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Newsletter / Blog
2011-06-23
Sugarbirds - Endemic to Southern Africa
Cape Sugarbird
The Cape Sugarbird, Promerops cafer, is endemic to the Fynbos biome of the western and eastern Cape, South Africa. It is a grey-brown bird that is easily recognizable by a yellow vent and the very long tail feathers. The female, shorter-tailed,
shorter-billed, and has a paler breast. Another
characteristic of the Cape Sugarbird is the sound it makes when it
flies. The main flight feathers are arranged in such a way that when the
bird beats its wings, a frrt-frrt sound is made with the intention of attracting females.
The bird is a specialist nectar feeder when it comes to feeding off Proteacea. Its long, sharp beak is used to reach the nectar of a variety of species of protea with its long brush-tipped tongue. The staple diet is nectar, however it will also eat spiders and insects.
These birds breed in winter when there are ample food supplies.
These beautiful birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -
Aves Western Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.
Aves West Coast Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.
Gurney's Sugarbird
The Gurney's Sugarbird - Promerops gurneyi - is endemic to Southern Africa, found in the highlands of the Eastern Cape, Kwa Zulu Natal, Waterberg, Soutpansberg and the highlands of Zimbabwe.
  
This bird feeds on insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, locusts and
ants, which are usually hawked aerially. They also drink nectar of Protea, Aloes, Watsonia and Eucalyptus and other flowers.
The Gurney's Sugarbird is a monogamous bird which lays between 1 to 2 eggs and they are brown in colour.
The Gurney's Sugarbird is mainly seen singly or in pairs.
These beautiful birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -
Aves Eastern Cape Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.
Aves Highland/Tembe Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.
Aves North East Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure.
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