The Eastern Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea) is a small bird in the Nectariniidae family of passerine sunbirds.

The Eastern Olive Sunbird is olive in colour. It has short wings and a short tail. Its beak is long, thin, black, and arched. It has small black eyes and black legs. 

It grows up to 15 centimetres (6 inches) tall.

It is found in East Africa, in countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and the Horn of Africa (Dijbouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia). It prefers forests and woodlands, as well as parks and gardens. 

The Eastern Olive Sunbird feeds on the nectar of plants, and also insects. 

It has a fast flight, and takes nectar from flowers by hovering like a hummingbird, but mostly it is a perching bird.

The Eastern Olive Sunbird builds a pear-shaped nest, made from plants and leaves. The nest hangs from small branches or an overhanging roof of a building. 

The female lays about two eggs in the nest. 

Location of photographs: Nairobi, Kenya

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM