The olive-bellied sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is widely spread across the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found widely across the African tropical rainforest belt, including forest interiors, edges, and secondary growth. They also occur in clearings, village gardens, plantations, and along forest tracks where flowering shrubs are abundant. The species favors lowland moist evergreen forest but can extend into gallery forest and wooded savanna fringes. Occurs from countries such as Sierra Leone and Ghana through Nigeria and Cameroon to Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and into western Uganda.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Olive-bellied sunbirds are small, fast-moving nectar specialists that often perch while feeding, unlike hummingbirds which commonly hover. They supplement nectar with insects and spiders, especially when feeding chicks. Males are noticeably more iridescent than females, a common pattern in sunbirds. They adapt well to disturbed habitats and flowering gardens near rainforest edges.
Olive-bellied sunbird (male) in flight
Olive-bellied sunbird (female) in Uganda
Cinnyris chloropygius - MHNT
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; capable of brief hovering
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, with males defending small nectar-rich territories. The female constructs a pendulous, oval nest of plant fibers and spider webs, often with a side entrance. Clutches are small, and both parents feed the nestlings, increasing insect prey during the breeding period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High-pitched, thin tsee-tsee notes and rapid twittering phrases delivered from exposed perches. Calls are sharp and metallic, used frequently while foraging.
Plumage
Male shows glossy green head and throat with an olive-yellow belly and dusky wings; female is duller, olive-brown above with yellowish-olive underparts. Iridescence is most prominent on the head and upper breast of the male. Both sexes have a slender, slightly downcurved bill adapted for nectar feeding.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from a variety of tubular and brush-like flowers, probing deeply with its curved bill. It also consumes small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or caught in short sallies. During breeding, animal prey becomes more important to provide protein for growing chicks.
Preferred Environment
Forages in flowering shrubs, vines, and small trees along forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. Frequently visits gardens, plantations, and roadside vegetation where nectar sources are concentrated.
