Birds · Passeriformes · Nectariniidae

Malachite Sunbird

Nectarinia famosa

Least Concern

The species is abundant and widely distributed; it faces no significant short-term risk. See full glossary

The malachite sunbird is one of the most striking birds of the African mountains: the male in breeding season is a dazzling metallic green from head to tail, with two elongated tail feathers. Outside the breeding season he moults to a dull brown, a change so drastic that he looks like a different species. It is a key pollinator of the proteas of the South African fynbos and of the giant lobelias of the East African mountains.

Weight

13 g – 23 g

Size

14 cm – 25 cm

Lifespan

8 years

Diet

Nectarivore

Feeds mainly on flower nectar.

Activity

Diurnal

Active mainly during the day.

Social structure

In pairs

Usually lives in pairs, sometimes for life.

Sighting difficulty

Easy

MountainGrasslandNectarivore Diurnal In pairs Bird Mountain Grassland

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Fun facts

Sunbirds are the African equivalent of hummingbirds: the same size, the same nectar diet and the same iridescence, with no close relationship. The great difference is that they almost never hover: they perch on the flower to drink.
The male loses his metallic green entirely outside the breeding season and moults to an olive brown indistinguishable from the female's.
It is the main pollinator of the giant lobelias of the East African mountains, plants several metres tall that grow only above 3,000 metres.

Life cycle & biology

Skeleton type: Vertebrate - internal bony skeleton (bird)
Habitat & environment: High-altitude grassland, fynbos, heathland and mountain gardens of eastern and southern Africa
Sexual maturity: 12 months
Gestation / incubation: 14 days of incubation
Litter / clutch size: 2 eggs

Sources consulted: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachite_sunbird