The Usambara double-collared sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is a resident breeder in the tropical moist montane forests of southeast Kenya and Tanga Region of Tanzania.
Region
Eastern Arc Mountains and Taita Hills, East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in tropical moist montane forests, forest edges, and adjacent secondary growth. It frequents flowering trees and shrubs along ridgelines, clearings, and forest edges, and may visit forest-adjacent gardens. The species is resident in the East and West Usambara Mountains of northeastern Tanzania and extends north to the Taita Hills of southeastern Kenya. It prefers structurally complex, humid evergreen forest with a dense midstory and plenty of nectar sources.
Altitude Range
900–2400 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A small, brilliantly iridescent sunbird of the Eastern Arc and adjacent highlands, it is closely related to the Eastern Double-collared Sunbird but recognized by its distinctive chest bands. It is a key pollinator of montane forest flowers and often hovers like a hummingbird while feeding. Habitat loss in montane forests is a concern for many Eastern Arc endemics, making intact forest patches important for its persistence.
Temperament
social and active
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering
Social Behavior
Often seen in pairs or small groups, especially at flowering trees. Males can be territorial around rich nectar sources. The nest is a suspended, domed structure woven from plant fibers and spider webs, with a side entrance. Both adults provision nestlings with nectar and small arthropods.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Delivers a rapid, high‑pitched twittering song and buzzy trills from exposed perches. Calls include sharp chips and thin seep notes, accelerating when excited around flowers.
Plumage
Male is iridescent with a metallic green head and mantle, a narrow blue‑violet breast band above a broad scarlet band, and darker blackish underparts; female is duller olive‑brown to greyish with faint streaking below. Both sexes have slender, decurved bills and relatively short wings and tails typical of sunbirds.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from flowering trees and shrubs, inserting its decurved bill into corollas and sometimes piercing the base for access. Supplements nectar with small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Will also take small amounts of fruit and consume honeydew when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in montane forest canopies, along edges, and in secondary growth where flowering plants are abundant. Frequently visits gardens and forest-adjacent hedgerows with Aloes, Leonotis, and other nectar sources.
