The pygmy sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda.
Region
West and Central Africa into East Africa (Sahel–Sudanian belt)
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Sahel and Sudanian savannas through dry woodland, thornbush, and scrub, including village edges and gardens. It favors areas with flowering shrubs and acacias, riverine thickets, and woodland edges. The species tolerates moderately disturbed habitats where nectar sources are available. It is found from coastal lowlands inland across semi-arid zones and open savannas.
Altitude Range
0–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The pygmy sunbird is one of the smallest sunbirds, with males sporting extremely long central tail streamers in breeding plumage. It typically perches to feed rather than hovering for long, sipping nectar from acacias and other flowering shrubs. It often tracks rainfall and blooming cycles across the Sahel, making local seasonal movements.
Temperament
active and mildly territorial around nectar sources
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, direct flight; brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes in small loose groups at flowering trees. The female builds a suspended, purse-shaped nest and undertakes most incubation. Males display around flowering shrubs and may defend small feeding territories.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A high, thin series of twitters and tinkling notes, delivered rapidly. Calls include sharp chips and buzzes around feeding sites.
