How to identify the Olive-backed Sunbird

To correctly identify the Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

10-12 cm

Wingspan

13-15 cm

Weight

6-11 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Males have a metallic, iridescent blue-black throat and upper breast, contrasting with a bright yellow belly and olive-green back. The rump is also olive-green. Females lack the iridescent throat, having a duller olive-green head and upperparts, and a bright yellow underparts. Both sexes have a slender, decurved black bill and dark legs.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Long, slender, and decurved (downward-curved) black bill, adapted for probing into flowers.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Dark brown

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   The combination of a metallic blue-black throat/upper breast (male) or plain olive-green head (female) with a bright yellow belly and olive-green back is distinctive. Their small size and rapid, darting flight are also key features.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adult females, but are generally duller, with a paler yellow belly and sometimes a faint streaking on the breast. Young males gradually acquire the iridescent throat patch as they mature.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent throughout the year, though wear and tear can make colors appear slightly duller over time.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Pronounced. Males are much more brightly colored with iridescent blue-black on the throat and upper breast, while females are duller, lacking the iridescent patch and having an olive-green head.

Key field marks

• Size and Shape. Small, slender bird with a long, thin, decurved bill. Often appears active and restless.
• Male Plumage. Look for the striking metallic blue-black throat and upper breast, contrasting sharply with the bright yellow belly and olive-green back. The iridescent patch can appear black in poor light.
• Female Plumage. Identify by the plain olive-green head and upperparts, and bright yellow underparts. Lacks any iridescent patches.
• Behavior. Observe its feeding habits: hovering or perching at flowers to sip nectar. Its rapid, darting flight is also characteristic.
• Vocalizations. Listen for its high-pitched, rapid, and often repetitive 'chew-chew-chew' song or sharp 'chip' calls.

Explore the Olive-backed Sunbird