The Socotra sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to Socotra.
Region
Socotra Archipelago
Typical Environment
Occurs across Socotra from coastal plains and wadis to foothills and the Hagghier Mountains. Favors areas with flowering shrubs and trees, including dry scrub, frankincense woodlands, and gardens. Often found along rocky slopes, oasis-like wadis, and around settlements where nectar sources are reliable. It is widespread and locally common wherever blossoms are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Socotra sunbird is a key pollinator of many of Socotra’s endemic plants, including frankincense trees and other dryland bloomers. Males show vivid iridescence that shifts with the angle of light. Like other sunbirds, it can hover briefly at flowers but usually perches while feeding. It adapts well to villages and wadis where flowering shrubs are common.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen in pairs or small family groups, defending rich nectar sources. The nest is a small, purse-like structure of plant fibers and spider silk, often suspended in low shrubs. The female typically builds and incubates, with the male assisting in provisioning the young. Breeding aligns with peaks in flowering.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A fast, high-pitched twittering mixed with thin tseep notes and short trills. Males deliver more sustained, buzzy chatter from exposed perches near feeding territories.
Plumage
Male shows glossy, iridescent green to bluish head and throat with dark, velvety black underparts and a subtle purplish sheen; female is plain olive-brown above with buffy to grayish underparts. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill suited for nectar feeding and relatively short wings.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from flowering shrubs and trees, acting as an important pollinator. Also takes small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Will probe flowers, glean from foliage, and occasionally hawk tiny insects in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Concentrates around flowering Boswellia and other arid-zone plants in wadis, rocky scrub, and garden plantings. Frequently visits village gardens and oases where blooms persist through dry periods.
