Togo – 2010 – 100 Francs – Prisma Sunbirds Yellow (PROOF)

Description

Metal: Copper-Nickel
Weight: 26 g
Diameter: 38.61 mm
Quality: Proof
Mintage: 2’500 pcs.

The Sunbirds, also called Honey Suckers, are the counterpart of the Hummingbirds who are only found in America. The biggest difference is that the Hummingbird sucks the nectar from the blossoms while hovering over them. Although the Sunbirds also master this flight manoeuvre of a stagnant fl ight they prefer drinking in a sitting position. With their long thin down-curved bills they are able to reach the nectar inside the blossoms with no big effort. Insects and spiders are also part of their diet. They cover the bird?s protein requirement.

More than 100 species of these remarkable, usually very small, birds are known. Most Sunbirds live in Africa, south of the Sahara, but are also found in Asia and Australia. The Sunbird is extremely adaptable and is therefore able to orient itself in many places. Even at an altitude of up to 4900 meters above sea level you can come across these birds.

The males with their brilliant shiny metallic feathers are very colourful. Therefore the minted prism technique which was used for this coin series is virtually predestined to show these interesting colourful feathered creatures in their full magnificence.