The Palestine sunbird (Cinnyris osea) is a small passerine bird that belongs to the sunbird family Nectariniidae. It is also sometimes known as Osea's sunbird.
Taxonomy
The Palestine sunbird was first formally described by William Jardine in 1840. Its genus, Cinnyris, includes many other sunbird species. Sunbirds are a group of small Old World passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Their flight is fast and direct, with their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed.
Description
The Palestine sunbird is a relatively small bird, typically measuring around 10–11 cm (3.9–4.3 in) in length. Males are striking, exhibiting iridescent metallic green plumage on their head, back, and throat, which shimmers with hues of blue and violet in good light. Their underparts are black, and they possess distinct orange-red tufts at the sides of the breast, though these are often concealed unless the bird is displaying. The tail is relatively short and black, often with white outer tail feathers visible in flight or display. Females and juvenile birds are much duller, with grey-brown upperparts and pale yellowish-grey underparts, sometimes with a faint olive wash. They lack the iridescent plumage and breast tufts of the male. Both sexes have a long, slender, decurved bill, well-adapted for probing flowers for nectar.
Distribution and Habitat
The Palestine sunbird is native to parts of the Middle East and northeastern Africa. Its range extends across Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, parts of Turkey, and into Egypt (especially the Sinai Peninsula) and northern Saudi Arabia. It is also found in a disjunct population in Sudan and Eritrea.
This species is adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including semi-arid areas, scrubland, wadis, acacia groves, cultivated gardens, orchards, and urban parks. It prefers areas with flowering vegetation.
Diet and Behaviour
The diet of the Palestine sunbird primarily consists of nectar, which it extracts from various flowers using its specialized bill and tubular tongue. It often hovers briefly in front of flowers or perches to feed. In addition to nectar, it supplements its diet with small insects and spiders, particularly during the breeding season to provide protein for its young.
Palestine sunbirds are generally solitary or found in pairs, though they may gather in larger numbers at abundant food sources. Males are territorial, especially during the breeding season, and will defend their territory against rivals. Their song is a rapid, high-pitched warble, often delivered from an exposed perch.
Reproduction
Breeding typically occurs from early spring to summer. The female constructs a small, pendulous, purse-shaped nest, often suspended from a branch or shrub. The nest is made from plant fibers, spiderwebs, small twigs, and feathers, often decorated with lichen or other debris on the exterior for camouflage.
Clutch size usually consists of 2-3 eggs, which are incubated by the female. Both parents participate in feeding the altricial chicks, primarily with insects and spiders. Fledglings remain dependent on their parents for a short period after leaving the nest.
Conservation Status
The Palestine sunbird is listed as "Least Concern" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. It has a wide distribution and its population appears to be stable, with no significant threats identified. Its adaptability to human-modified landscapes, such as gardens and parks, has likely contributed to its continued success.