Sunbirds

Sunbirds and spiderhunters, part of the family Nectariniidae, are vibrant Old World passerines predominantly found in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia and New Guinea, with the highest diversity near the equator. These small, slender birds typically have curved bills suited for nectar-feeding, often exhibit iridescent plumage in males, and sometimes possess elongated tail feathers. They number 145 species across 16 genera and are known for their fast, direct flight, also feeding on insects and spiders, vital for their chicks. Sunbirds can hover like hummingbirds to feed on nectar, but usually prefer perching. They share ecological niches with distant relatives such as hummingbirds in the Americas and honeyeaters in Australia, showcasing convergent evolution. Some species enter nightly torpor in colder climates to conserve energy. Their nesting habits, including suspended purse-shaped constructions made from spiderwebs, vary among species and locations. These birds actively pollinate African flowers through nectar feeding, and while they're generally resilient to habitat changes and not threatened by the pet trade, some species do experience negative impacts from human activities, such as agricultural development. The family has mostly managed to thrive despite environmental changes.