Palestine sunbirds drink nectar from flowers, hovering in front of blooms the way a hummingbird does. Their long, curved beaks are perfectly shaped to dip into tubular flowers and reach the sweet nectar inside. As they feed, they accidentally carry pollen from flower to flower, helping plants reproduce — which is why gardeners and farmers love them.
The female sunbird looks quite different from the male. She is plain brown and olive-green, which makes her hard to spot when she is sitting on a nest. This camouflage is clever — predators cannot easily see her while she is keeping her eggs warm. The male stays close by and sings to her with a loud, cheerful song that sounds a little like a fast, high-pitched conversation.
Sunbirds are year-round residents — they do not migrate south in winter. You can find them in gardens, olive groves, and anywhere flowering plants grow. In spring, gardens and parks in Palestinian towns buzz with the quick darting movement of sunbirds visiting every bloom. Spotting the flash of iridescent blue among the leaves is a popular treat for birdwatchers.