The plain sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical mangrove forests.
Region
Southeast Asia
Typical Environment
Occurs in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, and Thailand. It inhabits lowland evergreen forests, forest edges, and second-growth as well as mangrove forests. The species also visits flowering trees in parks, gardens, and plantations near forest. It generally forages from the understory to mid-canopy, occasionally higher in flowering trees.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Plain sunbirds are small nectar-feeders that often perch while sipping, unlike hummingbirds which frequently hover. Their slightly downcurved bills and brush-tipped tongues make them efficient at accessing tubular flowers, and they also take small insects for protein. They are important pollinators in Southeast Asian forests and mangroves.
Kota Kinabalu - Sabah, Borneo - Malaysia
Temperament
active and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Often seen singly, in pairs, or in small loose groups following flowering trees. Nest is a pendant, purse-like structure typically suspended from a branch with a side entrance. Breeding pairs are territorial around rich nectar sources.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin tseet notes and short twittering phrases delivered from perches in the mid-story. Calls are sharp and sibilant, often repeated while foraging.
