The grey sunbird or mouse-coloured sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Eswatini, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Somalia, South Africa, and Tanzania.
Region
Eastern and Southeastern Africa (coastal belt)
Typical Environment
Occurs from southern Somalia through coastal Kenya and Tanzania to Mozambique, Eswatini, and northeastern South Africa, with some inland extensions to Malawi. It favors coastal and lowland evergreen forest, forest edges, riverine thickets, and wooded gardens with abundant flowering plants. Often found in areas with aloes, hibiscus, and other nectar-rich blossoms. Common in secondary growth and along forest margins where flowering resources are plentiful.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The grey sunbird, also called the mouse-coloured sunbird, is a small East African nectar specialist that frequents coastal and lowland forests, thickets, and gardens. Unlike many sunbirds, it lacks bright iridescent plumage and is mostly plain grey, making its long, decurved bill a key ID feature. It weaves a bag-like nest from plant fibers and spider webs, often suspended from foliage. Birds make local movements following flowering shrubs and trees.
Juvenile
Temperament
active and territorial around flowering plants
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct dashes between blossoms
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs; defends rich nectar sources. The female builds a pendulous, bag-like nest from plant fibers bound with spider silk, typically suspended from a branch. Clutch size is small, and both adults feed the nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twittering phrases interspersed with sharp tsee-tsee calls. Vocalizations intensify during breeding and when defending nectar sources.
