The greater double-collared sunbird is a small bird in the sunbird family. It was formerly placed in genus Nectarinia.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs mainly in the southwestern and southern parts of South Africa, concentrated in the Cape fynbos and adjacent habitats. It frequents montane and coastal fynbos, forest edges, thicket, riverine scrub, and well-vegetated gardens. Flower-rich areas with aloes, proteas, and ericas are especially favored. It is generally sedentary but may make short local movements following flowering cycles.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
This sunbird is a key pollinator of fynbos plants, especially Protea and Erica species, and often gets pollen dusted across its forehead while feeding. Males are distinguished from similar sunbirds by a broader red breast band beneath a narrow blue band. They frequently perch to feed rather than hovering continuously, conserving energy. Formerly placed in the genus Nectarinia, it is now in Cinnyris.
male feeding
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering
Social Behavior
Typically found singly or in pairs, with males defending rich flowering patches. Pairs nest in an oval, pendulous structure woven from plant fibers and spider webs, usually with a side entrance. Breeding coincides with peak flowering periods; the female does most of the nest construction and incubation.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a lively series of tinkling, twittering notes interspersed with sharp tseet calls. Calls are high-pitched and metallic, often given during display or while foraging among flowers.
