Reichenbach's sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
It inhabits lowland tropical rainforests, forest edges, and secondary growth across the Gulf of Guinea region into the Congo Basin. The species often visits riverine forest and mangroves where flowering plants are abundant. It adapts to degraded forest and plantations with sufficient canopy and understory blossoms. Gardens and clearings near forest are also used when nectar sources are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Reichenbach's sunbird is a small African nectar-feeder named after the German naturalist Ludwig Reichenbach. Like many sunbirds, it supplements nectar with small insects, especially when feeding chicks. It plays a role in pollination of various rainforest plants and frequents flowering shrubs and trees along forest edges.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Often seen singly or in pairs, and joins loose mixed-species flocks at flowering trees. Breeding pairs are typically territorial around rich nectar sources. The nest is a small, purse-like structure suspended from vegetation, with the female doing most of the construction.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of buzzy twitters and chips, delivered rapidly from a perch near flowering plants. Calls include soft, sharp tseep notes used during foraging and contact.
Plumage
Small, slender sunbird with a slightly downcurved bill; males show darker, more lustrous upperparts while females are duller with olive-brown upperparts and paler, yellowish underparts. Overall appearance is subtle compared to more brightly iridescent sunbirds.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from flowering shrubs, trees, and lianas. It also takes small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or caught in short sallies, providing protein especially for nestlings. Occasional fruit sipping may occur when nectar is scarce.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the forest understory to mid-canopy, along edges, and in secondary growth. Frequently visits flowering trees in riverine forest, mangroves, and plantations, and may enter gardens near forest.
