The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
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: 408The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 325
Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 93
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 697
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 374
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 Bird Guide - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 2007 - Page: 310
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 2nd edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1957 - Page: 414
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 400
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 70
Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 294
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 400
Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 264
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
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 38
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 38
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 286
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