Introduction
The Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) is a
small, nectar-feeding bird belonging to the family Nectariniidae, a
group commonly known as sunbirds and spiderhunters. Renowned for its vibrant
coloration and active behavior, this bird species plays an essential role in
tropical ecosystems across Asia and the Pacific. It is one of the most familiar
and widespread sunbirds in Southeast Asia, often seen flitting among flowers in
forests, gardens, and even urban environments.
Taxonomy and Discovery
The Olive-backed Sunbird was first scientifically
described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1766, who gave it the
name Certhia jugularis in the 12th edition of Systema Naturae.
Later, the species was reclassified under the genus Cinnyris.
Linnaeus based his description on earlier records from the Philippines,
which is considered the species’ type locality. Earlier observations
were also noted by the French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson in
1760, who described a similar bird but did not follow binomial naming
conventions; hence Linnaeus is officially credited with its discovery.
The species name jugularis comes from Latin, meaning
“of the throat,” referring to the male’s striking metallic blue-black throat
patch.
Distribution and Habitat
The Olive-backed Sunbird has a wide natural range
across South and Southeast Asia, extending from southern China,
India, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and the Philippines, through Malaysia
and Indonesia, and as far east as New Guinea and northern Australia.
This bird thrives in a variety of habitats, including:
- Mangrove
forests
- Forest
edges and secondary forests
- Parks,
gardens, and plantations
- Coastal
areas and urban environments
Its ability to adapt to both natural and human-modified
landscapes has made it one of the most successful and abundant sunbird species
in the region.
Physical Characteristics
The Olive-backed Sunbird is a small bird, measuring about 11 to 13 centimeters in length and weighing around 7 to 10 grams.
- Male:
Bright metallic blue throat and upper breast, olive-green back, and yellow
underparts.
- Female:
Duller, with an olive-brown back and plain yellow underparts.
- Bill:
Long and curved, specialized for nectar feeding.
- Tongue:
Brush-tipped to extract nectar efficiently from flowers.
Their plumage and iridescent coloration make them one of the
most visually attractive birds in tropical Asia.
Behavior and Ecology
The Olive-backed Sunbird is an active and agile
species. It often flits quickly between flowers in search of nectar, sometimes
perching while feeding and occasionally hovering like a hummingbird.
Diet
Its diet mainly consists of:
- Nectar
from flowering plants
- Insects
and spiders, particularly during the breeding season, when protein is
needed for chicks
The sunbird’s feeding activity makes it a vital pollinator
for many tropical and coastal plants, including mangroves and ornamental
flowers.
Breeding
Olive-backed Sunbirds are monogamous during the breeding
season. They build pendant-shaped nests from plant fibers, grass, and
spider webs, often suspended from branches, wires, or human structures.
- Clutch
size: 1–2 eggs
- Incubation:
Performed mainly by the female
- Parental
care: Both parents feed the chicks until fledging
Their ability to breed in close proximity to human dwellings
has helped sustain their population in urban areas.
Importance in Biodiversity
The Olive-backed Sunbird plays a crucial ecological role
in maintaining tropical biodiversity:
- Pollination:
As it feeds on nectar, the bird transfers pollen from flower to flower, ensuring genetic diversity and reproduction among plant species. Many tropical plants, including mangroves and native forest flora, depend heavily on sunbirds for successful pollination. - Insect
Control:
By feeding on small insects and spiders, the species helps regulate pest populations, benefiting both natural and agricultural ecosystems. - Ecosystem
Indicator:
The presence and abundance of Olive-backed Sunbirds in an area often indicate healthy vegetation and floral diversity. Declines in their numbers can signal habitat degradation or loss of flowering resources.
Benefits to People and the Environment
Beyond their ecological importance, Olive-backed Sunbirds
provide several indirect benefits to humans:
- Ecosystem
Services:
Their pollination activities support the growth of fruit-bearing and ornamental plants, contributing to agriculture, horticulture, and reforestation. - Aesthetic
and Cultural Value:
Their bright colors and cheerful songs make them a favorite among birdwatchers and nature photographers, inspiring appreciation for biodiversity and nature conservation. - Educational
and Scientific Importance:
The species serves as an excellent subject for studies on avian ecology, adaptation, and evolution, particularly regarding nectar-feeding behavior and island biogeography.
Conservation Status
According to the International Union for Conservation of
Nature (IUCN), the Olive-backed Sunbird is listed as Least Concern
due to its wide distribution and adaptability to human environments. However,
localized threats such as habitat destruction, mangrove loss, and
climate change may affect some island populations. Continued habitat
protection and awareness of pollinator conservation are important for
sustaining this species’ ecological role.
Conclusion
The Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis) is a
jewel of the tropical avifauna — small in size but mighty in ecological value.
Since its discovery in 1766 by Carl Linnaeus, this species has become a
symbol of tropical biodiversity and resilience. Its essential roles as a pollinator,
insect controller, and biodiversity indicator underline its
importance to both people and nature.
Protecting the habitats that sustain Olive-backed Sunbirds —
from mangroves to gardens — helps preserve not only a beautiful bird but also
the delicate ecological networks upon which life on Earth depends.
References
- Linnaeus,
C. (1766). Systema Naturae, 12th Edition.
- BirdLife
International. (2024). Cinnyris jugularis species factsheet.
- National
University of Singapore, Avian Ecology Research Group. (2023). Sunbird
Pollination in Southeast Asia.
- Thai
National Parks. (2024). “Olive-backed Sunbird (Cinnyris jugularis)
– Species Overview.”
- Handbook
of the Birds of the World, Vol. 13: Sunbirds to Wrens. Lynx
Edicions, Barcelona.
