The magnificent sunbird is a striking species of bird in the sunbird family. It is endemic to the Philippines found in the Visayan islands of Negros Island, Panay, Cebu, Tablas Island and Romblon. It was considered a subspecies of the crimson sunbird.
Region
Philippines, Visayan Islands
Typical Environment
Occurs on several Visayan islands, frequenting lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, and secondary growth. It is also common in coconut groves, orchards, and flowering gardens near settlements. Birds often move through canopy and midstory, but will feed at understory blooms when available. The species regularly visits ornamental flowers and native blossoms, contributing to local pollination dynamics.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The magnificent sunbird is a brilliantly colored Philippine endemic, formerly treated as a subspecies of the crimson sunbird. Males are striking pollinators that visit flowering trees and garden plants, while females are more subdued and well-camouflaged. It adapts well to edges, secondary growth, and gardens, which helps buffer it from extensive forest loss.
An illustration of a male (top) and female (bottom) by J. G. Keulemans (1880)
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small loose groups at flowering trees. Males defend rich nectar sources with short chases. The species builds a delicate hanging purse-like nest of plant fibers and spider silk, usually low to mid-level. Clutches are small, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Gives thin, high-pitched tsee and tsip notes and rapid, tinkling warbles. Songs are brief but repeated, often delivered from exposed perches near flowering trees.
