Southern Double-collared Sunbird

Cinnyris chalybeus

Lowland woodland. Dull grey-brown overall; darker above; paler below; curved bill length of head.

Sunbirds

Endemic

Description

Common resident. Male resembles only the male of [Amethyst Sunbird], but the large red breast-patch is diagnostic. Female told by the heavy dark markings of the underparts. Utters a high-pitched chattering sound and a much-repeated ‘cheep, chip, chop’ from a prominent perch. Pairs occur in a variety of habitats including bushveld, woodland, riverine forest and suburbia, where they are attracted to flowering creepers. A noisy, conspicuous species. Replaces [Amethyst Sunbird] in northerly and low-lying localities, but ranges overlap extensively in certain areas.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

Small, insectivorous and nectar-drinking birds with decurved bills adapted to flower-probing. Males have iridescent plumage and yellow, orange or red tufts on the sides of the breast (pectoral tufts) that are displayed in excitement. Some males undergo an annual eclipse when they adopt drab, non-breeding plumage resembling the normal plumage of the female. Immatures are like females, often with a dark throat. Their flight is swift and erratic, males spending much time chasing females and other males. They gather in numbers when favoured nectar-rich plants are in blossom.