Bannerman's sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia.
Region
Central and south-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily across the Zambezian and southern Congo Basin belt, especially in miombo and other Brachystegia–Julbernardia woodlands, woodland edges, and riverine thickets. It also uses secondary growth, forest edges, and gardens with flowering shrubs and trees. Birds often follow seasonal blooming events and may shift locally as resources change. They are most frequently encountered at mid-levels and canopy edges where flowers are abundant.
Altitude Range
500–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Bannerman's sunbird is a small African nectar-feeding bird of the family Nectariniidae, found in Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Zambia. Like other sunbirds, it typically perches while feeding but can hover briefly at flowers. It supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. The species is named in honor of the ornithologist David A. Bannerman.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, occasionally in loose associations at flowering trees. Territorial males may defend rich nectar sources during peak bloom. The species builds a suspended, purse-shaped nest of plant fibers and spider silk with a side entrance, typically concealed in foliage. Both parents participate in chick provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, high-pitched twittering series with metallic, tinkling notes. Calls include sharp tsip or tzee contact notes and short buzzes around feeding sites.
Plumage
Slender sunbird with a fine decurved bill; males show glossy, iridescent tones on the head and throat with darker upperparts, while females are duller olive-brown above with paler, yellowish-olive underparts. Plumage appears smooth and close-fitting, with subtle sheen in good light. Undertail and wing coverts are darker, contrasting with the paler belly in females.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular and brush-type flowers, including flowering trees and shrubs in woodland and riparian zones. It also hawks and gleans small insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season to meet protein needs. Occasionally takes small fruits and sap where available. Foraging height ranges from low shrubs to the canopy.
Preferred Environment
Most frequently at flowering miombo trees, woodland edges, and along streams with dense shrubbery. Also visits gardens and secondary growth when nectar sources are abundant.
