white bellied sunbird | watercolour & graphite

The White-bellied Sunbird is a lively little nectar-feeder, flashing iridescent green and violet as it darts between flowers. It hovers or clings to stems to reach deep into blooms with its curved bill and brush-tipped tongue, feeding mostly on nectar but also catching small insects for extra protein. These sunbirds are quick and vocal, often defending favourite flowering plants with sharp, buzzing calls. During breeding, the female builds a tiny, camouflaged, pear-shaped nest of grass and spiderwebs, while the male guards the territory nearby. Fast, colourful, and constantly on the move, the White-bellied Sunbird adds brightness and energy to every patch of flowers it visits.