The forest double-collared sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is a resident breeder of tropical moist montane forests in parts of East Africa.
Region
East African montane forests
Typical Environment
Occurs in moist evergreen and montane forest, forest edges, and adjacent secondary growth from southern Tanzania through Malawi and into northern Mozambique, with localized occurrence in neighboring highlands. It favors areas rich in flowering shrubs and trees, including heaths, bamboo patches, and forest clearings. Birds often use forest edges, riparian thickets, and sometimes gardens or plantations near intact forest. They are most numerous where nectar sources are abundant and staggered in bloom across seasons.
Altitude Range
900–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The forest double-collared sunbird is a small, brilliantly colored nectar specialist that also takes insects, making it an important pollinator in East African montane forests. Males show the characteristic “double collar” of a narrow iridescent blue band above a broader scarlet breast band, while females are duller olive-brown for camouflage. It often hovers to feed at tubular flowers but will also perch to sip nectar. The species is largely sedentary, with some local movements tracking flowering plants.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, with males defending nectar-rich feeding territories. Breeding pairs build a suspended purse-shaped nest with side entrance from plant fibers and spider webs. Courtship includes display flights and song from prominent perches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, high-pitched series of twitters and sizzling trills interspersed with sharp chips. Males sing persistently from exposed perches, especially at dawn when defending territories.
Plumage
Male with iridescent green head and throat, a narrow metallic blue band above a broad scarlet breast band, and darker lower underparts; upperparts greenish with gloss. Female dull olive-brown above with paler, grayish-olive underparts and faint streaking. Both sexes have a slender, downcurved bill adapted for nectar feeding.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from tubular and brushy flowers such as aloes and other montane blossoms. Also takes small insects and spiders, especially during breeding to provide protein for chicks. Will glean from foliage and occasionally hawk tiny insects in short sallies. Important as a pollinator due to frequent flower visits and contact with pollen.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and flowering shrubs within montane forest. Regularly visits canopy and mid-story blossoms, and may utilize gardens or plantations adjacent to native forest if suitable flowers are available.
