Red Legged

(Cyanerpes cyanueus)

The Red-legged Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes cyanueus), also known as the Yellow-winged Sugarbird, is found from Southern Mexico, through Latin America to Northern South America. When in nuptial plumage the male is iridescent with turquoise, blue and velvet-black colors. In his eclipse plumage he resembles the olive green hen but may still be distinguished by his red legs.

These 4-1/2 inch birds are nectar feeders and should be offered nectar daily. They will live happily in a mixed aviary and should be offered a diet of mixed soft fruits, sponge cake soaked in nectar and a few insects. If given an aviary to themselves they may be encouraged to breed. The nest is made out of tiny soft grasses and rootlets and is often built in a small box. The young require vast quantities of small live food if they are to be raised successfully.