A photo of a Gurney's Sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi)
Gurney's Sugarbird

Gurney's Sugarbird

Promerops gurneyi

Gurney's sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi) is a medium-sized passerine endemic to the mid- and high-altitude grassland velds in southern Africa. It belongs to the family Promeropidae, which contains one genus, Promerops, and two species. Gurney's sugarbird feeds on nectar from Protea bushes as well as on small insects. This bird is characterized by its long, graduated tail and decurved beak. Gurney's sugarbird has a long, decurved bill characteristic of nectarivores. It has a chestnut-coloured forehead, along with a faint white eyestripe and white mustachial stripe. A white throat stands out against the russet breast. This species of sugarbird has a dark grey back, and a conspicuous bright yellow rump makes this bird easy to spot. The tail is long and graduated, ranging from 11 to 19.3 cm in length. Females are smaller than males, with shorter bills and tail feathers. Males also have triangular-shaped bulge on the sixth primary feather, used in mating displays. Immature individuals are duller than adults and have a greenish tinge to both their breast and yellow rump. Further, their secondary feathers are edged with a brownish colour.
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Gurney's Sugarbirds on Birda

Photos

Sightings

A photo of a Gurney's Sugarbird photographed in Giant's Castle South Africa
🐱
Hannah Ritchie
Sunday 27 Nov 2022 - 4:23am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
🐥
Erik Ostrander
Wednesday 19 Jan 2022 - 7:09am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
🦢
Hannah Buschert
Wednesday 19 Jan 2022 - 7:09am
South Africa
A map showing the sighting location
🦅
Hugh Rivett-Carnac
Wednesday 14 Mar 2018 - 2:12pm
South Africa
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