Temminck's sunbird is a species of sunbird. It is found in up to 1800 m altitude in Borneo, Sumatra, West Malaysia, and south west Thailand in tropical moist montane forests.
Region
Southeast Asia (Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Sumatra)
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist montane forests, especially mossy and lower montane zones. Favors forest edges, clearings, and flowering shrubs along ridgelines and trails. Often visits gardens and lodge areas adjacent to montane forest where nectar plants are abundant. Typically forages from the understory to mid-canopy, occasionally higher when trees are in bloom.
Altitude Range
600–1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after the Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck, this sunbird is a vivid nectar-feeder of Southeast Asia's montane forests. It plays a role in pollination as it moves between flowering shrubs and trees. Males are highly territorial around rich nectar sources, often chasing away other nectarivores.
female - Doi Ang Khang Mountain - Thailand.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs; males defend nectar-rich shrubs and trees. During breeding, a small pendant nest is constructed with plant fibers and spider silk, typically suspended from foliage. The female incubates while both parents feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Calls are thin, high-pitched tsee and tzip notes, often delivered in quick series. The song is a short, squeaky trill or chatter interspersed with sharper contact notes.
Plumage
Male with bright scarlet to crimson head, mantle, and breast contrasting with yellow underparts and olive wings; tail dark bluish-black with a slight gloss. Female is olive-green above with yellowish underparts and lacks the male’s intense red tones; both sexes have a slender, decurved bill.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from flowering shrubs and trees, using a brush-tipped tongue. Supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, especially during the breeding season for added protein. Occasionally gleans arthropods from foliage or hawks small insects in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Forages along forest edges, clearings, and flowering mid-story vegetation in montane forest. Also visits ornamental blooms around mountain villages and lodges near natural habitat.
