The olive-backed sunbird, which is the smallest of sunbirds, is a common resident seen wherever there are suitable flowering shrubs and may occur regularly in parks and gardens very close to buildings. Tiny but very active, often in pairs, with territorial males pursuing each other from treetop to treetop.
The male (above) has an irridescent purple throat contrasting sharply with the bright yellow breast and the latter feature is also present on the female (below). The olive back is a confusing distinction as many other females have this but note that the white tips of the tail feathers which help to separate it from the similar and equally common Brown-throated Sunbird.
The sunbird takes nectar from a wide range of flower species and shapes, including mangrove trees as well as garden flowers, plus many invertebrates, especially spiders. Continuous calls as it feeds with precise clicking noises. Builds a bulbous nest of moss and lichen as shown in the photograph above.
A Guide to Common Birds of Singapore (2002)
Birds of Malaysia and Singapore (2010)
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