Sunbird

Nectariniidae

Sunbird

The sunbirds and spiderhunters are a family, Nectariniidae, of very small passerine* birds. There are 132 species in 15 genera. Distributed throughout Africa, the Indian Subcontinent and Southeast Asia the family also just reaches northern Australia. Their flight is fast and direct on their short wings but they do not fly backwards, as their cousin, the hummingbird does. Most Sunbirds feed largely on nectar, but will also take insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Flower tubes that don't allow for easy access to nectar because of their shape, are simply punctured at the base near the nectaries. Fruit also forms part of the diet of some species. 

                                                      

                                                  

The top photograph was taken right outside the front door on an Aloe Vera flower, a favourite with the Sunbirds. On the left is a Sunbird nest on the walkway to the reception of the Umngazi River Bungalows Hotel in the Valley - with twins! On the right is a Sunbird that was stunned, when it flew into the house, allowing me to cup it in my hand till it had recovered and flew off.



The nest is commonly oval shaped, purse-like and somewhat 'untidy' and not necessarily well hidden or camouflaged. Although skittish, Sunbirds are not shy and are easily lured into the garden by placing sugared water out for them to drink. They form monogamous pairs to mate and breed. The female constructs the nest and incubates the eggs but both sexes in the Sunbird family tend the young. The chicks are fed by both parents until fledging; they will continue to return to the nest to roost.

The garden at home/base camp has a variety of Sunbird species that visit the Wilde Dagga (Leonotis leonurus) flowers, the Aloes and even the Roses, diving and chasing 'intruders' from their territory. Males are often seen (and heard) 'shouting from the tree-tops, enticing females to the 'food-find' or as we jokingly refer to it, the 'road-side cafe'. Watch the video, taken at home, of a male advertising from the tree top:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=205783322805745&set=vb.100001222371964&type=2&theater

Don Roberson refers to Sunbirds as 'tiny jewels of the Old World tropics" on his Sunbird page of the Creagrus site. He also says that , wherever they are found "they brighten the field ornithologist's day". Sunbirds are encountered in a wide variety of habitats, from lowland jungle to flowering trees, whether in open savanna or thornscrub, as well as in mangroves.

They are an absolute delight to observe, as their capering around the garden is a source of both education and entertainment. These birds are no danger to man or beast and yet, two species of Sunbird are listed as Endangered, facing a very high risk of extinction; four as Vulnerable, facing a high risk of extinction; and eight as Near Threatened, in danger of becoming threatened with extinction.

* Passerine birds (perching birds) - The foot has three toes directed forward and one toe directed backwards. This arrangement enables it to perch upon vertical surfaces, such as trees and cliffs. The leg muscle of passerine birds contains a special adaption for perching. It will automatically tighten and become stiff if the bird starts to lose hold of the branch on which it is perching. This enables passerines to sleep while perching without falling off.


Sources:
Wikipedia

Animals.jrank.org -  http://animals.jrank.org/pages/1317/Sunbirds-Nectariniidae.html
and a fascinating read on Sunbirds in general can be found on Don Roberson's site:
http://creagrus.home.montereybay.com/sunbirds.html