The grey-chinned sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found throughout the African tropical rainforest, east of the Dahomey Gap. The yellow-chinned sunbird, was formerly grouped with this species.
Region
West-Central and Central African rainforests east of the Dahomey Gap
Typical Environment
Occurs from southeastern Nigeria east through Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea (including Bioko), Gabon, the Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, reaching into western Uganda and adjacent regions. It inhabits lowland and foothill evergreen rainforest, gallery forest, and well-wooded secondary growth. Frequently uses forest edges, clearings, and flowering trees in cocoa and other agroforestry mosaics. Generally avoids very open habitats but will move along wooded corridors to forage.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey-chinned sunbird is an African forest sunbird of the family Nectariniidae, split from the western Yellow-chinned Sunbird mainly by the color of the chin and the Dahomey Gap dividing their ranges. It typically feeds by probing tubular flowers but will also glean small arthropods, often hovering briefly at blooms. Like many sunbirds, it builds a delicate, hanging purse-shaped nest from plant fibers and spider webs. It is generally common where suitable forest persists.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species foraging flocks in the forest canopy and edges. Pairs construct a suspended purse-like nest from plant fibers, lichens, and spider silk, typically placed in dense foliage. The species defends rich flowering trees but otherwise keeps a low profile within the mid- to upper canopy.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin tinkling notes and rapid twitters delivered in short series from concealed perches. Call notes include sharp tsip and tsee elements, often given while foraging.
