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Olive-backed SunbirdAlternative names: "Yellow-bellied Sunbird", "Yellow-breasted Sunbird" Size: 10-12 cm |
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Habitat |
(for details refer to a field guide) |
Olive-backed Sunbirds are found only along the north-east coast of Australia, from Yeppoon, QLD, to the tip of Cape York and also on the western coastline of Cape York peninsula, as far south as about Kowanyama, QLD.
Olive-backed Sunbirds are usually found in mangroves and around the edges of rainforest. They adapt very well to the presence of humans and are also found in urban parks and gardens.
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Sightings |
A male bird was spotted by us in Byfield National Park, QLD, in July 2009, which is right on the southern edge of the species' range.
L. Tonnochy reports spotting a Olive-backed Sunbird 20 km north of Townsville in October 2011.
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Photos |
Frontal view of a bird fanning its tail (photo courtesy of L. Tonnochy)
Near-frontal view (photo courtesy of L. Tonnochy)
Lateral view of a male Olive-backed Sunbird (photo courtesy of
L. Tonnochy)
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Food |
To the best of our knowledge Olive-backed Sunbirds feed exclusively on nectar. They profit from the creation of urban gardens and parks with flowering plants.
Frontal view of a male Olive-backed Sunbird feeding on the
flowers of a mistletoe bush in a grevillea
