Sugarbirds

Sugarbirds, belonging to the small genus Promerops and family Promeropidae, are unique to southern Africa and exhibit characteristics similar to large, long-tailed sunbirds and some Australian honeyeaters, despite not being closely related. These medium-sized passerines sport brownish plumage, a distinguishing long down-curved bill suited for nectar feeding, and notably elongated tail feathers, with males having longer tails than females. First described by French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson in 1760, sugarbirds have a complex taxonomic history with debated relationships, though currently regarded as a monotypic family closely aligned with the enigmatic Modulatricidae. They are represented by two species, the Gurney's sugarbird and the Cape sugarbird, with distribution across various southern African regions and exhibiting remarkable genetic diversity. Sugarbirds are often found in protea scrub and fynbos ecosystems, frequently visiting gardens and nurseries, and rely heavily on nectar from Protea flowers for energy, playing a pivotal role in pollination. Additionally, their insectivorous diet includes bees and flies. Across both species, sugarbirds practice monogamy, with males defending territories during breeding seasons and females laying two eggs in a nest typically positioned in a tree fork.