Olive Sunbird

Afrikaans name: Olyfsuikerbekkie

Photo © Steven Herbert

Cyanomitra olivacea

The Olive Sunbird is found along the coastal area of KwaZulu-Natal and portions of the Eastern Cape. Beyond our borders it is found in various countries in west and east Africa.

The preferred habitat of the Olive Sunbird is coastal forest. It is also found in woodland areas, parks and gardens.

This species predominantly feeds on nectar from a variety of trees and plants. It also eats some fruit, spiders and insects.

When breeding the female Olive Sunbird makes a pear-shaped nest. It is normally placed amongst vegetation that is hanging down. Up to 3 eggs are laid and the female broods them for about 2 weeks. Both parents feed the chicks for the next 2 weeks at which time they are normally ready to leave the nest.

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References and further reading

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Year Published: 1983 - Page: 286

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1959 - Page: 38

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 38

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Year Published: 1987 - Page: 247

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 70

Ian Sinclair's Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Year Published: 1988 - Page: 294

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 1984 - Page: 400

Newman's Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Year Published: 2000 - Page: 400

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Year Published: 1949 - Page: 325

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 534

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Year Published: 1981 - Page: 546

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 698

Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 697

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 374

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 408

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Year Published: 1989 - Page: 93

List of South African Birds