Newton's sunbird, or the São Tomé sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to São Tomé Island. It is one of the smallest sunbirds. In general, the bird has dark olive upperparts - the male has an iridescent green-purple throat and upper breast region, while females have a dull olive throat and yellowish underparts, but underparts in female youth do not develop into yellow until later sexual maturity.
Region
Gulf of Guinea islands
Typical Environment
Occurs throughout São Tomé Island in a variety of habitats, from primary and secondary forest to forest edges, plantations, and village gardens. It favors areas with abundant flowering shrubs and trees and will also use cacao and coffee estates for nectar resources. The species adapts well to disturbed habitats as long as flowers and small arthropods are available. It forages at all forest strata, often from understory to mid‑canopy.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Newton's sunbird, also called the São Tomé sunbird, is one of the smallest sunbirds and is found only on São Tomé Island. Males have a striking iridescent green‑purple throat patch used in display, while females are duller with yellowish underparts that develop fully at maturity. It is an important pollinator for many island plants and readily visits flowering trees in gardens and plantations.
Chrysococcyx cupreus in a spawn of Anabathmis newtonii - MHNT
Temperament
active and moderately territorial at flowering plants
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Males defend rich nectar sources with short chases. The nest is a small, pendant structure woven from plant fibers and spider silk, typically suspended from a twig or palm frond with a side entrance. Both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin twittering phrases interspersed with sharp tsip notes. Calls are rapid and metallic when agitated near feeding territories.
