The apricot-breasted sunbird is a species of bird belonging to the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to the island of Sumba in Indonesia, where its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Although it is quite common, very little is known about its biology, with virtually nothing known about its breeding or diet.
Region
Lesser Sunda Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs only on Sumba, where it inhabits subtropical and tropical moist lowland and montane forests. It uses forest edges, secondary growth, and wooded gardens with abundant flowering plants. The species forages from understory to canopy, often following flowering trees along ridges and stream valleys. It tolerates some habitat modification provided nectar sources remain available.
Altitude Range
0–1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sunbird is confined to Sumba in Indonesia and is an important pollinator of flowering trees and shrubs. Males show a distinctive apricot-orange breast patch that gives the species its name, while females are plainer and more cryptic. Despite being locally common, aspects of its breeding biology and detailed diet remain poorly documented.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at concentrated nectar sources. Males may defend flowering shrubs or trees from other nectar feeders. Nesting is presumed to involve a suspended, purse-like nest typical of sunbirds, but specific details on timing and clutch size on Sumba are poorly known.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A mix of thin, high-pitched twitters and rapid tinkling notes, delivered from exposed perches near flowering trees. Calls include sharp ticks and buzzy chips used during territorial interactions.
Plumage
Male with iridescent green to bluish-green upperparts and a vivid apricot-orange breast band contrasting with darker throat and belly; wings and tail dusky. Female dull olive-brown above with yellowish to buff underparts and a faint warm wash on the breast; less contrast overall. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill suited to nectar feeding.
Diet
Primarily takes nectar from a variety of native and ornamental flowering plants, probing blossoms with its decurved bill. It also consumes small arthropods such as insects and spiders, especially during breeding or when feeding young. Occasional gleaning from foliage and bark supplements nectar intake. By moving between flowers, it likely serves as a local pollinator.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at flowering trees and shrubs along forest edges, clearings, and in secondary growth. Also visits village gardens and plantations with abundant blooms, moving between perches and brief hover-feeding.
