Fauna
Bird

Orange-breasted Sunbird

Anthobaphes violacea

Also 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
Orange-breasted Sunbird reference1 / 7
(c) Thibaud Aronson, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Thibaud Aronson · cc-by-sa
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyErica 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
Classification
  1. FamilyNectariniidae
  2. SpeciesAnthobaphes violacea
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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