Ludwig's double-collared sunbird or the montane double-collared sunbird, is a small passerine bird which breeds in forested mountains above 1,800 m (5,900 ft) in western Angola as well as the Nyika Plateau of northern Malawi and northeastern Zambia. This bird is sometimes considered to be con-specific with the greater double-collared sunbird. It is sometimes placed in the genus Nectarinia.
Region
South-Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Angolan Highlands and on the Nyika Plateau of northern Malawi and northeastern Zambia, favoring Afromontane forest, forest edge, and montane scrub. It frequents flowering shrubs and trees, including ericaceous heath and protea stands, and uses riparian thickets within montane zones. Birds often venture into clearings and edges where nectar sources are abundant, and may visit gardens in upland settlements. Habitat is typically cool, moist, and structurally diverse, with scattered emergent flowers.
Altitude Range
1800–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the montane double-collared sunbird, it inhabits cool, high-elevation forests and shrubberies and is an important pollinator of montane flowers such as aloes and proteas. It has sometimes been placed in the genus Nectarinia and has been treated by some authors as conspecific with the greater double-collared sunbird. Females typically build a suspended, purse-like nest from plant fibers and spider webs, while males vigorously defend flowering territories.
Ludwig's Double-collared Sunbird
Temperament
active and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief hovering at flowers
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, with males defending nectar-rich patches. Pairs are seasonally monogamous; the female constructs a pendant, domed nest using plant fibers bound with spider silk. Nests are placed in shrubs or low trees at sheltered sites. Parental care involves frequent provisioning of insects to chicks even though adults take much nectar.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a fast, high-pitched series of tinkling and twittering notes, interspersed with sharp chips. Calls include thin seep notes and rapid chatter given during territorial chases.
