The splendid sunbird is a sunbird. The sunbirds are a group of very small Old World passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also feed on insects, especially when feeding young.
Region
West and Central Africa
Typical Environment
Found across a broad swath of West to Central tropical Africa in woodland, savanna with scattered trees, forest edges, riverine thickets, mangroves, and cultivated areas. They are common in towns and villages where ornamental shrubs and flowering trees are present. The species adapts well to human-altered landscapes provided nectar sources are available. Local seasonal movements track flowering cycles, but overall it remains widely distributed and common.
Altitude Range
0–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The splendid sunbird is a very small Old World passerine that primarily feeds on nectar, using a slender, decurved bill to probe flowers. Males are notably iridescent with a striking crimson belly and a narrow blue breast band, while females are olive-brown and more cryptic. They readily visit flowering gardens and play an important role in pollination, but also take small insects, especially when feeding young.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats, agile flier
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, frequently visiting blossoming trees and shrubs. Breeding pairs build a pendant, purse-shaped nest of plant fibers and spider webs, usually suspended from a twig or in shrubbery. The female typically incubates while the male helps defend the territory and feeds fledglings.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song and calls are high-pitched, rapid twitters and metallic chits delivered from exposed perches. Males may give quick, buzzing phrases interspersed with sharp tseep notes during display.
Plumage
Male shows glossy purplish-violet upperparts and throat with a narrow iridescent blue breast band above a vivid crimson belly; wings and tail are dark. Female is olive-brown above with dull yellowish or grayish underparts and lacks the male’s iridescence. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill adapted for nectar feeding.
Diet
Feeds mainly on nectar from a variety of flowering shrubs and trees, probing tubular blossoms with its curved bill and extending a brush-tipped tongue. Also consumes small insects and spiders, especially to provide protein for nestlings. Will glean arthropods from foliage and occasionally hawk tiny insects in short sallies. Plays a role in pollination by transferring pollen between flowers.
Preferred Environment
Frequent flowering gardens, hedgerows, forest edges, acacia and wooded savanna, and riparian vegetation. Often forages at mid-canopy to canopy height but will descend to visit low shrubs and garden plants.
