Sunbirds are important pollinators in African and Asian ecosystems. Urban habitat loss is reducing their food availability, but garden management can support these beautiful birds.
Sunbird welfare in urban and suburban environments depends on the availability of appropriate nectar-producing flowers. Urban gardens dominated by non-native plants reduce food resources for birds adapted to specific native flower shapes. Seasonal gaps in flowering can create periods of nutritional stress. Urban gardeners who plant native flowering plants appropriate for their region can significantly support local sunbird populations. Sugar water feeders provide supplementary food but should be kept scrupulously clean — fermented or contaminated sugar water causes illness. Urban biodiversity support for sunbirds is a welfare intervention accessible to millions of garden owners.