WITH many aloes still in flower, now is the time to look for this stunning sunbird, the Southern Double-Collared Sunbird
Also read: Chirping with Kloof Conservancy – Natal Spurfowl
Description
The Southern Double-Collared Sunbird is relatively small at 12cm and only 8g. The colours of the male, however, make up for its small size. The head, back, neck and upper breast are a striking iridescent green. There is a narrow bright red band on the chest which is separated from the green neck by a thin iridescent blue band. The lower feathers are a dull light brown. The females are quite dull with various shades of brown.
The Southern Double-Collared Sunbird can be easily confused with the very similar Greater Double-Collared Sunbird which shares the same distribution area and is almost identical, but the latter is larger, has a less curved beak and a much broader red band on the chest.
Distribution
The Southern Double-Collared Sunbird is only found in the south-western and eastern parts of South Africa, extending into Limpopo Province. It is absent from the Highveld and the dry western parts of the country.
Habitat
This sunbird loves nectar, so it can be found wherever there are nectar-bearing flowering plants such as aloes and proteas. It is quite common in local gardens as well as along forest edges and rivers.
Feeding
The Southern Double-Collared Sunbird feeds primarily on nectar but will also feed on insects, particularly in the dry periods when nectar is scarce.
Breeding
The Southern Double-Collared Sunbird is a monogamous species and pairs for life. They are solitary nesters and defend their territory aggressively from intruders. The nest is built by the female only using grass and twigs which are tightly bound with spider webbing. The nest is usually suspended on a branch of a small tree. The female lays one to three eggs which she alone incubates for approximately 15 days. The chicks are fed by both parents.
Predators and threats
The Southern Double-Collared Sunbird is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, and the population may be increasing as it has become very adept at living with humans.
Local information
The best place to look for this bird is in your garden. Plant nectar-producing indigenous plants, and you are sure to attract not only the Southern Double-Collared Sunbird but many other species of sunbird.
Interesting facts
All sunbirds have a curved beak which is serrated at the tip. The serrated tip is used to cut through flowers to make it easier for the bird to reach the nectar.
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