Rockefeller's sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
Region
Albertine Rift of Central-East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in montane evergreen forests and forest edges of the Albertine Rift, chiefly in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and adjacent highlands of Rwanda (and locally nearby ranges). It favors mature forest, bamboo zones, Hagenia–Hypericum woodlands, and giant-heath (Erica) belts. The species regularly forages at flowering shrubs and canopy blossoms along clearings and roadsides. It is typically resident within high-elevation blocks of continuous forest and can be scarce where habitat is fragmented.
Altitude Range
1600–3200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Rockefeller's sunbird is an Albertine Rift montane specialist named in honor of the Rockefeller family. Males show striking iridescence and a bold red breast band, while females are much duller and cryptic. It depends on intact high-altitude forests and visits tubular flowers for nectar but also hunts small insects. Conservation of protected forests like Nyungwe is crucial for its persistence.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, sometimes joining mixed-species flocks at flowering trees. The nest is a suspended, purse-like structure of plant fibers and spider webs, usually built by the female. Males display and sing from conspicuous perches during courtship, and both adults attend fledglings.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers thin, high-pitched twitters and a rapid, scratchy warble interspersed with sharp chips. Calls are metallic and tinkling, often given while foraging among blossoms.
Plumage
Male is dark with vivid iridescent green on head and throat, a narrow bluish sheen above a bright scarlet breast band, and darker underparts; female is olive-brown above with duller, grayish-olive underparts and faint streaking.
Diet
Feeds primarily on nectar from tubular flowers such as Lobelia, Erica, and other montane blooms. Supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Will glean, probe, and occasionally sally to catch aerial prey, and may take small fruits opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, bamboo and giant-heath zones, and in the mid- to upper canopy of montane forest. Frequently visits flowering shrubs and roadside vegetation where blossoms are abundant.
