You might think hummingbirds hold the monopoly on jewel-toned beauty in the bird world, but sunbirds give them serious competition.
These small, nectar-loving birds dazzle with iridescent plumage that shifts colors depending on the light, and their curved beaks make them masters of flower feeding.
With over 145 different types of sunbirds spread across Africa, Asia, and parts of Australia, you’ll discover an incredible variety of colors, patterns, and behaviors that make each species unique in its own right.
1. Olive-backed Sunbird
The olive-backed sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) ranks among the most widespread species in Asia, ranging from southern China through Southeast Asia to northeastern Australia. Males sport metallic blue-black throats that contrast sharply with their olive-yellow backs, while females display more subdued olive-green plumage. You’ll find these adaptable birds thriving in various habitats, from coastal mangroves to urban gardens.
These sunbirds measure around 4 to 5 inches in length and weigh approximately 0.2 to 0.3 ounces. They defend their feeding territories aggressively, especially when nectar-rich flowers are blooming. The species builds distinctive purse-shaped nests suspended from branches, bound tightly with spider silk.
2. Purple Sunbird
Native to South and Southeast Asia, the purple sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus) exhibits striking seasonal plumage changes in males. During breeding season, males display deep purple and maroon iridescence across their bodies, but they molt into duller brown plumage resembling females during non-breeding periods.
You’ll spot these birds in gardens, scrublands, and thin forests from sea level to moderate elevations. They feed primarily on nectar from flowers like hibiscus and coral trees, though they supplement their diet with insects and spiders. Purple sunbirds sometimes puncture flower bases to steal nectar without pollinating, a behavior called nectar robbing.
3. Scarlet-backed Sunbird
The scarlet-backed sunbird (Cinnyris minuta) brings vibrant color to the forests of the Philippines. This small species features males with brilliant scarlet backs contrasting against dark metallic plumage on their heads and throats. Females wear more modest brown and yellow tones.
Found primarily in lowland and montane forests, these sunbirds prefer forest edges and clearings where flowering plants concentrate. They move quickly through vegetation, hovering briefly at flowers before perching to feed. Their high-pitched calls help you locate them even when hidden in dense foliage.
4. Splendid Sunbird
West African forests host the splendid sunbird (Cinnyris coccinigastrus), a species known for developing regional dialects in their songs. Males display metallic green heads and backs with scarlet breasts that justify their name. This species measures larger than many sunbirds, reaching about 6 inches in length.
These territorial birds defend prime feeding areas containing abundant nectar sources. They build hanging nests with trailing vegetation “beards” beneath, creating distinctive structures easily recognized in their habitat. Research has documented different song patterns across their range, suggesting learned vocal traditions.
5. Variable Sunbird
The variable sunbird (Cinnyris venustus) earns its name from the considerable variation in male plumage across its extensive African range. Some populations show bright yellow breasts while others display white or orange underparts, but all feature metallic green or blue upper bodies.
You’ll encounter these widespread birds in woodlands, savannas, and gardens throughout sub-Saharan Africa. They adapt well to human-modified landscapes, making them common visitors to flowering gardens. Females construct compact nests from plant fibers, decorating exteriors with lichen and bark pieces.
6. Beautiful Sunbird
Living up to its name, the beautiful sunbird (Cinnyris pulchellus) inhabits tropical Africa from Senegal to Kenya. Males showcase metallic green upperparts with violet upper breasts and bright orange lower breasts, creating a stunning color gradient. These birds require steady energy intake to maintain their active metabolisms.
Found in forest edges, clearings, and savanna woodlands, beautiful sunbirds visit flowers from over 20 different plant genera. They forage singly or in small groups, with males chasing intruders from nectar-rich territories. After breeding, males molt into duller plumage more closely resembling females.
Pro Tip: Beautiful sunbirds sometimes limit daytime incubation to prevent embryos from overheating in tropical climates.
7. Malachite Sunbird
The malachite sunbird (Nectarinia famosa) stands out as one of the larger sunbird species, measuring up to 10 inches including its elongated tail feathers. Males display brilliant metallic green plumage that appears almost luminous in sunlight, while females wear more cryptic brown and yellow coloring.
These high-altitude specialists inhabit mountainous regions of eastern and southern Africa, surviving at elevations up to 14,000 feet. They’ve developed the ability to enter torpor during cold nights, lowering their body temperature to conserve energy. Malachite sunbirds show strong associations with protea flowers, serving as important pollinators for these iconic plants.
8. Amethyst Sunbird
The amethyst sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina) impresses with its dark plumage that reveals purple and maroon iridescence in good lighting. Also called the black sunbird, this species inhabits woodlands and savannas across much of sub-Saharan Africa. Males may appear entirely black in poor light, but direct sunlight reveals their hidden colors.
These remarkably long-lived birds can survive for at least 16 years in the wild. They adapt to various habitats from coastal forests to mountain slopes, feeding on nectar, insects, and occasional fruit. Females build typical hanging nests decorated with plant materials and bound with spider silk.
9. Copper Sunbird
The copper sunbird (Cinnyris cupreus) represents one of Africa’s most widespread species, occurring across central, eastern, southern, and West Africa. Males display coppery-red iridescence on their backs and heads, contrasting with their dark underparts. This adaptable species thrives in forests, woodlands, and agricultural areas.
You’ll notice these birds defending flowering trees and shrubs vigorously during blooming periods. They feed at various heights from ground-level flowers to tree canopies. Copper sunbirds sometimes join mixed-species foraging flocks, benefiting from increased vigilance against predators.
10. Collared Sunbird
Small but distinctive, the collared sunbird (Hedydipna collaris) measures just 4 inches in length. Males feature metallic green upperparts with narrow violet breast bands that give the species its name. These birds inhabit forests, woodlands, and gardens across much of sub-Saharan Africa.
Their widespread distribution reflects their adaptability to different habitats and flower types. Collared sunbirds build small, neat nests suspended from thin branches, often near water sources. They feed actively throughout the day, requiring frequent meals to fuel their high metabolism.
11. Green-headed Sunbird
The green-headed sunbird (Cyanomitra verticalis) inhabits West and Central African forests. Males showcase bright metallic green heads and throats, contrasting with their orange-yellow breasts. This species prefers dense forest habitats where they forage in the understory and middle canopy levels.
These sunbirds move through forests in pairs or small family groups, rarely venturing far from cover. They feed primarily on nectar but take significant amounts of insects, especially when feeding nestlings. Their nests hang from protected locations within forest vegetation.
Key Insight: Green-headed sunbirds play vital roles as pollinators in African rainforest ecosystems, transferring pollen between widely scattered flowering plants.
12. Crimson Sunbird
The crimson sunbird (Aethopyga siparaja) brightens forests across South and Southeast Asia. Males display vibrant crimson backs and breasts with yellow rumps, creating bold color contrasts. Multiple subspecies exist across their range, showing variations in red coloration intensity.
Found from lowland forests to mountain elevations around 8,000 feet, these active birds move constantly through vegetation seeking flowers and insects. They hover skillfully at flowers but usually perch while feeding. Crimson sunbirds build suspended nests attached to leaves or branches, often near streams.
13. Gould’s Sunbird
Gould’s sunbird (Aethopyga gouldiae) holds the altitude record for sunbirds, breeding at elevations up to 14,100 feet in the Himalayas and mountains of Southeast Asia. Males feature metallic purple crowns, red backs, and yellow breasts. These hardy birds cope with freezing temperatures by entering nightly torpor.
During winter months, many populations migrate to lower elevations where temperatures stay warmer and flowers remain available. They feed primarily on rhododendron nectar in their mountain habitats, serving as important pollinators for these plants. Their ability to survive extreme conditions demonstrates remarkable physiological adaptations.
14. Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird
Mrs. Gould’s sunbird (Aethopyga gouldiae) refers to the same species as Gould’s sunbird, named after Elizabeth Gould, wife of famous ornithologist John Gould. The alternate common name honors her contributions to ornithological illustration and research during the 19th century.
This naming reflects historical patterns in ornithology where the same species sometimes received multiple common names. Modern references generally consolidate these names, though you might encounter both terms in older field guides and literature.
15. Fire-tailed Sunbird
The fire-tailed sunbird (Aethopyga ignicauda) earns its dramatic name from males’ brilliant red tails that seem to glow like flames. Found in the Himalayas and adjacent mountain ranges, males also display metallic green heads, copper-red backs, and bright yellow underparts.
These high-altitude specialists inhabit rhododendron forests and scrublands between 6,500 and 13,000 feet. They time their breeding to coincide with rhododendron flowering, ensuring abundant nectar for raising chicks. Fire-tailed sunbirds build thick, well-insulated nests to protect eggs and nestlings from cold mountain temperatures.
16. Green-tailed Sunbird
The green-tailed sunbird (Aethopyga nipalensis) inhabits mountain forests from the Himalayas through Southeast Asia. Males showcase metallic green plumage on their heads and backs with red throats and yellow bellies. Their green tails distinguish them from similar species in their range.
You’ll find these birds in temperate and subtropical forests between 4,000 and 10,000 feet elevation. They feed actively on nectar from various flowering plants, including rhododendrons, honeysuckle, and mountain orchids. Green-tailed sunbirds defend small feeding territories during the breeding season but become more gregarious during winter.
17. Black-throated Sunbird
The black-throated sunbird (Aethopyga saturata) lives in mountain forests across the Himalayas and Southeast Asian highlands. Males display distinctive black throats bordered by metallic colors, with crimson backs and yellow underparts creating striking patterns.
These sunbirds prefer dense evergreen forests with abundant flowering plants. They move through vegetation at various heights, from near ground level to forest canopy. Black-throated sunbirds sometimes join mixed-species foraging flocks, gaining protection through numbers while accessing different food sources.
Common Mistake: Don’t confuse black-throated sunbirds with similarly named species—focus on the metallic throat colors and habitat elevation to confirm identification.
18. Purple-rumped Sunbird
The purple-rumped sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica) inhabits South Asia from India to Myanmar. Males feature dark maroon upperparts with distinctive purple rumps visible during flight and when perched at certain angles. This small species measures about 4 inches in length.
Common in gardens, scrublands, and open forests, these adaptable birds thrive near human habitation. They feed on nectar from small flowers and catch insects on the wing. Purple-rumped sunbirds build compact nests often placed in shrubs or small trees, sometimes choosing locations near buildings.
19. Loten’s Sunbird
Loten’s sunbird (Cinnyris lotenius) occurs across India and Sri Lanka. Males display long curved bills, metallic purple throats, and maroon backs with yellow and olive underparts. Females show more subdued coloring with olive-green upperparts.
These birds inhabit various environments from coastal areas to hill forests up to 5,000 feet. They feed primarily on nectar but take substantial insect prey, especially during breeding season. Loten’s sunbirds vocalize frequently with distinctive calls that help pairs maintain contact in dense vegetation.
20. Souimanga Sunbird
The souimanga sunbird (Cinnyris sovimanga) inhabits Madagascar and nearby islands in the Indian Ocean. Males showcase metallic green and blue plumage with violet breasts. This species represents one of the few sunbirds found on oceanic islands, having colonized Madagascar long ago.
Found in various habitats from coastal scrub to mountain forests, souimanga sunbirds adapt well to different flowering plant communities. They serve as important pollinators for native Malagasy plants. These territorial birds defend feeding areas actively, especially during peak flowering seasons.
Bottom Line
These 20 sunbird species represent just a fraction of the family’s diversity, but they showcase the incredible range of colors, adaptations, and behaviors that make sunbirds such fascinating birds.
Whether you encounter them in African savannas, Asian mountains, or island forests, each species offers unique insights into how these jewel-like birds have evolved to master the art of nectar feeding while brightening ecosystems across the Old World.
