The yellow-bellied sunbird-asity is a small species of passerine bird from the asity family. The male has black upper parts with a bluish sheen and yellow underparts, and is sometimes known simply as the yellow-bellied asity. It is found only in montane rainforests of Madagascar where it feeds on nectar that it sips from flowers, defending a good nectar source from other nectar-feeding birds. It is listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as "vulnerable" due to the diminution and fragmentation of its forest habitat.
Region
Eastern Madagascar montane rainforests
Typical Environment
Occurs in humid montane and upper montane rainforests, often along ridges, mossy forest, and forest edges with abundant flowering plants. It frequents midstory to canopy layers where tubular flowers are available. The species is patchy and local, tracking seasonal blooms and defending productive nectar sources. It rarely descends into lower elevation forest except where cool, moist conditions and flowers persist.
Altitude Range
1200–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Despite its sunbird-like bill and nectar-feeding habits, this species belongs to the Malagasy asity family and is not closely related to true sunbirds. Breeding males show striking turquoise-blue orbital skin that intensifies in color, aiding display. It can be confused with the Common Sunbird-asity, but the male’s glossy black upperparts and cleaner yellow underparts help separate it. Its restricted range in Madagascar’s montane rainforests makes it sensitive to habitat loss.
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with frequent hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Generally seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, with males defending rich nectar patches from intruders. Nests are likely compact and well-hidden in dense vegetation, and both sexes may participate in care. Outside breeding, it may range more widely to follow flowering events and occasionally joins mixed-species flocks.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are high-pitched, thin tsee and tzip notes, with rapid trills during display. The song is subtle and easily overlooked amid rainforest insect noise, but contact calls are sharp and frequent near feeding territories.
