Sunbirds and spiderhunters
Crimson Sunbird
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Suborder:	Passeri
Family:	Nectariniidae Vigors, 1825
Genera
15, see text

The sunbirds and spiderhunters make up a family, Nectariniidae, of very small passerine birds. There are 132 species in 15 genera. The family is distributed throughout Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia and just reaches northern Australia. Most sunbirds feed largely on nectar, but also take insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Flower tubes that bar access to nectar because of their shape, are simply punctured at the base near the nectaries. Fruit is also part of the diet of some species. Their flight is fast and direct on their short wings.

The sunbirds have counterparts in two very distantly related groups: the hummingbirds of the Americas and the honeyeaters of Australia. The resemblances are due to convergent evolution brought about by a similar nectar-feeding lifestyle.^[1] Some sunbird species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed.

Description [edit]

The Spectacled Spiderhunter is the largest species of sunbird

The family ranges in size from the 5-gram Black-bellied Sunbird to the Spectacled Spiderhunter, at about 45 grams. Like the hummingbirds, sunbirds are strongly sexually dimorphic, with the males usually brilliantly plumaged in iridescent colours.^[2] In addition to this the tails of many species are longer in the males, and overall the males are larger. Sunbirds have long thin down-curved bills and brush-tipped tubular tongues, both adaptations to their nectar feeding.^[3] The spiderhunters, of the genus Arachnothera, are distinct in appearance from the other members of the family. They are typically larger than the other sunbirds, with drab brown plumage that is the same for both sexes, and long, down-curved beaks.

In metabolic behaviour similar to that of Andes hummingbirds,^[4] species of sunbirds that live at high altitudes or latitudes will enter torpor while roosting at night, lowering their body temperature and entering a state of low activity and responsiveness.^[2][5]

Distribution and habitat [edit]

Sunbirds are a tropical Old World family, with representatives in Africa, Asia and Australasia. In Africa they are found mostly in sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar but are also distributed in Egypt. In Asia the group occurs along the coasts of the Red Sea as far north as Israel, with a gap in their distribution till Iran, from where the group occurs continuously as far as southern China and Indonesia. In Australasia the family occurs in New Guinea, north eastern Australia and the Solomon Islands. They are generally not found on oceanic islands, with the exception of the Seychelles. The greatest variety of species is found in Africa, where the group probably arose. Most species are sedentary or short-distance seasonal migrants. Sunbirds occur over the entire family's range, whereas the spiderhunters are restricted to Asia.^[2]

The sunbirds and spiderhunters occupy a wide range of habitats, with a majority of species being found in primary rainforest, but other habitats used by the family including disturbed secondary forest, open woodland, open scrub and savannah, coastal scrub and alpine forest. Some species have readily adapted to human modified landscapes such as plantations, gardens and agricultural land. Many species are able to occupy a wide range of habitats from sea level to 4900 m.^[2]

Behaviour and ecology [edit]

Sunbird are active diurnal birds that generally occur in pairs or occasionally in small family groups. A few species occasionally gather in larger groups, and sunbird will join with other birds to mob potential predators, although sunbirds will also aggressively target other species, even if they are not predators, when defending their territories.

Breeding [edit]

Female Seychelles Sunbird at the nest with prey

The sunbirds that breed outside of the equatorial regions are mostly seasonal breeders, with the majority of these species breeding in the wet season. This timing reflects the increased availability of insect prey for the growing young. Where species, like the Buff-throated Sunbird, breed in the dry season, it is thought to be associated with the flowering of favoured food plants. Species of sunbird in the equatorial areas breed throughout the year. They are generally monogamous and often territorial, although a few species of sunbirds have lekking behaviour.

The nests of sunbirds are generally purse-shaped, enclosed, suspended from thin branches with generous use of spiderweb. The nests of the spiderhunters are different, both from the sunbirds and in some cases from each other. Some, like the Little Spiderhunter, are small woven cups attached to the underside of large leaves; that of the Yellow-eared Spiderhunter is similarly attached but is a long tube. The nests of spiderhunters are inconspicuous, in contrast to those of the other sunbirds which are more visible. In most species the female alone constructs the nest. Up to four eggs are laid. The female builds the nest and incubates the eggs alone, although the male assists in rearing the nestlings.^[6] In the spiderhunters both sexes help to incubate the eggs.^[6] The nests of sunbirds and spiderhunters are often targeted by brood parasites such as cuckoos and honeyguides.

Relationship with humans [edit]

Overall the family has fared better than many others, with only seven species considered to be threatened with extinction. Most species are fairly resistant to changes in habitat, and while attractive the family is not sought after by the cagebird trade, as they have what is considered an unpleasant song and are tricky to keep alive. Sunbirds are considered attractive birds and readily enter gardens where flowering plants are planted to attract them. There are a few negative interactions, for example the Scarlet-chested Sunbird is considered a pest in cocoa plantations as it spreads parasitic mistletoes.

Taxonomy and systematics [edit]

Purple Sunbird, Tirunelveli, India

Brown-throated Sunbird, Singapore

Regal Sunbird

Collared Sunbird, Uganda

Variable Sunbird, Tanzania

• Genus Chalcoparia (sometimes included in Anthreptes)
  • Ruby-cheeked Sunbird, Chalcoparia singalensis
• Genus Deleornis (sometimes included in Anthreptes)
  • Fraser's Sunbird, Deleornis fraseri
  • Grey-headed Sunbird, Deleornis axillaris - sometimes included in D. fraseri
• Genus Anthreptes (c.12 species)
  • Plain-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes reichenowi
  • Anchieta's Sunbird, Anthreptes anchietae
  • Plain Sunbird, Anthreptes simplex
  • Brown-throated Sunbird, Anthreptes malacensis
  • Grey-throated Sunbird, Anthreptes griseigularis
  • Red-throated Sunbird, Anthreptes rhodolaemus
  • Mangrove Sunbird, Anthreptes gabonicus
  • Western Violet-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes longuemarei
  • Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes orientalis
  • Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird, Anthreptes neglectus
  • Violet-tailed Sunbird, Anthreptes aurantium
  • Grey-chinned Sunbird, Anthreptes rectirostris
  • Banded Green Sunbird, Anthreptes rubritorques
  • Little Green Sunbird, Anthreptes seimundi
• Genus Hedydipna (sometimes included in Anthreptes)
  • Collared Sunbird, Hedydipna collaris
  • Pygmy Sunbird, Hedydipna platura
  • Nile Valley Sunbird, Hedydipna metallica
  • Amani Sunbird, Hedydipna pallidigaster
• Genus Hypogramma
  • Purple-naped Sunbird, Hypogramma hypogrammicum
• Genus Anabathmis (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
  • Reichenbach's Sunbird, Anabathmis reichenbachii
  • Principe Sunbird, Anabathmis hartlaubii
  • Newton's Sunbird, Anabathmis newtonii
• Genus Dreptes (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
  • Giant Sunbird, Dreptes thomensis
• Genus Anthobaphes - Orange-breasted Sunbird (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
• Genus Cyanomitra (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
  • Green-headed Sunbird, Cyanomitra verticalis
  • Blue-throated Brown Sunbird, Cyanomitra cyanolaema
  • Blue-headed Sunbird, Cyanomitra alinae
  • Cameroon Sunbird, Cyanomitra oritis
  • Bannerman's Sunbird, Cyanomitra bannermani
  • Olive Sunbird, Cyanomitra olivacea
  • Grey Sunbird, Cyanomitra veroxii
• Genus Chalcomitra (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
  • Buff-throated Sunbird, Chalcomitra adelberti
  • Carmelite Sunbird, Chalcomitra fuliginosa
  • Green-throated Sunbird, Chalcomitra rubescens
  • Amethyst Sunbird, Chalcomitra amethystina
  • Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Chalcomitra senegalensis
  • Hunter's Sunbird, Chalcomitra hunteri
  • Socotra Sunbird, Chalcomitra balfouri
• Genus Leptocoma (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
  • Purple-rumped Sunbird, Leptocoma zeylonica
  • Crimson-backed Sunbird, Leptocoma minima
  • Copper-throated Sunbird, Leptocoma calcostetha
  • Purple-throated Sunbird, Leptocoma sperata
  • Black Sunbird, Leptocoma sericea - formerly Nectarinia aspasia
• Genus Nectarinia (6 species in the strict sense)
  • Bocage's Sunbird, Nectarinia bocagii
  • Purple-breasted Sunbird, Nectarinia purpureiventris
  • Tacazze Sunbird, Nectarinia tacazze
  • Bronzy Sunbird, Nectarinia kilimensis
  • Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, Nectarinia johnstoni
  • Malachite Sunbird, Nectarinia famosa
• Genus Drepanorhynchus (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
  • Golden-winged Sunbird, Drepanorhynchus reichenowi
• Genus Cinnyris (sometimes included in Nectarinia)
  • Olive-bellied Sunbird, Cinnyris chloropygius
  • Tiny Sunbird, Cinnyris minullus
  • Miombo Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris manoensis
  • Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris chalybeus
  • Neergaard's Sunbird, Cinnyris neergaardi
  • Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris stuhlmanni
  • Prigogine's Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris prigoginei
  • Ludwig's Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris ludovicensis
  • Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris reichenowi
  • Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris afer
  • Regal Sunbird, Cinnyris regius
  • Rockefeller's Sunbird, Cinnyris rockefelleri
  • Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, Cinnyris mediocris
  • Moreau's Sunbird, Cinnyris moreaui
  • Beautiful Sunbird, Cinnyris pulchellus
  • Loveridge's Sunbird, Cinnyris loveridgei
  • Marico Sunbird, Cinnyris mariquensis
  • Shelley's Sunbird, Cinnyris shelleyi
  • Congo Sunbird, Cinnyris congensis
  • Red-chested Sunbird, Cinnyris erythrocerca
  • Black-bellied Sunbird, Cinnyris nectarinioides
  • Purple-banded Sunbird, Cinnyris bifasciatus
  • Tsavo Sunbird, Cinnyris tsavoensis - sometimes included in C. bifasciatus
  • Violet-breasted Sunbird, Cinnyris chalcomelas
  • Pemba Sunbird, Cinnyris pembae
  • Orange-tufted Sunbird, Cinnyris bouvieri
  • Palestine Sunbird, Cinnyris oseus
  • Shining Sunbird, Cinnyris habessinicus
  • Splendid Sunbird, Cinnyris coccinigaster
  • Johanna's Sunbird, Cinnyris johannae
  • Superb Sunbird, Cinnyris superbus
  • Rufous-winged Sunbird, Cinnyris rufipennis
  • Oustalet's Sunbird, Cinnyris oustaleti
  • White-bellied Sunbird, Cinnyris talatala
  • Variable Sunbird, Cinnyris venustus
  • Dusky Sunbird, Cinnyris fuscus
  • Ursula's Sunbird, Cinnyris ursulae
  • Bates' Sunbird, Cinnyris batesi
  • Copper Sunbird, Cinnyris cupreus
  • Purple Sunbird, Cinnyris asiaticus
  • Olive-backed Sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis
  • Apricot-breasted Sunbird, Cinnyris buettikoferi
  • Flame-breasted Sunbird, Cinnyris solaris
  • Souimanga Sunbird, Cinnyris sovimanga
  • Seychelles Sunbird, Cinnyris dussumieri
  • Malagasy Green Sunbird, Cinnyris notatus
  • Humblot's Sunbird, Cinnyris humbloti
  • Anjouan Sunbird, Cinnyris comorensis
  • Mayotte Sunbird, Cinnyris coquerellii
  • Loten's Sunbird, Cinnyris lotenius
• Genus Aethopyga
  • Grey-hooded Sunbird, Aethopyga primigenia
  • Apo Sunbird, Aethopyga boltoni
  • Lina's Sunbird, Aethopyga linaraborae
  • Flaming Sunbird, Aethopyga flagrans
  • Metallic-winged Sunbird, Aethopyga pulcherrima
  • Elegant Sunbird, Aethopyga duyvenbodei
  • Lovely Sunbird, Aethopyga shelleyi
  • Handsome Sunbird, Aethopyga belli
  • Mrs. Gould's Sunbird, Aethopyga gouldiae
  • White-flanked Sunbird, Aethopyga eximia
  • Green-tailed Sunbird, Aethopyga nipalensis
  • Fork-tailed Sunbird, Aethopyga christinae
  • Black-throated Sunbird, Aethopyga saturata
  • Vigors's Sunbird, Aethopyga vigorsii
  • Crimson Sunbird, Aethopyga siparaja
  • Javan Sunbird, Aethopyga mystacalis
  • Temminck's Sunbird, Aethopyga temminckii
  • Fire-tailed Sunbird, Aethopyga ignicauda
• Genus Arachnothera - spiderhunters (10-11 species)
  • Thick-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera crassirostris
  • Spectacled Spiderhunter Arachnothera flavigaster
  • Long-billed Spiderhunter Arachnothera robusta
  • Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra
  • Yellow-eared Spiderhunter Arachnothera chrysogenys
  • Naked-faced Spiderhunter Arachnothera clarae
  • Grey-breasted Spiderhunter Arachnothera modesta
  • Streaky-breasted Spiderhunter Arachnothera affinis
  • Bornean Spiderhunter, Arachnothera everetti
  • Streaked Spiderhunter Arachnothera magna
  • Whitehead's Spiderhunter Arachnothera juliae

References [edit]

External links [edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Nectariniidae

• Sunbird videos on the Internet Bird Collection