The Philippines is home to a wide variety of bird species due to its tropical climate and diverse range of habitats. Sunbirds are a family of small, colorful passerine birds found in tropical regions around the world. There are several species of sunbirds that can be found in the Philippines.
What are sunbirds?
Sunbirds are members of the Nectariniidae family of birds. There are over 130 species of sunbirds worldwide. They are small in size, usually measuring 10-12 cm in length. Sunbirds have slender, downward-curved bills that are suited for feeding on nectar. Their tongues have brush-like tips that allow them to lap up nectar.
Male sunbirds are brightly colored with iridescent feathers in shades of yellow, orange, green, blue, and purple. This bright coloration distinguishes males from the more drably colored females. The vibrant plumage of male sunbirds is thought to attract mates.
Sunbirds feed primarily on nectar from flowers. Theirdiet also includes small insects and spiders. Sunbirds have quick and acrobatic flight patterns thanks to their short, broad wings. They canhover in mid-air as they extract nectar from flowers.
Many species of sunbirds live in tropical forests and woodlands. They are important pollinators for flowering plants in these ecosystems. Sunbirds build nests that hang from branches, using materials like leaves, moss, and dried grass.
Sunbird species found in the Philippines
There are 15 species of sunbirds that occur in the Philippines:
1. Olive-backed Sunbird
Scientific name: Cinnyris jugularis
The Olive-backed Sunbird has yellow underparts and an olive-green back. The male has a blue-black throat. It is a widespread and common species found in many habitat types across the Philippines.
2. Flaming Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopyga flagrans
True to its name, the male Flaming Sunbird has brilliant orange-red plumage covering most of its body. The female is yellowish-green. This species is endemic to the Philippines.
3. Metallic-winged Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopyga pulcherrima
The Metallic-winged Sunbird has blue upperparts and scarlet underparts. As the name suggests, the wings appear metallic violet. It is found on several Philippine islands.
4. Lina’s Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopyga linaraborae
Lina’s Sunbird is distinguished by its yellow-green upperparts and yellow underparts. Males have a bright blue throat patch. This species is endemic to the island of Sibuyan in the Philippines.
5. Apo Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopyga boltoni
The Apo Sunbird is another Philippine endemic, found only on Mount Apo and surrounding areas on Mindanao. Males have an iridescent green crown and throat.
6. Lovely Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopyga shelleyi
As its name suggests, the Lovely Sunbird is colorful, with bright blue upperparts and orange underparts on the male. It occurs on Luzon and neighboring islands in the northern Philippines.
7. Handsome Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopyga bella
The aptly named Handsome Sunbird has striking violet-blue upperparts and a purple crown. It can be found on the islands of Luzon, Catanduanes, Polillo and Mindoro.
8. Gray-throated Sunbird
Scientific name: Anthreptes malacensis
This sunbird has a gray throat that extends onto the upper breast, with a yellow belly. It inhabits forest and second growth on many Philippine islands.
9. Purple-throated Sunbird
Scientific name: Leptocoma sperata
The male Purple-throated Sunbird has a glittering purple throat, breast and crown. Females have yellow underparts. It is distributed across Luzon and neighboring islands.
10. Purple-naped Sunbird
Scientific name: Kurochkinegrammicus
As the name indicates, the male Purple-naped Sunbird has a distinctive purple patch on the nape of its neck. It occurs on the smaller islands of the central Philippines.
11. Crimson Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopygatyniantha
This aptly named species has mainly crimson plumage, with a blue-black crown. It can be found on Catanduanes and parts of Luzon.
12. Plain Sunbird
Scientific name: Anthreptes simplex
The Plain Sunbird has dull green upperparts and pale yellow underparts. As the name suggests, it lacks bright colors. It is found in forest areas of Mindanao in the southern Philippines.
13. Plain-throated Sunbird
Scientific name: Anthreptes malacensis
Plain-throated Sunbird has olive upperparts and yellow underparts, separated by a gray throat. It occurs in a wide range of habitats on many Philippine islands.
14. Black Sunbird
Scientific name: Leptocomajuliae
The Black Sunbird has all black plumage with slight green and purple iridescence on the upperparts of the male. It is found in forest habitats in the northern and central Philippines.
15. Philippine Sunbird
Scientific name: Aethopygashilis
The female Philippine Sunbird has yellow underparts, while the male hasa yellow belly and bright violet-blue upperparts. This is an endemic species found across the Philippines.
Geographic distribution and habitat
Sunbirds occur across the Philippines, from the northern islands of Luzon and Catanduanes down through the Visayas and Mindanao island groups in the central and southern regions. They occupy a wide range of habitats, including:
- Tropical evergreen forests
- Secondary forests
- Forest edges
- Mangroves
- Coconut groves
- Gardens and agricultural areas
- Mountain cloud forests
Some species, like the Olive-backed Sunbird, are generalists found in multiple habitat types from lowland forests to mountains. Other sunbirds have more restricted ranges concentrated in certain islands or mountains. For example, the Apo Sunbird and Lina’s Sunbird are only found in some forested areas on specific islands.
Sunbird behavior and ecology
Diet
Sunbirds feed primarily on nectar, using their specialized long bills and brush-tipped tongues. They will visit many types of flowers to obtain nectar. Some favorite food plants include banana, coconut, hibiscus, orchids, and mistletoe.
Sunbirds also consume small insects like spiders and aphids. They capture insect prey aerially or glean them from foliage. The longer decurved bills of sunbirds are well-adapted for probing into crevices and extracting trapped insects.
Breeding and nesting
Breeding activity among Philippine sunbirds peaks between March to August. The nest is constructed by the female from vegetation materials like dry grasses, leaves, mosses and lichens. She then lines the interior with soft plant fibers.
Nests are built in sheltered locations on tree branches, vine tangles or ferns. The female sunbird lays 1-3 eggs which she incubates for 13-15 days. The chicks fledge 10-16 days after hatching.
Migration
Most sunbird species are resident year-round in the Philippines. They do not undertake long distance migrations. However, some localized elevational movements have been noted between breeding and non-breeding seasons. For example, the Flaming Sunbird appears to move to higher elevations on Mt. Banahaw during breeding time.
Behavior
Sunbirds are active and acrobaticforagers. They have rapid wingbeats on their short, wide wings allowing them to hover in place as they probe flowers. Their flight is direct with quick darting motions.
Sunbirds are aggressive defenders of nectar territories. Males will chase other birds from their flower patches. They emit metallic chipping calls to defend resources. Female sunbirds have softer twittering calls.
Status, threats and conservation
Most sunbird species in the Philippines remain common and widespread in appropriate habitat. Their populations appear stable and they are not considered globally threatened.
However, some endemic species with small geographic ranges like the Lina’s Sunbird and Apo Sunbird may be more vulnerable. Forest habitat loss is the major threat facing Philippine sunbirds.
Deforestation has occurred widely across the islands, reducing extent of tropical forests. Habitat protection through parks, reserves and sustainable forestry is important for sunbird conservation. Providing backyard nectar gardens can also help support urban sunbird populations.
Importance of sunbirds
Sunbirds provide important ecological services that make them valuable members of the Philippines’ birdlife:
- Pollination – By moving nectar between flowers, sunbirds pollinate many plant species like banana and hibiscus.
- Seed dispersal – Small seeds get transported on the birds’ beaks and feet as they forage.
- Insect control – Sunbirds help suppress plant pest populations by consuming insects.
- Ecosystem balance – As diurnal nectar feeders, they fill an important niche interacting with flowers and fruits.
In addition, sunbirds have cultural value. Their beautiful colors and active movements make them appealing birds to observe. Sunbirds can be easily attracted to gardens, providing enjoyment for ecotourists and amateur naturalists. They feature prominently in Philippine mythology and legends. Overall sunbirds are an integral component of the island nation’s tropical ecosystems and natural heritage.
Conclusion
In summary, there are 15 resident and endemic species of sunbirds found across the Philippines. They occupy diverse island habitats from forests to agricultural areas. Sunbirds play vital ecological roles as pollinators and insectivores. While populations of most sunbird species remain stable, some endemics require habitat protection. Supporting native flowers and forests helps provide food resources and nesting sites for these colorful, energetic birds that grace the islands. Their unique beauty and behaviors make sunbirds a highlight for nature enthusiasts in the Philippines. With appropriate conservation measures, these sunbirds can continue brightening the nation’s landscapes.
