Three subspecies are recognised:[2] Two additional former subspecies, C. h. hellmaryi and C. h. kinneari, have now been split as a separate species, the Arabian sunbird C.

[2] The Abyssinian sunbird is highly dimorphic and has three distinct plumages, juvenile, immature and adult.

Adult males in breeding plumage have brilliant metallic green upperparts and throat, a violet or blue crown, a bright red band across the breast with a narrow line of metallic blue, and blue-black wings and tail.

[3] It is found in Djibouti, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.

[3] This species prefers rocky or sandy areas and dry river beds with Acacia and Ziziphus trees.