Lina's sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae It is endemic to mountains in the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is one of the most striking sunbirds in the country with the male having an iridescent blue color and an orange spot on its yellow breast. It is named after Dioscoro S. Rabor's wife, Lina who would assist Dioscoro on expeditions. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forest above 1000m. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Mindanao, Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical montane and mossy forests on Mindanao, favoring ridgelines, forest edges, and clearings where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. It also uses secondary growth adjacent to intact forest, especially when nectar sources are concentrated. Birds are most often seen in the mid- to upper canopy but will descend to eye level at flowering vegetation. Local movements may occur following blooms and seasonal resource peaks.
Altitude Range
1000–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Lina's sunbird is a striking highland sunbird named in honor of Lina Rabor, who assisted Philippine ornithologist Dioscoro S. Rabor on expeditions. Males show brilliant iridescent blue with a bright orange pectoral spot on a yellow breast, while females are much duller and olive-yellow. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs, sipping nectar and also taking small insects, especially when feeding young. Habitat loss in Mindanao’s montane forests poses the main threat.
A Philippine stamp in 2009 depicting the Lina's sunbird
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks when foraging. Pairs defend nectar-rich patches, with males especially aggressive toward rivals. The nest is a pendant, purse-like structure suspended from vegetation; the female leads construction and both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives high, thin, tinkling notes and rapid twittering phrases, often delivered from a prominent perch near flowering trees. Calls are sharp tsip and tsee notes used in contact and territorial chases.
Plumage
Male with iridescent blue head and mantle, yellow underparts with a vivid orange pectoral spot; female olive-green above with yellowish underparts and much duller overall. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill typical of sunbirds.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from flowering trees, shrubs, and epiphytes, using its decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue. Also takes small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage and caught on short sallies, especially during breeding to provide protein for chicks. Will track flowering events and concentrate where blooms are abundant.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of montane and mossy forest, along edges, trails, and gaps with profuse blooms. Also visits gardens and secondary growth near intact forest when nectar plants are available.
