The bronze sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is native to the Bié Plateau (Angola) and eastern Afromontane forests.
Region
Eastern and south-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from the highlands of Angola and the eastern Afromontane arc through the highlands of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, the DR Congo, Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe. Prefers montane and submontane forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth with abundant flowering shrubs. Also uses heath, bamboo and Hagenia zones, moist woodland, and well-vegetated gardens. Often follows seasonal flowering events and can be locally common where nectar sources are abundant.
Altitude Range
1100–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The bronze sunbird is a dark, metallic-glossed sunbird that looks almost black until sunlight reveals its bronze-green sheen. It is an important pollinator of highland flowers, especially aloes and Leonotis, and supplements nectar with insects, particularly for nestlings. Nests are typically purse-shaped structures suspended from vegetation and bound with spider silk. Males can be notably long-billed and appear elongated when hovering to feed.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, with males defending rich nectar sources aggressively. Pairs nest in a suspended, purse-like nest built by the female from plant fibers and spider webs. Both adults provision chicks with insects in addition to nectar.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Calls are high, thin tsee notes and sharp chips, often given in rapid series. Song is a quick, twittering warble delivered from exposed perches near flowering shrubs.
Plumage
Male is glossy dark bronze to greenish-black with a metallic sheen; female is olive-brown above with pale underparts that are heavily streaked. Feathers are sleek and slightly iridescent in males, duller and more patterned in females.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers such as aloes, Leonotis, and other montane blooms. Also takes small insects and spiders by gleaning foliage or hawking from a perch, especially during breeding. Juveniles and nestlings receive a higher proportion of arthropods for protein.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, in flowery clearings, and in gardens with abundant nectar plants. Often visits flowering trees and shrubs and may follow the progression of blooms upslope and downslope.
