Olive Sunbird

The Olive Sunbird, Cyanomitra olivacea, is a small, nectar-feeding bird adorned with an olive plumage. This species, belonging to the family Nectariniidae, is a resident of the African continent, south of the Sahel. It is a creature of the forests, avoiding the arid expanses and open landscapes that characterize regions such as the Horn of Africa and much of south-central and southwestern Africa.

Identification Tips

To identify the Olive Sunbird, one should look for its distinctive olive-colored feathers. Juveniles may present a slightly different appearance, but the overall hue of the species is a consistent marker. The bird's size and shape, typical of sunbirds, along with its feeding behavior, can aid in identification.

Habitat

The Olive Sunbird has a strong preference for forested regions. It thrives in the lush canopies where it can flit from flower to flower, sipping nectar.

Distribution

This sunbird's range extends across a vast portion of Africa, south of the Sahel. It is notably absent from drier and more open regions.

Behaviour

The Olive Sunbird exhibits typical sunbird behavior, including a diet that is heavily reliant on nectar. It is a bird that is often seen in motion, actively foraging among the flowers.

Similar Species

The western subspecies of the Olive Sunbird, which may be found west of the East African Rift, are sometimes considered a separate species known as the Western Olive Sunbird, Cyanomitra obscura. In such cases, Cyanomitra olivacea is referred to as the Eastern Olive Sunbird.

Diet and Feeding

The Olive Sunbird's diet consists primarily of nectar, which it obtains from flowers using its specialized feeding behavior.

Conservation status

The Olive Sunbird is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.