Olive Sunbird

Afrikaans name: Olyfsuikerbekkie

Photo © Steven Herbert

Cyanomitra olivacea

The Olive Sunbird is found along the coastal area of KwaZulu-Natal and portions of the Eastern Cape. Beyond our borders it is found in various countries in west and east Africa.

The preferred habitat of the Olive Sunbird is coastal forest. It is also found in woodland areas, parks and gardens.

This species predominantly feeds on nectar from a variety of trees and plants. It also eats some fruit, spiders and insects.

When breeding the female Olive Sunbird makes a pear-shaped nest. It is normally placed amongst vegetation that is hanging down. Up to 3 eggs are laid and the female broods them for about 2 weeks. Both parents feed the chicks for the next 2 weeks at which time they are normally ready to leave the nest.

Roberts Birds Names by Edition

Edition	Roberts nr	Scientific name
1st	766	Haagneria olivacea
2nd	766	Cyanomitra olivacea
3rd	766	Cyanomitra olivacea
4th	766	Cyanomitra olivacea
5th	790	Nectarinia olivacea
6th	790	Nectarinia olivacea
7th	815	Cyanomitra olivacea

Edition	Roberts nr	English name
1st	766	Olive Sunbird
2nd	766	Olive Sunbird
3rd	766	Olive Sunbird
4th	766	Olive Sunbird
5th	790	Olive Sunbird
6th	790	Olive Sunbird
7th	815	Olive Sunbird

Edition	Roberts nr	Afrikaans name
1st	766	Olyfkleurige-suikerbekkie
2nd	766	Olyfkleurige Suikerbekkie
3rd	766	Olyf-suikerbekkie
4th	766	Olyf-suikerbekkie
5th	790	Olyfsuikerbekkie
6th	790	Olyfsuikerbekkie
7th	815	Olyfsuikerbekkie

References and further reading

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 408

Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 93

The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 325

Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 374

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 697

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 546

Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 698

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 534

Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 414

Roberts Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 310

Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 400

Newman s Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 400

Ian Sinclair s Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 294

Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 70

Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 113

Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 247

Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 264

Birds of Africa south of the Sahara - Author: Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan - Published: 2003 - Page: 620

A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 38

A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 38

A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 286

BirdLife South Africa

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List of South African Birds