Anchieta's sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Angola, the DRC, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia, and is named after José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta.
Region
South-central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Angola and southern Democratic Republic of the Congo across Zambia and Malawi to Mozambique and southern Tanzania. It frequents woodland, especially miombo and mopane, as well as forest edges, riverine thickets, and gardens. The species uses flowering trees and shrubs in both natural and semi-urban settings. It is generally a lowland to mid-elevation bird but reaches foothill zones where suitable nectar sources are available.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Anchieta's sunbird is a small African sunbird named after the Portuguese naturalist José Alberto de Oliveira Anchieta. It is an active pollinator, moving between flowering trees and shrubs and transferring pollen as it feeds. Like many sunbirds, it can hover briefly but usually perches while sipping nectar. Males often defend rich nectar sources from other small birds.
Illustration by Keulemans
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups; males may guard flowering trees. Nest is a small pendant, purse-like structure made of plant fibers and spider webs, suspended from a twig or leaf. Breeding behavior includes courtship chases around flowering shrubs.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
High, thin twitters and rapid trills interspersed with sharp tseep notes. Calls are frequent while foraging and become more insistent near defended flowers.
