The olive sunbird is a species of sunbird found in a large part of Africa south of the Sahel. It prefers forested regions, and is absent from drier, more open regions such as the Horn of Africa and most of south-central and south-western Africa. It is sometimes placed in the genus Nectarinia.
Region
Sub-Saharan African forest belt
Typical Environment
Occurs widely in humid forests and forest edges from West Africa through Central Africa to parts of East and southeastern Africa. It favors primary and mature secondary lowland forest, gallery forest, and wooded plantations, and readily visits shaded gardens near forest. The species is scarce or absent in drier, more open regions, including much of the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and arid zones of south-central and southwestern Africa. It often stays within dense foliage from the understory to mid-canopy, occasionally venturing into the canopy when flowering trees are in bloom.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The olive sunbird is a mostly forest-dwelling sunbird that acts as an important pollinator while also gleaning small arthropods. Some authorities split it into Eastern and Western olive sunbirds based on vocal and genetic differences. It is often inconspicuous compared to more iridescent sunbirds, relying on rapid, high-pitched calls and a swift, darting flight.
A juvenile oilve sunbird in Ankasa Forest Reserve, Ghana
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, darting movements
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, sometimes in loose associations where flowers are abundant. Pairs defend rich nectar sources and suitable nesting sites. The nest is a suspended, purse-like structure woven from plant fibers, moss, and spider webs; the female does most of the construction and incubation. Breeding timing varies regionally with rainfall and flower availability.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a rapid, high-pitched series of tinkling and twittering notes delivered from concealed perches. Calls include sharp tsip and thin seee notes, often repeated in quick succession.
Plumage
Plain olive-green upperparts with yellow-olive to olive underparts; overall matte, lacking iridescence. Slightly darker head and nape; plumage smooth and uniform with minimal streaking.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of forest flowers, probing with its long, decurved bill and often acting as an effective pollinator. Also hawks or gleans small insects and spiders from foliage, especially when feeding young. Will supplement with small fruits and berries when available, switching flexibly with seasonal resources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in shaded forest understory and mid-story, along forest edges, and in gardens with flowering shrubs and trees. Often visits flowering vines, epiphytes, and plantation blooms near forest.
