Sunbirds are well known and much loved birds in the Mission Beach area. 
Their habit of occasionally building nests on house decks or outdoor patios has endeared these little jewels to many a local resident.
Australia only has the single species of Sunbird with others occurring across tropical zones of the world and boasting a range of brilliant colours from red to green and even multicoloured, yet all are tiny and all build the same domed nest with both parents active in rearing their young.
The sexes are easily told apart as the male has a brilliant blue shield across the upper part of his breast whereas the female is all yellow. During courtship he uses this vivid blue to attract a mate, puffing his chest out in an exaggerated manner and taking care to guarantee that the sun catches his breast and displays it to best advantage. Birds pair for a season and must take care as predators such as Goannas, Tree snakes and Butcher birds all enjoy the takeaway meal of helpless juvenile Sunbirds, merely tearing the nest asunder and leaving the hapless young flightless on the ground where they can be picked up.
This may have resulted in the habit of nesting in human habitation. Despite their Honeyeater like appearance they are not a Honeyeater and dine mostly on insects although some nectar may be lapped from flowers that enable this.
I’m a Mission Beach resident and very often have these lovely little birds building their nests under the eaves of our house. My husband and I are delighted but then unfortuneately horrified to have our resident butcher birds do exactly what you have described. Is their any way of protecting the little sunbird babies?
You could try tying a length of solid rope nearer the house but close to the eaves where nesting has occurred in the past. The rope will provide them with a structure to build on and being closer to the house may just deter the Butcherbirds a little. Alternatively some chicken wire (not in contact with the nest) around 3/4 of it, leaving the parents clear access, may help. Good luck!
Thanks Adrian, I really appreciate the advice.
unfortunately i came home today to realise that something has destroyed a sunbirds nest right under our eaves, i then had a look through the remains to see two tiny eggs, can anyone give me some advise as to what to do to help these beautiful little birds hatch and survive?? or should i just let nature take its course and leave them??
Hi Christina,
It’s highly unlikely you can hatch the eggs as they’ve probably cooled off too much. An incubator quickly would have been the only option and they’re pretty damn scarce! Temperature control is critical to hatching so hot water bottles etc only manage to cook them. I suspect Butcherbirds did the damage as they are notorious Sunbird nest destroyers but this time seem to have mistimed the raid as they usually wait for the eggs to hatch. One suggestion is if the Sunbirds nest again in a similar place try hanging a cardboard hawk cut out near the nest after the parents have built and are incubating. It may keep Butch away and the Sunbirds will initially brave it and then work out it’s not real!
Prof Birdbrain