The violet-breasted sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae (sunbirds). It is found in Kenya and Somalia.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from coastal and near-coastal Somalia south into eastern Kenya. Favors dry scrub, acacia-Commiphora thickets, coastal bushland, and open woodland edges, and it readily visits gardens with flowering shrubs. It concentrates where nectar-rich plants are in bloom, shifting locally as flowering peaks. Nests are typically sited in low shrubs or small trees near reliable floral resources.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
This small sunbird’s vivid male plumage is produced by iridescent feather structures rather than pigments. It often hovers briefly at flowers like a hummingbird but typically feeds while perched. By visiting blossoms of aloes and other native plants, it acts as an important pollinator in arid coastal habitats. Pairs build suspended, purse-shaped nests from plant fibers and spider webs.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, sometimes small loose groups around abundant flowering plants. Males defend rich nectar sources vigorously against rivals. The nest is an enclosed, hanging pouch woven from grasses and spider silk, with both parents participating in care. Breeding often coincides with peaks in flowering after rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rapid, high-pitched series of twitters and tinkling notes, interspersed with sharp chips. Calls accelerate during chases and territorial displays and soften to more subdued warbles when foraging.
Plumage
Male shows glossy, iridescent plumage with a striking violet breast set against darker metallic head and mantle; underparts otherwise dark. Female is duller, olive-brown to grey-brown above with paler, lightly washed underparts and faint streaking.
Diet
Primarily nectar from flowering shrubs and trees such as aloes, Leonotis, and acacias. Supplements with small insects and spiders, gleaned from foliage or hawked in short sallies, especially when feeding young. Also takes occasional fruit or tree sap when available. Follows bloom cycles, shifting locally to the richest nectar sources.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in dry scrub, coastal bushland, gardens, and woodland edges where tubular flowers are abundant. Often forages at mid-level shrubs and low trees, occasionally descending to flowering herbs.
