The green-throated sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in the African countries of Angola, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
Region
Central and East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from lowland rainforests to forest edges, gallery forests, and secondary growth, as well as forest–savanna mosaics. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs in clearings, along rivers, and in village gardens adjacent to woodland. The species is adaptable, using both primary and disturbed habitats where nectar sources are available. It avoids the driest open savannas lacking flowering resources but readily visits cultivated ornamentals.
Altitude Range
0–2200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This nectar-feeding sunbird plays an important role as a pollinator of forest and woodland plants. Males show striking iridescence that changes with light angle, while females are much duller and better camouflaged. They often defend rich flower patches and will supplement nectar with small insects, especially when feeding young.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, darting movements
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, with males defending nectar-rich trees and shrubs. During breeding, pairs build a small, pendant, pouch-like nest suspended from vegetation. They may join loose mixed-species flocks when not breeding, especially around profuse flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and buzzy chips interspersed with short, jumbled phrases. Males give more persistent, rapid series when displaying or defending feeding territories.
Plumage
Male is glossy dark with a vivid iridescent green throat that can flash turquoise; female is olive-brown above with paler, lightly streaked underparts. Feathers are sleek and moderately glossy in males, softer and more matte in females.
Diet
Primarily nectar from flowering trees, shrubs, and vines, obtained by probing with the decurved bill. Also takes small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or caught on short sallies, which provide protein for nestlings. Will occasionally sip from cultivated ornamental flowers and may take small amounts of soft fruit.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the mid- to upper canopy at blossoming trees, but also drops to shrub level in edges and gardens. Often forages along forest margins, riverine vegetation, and secondary growth where flowers are abundant.
