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Palestine Sunbird

Cinnyris osea
Palestine Sunbird
Birds Least Concern
Family
Nectariniidae
Size
10-12 cm
Range
Mediterranean Basin
Best Season
March - May
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12 photos

About the Palestine Sunbird

The Palestine Sunbird is a small bird belonging to the Nectariniidae family, distinguished by its iridescent metallic plumage in shades of blue and green in males, while females have a more subdued olive-gray coloring. It measures between 10 and 12 centimeters in length and possesses a long, curved beak used for feeding on flower nectar.

This bird is one of the most common in Palestine, where it can be spotted in gardens, orchards, and natural areas alike. It feeds primarily on flower nectar, especially from almond, citrus, and bougainvillea blossoms, as well as small insects and spiders that it catches while flitting among the branches.

The sunbird is known for its active and bold behavior, often seen hovering in front of flowers in a manner resembling hummingbirds. It builds hanging bag-shaped nests from plant fibers and spider silk, typically laying 2-3 eggs per season. This bird is considered a symbol of Palestinian biodiversity and one of the most beautiful birds in the region.

Where to Find the Palestine Sunbird

Sighting Locations
Trails
Wadi Qelt Trail
Wadi Qelt Reserve ★ 4.5
Frequently Spotted
Ein Al-Fawwar Trail
Umm Al-Rihan Reserve ★ 4.8
Frequently Spotted
Wadi Al-Bathan Trail
Nablus ★ 4.7
Occasionally Spotted
Mount Tamoun Trail
Tubas ★ 4.3
Rarely Spotted
Reserves
Wadi Al-Quff Reserve
Hebron 47 species
Umm Al-Rihan Reserve
Jenin 35 species
Wadi Qelt Reserve
Jericho 52 species

How to Identify

🎨 Color
Male has iridescent blue-green metallic plumage with a red chest patch. Female is olive-gray with a lighter belly.
📏 Size
10-12 cm in length. Long downward-curved beak, suited for feeding on nectar from tubular flowers.
🎵 Song
Rapid, repetitive song consisting of a series of sharp, metallic notes. Alarm call is a sharp "tschk-tschk" sound.
🕐 Best Time
Early morning, near flowers and gardens. Especially active during almond blossom season (February-March).

Recent Sightings

A
Ahmad M. March 15, 2026
Wadi Qelt
Spotted a male feeding on almond blossoms near the reserve entrance. Its shimmering plumage was clearly visible under the morning sun.
S
Sara K. March 12, 2026
Umm Al-Rihan
A pair building a nest in an old olive tree. The hanging nest is made of plant fibers and spider silk. Wonderful sight!
M
Mohammad A. March 8, 2026
Wadi Al-Bathan
3 birds near the spring, one female and two males. They were feeding on wild bougainvillea flowers.

Related Species