Photo: Southern Double Collared Sunbird
Jone Haesslich
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Birdwatching at Eastern Cape Safari Lodge
Our photo of the week is of a southern double collared sunbird. Thank you to ranger Tayla for the beautiful image.
This particular sunbird is endemic to Southern Africa, meaning you will not find elsewhere in the world. It is a small bird measuring only 12 cm (7,7 inches) in height and weighs only 8 grams (0,2 ounces).
The most striking feature of this little bird is its plumage – a shimmering green head and a bright red breast divided by a metallic blue stripe across its chest.
Sunbirds feed mainly on the nectar of flowers and can often be seen perched on the branches of flowering shrubs or trees. They do supplement their diet with fruit, small insects and spiders, especially when feeding their young.
Breeding Sunbirds in South Africa
Eggs are laid throughout the year, but the peak egg-laying season is in winter and early spring (July to October). Females lay between one and three eggs and incubate them only 13–16 days before the baby birds hatch. Both parents feed the young for about six weeks. After this period the chicks are expected to feed themselves and be fully independent.
Kariega – a Great Safari for Birdwatchers
Kariega Game Reserve is the perfect malaria-free safari destination for avid bird watchers. The reserve spans five ecological zones which provides a diverse range of ecosystems for wide range of birds, animals and insects. Birdwatchers are able to see approximately 280 different birds in a variety of habitats including woodland shrub, wetlands and dry savannah. Our rangers are passionate about all aspects of conservation, including wildlife, birds, insects, plants, geology and more.
For a full list of the birds you might see while at Kariega click here.
Read other articles on Kariega birds here:
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