Palestine Sunbird

Palestine Sunbird (Cinnyris osea / Nectarinia osea) — also known as the Palestine Sunbird — is a bird belonging to the sunbird family (Nectariniidae), which is found in parts of the Arab world and Africa. It is the national bird of the State of Palestine.

It inhabits areas with high temperatures and dry climates, from sea level up to altitudes of 3,200 meters. This bird lives in dry forests, woodlands, valleys, and savannas, and it can also be seen in orchards and gardens. It is relatively common in certain urban areas.

The subspecies found in the Arab world breeds in Palestine, northern Jordan, southern Lebanon, and regions extending from western Saudi Arabia to Yemen and Oman in the south. In recent decades, this bird has begun to inhabit Sinai, and during winter, it can be found farther north in Lebanon and Syria.

The length of the Palestine Sunbird ranges from 8–12 cm, with a wingspan of about 14–16 cm. The male weighs about 7.6 g, while the female weighs about 6.8 g. Its bill is black, fairly long, and slightly curved downward. The adult male’s plumage is dark, but under sunlight, it shows a metallic blue or green sheen. There are small orange tufts of feathers on the sides of the male’s chest, though they are hard to see except from close range. The female and juvenile have brownish-gray plumage.

This bird mainly feeds on insects and nectar. Its long, curved beak and tongue allow it to extract nectar from flowers. It usually feeds while perching beside or on flowers, but it can also hover while feeding, similar to a hummingbird. The Palestine Sunbird is an active pollinator, contributing to plant vitality and spread.

Among its natural predators are various snakes, predatory mammals, and birds such as the Eurasian Jay, which sometimes invades nests and harms the mother or chicks.

In the wild, the Palestine Sunbird can live for 3 to 9 years. It is highly curious, often investigating anything new or unusual in its surroundings.

It is the smallest bird species in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Levant. Though it resembles a hummingbird, it is slightly larger in size despite its tiny appearance.