The blue-throated brown sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout the Guineo-Congolian rainforest belt in mature lowland forest, forest edges, and secondary growth. It also visits gardens and plantations where nectar-rich flowers are abundant. The species forages from understory to canopy, frequently moving between flowering trees. It adapts well to edges and disturbed habitats as long as flowering resources are available.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The blue-throated brown sunbird is a forest sunbird of West and Central Africa, known for the male’s striking metallic blue throat patch. Like other sunbirds, it feeds mainly on nectar using a brush-tipped tongue but also takes small insects and spiders. It plays a role in pollination by moving pollen between flowering trees and shrubs.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, it defends rich nectar sources against other sunbirds. Breeding generally coincides with peaks in flower and insect availability. The nest is a small, pendant, purse-like structure suspended from vegetation; females typically lead building and incubation while males assist in feeding nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include thin, high-pitched twittering phrases interspersed with sharp tseet calls. Males give buzzy trills and rapid chatter from concealed perches when advertising territory.
Plumage
Mostly brown-olive upperparts with paler underparts; males show a vivid iridescent blue throat contrasting with otherwise plain plumage. Wings and tail are dusky brown with a slight gloss. Females are duller, lacking the blue throat and appearing more uniformly olive-brown.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of flowering trees, shrubs, and lianas using a brush-tipped tongue. Supplements diet with small insects, spiders, and other arthropods gleaned from foliage or caught on short sallies. Frequently moves between flowering patches, contributing to pollination.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the forest understory through canopy, especially at forest edges and clearings with abundant blossoms. Also visits gardens, plantations, and secondary growth where ornamental or native flowers are present.
