Eastern escarpment of Udzungwa Mts, in eastern Tanzania.
 
Population
Estimated population is 10,000 - 19,999 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat destruction and degradation through commercial logging, clearing for cultivation and bushfires started to maintain cleared, uncultivated land as open grassland, charcoal production, exploitation for non-timber forest products and hunting, are the main threats.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Nectar, especially from tropical mistletoes (Loranthaceae), and small insects.
Voice
Soft 'twisk twisk' contact notes. Song undescribed.
Rufous-winged Sunbird (Cinnyris rufipennis) [XC94770]
by Frank Lambert from TANZANIA: Iringa Regiion; Kilolo District; Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve, 5 km SSE Ilutila Village, junction of Ilutila-Uluti-Idegenda path, 8.247420, 36.011915, 1700m, Tanzania (call, agression call)
Rufous-winged Sunbird (Cinnyris rufipennis) [XC94697]
by David C. Moyer from TANZANIA: Iringa Region; Kilolo District; Uzungwa Scarp Forest Reserve, 5 km SSE Ilutila Village, junction of Ilutila-Uluti-Idegenda trails, 8.247420, 36.011915, 1700m, Tanzania (song, territorial song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Genus often subsumed in Nectarinia. Relationships of this species unclear.