The fork-tailed sunbird is a bird in the family Nectariniidae. The species was first described by Robert Swinhoe in 1869.
Region
South China and northern Indochina
Typical Environment
Found from southern China (including Hong Kong and Hainan) into northern Vietnam and Laos, mainly in subtropical evergreen and secondary forests. It frequents forest edges, scrub, bamboo thickets, and human-modified habitats such as parks and gardens with abundant flowering plants. The species adapts well to degraded habitats if nectar sources are available. Local movements track seasonal flowering.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small nectar-feeding bird is an important pollinator of many native and garden flowers across southern China and northern Indochina. Males sport a distinctly forked tail used in display flights around flowering trees. Though capable of brief hovering, it typically perches to feed. Its purse-shaped hanging nest is intricately woven, usually by the female.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs at flowering trees; small loose groups may form where blooms are abundant. The species is territorial around rich nectar sources, with males displaying by chasing and tail-fanning. Nest is a pendant, purse-like structure with a side entrance, suspended from a twig or vine. Clutches are small, and both adults typically feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a lively series of high, tinkling notes and thin warbles delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chit and tsee notes used during feeding and territorial chases.
Plumage
Male is brightly iridescent with contrasting upperparts and a long, distinctly forked tail; female is olive-green above and yellowish below with a shorter, less forked tail. Both sexes have sleek, glossy feathers suited to close vegetation.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of tubular and brushy flowers, probing with its decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue. It also takes small insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season to provide protein for chicks. Occasional fruit or sap may be taken when available. By moving between blossoms, it acts as an effective pollinator.
Preferred Environment
Forages in flowering trees, shrubs, and vines along forest edges, clearings, gardens, and urban parks. It often returns repeatedly to productive blooms and may defend them from other nectar feeders.
