Chalcomitra senegalensis
The Scarlet-chested Sunbird inhabits woodland, savanna (especially with thorn trees) and parks and gardens in South Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces, where it is considered a common resident. Outside our borders it occurs widely in Africa south of the Sahara, though avoiding the equatorial forests and dry desert areas. These are tiny birds, weighing only between 10 and 17g. Scarlet-chested Sunbirds feed on nectar and small invertebrates.
Breeding in Scarlet-chested Sunbirds has been recorded throughout the year. with a distinct peak in the summer months. The female is solely responsible for building the pear-shaped hanging nest from grass, leaves, bark and spider web, and incubating the eggs, of which there are between 1 and 3 in a clutch, for around two weeks. Both parents feed the chicks, who leave the nest at 2-3 weeks old and then stay with their parents for up to two months more.
With an abundant and stable population, the IUCN lists the Scarlet-chested Sunbird as least concern.
DeWetsWild 
Superb picture!!
Thank you kindly, Wilbur, and welcome here!
Such a beautiful bird! And your picture are so good.Especially the first where it flies with the wings stretched out! 🙂 Is it related to hummingbirds?
You are being very kind and generous John, thank you. In form and function they are very similar indeed to the hummingbirds, but in fact not related at all – another example of convergent evolution.
Hi guys. A spectacular little bird. I have seen them in KNP and other areas of Mpumalanga. I only have the small, shiny blue-green ones in my garden. They are also very pretty.
We love looking for sunbirds – they’re a lot more striking and easy to identify than the dull brown larks and pipits…
Striking bird, great colours, and nice shots Dries
Thanks Maurice. I just wish they would’ve allowed me to come a little closer!
Those birds – tell me. Even with my 600mm lens it’s a full time job.
😀
Moeilik om hierdie besige voëltjies af te neem…welgedaan,Dries!
Ek wens net hulle wou my so rapsie nader toelaat, Dina. Maar dit gebeur net as jy nie n kamera vashou nie… 😀
very similar to a Hummingbird…. pretty! 🙂
Indeed very similar both in looks and habits, but not at all related.
This is my favorite bird post from you all! The scarlet breasted make with wings spread side (second from bottom) is a photo that speaks to me – and I think it was your feature pic – anyhow – my hubs liked the top photo and this bird also has one of my favorite colors – so loving this post right now
Very kind of you, thank you!
🦅☺️☺️
That’s a beauty. Quite a beak, too. 🙂
janet
Comes in handy to suck the nectar from deep inside the flowers
True. 🙂
What a beautiful little one!
And they don’t sit still for a second!
I love this! 🙂
Glad to hear that, thanks Annica!