Image via Macaulay Library
Marico Sunbird
- Scientific name
- Cinnyris mariquensis
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Conservation status
- Least concern
- Habitat
- Shrubland
- Wing shape
- Pointed
- Tail shape
- Forked
Where it came from
The Marico Sunbird, Cinnyris mariquensis, is a passerine bird native to the savannas and open woodlands of Southern and East Africa. It is a member of the Nectariniidae family, characterized by its distinctive metallic plumage and specialized, downward-curved bill adapted for extracting nectar from flowers. Like other sunbirds, it has evolved over millennia as a vital pollinator within its ecosystem, playing a crucial role in the reproductive cycles of various indigenous flora.
The bird was first formally described by the Scottish explorer and naturalist Andrew Smith in 1828. Named for the Marico River region in South Africa where he conducted his observations, the species serves as a significant subject in ornithological studies regarding avian evolution and co-adaptation with flowering plants. The sunbird's pointed wings and slightly forked tail are evolutionary refinements that allow for the precise, hovering flight patterns necessary to access deep floral tubes.
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 Marico Sunbird
Marico 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 Marico Sunbird on collecto.rs?
Marico 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 Marico 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 Marico Sunbird catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for Marico 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
