The Congo sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Region
Central Africa (Congo Basin)
Typical Environment
Occurs in lowland tropical forests, riverine woodlands, forest edges, and secondary growth. It favors flowering trees and shrubs along clearings and waterways. Often found from the understory to mid-canopy where blossoms are abundant. It can also visit village gardens and plantations when nectar sources are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Congo sunbird is a small nectar-feeding bird of the Congo Basin’s forests. Males show striking iridescent plumage, while females are plainer and better camouflaged. Like most sunbirds, it perches to feed at flowers but can hover briefly. It also takes small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, with males defending nectar-rich feeding territories. Pairs build a pendant, purse-like nest of plant fibers bound with spider silk. They often nest in shrubs or low branches near reliable flower sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A series of thin, high-pitched twitters and rapid chattering notes. Calls include sharp tseep and tinkling phrases delivered from exposed perches.
Plumage
Male with glossy, iridescent upperparts and contrasting brightly colored breast band; underparts otherwise darker with some yellowish tones. Female is duller olive-brown above with paler, yellowish or greyish underparts and faint streaking.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from flowering trees, lianas, and shrubs using its long, curved bill and brush-tipped tongue. Also consumes small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught in short sallies. Insects become more important during breeding to provide protein for nestlings.
Preferred Environment
Forages at forest edges, along riverbanks, in secondary growth, and in clearings where flowers are abundant. Frequently visits mid-level blossoms and can descend to understory blooms; occasionally ventures into gardens.
