Cape Sugarbird

Overview

The Cape sugarbird (Promerops cafer) is a grey-brown bird that is one of eight species endemic to the Fynbos biome of the Western and Eastern Cape provinces in South Africa. The species is monotypic, with no recognised subspecies, and is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• A grey-brown plumage with a distinctive spot of yellow under the tail.
• Males measure 34–44 cm and possess very long tail feathers, while females are shorter (25–29 cm), shorter-billed, and have paler breasts.
• Produces a distinctive 'frrt-frrt' sound when flying, caused by the arrangement of its main flight feathers.

Habitat

Found throughout the fire-driven ecosystem of the Fynbos in South Africa, where flowering proteas and ericas dominate the vegetation. The species is most common in mature areas that have not burnt recently and is almost absent from recently burnt zones. It also frequents gardens during summer months when wild proteas are out of flower.

Diet

A specialist nectar feeder that uses its long, sharp beak and brush-tipped tongue to access the nectar of various protea species. It supplements this staple diet with spiders and insects, using sharp claws to grip protea heads in the strong Cape winds.

Did you know?

The male Cape sugarbird produces a unique 'frrt-frrt' sound during flight caused by the specific arrangement of its main flight feathers, a behaviour intended to attract females.