Fork-tailed Sunbird

Overview

The Fork-tailed Sunbird is a small species found across southern China, Hainan, and parts of Southeast Asia, favoring forest edge, scrub, and garden habitats. Its name refers to the shallow fork or notch visible in the male's tail. Males show a bright scarlet throat and breast contrasting with an iridescent green crown.

• Family: sunbirds (Nectariniidae)
• Diet: nectar and small insects
• Range: southern China, Hainan, and parts of northern Southeast Asia

Feather Identification

• Crown: male head feathers show iridescent metallic green.
• Throat and breast: scarlet-red feathers cover the throat and upper chest, a strong contrast to the green crown.
• Tail: central tail feathers show a shallow forked or notched tip, giving the species its name.
• Underparts: lower belly is olive-yellow, duller than the bright throat.
• Vs. similar species: the small size combined with a forked tail and scarlet throat-to-breast pattern helps distinguish it from other Aethopyga sunbirds with longer, pointed tail streamers.

Plumage Notes

Adult males show the scarlet throat, green crown, and forked tail year-round, with the brightest colors in fresh plumage after molt. Females are plain olive-green above and pale yellowish below, lacking iridescence and the forked tail shape. Juveniles resemble females until males acquire adult plumage.

Habitat & Range

This sunbird occupies forest edge, secondary scrub, and gardens across southern China, Hainan Island, and parts of northern Vietnam and neighboring Southeast Asia. It is generally resident within its range.

Behavior

Fork-tailed Sunbirds feed on nectar from flowering shrubs and trees, supplemented with small insects gleaned from foliage. They build small hanging nests from plant fibers and spider silk. The song is a thin, high-pitched series of notes, and calls include sharp chips given while foraging.