The orange-tufted sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in moist savanna, the grassy edges of gallery forest and of isolated tropical forests in Africa. It is absent from forests in the central Congo Basin. It has been recorded in northern Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, western Kenya, eastern Nigeria, Uganda, and northern Zambia.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in moist savannas, forest edges, gallery forest margins, and secondary growth across west-central to east-central Africa. It is largely absent from the dense interior of the central Congo Basin. Frequently visits flowering shrubs and trees in clearings, villages, and plantations. Prefers ecotones where open habitats meet lowland forest.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the male’s small orange pectoral tufts, which are flashed during display. Like other sunbirds, it takes nectar but also hunts tiny insects, making it an important pollinator and insect controller. It usually perches to feed but can hover briefly at flowers. Local movements track blooming plants.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in loose associations at rich flowering sites. Males display by fluffing the orange tufts and performing short chases. The nest is a pendant, purse-like structure suspended from foliage, with both sexes involved in nesting duties to varying degrees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twittering and rapid chips delivered from exposed perches. Males add rapid trills and buzzy notes during territorial and courtship displays.
