Sugarbird

Taxobox
name = Sugarbirds


image_caption = Cape Sugarbird.
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo = Passeriformes
subordo = Passeri
familia = Promeropidae
genus = "Promerops"
genus_authority = Brisson, 1760
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = See text.The sugarbirds are a small family of passerine birds which are restricted to Africa.

The two species of sugarbird make up one of only two bird families restricted entirely to southern Africa, the other being the rock-jumpers Chaetopidae. Nectar from the inflorescences of the "Protea" provide most of the energy these species require, and they are considered significant pollinators of the genus. The diet being supplemented by insects attracted to the inflorescences. "Tjørve, K; Geertsema G & L Underhill (2005) "Do sugarbirds feed on arthropods inside or outside Protea inflorescences?" "Emu" 105 (4): 293-297 doi|10.1071/MU04042] Studies of the diets of sugarbirds found that bees in the family Apidae and flies formed a large part of the diet and that the insects were obtained by hawking.

In general appearance as well as habits they resemble large sunbirds, but are possibly more closely related to the Australian honeyeaters. They have brownish plumage, the long downcurved bill typical of passerine nectar feeders, and long tail feathers.

Males sugarbirds defend territories during the breeding season. Calf, K; Downs, C & M. Cherry (2003) "Territoriality and breeding success in the Cape Sugarbird ("Promerops cafer")" "Emu" 103 (1): 29 - 35 doi|10.1071/MU01071] Females lay two eggs in a nest in a fork of a tree.

Gurney's Sugarbird is found from Zambia southwards, except the extreme south of South Africa.

Cape Sugarbird is the species of the Cape provinces of South Africa. It has at times been considered conspecific with Gurney's.

* Family: Promeropidae
** Gurney's Sugarbird, "Promerops gurneyi"
** Cape Sugarbird, "Promerops cafer"

References

External links

* [http://ibc.hbw.com/ibc/phtml/familia.phtml?idFamilia=171 Sugarbird videos] on the Internet Bird Collection