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.
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
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
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.
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.
Plumage
Sexually dimorphic. Males show glossy, iridescent upperparts with a contrasting, brightly colored breast band and darker underparts; females are plain, olive-brown above with paler, grayish-buff underparts. Both sexes have a slender, decurved bill adapted for nectar feeding.
Diet
Takes nectar from a variety of flowering shrubs and trees, probing with its curved bill and sometimes gleaning from corollas. Also consumes small arthropods such as insects and spiders, especially when feeding young. Will occasionally take small fruit or sip from introduced garden flowers. Follows seasonal blooms and may forage alongside other sunbirds.
Preferred Environment
Edges of coastal sand forest, dune thicket, and wooded gardens with abundant flowering plants. Often feeds at mid-level to canopy height, visiting aloes, coral trees, and other nectar sources.
