The Palawan sunbird is a species of bird in the sunbird family Nectariniidae that is found on the islands of the Palawan group in the Philippines. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the olive-backed sunbird, now renamed the garden sunbird.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs on the islands of the Palawan group in the western Philippines, including Palawan, Balabac, Busuanga, and Culion. It inhabits lowland and foothill forests, forest edges, secondary growth, mangroves, and wooded gardens. The species frequently forages along forest margins and clearings where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. It can persist in moderately disturbed habitats provided nectar sources remain available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Palawan sunbird is a recently recognized split from the olive-backed (now garden) sunbird complex and is confined to the Palawan island group of the Philippines. It feeds mainly on nectar using a brush-tipped tongue and also takes small insects, acting as an important pollinator for many native plants. Males show striking iridescence that can look dull until caught by direct light. It adapts well to edges and gardens, often visiting ornamental flowers.
An illustration of a male Palawan Sunbird by Keulemans
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small family parties, and occasionally joins mixed-species foraging flocks at forest edges. The nest is a small pendant pouch woven from plant fibers, spider silk, and other fine materials, suspended from a twig or palm frond. Both sexes tend the nest and young, though males spend more time displaying and defending feeding areas.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, high-pitched twittering series interspersed with thin tsee-tsee notes. Calls are sharp, sibilant chips used during foraging and when defending nectar sources. Song can accelerate into a bright jangling trill during displays.
Plumage
Male with glossy metallic bluish to purplish throat and upper breast, olive upperparts, and bright yellow underparts; female duller with olive-brown above and yellowish below. Feathers are sleek and close-fitting, with subtle iridescence on the male’s head and bib. Tail is dark with faint pale edging. Overall appearance is small, slim, and cleanly colored.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from flowering trees, shrubs, and vines, probing blossoms with its decurved bill and brush-tipped tongue. It supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, especially during breeding to feed nestlings. It also takes occasional soft fruits and sap where available. The species moves quickly between flowering plants and may defend rich nectar sources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, in secondary growth, mangroves, and village gardens with abundant flowering ornamentals. Frequently visits coconut, banana, hibiscus, and native blossoms, often at mid-canopy to understory heights.
