The Tsavo sunbird is a small passerine bird of Kenya and Tanzania. It is sometimes lumped with the purple-banded sunbird.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Found in southeastern Kenya, especially around the Tsavo ecosystem, and extends into adjacent northeastern Tanzania, including dry bushlands near the Kilimanjaro–Mkomazi region. It favors semi-arid Acacia–Commiphora scrub, open dry savanna, and thorny thickets. It also uses riverine fringes and occasionally human-modified areas such as gardens when nectar sources are abundant. The species is largely sedentary but may wander locally following flowering plants.
Altitude Range
200–1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Tsavo sunbird is a small East African sunbird confined mainly to the Tsavo region of Kenya and adjacent northeastern Tanzania. It has often been lumped with the purple-banded sunbird but differs subtly in plumage and range. Males are striking with iridescent green and a vivid purple breast band, while females are drabber and well-camouflaged. Like other sunbirds, it is an important pollinator of dry-country flowers.
Tsavo Sunbird
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, and small loose groups may form at rich nectar sources. Males defend flowering shrubs and trees vigorously. The nest is a small, purse-like structure suspended from vegetation, built from plant fibers and spider silk. Pairs are thought to be seasonally monogamous.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid series of high, tinkling twitters interspersed with thin, sibilant tseep notes. Males often sing from exposed perches at the tops of shrubs or small trees, with calls becoming more frequent during peak flowering.
Plumage
Male has an iridescent green head and throat with a distinct metallic purple band across the upper breast and a darker, blackish belly. Female is olive-brown above with pale yellowish underparts and faint streaking, lacking the male’s iridescence. Both sexes show a slender, slightly downcurved bill adapted for nectar feeding.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from flowering shrubs and trees such as aloes and Acacia–Commiphora species. It supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or taken on short sallies. Occasional fruit or honeydew may be taken when available. This mixed diet provides both energy-rich sugars and essential proteins.
Preferred Environment
Forages at blossoms in dry bushland, on edges of thickets, and along riverine trees where flowering is concentrated. It also visits gardens and roadsides with ornamental flowers during bloom. Feeding typically occurs at mid-levels, with brief hovering but more often perching while probing flowers.
