The orange-breasted sunbird, Anthobaphes violacea, is a small, nectar-feeding bird endemic to the fynbos biome of southwestern South Africa. It is the sole representative of its genus, Anthobaphes, within the family Nectariniidae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is a vibrant mix of orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, particularly on the head and neck, while the female is dressed in more subdued olive green tones.
Males can be identified by their metallic green head, throat, and mantle, violet upper breast, and bright orange lower breast, which fades into yellow on the belly. Their long, decurved bills are adapted for nectar feeding, with the male's bill being notably longer than the female's. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with olive-greenish grey upperparts and paler underparts.
The orange-breasted sunbird is a denizen of the fynbos, a unique heathland habitat. It is particularly associated with ericas and proteas, which provide much of its nectar diet.
This species is confined to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it is a common breeder within its range.
