The garden sunbird, previously known as the olive-backed sunbird, is a species of passerine bird in the family Nectariniidae that is found in the Philippines except on the Palawan island group. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with seven other species: the ornate sunbird, Palawan sunbird, Sahul sunbird, Tukangbesi sunbird, Flores Sea sunbird, South Moluccan sunbird and the Mamberamo sunbird. It is a small, brightly coloured bird with olive-green plumage on the wings and back with a bright yellow chest. It has a long downward-curved bill it uses for taking nectar and capturing insects. It is primarily nectarivorous, but will take insects and spiders, particularly when feeding chicks.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs widely on major Philippine islands except the Palawan group, inhabiting suburban gardens, parks, forest edges, secondary growth, and mangroves. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes where flowering shrubs and trees are available. Within forests it favors edges, clearings, and riverine corridors. Often found near ornamental plantings and coconut groves and will visit feeders with sugar-water in some areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A common sunbird of Philippine gardens and edges, it was split from the widespread Olive-backed Sunbird complex and is confined to the Philippines except Palawan. Males show a small, iridescent blue-black throat patch and may flash tiny rufous pectoral tufts during displays. They build distinctive hanging, purse-like nests made from plant fibers and spider silk. Their long, decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue are adapted for sipping nectar, but they also take insects and spiders.
Male (subspecies jugularis), showing its iridescent throat
Female garden sunbird
Male on a wild ginger flower
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family groups, with males defending nectar sources against rivals. The species constructs a hanging, pouch-like nest with a side entrance, made of plant fibers, grass, and spider silk. Both parents feed the young, increasing insect intake during the nestling period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, tinkling series of chips and twitters, often delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp tsip notes and rapid, buzzy sequences during territorial chases.
