Sunbirds are a family of birds distributed throughout Africa and southern Asia but the only representative in Australia is the Olive-backed Sunbird which is also found from southern China to the Philippines and Malaysia. Originally from a mangrove habitat they have adapted well to humans and are now common even in fairly densely populated areas along the coast of tropical Queensland. They aren’t uncommon here but are difficult to spot in the wild, however they often nest around our homes and become quite accustomed to our presence, as the photo shows this gives us a fine opportunity to observe them closely. They feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young, despite their very similar diet and appearance to Honeyeaters they are not closely related.
The male has a glossy blue-black throat and breast (see photo inset) that the female lacks, the breeding season is variable but generally occurs in spring and summer here. The nest is a wonderful flask-shaped structure with an overhanging porch at the entrance and a trail of hanging material at the bottom end, the young grow very rapidly and it takes less than a month from egg laying till they leave the nest.