Bird guideSahul Sunbird

Both sexes have a plain olive back, a yellow belly, and white tail edges that are flared out in flight.

⚠️Not listed

At a glance

FamilySunbirds and Spiderhunters
SizeTiny
RarityCommon
HabitatIt is found in various habitats including mangroves, forest edge, open scrub as well as parks and gardens.
Best timeReported across most months in Queensland, with no narrow seasonal peak.

Range map

Range map

556visible hotspots
13880visible records
2states
Low confidenceMediumHigh confidence

Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.

Species notes

Overview

The male flashes an iridescent blue throat while the female has a yellow throat and eyebrow. In parts of range, female Sahul may be confused with female Black Sunbird; note that species’ unmarked gray head and shorter, less curved bill. Gives a buzzy, twittering song, as well as a rising “dwee”, a familiar sound even in cities.

Behavior

The elongated hanging nest is 30–60 cm (12–24 in) in length and has a hooded side entrance. It is constructed by the female using grass, bark, moss, lichens, leaf fragments, vegetable fibres and spider webs. The clutch of 1–3 eggs is incubated by the female.

Regional timing

Queensland
Peak: June to January13,872 records
New South Wales
Peak: March3 records
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