Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

A Socotra sunbird drinking nektar from the flowers of the endemic Trichocalyx orbiculatus. These two species are likely locked evolutionary, as the Socotra sunbird is the only resident bird species with a curved and long beak that reaches the bottom of the flower, and thus is rewarded with pollen on its head to be transferred to the next flower.

The sunbird feeds on flowers of other species, but the Trichocalyx orbiculatus likely has no other way of pollination other than the sunbird.

Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

Socotra Sunbird (Chalcomitra balfouri)

Last updated on 16 February 2024