The Uluguru violet-backed sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in forests in eastern Kenya, eastern Tanzania and north-eastern Mozambique. It is part of the violet-backed sunbird superspecies.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from eastern Kenya through eastern Tanzania to north-eastern Mozambique. Favors evergreen and semi-evergreen forest, forest edges, riverine woodland, and well-wooded secondary growth. It also uses thickets, wooded plantations, and flowering gardens adjacent to forest. Birds forage from understory to mid-canopy, often along sunny gaps and edges where blossoms are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small sunbird of East African forests, the Uluguru violet-backed sunbird is part of the violet-backed sunbird superspecies. Males flash an iridescent violet mantle in bright light, while females are much duller and well camouflaged. It frequently visits flowering trees and shrubs and helps pollinate native plants. Pairs often join mixed-species flocks along forest edges and clearings.
Temperament
active and somewhat territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Usually found singly or in pairs, with males defending small nectar-rich feeding territories. Joins mixed-species flocks along forest edges and in secondary growth. Builds a pendant, woven nest with a side entrance; clutch size is typically 1–2 eggs.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, high-pitched series of tsee and tzz notes interspersed with rapid twitters. Calls are metallic and sibilant, often delivered from a perch near flowering trees.
Plumage
Male with glossy violet to purplish mantle and upper back contrasting with darker head and wings; underparts pale to whitish with a slight yellowish wash. Female is olive-brown above with paler, lightly yellow-washed underparts and faint streaking, lacking the male’s iridescence.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of native flowers and also visits exotic ornamentals. Supplements nectar with small arthropods, especially when feeding young. Occasionally consumes small fruits or juices from soft berries. Forages by probing blossoms, gleaning foliage, and making short sallies to catch insects.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, clearings, riverine strips, and gardens with abundant flowering shrubs and trees. Often concentrates at seasonally blooming canopy trees and sunlit thickets.
