The mangrove sunbird or mouse-brown sunbird, is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. Its range covers areas near the Gulf of Guinea, from Senegal to northwestern Angola.
Region
West and Central African coast (Gulf of Guinea)
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily along coastal mangrove belts from Senegal and Gambia through Guinea and Nigeria to northwestern Angola. It is closely tied to mangrove forests, estuaries, tidal creeks, and coastal lagoons. The species also forages in adjacent coastal thickets and riverine edges where suitable flowering plants occur. It is generally local but can be fairly common where mangroves are intact.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the mouse-brown sunbird, this species is a mangrove specialist found along the Gulf of Guinea coast. It is inconspicuous and often overlooked due to its drab plumage, but it plays a key role as a pollinator of mangrove and coastal shrubs. Pairs often defend small feeding territories around flowering trees.
Temperament
skulking but active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between perches
Social Behavior
Usually found singly, in pairs, or small family groups within mangrove stands. Pairs can be territorial around rich nectar sources and will chase intruders. The nest is a small pendant pouch of plant fibers and spider webs, often suspended over water or in dense mangrove foliage.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are thin, high-pitched tsee-tsee notes and rapid twitters, often delivered from concealed perches. Song is modest and unobtrusive, with brief trills and chip sequences.
