The south Moluccan sunbird is a species of bird in the sunbird family Nectariniidae that found on some of the Maluku Islands, between Sulawesi and New Guinea in Indonesia. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the olive-backed sunbird, now renamed the garden sunbird.
Region
Southern Moluccas, Eastern Indonesia (Wallacea)
Typical Environment
Occurs on several islands in the southern Maluku archipelago between Sulawesi and New Guinea, where it uses a wide range of lowland to foothill habitats. It frequents forest edges, secondary growth, coastal scrub, mangroves, plantations, and village gardens with flowering shrubs. It is often seen in human-modified landscapes provided nectar sources are available. Within islands it is patchily distributed but can be locally common around abundant blooms.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
The South Moluccan sunbird is a nectar-feeding songbird of the family Nectariniidae, confined to islands in the southern Maluku (Moluccas) of Indonesia. It was formerly treated as part of the widespread olive-backed (now often called garden) sunbird complex but has been split on vocal, plumage, and genetic differences. It readily visits flowering trees and shrubs, including in villages and gardens, and likely plays a role in local pollination. Males show a striking metallic throat that contrasts with bright yellow underparts.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, with males defending flowering trees and shrubs from rivals. During breeding it constructs a hanging, purse-shaped nest of plant fibers and spider webs, often suspended from a low branch near human habitation. Clutch size is typically two eggs, with the female doing most of the incubation while the male guards the territory.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Produces high, thin twitters and rapid, sweet warbles delivered from exposed perches. Calls include sharp tsip and tzeet notes often given in foraging flocks around flowering plants.
