particularly striking.
• Habitat: Consider geographical location; Beautiful Sunbird is more northern, Marico Sunbird more southern.
• Vocalization: Listen for the rattling series in Beautiful Sunbird.

Size

Both species are similar in size, typical of sunbirds, with slender bodies.

Plumage

Breeding male Beautiful Sunbirds have elongated central tail feathers, a distinctive feature not present in the Marico Sunbird. Both species have iridescent plumage, but the Beautiful Sunbird is noted for its particularly vibrant colors.

Behaviour

Both species exhibit typical sunbird behavior, including hovering and rapid movements while feeding on nectar.

Habitat

The Beautiful Sunbird is found across a wide range of habitats from West Africa to Ethiopia, including moist savannas and dry thornscrub. The Marico Sunbird occupies similar open habitats but is more commonly associated with southern African regions.

Voice

The Beautiful Sunbird's typical call is a rattling series of high-pitched notes. Specific vocalization details for the Marico Sunbird are less clear, but they are known to have different calls.