The Arabian sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
Region
Southwestern Arabian Peninsula (Saudi Arabia and Yemen)
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal plains and wadis to foothills and montane slopes in southwestern Saudi Arabia and western Yemen. Favors arid and semi-arid scrub, acacia woodland, and edges of juniper forests, and it readily uses gardens and orchards with abundant flowers. Often concentrated along watercourses and in villages where ornamental plants bloom. It is patchy but locally common where flowering resources are reliable.
Altitude Range
0–2400 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Arabian sunbird is a small, active nectar-feeder of the family Nectariniidae, restricted to the southwestern Arabian Peninsula. Males show striking iridescence, while females are subtler and well-camouflaged in scrubby habitats. It often visits flowering acacias and garden plants and supplements nectar with small insects, especially when feeding young.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining loose mixed flocks around abundant blossoms. Territorial males defend rich nectar sources and display with swift chases. Builds a pendant, purse-shaped nest suspended from vegetation, with both parents involved in care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, tinkling series of rapid notes interspersed with thin twitters. Calls include sharp chips and soft, buzzy trills given during foraging and territorial chases.
Plumage
Male with glossy, iridescent dark plumage showing greenish to bluish sheen on head and throat; underparts dark with metallic highlights. Female is plain brownish-olive above with paler, grayish to yellowish underparts and faint streaking. Both sexes have a long, decurved bill and relatively short wings and tail.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from native shrubs and trees such as acacias, aloes, and other flowering plants, and will visit cultivated ornamentals. Also takes small insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season to provide protein for nestlings. Occasionally gleans arthropods from foliage and hawks tiny flying insects.
Preferred Environment
Forages at flowering shrubs, hedges, and tree canopies, often along wadis, garden edges, and village plantings. Uses perches to scan blossoms and makes short hovering visits among flowers.
