The violet-tailed sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found near water in forest, scrub and mangrove in the Central African countries of Angola, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon. It is part of the violet-backed sunbird superspecies.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs from Cameroon and the Central African Republic south through Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and into northern Angola. It favors habitats near water, including riverine forest, forest edges, swamp forest, gallery woodland, and mangrove margins. The species also uses secondary growth and clearings with abundant flowering shrubs. It readily visits blossoming trees and can persist in moderately disturbed landscapes provided nectar sources remain.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This small sunbird is closely tied to water and is often seen along rivers, forest edges, and mangroves in Central Africa. Males display hidden orange pectoral tufts and a metallic violet tail during courtship. It is considered part of the violet-backed sunbird superspecies and is generally common where suitable flowering plants occur.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, sometimes joining small mixed-species flocks at flowering trees. Males defend nectar-rich feeding territories, especially during the breeding season. The nest is a small, pendant, purse-like structure with a side entrance, suspended from foliage or thin branches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A high, thin series of tinkling notes and rapid twittering trills, interspersed with sharp chips. Calls are often delivered from exposed perches near flowering trees and during short display flights.
Plumage
Male shows glossy dark upperparts with a metallic violet tail and upper tail-coverts, contrasting with paler grayish underparts; small orange pectoral tufts may be flared in display. Female is duller, olive-brown above with pale gray to whitish underparts and faint streaking. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill adapted for nectar feeding.
Diet
Primarily consumes nectar from a variety of flowering shrubs and trees, probing blossoms with its decurved bill. It supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. It may hawk briefly for aerial insects and glean arthropods from foliage. Occasional fruit or sap may be taken opportunistically.
Preferred Environment
Feeds along forest edges, riverbanks, and mangrove margins where flowering plants are abundant. Also frequents secondary growth, gardens, and clearings with nectar sources.
