The buff-throated sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Benin, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
Region
West Africa (Upper Guinea forests)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland and foothill tropical moist forests, forest edges, gallery forests, and mature secondary growth. Frequently visits cocoa and coffee plantations, fallows, and village edges where flowering trees are present. Forages in the mid to upper canopy but also descends to shrub level along clearings and tracks. Tolerates some habitat modification provided flowering resources persist. Often accompanies mixed-species flocks along forest margins.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A nectar specialist of West African forests, the buff-throated sunbird often acts as a pollinator while foraging at flowering trees and lianas. It typically perches to feed rather than hovering for long, conserving energy. The species builds a delicate, hanging pouch nest from plant fibers and spider silk. Males and females differ markedly in plumage, aiding quick field identification.
Temperament
active and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining loose mixed flocks along forest edges. Territorial around rich nectar sources, with males performing brief display chases. Nest is a suspended, purse-like structure woven from fibers, leaves, and spider webs, with a side entrance. Breeding pairs defend small nesting areas within suitable flowering habitat.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and sibilant tsee-tsee notes interspersed with short trills. Calls are rapid and metallic, often delivered from exposed perches near flowering trees.
