A captivating small bird, the Olive-backed Sunbird, reveals its concealed weapon of apricot-colored feathers and a shimmering blue throat precisely when it is most necessary.
The olive-backed sunbird, also called the yellow-bellied sunbird, measures approximately 12 cm in length and is characterized by its diminutive size. The male variant exhibits a vibrant yellow abdomen and a deep brown hue on its back. Its forehead, throat, and upper chest exhibit a striking metallic blue shade, while its apricot-colored feathers, typically hidden from view, serve as a hidden weapon for attracting females, only revealed during displays. Otherwise, these feathers remain tucked away beneath the bird’s wings.
Similar to the male, the female also possesses a brilliant yellow abdomen and a brown-colored back.
Though she lacks the more colorful plumage he has.
These birds are mainly found in south-east Asia and Australia, from southern China, through the Philippines and Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and Malaysia, and into Indonesia and north-east Australia.
Olive-backed sunbirds were originally found in mangroves swamps, however, they seem to have adjusted to human-inhabited areas. Now being found in woodlands, orchards, coconut plantations, and even towns and villages.
An omnivorous bird, their diet consists of both nectar and invertebrates. Nectar is obtained from flowering plants like Coconut and Papaya. They like to hunt spiders, ants, and caterpillars.
Olive-backed sunbirds breed from December through to July. During this time the females build a pear-shaped nest with a small side entrance, on their own. This nest is constructed from grass stems and other fibrous material. She lays 1-3 pale green eggs with brown blotches. She incubates them for 11 days until they hatch whereupon the chicks are fed by both parents until they are fledged after 15-16 days.
The population of Olive-backed sunbirds is suspected to be stable in the absence of evidence of any declines or substantial threats.
