#nectariniidae

[herpsandbirds]

Streaked Spiderhunter (Arachnothera magna), Nectariniidae, order Passeriformes, India

photograph by Vipin Rajora

[a-disaster-piece]

Amethyst Sunbird / sometimes known as Black Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina), female; Garden Route, South Africa

Some Amethyst antics at the feeder, as they're finally showing up more often. Couldn't tell you how many of my photo attempts just end up showing their fluffy butts (crissum & vent are the scientific terms)!

[snototter]

A scarlet chested sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis) perches on a flower in Saloum Delta, Senegal.

by Paul Ellis

[uncharismatic-fauna]

The Palestine Sunbird Persists

The Palestine sunbird, also known as the orange-tufted sunbird (Cinnyris osea) is the national bird of Palestine, and often seen as a symbol of resistance and hope. This species occurs in dry climates, particularly desert, scrubland, and savannahs, but can also be found in orchards and gardens where flowers are abundant. In addition to the Levant, C. osea occurs throughout the southwest cost of Saudia Arabia and the coasts of Yemen and Oman in the south.

C. osea is a small bird, 8 to 12 cm (3.1-4.7 in) long with a wingspan of only 14 to 16 cm (5.5-6.2 in). Males weigh on average 7.6 g (0.26 oz) and females are slightly smaller, at about 6.8 g (0.24 oz). Males are quite easy to identify due to their striking plumage; their feathers are iridescent, appearing dark until they shimmer glossy blue or green, with orange tufts at the side of the breast. In contrast females are fairly drab; grey-brown with a lighter underside. The beaks of the Palestine sunbird are also noted for their distinctively long and curved, which they have developed to efficiently feed on nectar.

Although not directly part of the hummingbird family, the Palestine sunbird shares many similarities with the group. Its diet consists of nectar, and is supplemented with insects. Their tongues are long, and brush-like, and the shape of their beak allows them to reach down to the base of the flower. For flowers that are , they will use their sharp beaks to pierce the side and access the nectar directly. All this is done at very high speeds, but unlike hummingbirds the Palestine sunbird cannot hover in place, and must land in order to feed. Because of their primary reliance on nectar, the orange-tufted sunbird is an important pollinator in its native region. Adults are rarely predated upon, but eggs and young are often targets for lizards, snakes, and birds of prey.

Reproduction begins in June, and continues through October. Males establish and defend territories, and court females by singing to attract a potential mate, then chasing her until she perches to signal her acceptance. Following the pairing, the two construct a purse-like nest, sometimes with a porch-like structure, that hangs from a branch. In this nest, 1-2 eggs are laid, and are incubated primarily by the female, while the male provides her food. The eggs take 13 to 14 days to hatch, and chicks are taken care of by both parents for an additional 14 to 21 days. Individuals can live up to 5 years in the wild.

Conservation status: The Palestine sunbird has a large range and population, and is thus considered Least Concern by the IUCN. Its primary threat is habitat loss due to agriculture and urban development.

If you send me proof that you’ve made a donation to UNRWA or another organization benefiting Palestinians, I’ll make art of any animal of your choosing.

Remember, the donation can be in any amount– every dollar counts!

Photos

Jorrit Vlot

Dula Alhashimi

Rana Hijawi

[all-bird-creechur]

Green-tailed Sunbird Aethopyga nipalensis

It is found in Nepal and the northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, stretching eastwards into parts of Southeast Asia. Its natural habitats are temperate forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. In southeast Szechwan and Yunnan, it lives in open mountain woods with moss-covered trees, from 1825 to 3350 meters elevation.

Least Concern

image by Dibyendu Ash

[every-day-creechur]

Souimanga Sunbird Cinnyris sovimanga

It is native to the islands of the western Indian Ocean where it occurs on Madagascar, the Aldabra Group and the Glorioso Islands. They use their curved bill to probe flowers for nectar and also feed on insects and spiders. They have few natural enemies and their nests are inaccessible to most predators.

Least Concern

image by Charles J. Sharp

[best-bird-tournament]

Sunbird (Nectariniidae) family - round 1, section 1

Which is the best bird?

Pale spiderhunter

Orange-breasted sunbird

Crimson-backed sunbird

Purple-naped spiderhunter

Green-tailed sunbird

Golden-winged sunbird

Malachite sunbird

Palestine sunbird

Fire-tailed sunbird

Streaked spiderhunter

Splendid sunbird

Voting ended onNov 16, 2025

[alonglistofbirds]

[2683/11080] Copper-throated sunbird - Leptocoma calcostetha

Order: Passeriformes Suborder: Passeri Superfamily: Passeroidea Family: Nectariniidae (sunbirds and spiderhunters)

Photo credit: Forest Botial-Jarvis via Macaulay Library