Gurney's sugarbird is a medium-sized passerine endemic to the mid- and high-altitude grassland velds in southern Africa. It belongs to the family Promeropidae, which contains one genus, Promerops, and two species. Gurney's sugarbird feeds on nectar from Protea bushes as well as on small insects. This bird is characterized by its long, graduated tail and decurved beak.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in mid- to high-altitude grasslands and shrublands where Protea stands are common, including the Drakensberg escarpment and adjacent highveld. Found in eastern South Africa and locally in Lesotho, Eswatini, and northwards into montane areas with Protea woodlands. Prefers slopes, ridges, and open montane shrubland with scattered Protea trees. Outside the flowering season it may roam locally following nectar sources.
Altitude Range
900–3000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Gurney's sugarbird is one of only two species in the unique family Promeropidae, specialized for feeding on Protea nectar with a brush-tipped tongue. It also consumes small insects, especially when feeding chicks. Males have very long, graduated tails used in display flights. They are important pollinators for several Protea species in southern Africa.
Temperament
active and moderately territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with swift, undulating dashes between flowering shrubs
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, often defending rich nectar sources in Protea stands. Monogamous pairs build cup nests in Protea bushes or nearby shrubs. During breeding, males perform display flights accentuating the long tail, and both adults provision chicks with insects in addition to nectar.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations include scratchy chattering and buzzy trills interspersed with sharp tseet notes. Calls are energetic and often delivered from exposed perches near flowering Protea.
Plumage
Warm brown upperparts with heavily streaked buffy underparts and a cinnamon-rufous vent; long, graduated tail with darker central feathers. The feathers are sleek with a slight gloss on the upperparts and fine streaking across the breast and flanks.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from Protea flowers, using a brush-tipped tongue to lap nectar and acting as a pollinator. Supplements diet with small insects and spiders gleaned from foliage or caught on the wing, especially during breeding. Also takes occasional arthropods flushed from blossoms while foraging.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in flowering Protea stands, montane shrublands, grassy slopes with scattered shrubs, and edges of forest patches. Often visits the same clumps of Protea repeatedly while they are in bloom.
