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.
