The beautiful sunbird, formerly placed in the genus Nectarinia, is a small passerine bird in the sunbird family Nectariniidae. It is native to tropical Africa, its range extending from Senegal and Guinea in the west to Sudan, South Sudan, Ethiopia, Tanzania and Kenya in the east. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with the gorgeous sunbird.
Region
West to East tropical Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and inland West Africa across the Sahel and savanna belt to the Nile Valley and parts of East Africa. Favors open woodland, wooded savanna, riverine thickets, and cultivated areas with flowering shrubs and trees. Common in villages and gardens where nectar sources are abundant. Often found near wetlands and along forest edges rather than in dense interior forest.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2400 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The beautiful sunbird is a small, vividly colored nectar-feeder and an important pollinator of many African flowering plants. Males in breeding plumage show long tail streamers and brilliant iridescence that they use in display flights. Though chiefly nectarivorous, they also take small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, with males defending nectar-rich patches. Breeding pairs construct a suspended, pear-shaped nest with a side entrance, woven from plant fibers and spider silk. Females do most nest building and incubation, while both parents may feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A high, rapid series of twitters and thin tseep notes, often delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and buzzy scolds when agitated.
