Gurney's Sugarbird

Gurney's sugarbird, a medium-sized passerine, is a sight to behold with its long, graduated tail and elegantly curved beak. The males, larger than the females, boast a chestnut-colored forehead, a subtle white eyestripe, and a white mustachial stripe. A white throat contrasts sharply with the russet breast, while the dark grey back is offset by a strikingly bright yellow rump. The tail, ranging from 11 to 19.3 cm, adds to the bird's distinctive silhouette. Adult males typically weigh between 30 to 46.5 grams, and females, slightly lighter, range from 23 to 43 grams.

Identification Tips

To identify Gurney's sugarbird, look for the long, decurved bill and the bright yellow rump. Males can be distinguished by their larger size, longer bills, and tail feathers. They also have a unique triangular-shaped bulge on the sixth primary feather, which is used in their mating displays. Immature birds are less vibrant, with a greenish tinge to their breast and yellow rump, and their secondary feathers edged with brown.

Habitat

These birds favor the shrubland velds of Southern Africa, where they thrive among the Protea bushes. They are particularly associated with silver sugarbush, white protea, and common sugarbush.

Distribution

Endemic to Southern Africa, Gurney's sugarbird is found in high-altitude grasslands, with a fragmented distribution across the Transvaal and Natal regions, extending into the Eastern Cape and Limpopo provinces. An isolated population exists in the highlands of Eastern Zimbabwe and adjacent Mozambique.

Behaviour

Gurney's sugarbird is a short-distance altitudinal migrant, moving away from breeding grounds post-flowering season. They are territorial, with males defending their feeding grounds vigorously.

Song & Calls

The bird's song is a series of ascending notes, culminating in a repeated final note. Calls are typically a single "chit" note, which can be strung together when approaching the nest or as a sign of well-being. A "cloth-ripping" sound is used for defense.

Breeding

This species is socially monogamous, with pairs staying together throughout the breeding season. Males display their long tails and produce a wing-'clacking' sound to attract females. Breeding success is closely tied to resource availability, with males defending territories rich in nectar and insects. Females are responsible for nest-building, incubation, and feeding the nestlings.

Similar Species

The Cape sugarbird is the closest relative and the only other species within the genus Promerops.

Diet and Feeding

Specialized nectarivores, Gurney's sugarbirds feed predominantly on nectar from Protea flowers and insects found within these flowers or caught in flight. They forage within their defended territories.

Conservation status

The IUCN lists Gurney's sugarbird as Near Threatened, primarily due to habitat loss and the vulnerability of their specialized diet to environmental changes.