The regal sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is native to the Albertine Rift montane forests.
Region
Albertine Rift, East-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen and bamboo-forest mosaics, forest edges, clearings, and secondary growth. Often forages in flowering trees and shrubs along ridges, roadsides, and forest gaps. Uses mid-story to canopy levels but will descend to feed at low shrubs. Common in protected highland forests such as the Rwenzori–Virunga–Kivu–Nyungwe complex.
Altitude Range
1600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A dazzling member of the Nectariniidae, the regal sunbird is restricted to the Albertine Rift montane forests of Central/East Africa. Males are exceptionally colorful and often visit flowering shrubs and trees, acting as important pollinators. They typically track blooms locally rather than undertaking long-distance migrations. Nests are neat, pendant, purse-like structures suspended from vegetation.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, with males defending rich flowering patches. Forms loose associations at abundant bloom sources and may join mixed-species flocks along forest edges. Monogamous pairs build pendant, woven nests with a side entrance and both parents care for the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin twitters and rapid, tinkling trills delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp tseep notes and buzzy chips given in foraging bouts.
Plumage
Male shows glossy, iridescent upperparts with a bright metallic head and throat, a narrow red pectoral band, and vivid golden-yellow underparts; wings and tail are dark. Female is olive-brown above with yellowish, lightly streaked underparts and a duller overall appearance. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill typical of sunbirds.
Diet
Primarily nectar from a variety of montane flowers, supplemented by small insects and spiders for protein, especially during breeding. Probes tubular blossoms and also gleans arthropods from foliage. Acts as a pollinator for several highland plant species by transferring pollen while feeding.
Preferred Environment
Feeds at flowering shrubs, forest-edge trees, and canopy bloom clusters. Common along sunny gaps, roadsides with flowering plants, and edge habitats where nectar is abundant.
