Orange-breasted Sunbird

The orange-breasted sunbird, Anthobaphes violacea, is a small, nectar-feeding bird endemic to the fynbos biome of southwestern South Africa. It is the sole representative of its genus, Anthobaphes, within the family Nectariniidae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is a vibrant mix of orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, particularly on the head and neck, while the female is dressed in more subdued olive green tones.

Identification Tips

Males can be identified by their metallic green head, throat, and mantle, violet upper breast, and bright orange lower breast, which fades into yellow on the belly. Their long, decurved bills are adapted for nectar feeding, with the male's bill being notably longer than the female's. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with olive-greenish grey upperparts and paler underparts.

Habitat

The orange-breasted sunbird is a denizen of the fynbos, a unique heathland habitat. It is particularly associated with ericas and proteas, which provide much of its nectar diet.

Distribution

This species is confined to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it is a common breeder within its range.

Behaviour

The orange-breasted sunbird is known for its territorial nature, especially during breeding season when males vigorously defend their territories. Outside of breeding, they can be quite gregarious, forming flocks that may number up to a hundred individuals.

Song & Calls

The sunbird's call is a distinctive twangy, weak ssharaynk or sskrang, which it often repeats.

Breeding

Breeding occurs from February to November, peaking in May through August. The female primarily constructs the nest, an oval structure made of rootlets, fine twigs, and grass, bound with spider webs and lined with brown protea fluff. The nest features a side top entrance. Two eggs are typically laid, incubated by the female, and both parents contribute to feeding the chicks with a diet rich in insects and spiders.

Diet and Feeding

While nectar from ericas and proteas forms the bulk of its diet, the orange-breasted sunbird also consumes small insects and spiders, which it sometimes catches in flight.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists the orange-breasted sunbird as Least Concern. However, urbanization, agricultural conversion, and fynbos fires could pose future threats to its habitat and population.