The lovely sunbird is a bird species in the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to the Philippines. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Philippine Archipelago
Typical Environment
Found in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests and extending into montane forests. Frequent along forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. It also visits plantations and well-vegetated gardens near forest. Uses a mix of perches and short hovering flights to access nectar. Often follows seasonal flowering within its range.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Lovely Sunbird is a striking nectar-feeder endemic to the Philippines, often acting as an important pollinator of native flowering plants. Unlike hummingbirds, it usually perches to feed but can hover briefly at blossoms. Males are vividly iridescent, while females are more subdued for camouflage. It adapts to forest edges and sometimes visits gardens with abundant flowers.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with darting movements
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Breeds in the forest, where the nest is a hanging pouch of plant fibers and spider silk. The female typically handles most incubation, with the male assisting in territory defense and provisioning.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and rapid, tinkling notes interspersed with sharp chips. Calls are often delivered from exposed perches near flowering trees.
Plumage
Male is brightly iridescent with glossed metallic areas and contrasting warm-toned underparts; female is plain olive-brown above with paler yellowish underparts.
Diet
Primarily nectar from a variety of native flowers, using its decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue. Supplements diet with small insects and spiders, especially during breeding to provide protein. Will glean from foliage and occasionally sally for aerial prey. May visit cultivated flowers when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, mid-story flowering trees, and shrub layers. Frequently forages in secondary growth, clearings, and gardens adjacent to intact forest.
