The collared sunbird is a bird species of the family Nectariniidae. The sunbirds are a group of very small Old World passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. The collared sunbird is in fact mainly insectivorous.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely in moist to semi-moist habitats including evergreen and riverine forests, forest edges, coastal thickets, and wooded gardens. They readily use plantations and suburban areas where flowering shrubs and trees are present. Most foraging occurs in the canopy and mid-story, but they also work lower shrub layers. They are common near flowering plants but spend much time gleaning insects from leaves and twigs.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Among sunbirds, the collared sunbird is notably small and is in fact mainly insectivorous, taking nectar secondarily. Males show a narrow iridescent blue-violet breast band that gives the species its name, while females are plainer. They weave a suspended, oval nest from plant fibers and spider silk with a side entrance. Agile and active, they forage in foliage and around flowers, often in pairs.
Male in a garden grapevine
Female in nest
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial around food sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with quick, direct flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties; they may join mixed-species flocks in forest edges. Typically monogamous in the breeding season. They build a pendant, domed nest from fibers and spiderweb with a side entrance, often concealed in foliage. Both parents feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high-pitched, thin twittering with fast, squeaky phrases and rapid trills. Calls include sharp tsip notes and soft tsee-tsee contact calls.
