Ornate Sunbird
Cinnyris ornatus
丽花蜜鸟
Introduction
The ornate sunbird was formerly considered a subspecies of the olive-backed sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis). It was elevated to full species status following genetic studies demonstrating significant mitochondrial DNA divergence. The former olive-backed sunbird has since been designated as the garden sunbird. This species occurs across Southeast Asia, from Myanmar through Thailand and into the Indonesian archipelago, including the Andaman and Nicobar archipelagos. It inhabits lowland forests, wooded areas, mangroves, forest edges, and human-modified landscapes including parks and gardens. The species exhibits characteristic hovering feeding behavior while extracting nectar from flowers.
Description
A diminutive sunbird measuring 10-11.4 cm in length, with males weighing 6.7-11.9 g and females 6-10 g. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism. Males of the nominate subspecies display olive upperparts with black flight feathers edged in green, and a black tail featuring a white tip. The throat, sides of neck, and breast show striking blue-black iridescence, while the underparts are bright yellow. The dark brown iris, black bill, and black legs complete the male's appearance. Females lack the iridescent throat plumage, instead showing greenish-olive upperparts with a distinctive yellow supercilium. Compared to the similar garden sunbird, males of this species show a purple-black gloss on the forehead and paler yellow underparts.
Identification
Field identification focuses on distinguishing this species from the closely related garden sunbird. The key differentiating feature in males is the purple-black gloss on the forehead and the paler yellow coloration of the underparts. The white-tipped black tail is also a useful identification mark. Females are distinguished from other female sunbirds by their greenish-olive upperparts and prominent yellow supercilium. The species' small size, hovering feeding behavior, and hanging nests are characteristic field signs. In the Andaman and Nicobar islands, subspecies identification requires careful attention to geographic location and subtle plumage differences.
Distribution & Habitat
Resident throughout Myanmar, southern China, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The species occupies a wide range of lowland habitats including mangroves, forest edges, open scrubland, parks, and gardens. Eight subspecies are recognized with distinct geographic distributions: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands support four subspecies, while mainland populations extend through Thailand and Indochina to the Malay Peninsula. Island subspecies occur on Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Bali, and the Lesser Sunda Islands, with one subspecies endemic to Enggano Island. The species is absent from Sumba and Timor in the Lesser Sundas. No migratory movements are documented, as this is a resident species throughout its range.
Behavior & Ecology
Forages actively either alone or in small groups, moving through vegetation with agility. The diet comprises mainly small insects, spiders, nectar, and small fruit. The breeding season typically spans multiple broods each year. The female constructs a distinctive elongated hanging nest measuring 30-60 cm in length, featuring a hooded side entrance. Nests are usually placed 0.5-1.5 m above ground, though occasionally higher. The female builds using grass, bark, moss, lichens, leaf fragments, vegetable fibers, and spider webs. Clutches consist of 1-3 eggs incubated solely by the female for 11-16 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 13-16 days. The species is noted for raising several broods annually in suitable habitats.
Conservation
This species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting its relatively stable populations across a broad geographic range. The combination of extensive distribution, occurrence in multiple habitat types including human-modified landscapes, and apparently stable population numbers supports this assessment. No significant population declines have been documented, though detailed population studies are limited. The species benefits from its adaptability to secondary habitats and appears to maintain healthy populations in suburban gardens and parks throughout its range.
Culture
No specific cultural significance or folklore associated with this species has been documented in the available sources. As a relatively common garden bird throughout much of its range, it may be familiar to local communities but does not appear to feature prominently in traditional stories, beliefs, or practices.
Source: Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0
Taxonomy
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Nectariniidae
- Genus
- Cinnyris
- eBird Code
- olbsun4
Subspecies (8)
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Cinnyris ornatus andamanicus
Andaman Islands (Bay of Bengal)
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Cinnyris ornatus blanfordi
Kondul (southern Nicobar Islands, Bay of Bengal)
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Cinnyris ornatus flammaxillaris
Myanmar to Thailand, Cambodia and northern Malay Peninsula (south to Penang)
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Cinnyris ornatus klossi
Great Nicobar Island (Bay of Bengal)
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Cinnyris ornatus ornatus
southern Malay Peninsula to Sumatra, Borneo, Java, Lesser Sundas, and adjacent islands
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Cinnyris ornatus polyclystus
Enggano Island (off western Sumatra)
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Cinnyris ornatus proselius
Car Nicobar Island (Bay of Bengal)
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Cinnyris ornatus rhizophorae
southern China (southern Yunnan, Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hainan) and northern Vietnam
Data Sources
Species description from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Taxonomy data from AviList 2025.