A Sunbird and a Rainbow: A Brief Encounter Between the Rains.

In the brief lull between the drizzle, the vibrant sunbird appeared, alighting on the dried stalk of an aloe flower. Against the backdrop of a soft rainbow forming in the retreating rainclouds, the bird’s iridescent plumage seemed to reflect every hue of the sky.

The southern double-collared sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus), common in South Africa, is renowned for its shimmering green and orange feathers, which catch the light like tiny emeralds. Sunbirds, much like their New World counterparts, hummingbirds, are nectar feeders, though they occasionally supplement their diet with insects, berries, or spiders. Unlike hummingbirds, however, they do not hover for long periods; instead, they perch delicately while feeding.

This particular sunbird, likely a male judging by his bright plumage, balanced on the tallest stalk of a withered aloe. These aloes, iconic to South African landscapes, thrive in the arid escarpments and serve as vital resources for pollinators during their blooming season. Though the flowers on this stalk had long since dried, the bird instinctively probed the tiny crevices for any remaining sweetness or an insect hiding within.

A soft chirp interrupted his task. Turning his head sharply, he called out again, his curved beak casting a silhouette against the faint rainbow in the distance. From somewhere nearby, a responding note confirmed the presence of a mate. Sunbirds are generally monogamous during the breeding season, their bond often reinforced by proximity and song.

For a moment, he paused, seemingly attuned to the distant roll of thunder, a reminder of the returning rain. His tiny body, no larger than a child's hand, seemed impossibly poised amid the rugged beauty of the landscape. Then, with a sudden flurry of wings, he launched himself into the air, heading towards the aloe-covered escarpment in search of fresher blooms or perhaps a small insect meal hidden among the greenery.

The Southern Double-Collared Sunbird: A Jewel of South Africa's Biodiversity

The southern double-collared sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus), an avian gem of South Africa, thrives in a variety of habitats, including gardens, fynbos, forests, and coastal scrub. This small bird is a common sight across much of the region, easily recognized by the male's striking iridescent plumage, which shimmers in green and orange hues, and the female's more subdued but equally graceful appearance.

Breeding patterns of the southern double-collared sunbird vary by location, with the season spanning from April to December. The nest, an intricate closed oval structure, is a marvel of avian engineering. It is woven from grass, lichen, and other plant material, bound together using spider silk. The entrance, often adorned with a porch-like overhang, is meticulously lined with soft materials such as wool, plant down, and feathers to provide a secure and insulated environment for the chicks.

Typically seen alone or in small groups, these sunbirds exhibit a fast and direct flight pattern, propelled by their short but powerful wings. While their primary diet consists of nectar from flowers, they are opportunistic feeders, supplementing their energy intake with small fruits. During the breeding season, when the nutritional demands of raising young are highest, their diet expands to include insects and spiders, crucial sources of protein for their growing chicks.

Although capable of hovering like their distant relatives, the hummingbirds, southern double-collared sunbirds generally prefer to perch while feeding. This behavior not only conserves energy but also allows them to access nectar from a wider range of flowers. Their role as pollinators is critical in maintaining the health of their ecosystems, particularly in the fynbos biome, where they assist in the reproduction of many endemic plant species.

Feathered Friends Collection

Welcome to our feathered friends, with their flights of fancy, twitchers' delight, and the lightest touch.

Ever-present in our lives, birds fill the skies, settle in tree branches, and thrive on the ground. Their movements fill us with delight and awe, and their silence is broken by delightful songs or anxious craws. This collection celebrates these moments in time with our feathered friends.

Sony A1, Sony FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II, FL: 200mm, S: 1/1000s, A: F2.8, ISO: 160.