Bird · GBIF taxon 7340679
Palestine Sunbird
Cinnyris oseaAlso known as Northern Orange-tufted Sunbird
Male Palestine sunbirds feature glossy dark purple and green iridescent plumage that flashes brilliant colors in direct sunlight, accented by small orange side-tufts visible under the wings during courtship displays. Females and juveniles display a much subtler pale greyish-brown upper body with pale yellow underparts. These energetic birds flit continuously among nectar-rich flowering shrubs and trees, serving as essential pollinators across Middle Eastern drylands and urban parks.
Nectar FeederIridescentSongbird
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Floral nectar
- Small insects
- Spiders
Predators
- Domestic cats
- Shrikes
- Snakes
ThreatsHabitat alteration, pesticide use, domestic cat predation
HabitatsDry woodlands, scrubland, wadis, gardens, parks
Life span3–6 years
Classification
- FamilyNectariniidae
- SpeciesCinnyris osea
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
- Plant Native Flowers: Cultivate tubular, nectar-rich flora such as hibiscuses or salvias to attract foraging birds.
- Morning Viewing: Scan high, sunny perches early in the day when singing males display brilliant iridescent plumage.
- Nest Protection: Avoid disturbing delicate, purse-shaped suspended nests hidden low in dense thorn bushes.
Regional Neighbor (c) Biodiversity Heritage Library, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Sevin Dee, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sevin Dee · cc-by
Close Relative Original: Nina R at Flickr; this edit: MPF / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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