Bird · GBIF taxon 6089176
Orange-breasted Sunbird
Anthobaphes violaceaAlso known as Orangebreasted Sunbird
Orange-breasted sunbirds are dynamic pollinators restricted entirely to the nutrient-poor fynbos heathlands of South Africa's Western Cape. Males display a striking metallic green head, violet breast band, and brilliant orange belly while sipping nectar from protea and heather blooms. Females construct teardrop-shaped woven nests from plant fibers and spider silk in low heather shrubs.
EndemicNectarivorePollinator
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Erica nectar
- Protea nectar
- Small spiders
Predators
- Boomslang
- Fiscal Shrike
- Domestic Cats
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, frequent wildfires, climate change
HabitatsFynbos shrubland, mountain slopes, Ericaceous heath
Life span4–8 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyNectariniidae
- SpeciesAnthobaphes violacea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Look around flowering Erica and Protea bushes on sunny mountain slopes in fynbos reserves.
- Listening: Listen for their sharp, metallic twang call and rapid twittering songs during early mornings.
- Etiquette: Keep a respectful distance from active nests suspended low in shrub foliage.
Co-pollinator (c) Tony Rebelo, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Tony Rebelo · cc-by-sa
Co-occurring Sunbird (c) Steve Garvie, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Nectar Plant Close Relative
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