Immature male Southern Double-collared Sunbird probing an Erica blossom. Unlike hummingbirds, sunbirds rarely hover, preferring instead to perch while feeding.
• Southern Double-collared Sunbird
• Suimanga acerado
Scientific classification:
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family:Nectariniidae
Genus:Cinnyris
Species:C. chalybeus
Immature male
The Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus) is a small nectar-feeding bird native to southern Africa. Its range includes South Africa, Namibia and Eswatini, where it is common in fynbos, coastal scrub, woodland edges and gardens rich in flowering plants.
The male is easily recognised by its glossy metallic green plumage, a narrow blue breast band and a bright red chest band, while the female is much plainer, with grey-brown upperparts and pale underparts. Its long, decurved bill is adapted for feeding on nectar from a wide variety of flowers, including ericas and aloes. Although nectar forms most of its diet, it also takes small insects and spiders, especially when raising young.
While capable of brief hovering, it usually feeds while perched, moving quickly between blossoms. Its sharp calls and constant activity make it a familiar bird across much of its range.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town, South Africa
Camera: Canon EOS 77D / 9000D
Lens: Sigma 150-600mm F5-6.3 DG OS HSM | Contemporary
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 600.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/500
Aperture: f/6.3
ISO: 200
Photo Taken: March 19, 2018
High resolution
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