The fire-tailed sunbird is a species of sunbird in the family Nectariniidae.
Region
Himalayas and Southwest China
Typical Environment
Occurs along the Himalayas from Nepal and Bhutan through northeastern India and into northern Myanmar, as well as in southwestern China (including Tibet, Yunnan, and Sichuan). Prefers montane broadleaf and mixed forests, forest edges, and rhododendron thickets. Often visits flowering trees and shrubs in clearings and village edges near forest. Uses mid-canopy to canopy strata but will descend to gardens when nectar sources are abundant.
Altitude Range
1800–4000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This high-mountain sunbird is named for the male’s glowing, flame-colored tail streamers. It has a brush-tipped tongue adapted for sipping nectar and can hover briefly at flowers like a hummingbird, though it often perches to feed. It undertakes local upslope and downslope movements tracking seasonal blooms, especially rhododendrons. During breeding, it supplements nectar with insects to feed growing chicks.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or in loose mixed-species flocks while feeding. Builds a pendant, pouch-like nest of plant fibers, moss, and spider silk suspended from twigs or shrubbery. Both parents attend the young, with increased insect delivery during nesting.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
High, thin twitters and tinkling notes interspersed with sharp tsip calls. Males give quick, bright phrases from exposed perches near flowering trees during the breeding season.
Plumage
Male with metallic green upperparts, bright yellow underparts, and a vivid fiery-orange to red tail with elongated central streamers; wings dark with a glossy sheen. Female is more subdued olive-green above with yellowish underparts and a warm rufous-tinged tail, lacking the long streamers.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from flowering shrubs and trees such as rhododendrons, cherry, and other montane blooms. Also takes small insects and spiders by gleaning foliage and making short sallies. Insects become especially important during chick-rearing. Occasionally samples small berries when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in forest edges, clearings, and along ridgelines rich in flowering plants. Frequently visits gardens and village plantings adjacent to montane forest.
