The Tacazze Sunbird (Nectarinia tacazze jacksoni) is a small East African bird.

The Tacazze Sunbird is dark black with iridescent green-purple feathers. It has a long down-curved beak.

Tacazze Sunbird

It can grow to 23 centimetres (9 inches) tall.

It prefers forests, shrubs, and gardens, mainly in high country areas. When the mountain gets too cold in winter, the Tacazze Sunbird descends the mountain to warmer climates.

It is attracted to bright-coloured flowers, and is an important pollinator. It feeds on nectar from flowers, as well as small insects.

It builds its pear-shaped nest from plants and moss in a tree, so that it is hanging down.

Tacazze Sunbird

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM