The western miombo sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in western Africa.
Region
South-central Africa
Typical Environment
Occupies miombo woodlands dominated by Brachystegia and Julbernardia, favoring woodland edges, clearings, and riparian thickets. It also occurs in dry savanna mosaics and secondary growth where flowering shrubs and trees are abundant. Frequently visits flowering aloes, acacias, and other nectar sources, including in rural gardens and settlements. Breeding and local movements often track peaks in floral availability within the woodland matrix.
Altitude Range
500–2000 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
A small, highly active sunbird specialized for nectar feeding, it also takes insects, especially when rearing young. Males show striking metallic colors and a bright chest band, while females are duller and streaked for camouflage. It can hover briefly at flowers but usually feeds while perched. Flowering cycles in miombo woodlands strongly influence its local movements and breeding.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, with males defending flower-rich patches. Forms loose associations at abundant nectar sources and may join mixed-species flocks outside breeding. Builds an oval, pendant nest of plant fibers and spider webs with a side entrance. Pairs are seasonally monogamous during breeding.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A rapid series of high, tinkling notes and thin twitters interspersed with sharp chips. Males deliver more sustained, buzzy phrases from exposed perches during display.
Plumage
Male glossy metallic green on head and throat with a narrow, bright red chest band and darker underparts; female olive-brown above with pale, streaked underparts. Both sexes have slender, decurved bills and relatively plain wings and tail.
Diet
Primarily nectar from flowering trees and shrubs such as aloes, acacias, and other woodland species. Supplements diet with small insects, spiders, and occasionally small fruits, especially when feeding nestlings. Often probes flowers with its decurved bill and may glean arthropods from foliage or hawk them in short sallies.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in flowering miombo woodland, edges, and along streams where nectar plants are concentrated. Readily visits gardens and disturbed areas when suitable blooms are present.
