The Mayotte sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to Mayotte and surrounding islets in the southeastern Comoros. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Region
Comoro Islands (western Indian Ocean)
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout Mayotte and nearby islets in subtropical and tropical moist lowland forests, coastal thickets, and mangroves. It is also common in secondary growth, plantations, and village gardens where flowering plants are abundant. The species uses forest edges and clearings to forage and will enter human-modified habitats. Availability of nectar-bearing shrubs and trees strongly influences local density.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 660 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Mayotte sunbird is a small, energetic nectar specialist that also takes tiny insects for protein. Males sport iridescent plumage and often sing from exposed perches while defending rich flowering shrubs. By visiting a wide variety of native and ornamental flowers, it serves as an important pollinator on Mayotte. It adapts well to gardens and forest edges as long as nectar sources are available.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs; males defend flower-rich feeding territories. Breeding pairs construct a small pendant or purse-like nest from plant fibers and spider webs, suspended in shrubs or trees. Clutch size is small, and both parents attend the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin tinkling phrases interspersed with rapid twitters and chips. Males deliver a lively, metallic series from exposed perches and give sharp calls while foraging.
Plumage
Male with glossy, iridescent green upperparts and head, a dark violet-black throat and breast band, and bright yellow to olive underparts; female duller with olive-brown upperparts and greyish to buff underparts.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of native trees, shrubs, and flowering herbs, probing blossoms with its decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, especially during breeding for added protein. Also visits ornamental plants in gardens and plantations.
Preferred Environment
Forages in flowering canopy and mid-story, along forest edges, and in gardens with abundant blossoms. Frequently visits mangrove margins and secondary growth where nectar resources are concentrated.
