About the Garden Sunbird
The garden sunbird, previously known as the olive-backed sunbird, is a species of passerine bird in the family Nectariniidae that is found in the Philippines except on the Palawan island group. It was formerly considered to be conspecific with seven other species: the ornate sunbird, Palawan sunbird, Sahul sunbird, Tukangbesi sunbird, Flores Sea sunbird, South Moluccan sunbird and the Mamberamo sunbird. It is a small, brightly coloured bird with olive-green plumage on the wings and back with a bright yellow chest. It has a long downward-curved bill it uses for taking nectar and capturing insects. It is primarily nectarivorous, but will take insects and spiders, particularly when feeding…
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
ID tip
The garden sunbird is 10–11.4 cm (3.9–4.5 in) in size; males weigh 6.7–11.9 g (0.24–0.42 oz) and females 6–10 g (0.21–0.35 oz). The male in its nominate (jugularis) form displays an olive hue on its upper body, featuring black wing feathers with green edges and a black tail adorned with white tips. The areas around its eyes (lores), neck, chin, throat, and breast are dark and iridescent, accompanied by yellow pectoral tufts. The lower portion of the bird is dark yellow, sometimes with a brown band encircling the gorget area. The iris is dark brown, while its bill and legs are black.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Where it lives
Recorded as a rare visitor in Papua New Guinea.
When to see it
Peak activity in February · a resident species across most of its range
Easily confused with
Dusky SunbirdCinnyris fuscusThe dusky sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
Dusky SunbirdCinnyris fuscusThe dusky sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
Purple-banded SunbirdCinnyris bifasciatusThe purple-banded sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae.
Learn the Garden Sunbird for real
BeakBrain drills you on photos and calls until you can greet this bird by name in the field. Free to play, on any device.
Play BeakBrainEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.