The green-tailed sunbird or Nepal yellow-backed sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
Region
Himalayas and northern Indochina
Typical Environment
Occurs from Nepal and Bhutan through northeastern India and Myanmar to southern China (Yunnan) and into northern Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It inhabits montane broadleaf and mixed conifer forests, rhododendron stands, forest edges, and clearings with flowering trees and shrubs. The species utilizes the midstory to canopy but often descends to feed at blossoms along trails and forest margins. It is tolerant of secondary growth and can visit high-elevation gardens near forest.
Altitude Range
1000–3600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the Nepal yellow-backed sunbird, it is a vivid highland sunbird of the Himalayas and northern Indochina. It follows flowering cycles—especially rhododendrons—making short elevational movements to track nectar. Like many sunbirds, it supplements nectar with small insects, particularly when feeding chicks. Its frequent hovering and iridescent male plumage make it a favorite among birdwatchers.
Temperament
active and territorial around flowering plants
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly, in pairs, or small loose groups at rich nectar sources. Courtship involves rapid chases and display flights around flowering trees. The nest is a hanging, domed structure with a side entrance, placed in shrubs or from branches; both parents tend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tsee-tsee notes and rapid twittering phrases. Males add buzzy trills and chips while foraging or displaying near blossoms.
Plumage
Male is iridescent with a bright yellow back, metallic green head and tail, and warm orange to chestnut underparts with a small bluish-violet throat gloss; female is olive-green above with yellowish underparts and a green tail. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill suited to nectar feeding.
Diet
Primarily nectar from rhododendrons and other montane flowering trees and shrubs. Also takes small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or snapped in short sallies, especially during the breeding season. Occasionally probes flowers while hovering and will perch to feed when possible.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, and within montane broadleaf and mixed forests where blossoms are abundant. Frequently visits flowering rhododendron stands and can appear in high-elevation gardens with suitable nectar sources.
