Oustalet's sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Angola, Malawi, Tanzania, and Zambia.
Region
South-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found from Angola through Zambia to Malawi and western Tanzania, primarily in miombo (Brachystegia) woodlands and wooded savannas. It frequents edges, riparian thickets, and secondary growth, and often ventures into villages and gardens with abundant flowering plants. The species is tolerant of lightly degraded habitats provided nectar sources remain. During the dry season it tracks flowering trees and shrubs across the landscape.
Altitude Range
500–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Oustalet's sunbird is a small, fast-moving nectar specialist that also takes insects, making it an important pollinator in miombo and other woodland habitats. Males show striking iridescent colors, while females are more subdued for better camouflage at the nest. It readily visits flowering shrubs and gardens and can hover briefly like a hummingbird, though it usually feeds while perched.
Oustalet's Sunbird
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, joining loose mixed flocks when food is abundant. Breeding pairs build a suspended, purse-like nest of plant fibers and spider silk, with a side entrance. The female incubates while the male often helps defend the territory and feed nestlings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and rapid, tinkling phrases delivered from exposed perches. Also gives sharp tsip and tsee contact calls while foraging.
