Neergaard's sunbird

Neergaard's sunbird is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in Mozambique and South Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forest near the coast, where it is threatened by habitat loss. It is named after Paul Neergaard, a Danish recruiting officer for the Wenela agency, who was stationed in southern Mozambique.

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Distribution

Region

Southeast Africa

Typical Environment

Occurs patchily along the coastal plain of southern Mozambique into northeastern South Africa (notably KwaZulu-Natal). It inhabits subtropical or tropical dry coastal forest, sand forest on old dunes, dune thicket, and adjacent woodland edges. Birds also use wooded gardens and coastal scrub when nectar is available. The species relies on flowering shrubs and trees and often concentrates at seasonal blooms. Habitat loss and degradation of coastal forests limit its range.

Altitude Range

Sea level to 300 m

Climate Zone

Subtropical

Characteristics

Size11–13 cm

Wing Span15–18 cm

Male Weight0.008 kg

Female Weight0.007 kg

Life Expectancy6 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 1/5

Useful to know

A localized sunbird of coastal Mozambique and northeastern South Africa, it favors sand forest, dune thicket, and adjacent scrub. It is named after Paul Neergaard, a Danish recruiting officer stationed in southern Mozambique. The species is threatened by the clearing and fragmentation of coastal dry forests; males often defend rich flowering trees and may wander locally following blooms.

Gallery

Behaviour

Temperament

active and somewhat territorial

Flight Pattern

short rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Usually seen singly or in pairs; small loose groups may form at profusely flowering trees. Males defend nectar sources and display to females during the breeding season. The nest is a small, pendant purse of plant fibers and spider silk, suspended in low vegetation.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls are thin, high-pitched tseep and tzzit notes; song is a fast, twittering series of sibilant phrases. Vocalizations are used in territorial defense around flowering plants.

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Identification

Comb Type

Plumage Description

Feather Color

Leg Color

Earlobe Color

Eye Color

Feeding Habits

Diet

Preferred Environment

Requires Supplement

Population

Conservation Status

Species Status

Wild Population

Total Known Population

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