The Olive-backed Sunbird is a delightful little bird that stands out with its unique and charming appearance. Its beautiful apricot-colored feathers, which are usually tucked away under its wings, perfectly complement its iridescent blue throat, making for an incredibly captivating sight. The male of the species is especially striking, with its striking yellow belly and dark brown back creating a beautiful contrast. Its forehead, throat, and upper chest are adorned with a stunning metallic blue shade, making it a standout among its feathered peers.
It’s worth noting that male Olive-backed Sunbirds only reveal their apricot-colored feathers when they’re trying to impress a mate. The rest of the time, those feathers stay tucked under their wings. Meanwhile, female Olive-backed Sunbirds are still quite eye-catching with their yellow and brown backs, but they don’t have the same bold plumage as the males.
Southeast Asia and Australia are home to the Olive-backed Sunbird, which can be seen in regions from southern China all the way to Indonesia and northeastern Australia. The species was initially discovered living in mangrove swamps, but has since evolved to exist in areas where humans reside, such as forests, orchards, coconut plantations, towns, and villages.
The Olive-backed Sunbird is a bird that loves to eat both plants and animals. It’s not picky about its food and eats a variety of things including nectar from coconut and papaya flowers, as well as spiders, ants, and caterpillars.
The Olive-backed Sunbird breeds between December and July, and during this period, the female constructs a pear-shaped nest with grass stems and other fibrous materials. The nest usually has a small side entrance for the bird to enter and exit easily. The female lays pale green eggs with brown spots, usually numbering from 1 to 3, and incubates them for about 11 days until they hatch. Both parents then take care of the chicks by feeding them until they are mature enough to leave the nest after 15 to 16 days.
Although various bird species are at risk due to habitat alterations and other causes, the Olive-backed Sunbirds’ population is projected to remain consistent. This is great for enthusiasts of both birds and the environment, as they can still relish observing this striking bird in its native surroundings.
