The amethyst sunbird, also called the black sunbird, is a species of passerine bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is native to the Afrotropics, mostly south of the equator. They are commonly found in well-watered habitats, and undertake seasonal movements to visit flowering woodlands. The demise of some woodlands have impacted their numbers locally, but their range has also expanded along with the spread of wooded gardens.
Region
Southern and Eastern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from South Africa north through Eswatini, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, and into Tanzania and Kenya, with scattered records west into the DRC and Angola. Prefers well-watered habitats including coastal and riverine woodland, forest edges, miombo, and moist savanna. Readily occupies suburban gardens and parks with flowering shrubs and trees. Local movements track flowering events, and it may ascend slopes into montane forest edges when nectar is abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Often appearing plain black at a distance, the male flashes a striking amethyst-purple iridescence in good light—hence the name. It is also known as the black sunbird in southern Africa and plays a role in pollinating flowering trees like aloes and coral trees. Females craft a delicate, pendant, purse-shaped nest from plant fibers and spider webs, suspended from a branch.
Temperament
active and territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; capable of brief hovering
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, with males defending rich flowering trees. Breeding is typically monogamous; the female builds a hanging, purse-like nest from fibers and spider silk. Clutches are small, and both adults attend the young, with the female doing most incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a rapid, chattering warble interspersed with thin, high-pitched notes. Calls include sharp tsip and tzee notes, often given while foraging among flowers.
Plumage
Male appears glossy black with strong purple-violet iridescence on head, throat, and upperparts in good light; female is brownish-olive above with whitish, streaked underparts. Both sexes have a slender decurved bill and relatively plain, dark legs. Iridescence is angle-dependent, making males look black in shade.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from aloes, Erythrina (coral trees), Syzygium, and other flowering shrubs and trees. Also takes small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young, gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies. Will occasionally sip from cultivated garden plants and can act as an effective pollinator.
Preferred Environment
Forages in flowering woodland canopies, forest edges, riverine thickets, and well-planted gardens. Frequently visits nectar-rich ornamental plants in suburban areas and uses perches near flower clusters.
