Scarlet-chested Sunbird

Nectarinia/Chalcomitra senegalensis

Scarlet-chested Sunbird Scarlet-chested Sunbird male Scarlet-chested Sunbird female
Despite its scientific name Senegalensis, the Scarlet-chested Sunbird can be found in most of sub-Saharan Africa. Like other non-equatorial Sunbirds, the male looks much like the plainer female (above right) until he develops his bright plumage for the courting and breeding season -- in his case a bright shiny scarlet red chest (above left/centre -- apologies for poor picture quality).
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Scarlet-chested Sunbird male Scarlet-chested Sunbird
As with other Sunbirds, the non-breeding male is brown. First his red chest starts to develop together with a metallic green brow, then chin. His black body plumage is the last to show.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Scarlet-chested Sunbird male Scarlet-chested Sunbird
After the full scarlet-chested breeding plumage, his red chest is also the first to go and the black body is the last.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird female with nest Scarlet-chested Sunbird hen on nest Scarlet-chested Sunbird female
The "scarlet woman" has a speckled front and a brown back -- just one coat for all seasons -- seen here gathering nesting material from twine and grasses.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Scarlet-chested Sunbird hen  
While Sunbirds' nectaring activities aid pollination of plants, the Scarlet-chested Sunbird is in trouble for spreading mistletoe into/in cocoa plantations.

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