Image via Macaulay Library
Dusky Sunbird
- Scientific name
- Cinnyris fuscus
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Shrubland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Notched
Where it came from
The Dusky Sunbird, taxonomically classified as Cinnyris fuscus, is a passerine bird native to the arid regions of southwestern Africa. First described by the French ornithologist Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1819, the species evolved within the harsh environments of the Namib Desert and Karoo, developing specialized adaptations such as its distinctive pointed wings and notched tail to navigate open, shrubby terrain while foraging for nectar and insects.
The bird's visual profile is defined by its muted, monochromatic plumage, which stands in contrast to the vibrant, iridescent feathers common to many other members of the Nectariniidae family. This evolutionary design is widely considered a successful strategy for concealment in xeric landscapes. Ornithological documentation from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries highlights the species' resilience, noting that its survival is closely tied to the distribution of specific flowering flora within its restricted geographical range.
Generated by Pi, the collecto.rs collecting companion
Who's collecting this
Real birds collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About Dusky Sunbird
Dusky Sunbird is a bird in the Birdwatching catalog on collecto.rs. Catalog data is sourced from eBird. No public birds collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.
How many collectors track Dusky Sunbird on collecto.rs?
Dusky Sunbird doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of Dusky Sunbird?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your bird, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other birdwatching collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the Dusky Sunbird catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Dusky Sunbird is sourced from eBird. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is collecto.rs birds tracking free?
Yes. Tracking your birds is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every bird you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free
