Olive-backed Sunbird

Koh Phangan, Thailand

The olive-backed sunbird is a common resident throughout Southern China and SE Asia and into Queensland and the Soloman Islands

Habitat

The olive-backed sunbird was originally a denizen of  mangrove swamps.  However, it has adapted well in human occupied areas and is found in urban areas and public gardents.

Feeding

   Olive backed Sunbird taking nectar

Like other sunbirds, the olive-backed sunbird feeds mainly on nectar, but will also forage for insects. They feed while when perched or hovering, like this female at Sam Roi Yot, Thailand

Breeding

Both the male and the female sunbirds build the nest which is shaped like a flask and has an overhanging porch at the entrance and hanging material trailing at the bottom end.  The female incubates one or two greenish-blue eggs although both parents raise the chicks.

Wildfile Extras

• Olive-backed sunbirds can build their nests in potted plants high up on the balconies of mulit-storey blocks of flats.