Cinnyris neergaardi
Neergaard's Sunbird (Cinnyris neergaardi) is a small, striking passerine endemic to the coastal lowlands of southeastern Africa, measuring approximately 10-11 cm in length and weighing between 6-9 grams. The male is particularly vibrant, adorned with a shimmering iridescent green head, back, rump, and lesser and median coverts, contrasting with dark wings and tail. A distinguishing broad red breast band separates the green from its bright yellow belly, often accentuated by subtle white pector...
Primarily found in coastal evergreen forests, dense thickets, and woodland mosaics, often at low elevations from sea level up to 300 meters. They prefer areas with abundant flowering plants.
Feeds predominantly on nectar from a variety of flowering plants, supplemented with small insects and spiders, typically gleaned from foliage or caught in flight.
Neergaard's Sunbirds are active during daylight hours, often seen solitarily or in pairs, flitting rapidly between flowering plants. Their primary foraging strategy involves hovering or perching to probe flowers for nectar with their specialized long, decurved bill. They also supplement their die...
This species has an extremely restricted and fragmented range, endemic to the coastal lowlands of southeastern Africa. Its primary distribution extends from southern Mozambique, particularly in areas like Inhambane and Maputo Provinces, southward into northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Wit...
Near Threatened
- The male Neergaard's Sunbird's iridescent green plumage isn't painted; it's a structural color, caused by microscopic feather barbules that refract light! - Despite its small size, Neergaard's Sunbird is a vital pollinator in its coastal forest ecosystem, transferring pollen as it sips nectar. ...