The Tboli sunbird is a species of bird in the sunbird family Nectariniidae. It is endemic to the Philippines found only in the mountains of south Mindanao. Its natural habitat is tropical moist montane forest starting from 800 meters above sea level. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the Apo sunbird.
Region
Mindanao, southern Philippines
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist montane and mossy forest on the mountains of southern Mindanao, typically above the lowland forest zone. It uses forest interiors, edges, and clearings with abundant flowering plants. Birds visit midstory and canopy blossoms and will descend to shrubby growth along ridgelines and trails. It is closely tied to intact montane forest and nearby secondary growth.
Altitude Range
800–2200 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tboli sunbird is a recently recognized split from the Apo sunbird and is confined to the high mountains of southern Mindanao, Philippines. It frequents flowering shrubs and trees where it laps nectar with a brush-tipped tongue and also takes small insects. Its high, thin calls often reveal its presence in dense montane forest. Because of its restricted range and specialized habitat, it may be sensitive to forest degradation.
Temperament
active and territorial around flowering plants
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with darting, hovering approaches to flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; males defend rich nectar sources and display briefly at favored perches. The species likely builds a pendant, purse-shaped nest from plant fibers and moss, suspended from a twig in sheltered cover. Breeding behavior is presumed similar to related Aethopyga sunbirds, with both parents feeding the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
High, thin, tinkling notes and rapid twittering phrases, interspersed with sharp tsip contact calls. Vocalizations carry well in mossy forest but are easily masked by wind and stream noise.
Plumage
Male shows iridescent metallic throat and upper breast with olive-green upperparts and bright yellow underparts; female is duller with olive-brown upperparts and pale yellowish underparts. Both sexes have sleek, close-fitting plumage typical of sunbirds.
Diet
Primarily nectar taken from tubular and brush-type flowers; uses a brush-tipped tongue to lap nectar. Also gleans small insects and spiders from foliage and flowers, especially when feeding young. Occasionally sips sap or takes soft fruits when available.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in the midstory and canopy of montane forest and at flowering shrubs along edges and ridgelines. Regularly visits seasonal blooms and may follow flowering phenology within its range.
