Wild diet: Most of the species will eat both nectar and small arthropods- mostly spiders, as well as some fruits. However, nectar is the main factor influencing the bird’s habitat, behaviour and shape. Some flowers have even become adapted to have sunbirds as their main pollinator.

Feeding strategy: Sunbirds have long tongues and beaks that are specially adapted to feeding on nectar. The slightest difference in beak size can affect their ability to reach nectar. Sunbirds feed on nectar by drawing it up in a capillary action. The bill has fine serrations on the edge to aid them in catching and keeping hold of insects. The detailed structure of the tongue has taxonomic significance in these genera. Unlike the Hummingbird, Sunbirds have stronger feet- favouring feeding whilst perched as opposed to hovering. Sunbirds have opercula (flaps) to cover their noses to keep the pollen out. Sunbirds are prone to making nomadic movements in response to flower availability. It has been noted that territorial defence is advantageous- feeding territories can contain enough energy to support an individual’s daily requirements and the amount of nectar per flower in these defended areas are higher than those undefended.

Species dietary differences: Different species have different bill lengths- suggesting that they may divide the available flower resources between them. Long-billed species are particularly prevalent at large red and orange flowers. Short-billed species, on the other hand tend to feed more on insects. They cannot always reach the flowers nectar from the front- so they sometimes pierce through the corolla to get to the nectar. These holes are then used by other birds or insects for the same purpose.