The Flores Sea sunbird is a species of bird in the sunbird family Nectariniidae that is found on several small islands in the Flores Sea. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the olive-backed sunbird, now renamed the garden sunbird.
Region
Flores Sea, Wallacea (Indonesia)
Typical Environment
Occurs on several small islands scattered across the Flores Sea, inhabiting coastal scrub, mangroves, coconut groves, open woodland, and village gardens. It favors flowering shrubs and trees and often forages along forest edges and in human-modified landscapes. On these low islands it is generally near sea level, with occasional use of inland thickets. It tolerates some habitat disturbance provided flowering resources remain available.
Altitude Range
0–500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Flores Sea sunbird is a small nectar-feeding passerine restricted to several low, oceanic islands in the Flores Sea of Indonesia. It was long treated as part of the olive-backed sunbird complex, which some authorities now call the garden sunbird, but has been recognized for its distinct island-limited population. Males typically show a metallic throat patch and tiny orange pectoral tufts used in display. Like other sunbirds, it is an important pollinator of coastal and village flora.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often forages in pairs or small family groups and may join loose mixed-species flocks around flowering trees. Nests are typically pendant purse-like structures suspended from vegetation, with the female doing much of the construction. Pairs defend flower-rich feeding spots during the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and sharp tsip notes delivered from exposed perches. Males add rapid chatter during display flights around flowering shrubs.
