Humblot's sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to the islands of Grand Comoro and Mohéli in the Comoros.
Region
Comoros Archipelago
Typical Environment
Humblot's sunbird occurs across Grand Comoro and Mohéli in a range of wooded and semi-open habitats. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, plantations, gardens, and coastal scrub where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. It also ascends into montane zones on volcanic slopes, including areas around Mount Karthala. The species adapts well to human-modified landscapes so long as nectar sources remain available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the French naturalist Léon Humblot, this small sunbird is restricted to Grand Comoro and Mohéli in the Comoros. It is an active pollinator of many native and cultivated flowering plants, using a brush-tipped tongue to take nectar. Males are strikingly iridescent, while females are more subdued and cryptic.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, and can form loose groups at rich flowering sites. Pairs defend small nectar territories around favored blossoms. The nest is a pendant, purse-like structure of plant fibers and spider silk, suspended in shrubbery or low trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, tinkling series of rapid notes interspersed with thin chips. Males deliver energetic twittering phrases from exposed perches, with sharp call notes during chases around flowering plants.
Plumage
Male has glossy, iridescent upperparts with a shimmering green head and throat and darker underparts with a narrow metallic breast band; female is duller with olive-brown upperparts and yellowish to buff underparts.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of native and cultivated flowers, probing with a brush-tipped tongue. Supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, especially during breeding when protein demands increase. Will glean from foliage and occasionally sally after flying insects. Frequently visits flowering shrubs, trees, and ornamental garden plants.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in forest edges, gardens, coconut and clove plantations, and secondary scrub where blossoms are concentrated. Often forages at multiple heights, from low shrubs to canopy-level flowering trees.
