sunbird

[ suhn-burd ]

noun

1. any of various small, brilliantly colored Old World birds of the family Nectariniidae.

sunbird

/ ˈsʌnˌbɜːd /

noun

1. any small songbird of the family Nectariniidae, of tropical regions of the Old World, esp Africa, having a long slender curved bill and a bright plumage in the males

Word History and Origins

Origin of sunbird¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; sun + bird

Example Sentences

With their hot feathers, iridescent sunbirds may be especially at risk.

From Science News

Rogalla points out that small birds like sunbirds — vulnerable to big swings in ambient temperatures — have already perished en masse from extreme heat events.

From Science News

Sunbird, fly away, fly to my ancestress' house; bring me apples and pears; come back soon.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, a tiny creature such as a sunbird is almost as light as the proverbial feather.

From Project Gutenberg

In conclusion, I should like to settle one disputed point in the economy of the purple sunbird (A. asiatica).

From Project Gutenberg

There is no month in the year in which I have not seen a cock purple sunbird in nuptial plumage.

From Project Gutenberg

The nest of the sunbird is one of the most wonderful pieces of architecture in the world, and it is the work of the hen alone.

From Project Gutenberg