Adult male - Central Drakensberg. All images copyright Simply Birding Africa.
Greater Double-collared Sunbird
Cinnyris afer- Habitat: Fynbos, forest edges, gardens, and wooded valleys of Southern Africa
- Diet: Nectar, small insects and spiders (especially when feeding chicks)
- Status: Common resident and local migrant in suitable habitats
- Calls: A rapid series of twittering notes and sharp “chik-chik” calls. Males often sing from exposed perches during breeding season.
- Similar looking: May be confused with Southern Double-collared Sunbird, but has a noticeably broader red breast-band.
- Similar sounding: Their sharp calls resemble other sunbirds and most closely Southern Double-collared Sunbird, but the full chattering song is distinctive when learned.
Fun facts
Sunbirds can tell the quality of the nectar inside of flowers by the brightness and richness of the colour of the flower petals.
ID pitfalls
The breast band width best separates from Southern Double-collared Sunbird except in the east where Southern has a broader breast band.
Where to find one
Common and easily found in coastal and escarpment areas where ever suitable flowers are in bloom