The southern double-collared sunbird or lesser double-collared sunbird is a small passerine bird which breeds in southern Africa. It is mainly resident, but partially migratory in the north-east of its range.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from the Cape Floristic Region through southern and eastern parts of South Africa, locally into adjacent highlands. Favors fynbos, coastal scrub, forest edges, riverine thickets, and urban parks and gardens. Often associated with abundant flowering shrubs and trees, especially proteas, ericas, and aloes. It adapts well to human-modified landscapes where nectar sources are available.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the lesser double-collared sunbird, it is a small nectar-feeding passerine common in southern Africa’s shrublands and gardens. Males show a striking red breast band bordered by metallic blue, while females are duller and more cryptic. It readily visits flowering aloes, proteas, and garden feeders with sugar water. In the northeast of its range some birds move seasonally following flowering cycles.
Female at Kirstenbosch, South Africa
Male C. c. chalybeus fighting
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 rich nectar sources vigorously. Builds an oval, pendant nest of plant fibers and spider web with a side entrance, usually low in dense vegetation. Pairs are seasonally monogamous, and both adults help feed the young.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Song is a quick, thin warble mixed with high, metallic tsee and tzip notes. Calls include sharp chips and buzzy trills given during foraging and territorial chases.
Plumage
Male with glossy green head and throat, a narrow metallic blue band and a bright red breast band, with olive-brown lower underparts; female is olive-brown above and greyish to buff below with faint mottling.
Diet
Primarily feeds on nectar from tubular flowers such as aloes, ericas, and proteas. Also takes small insects and spiders, especially when feeding nestlings. Will visit sugar-water feeders and occasionally takes soft fruits or sap. Forages by probing flowers and gleaning arthropods from foliage.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in flowering shrublands, gardens, and forest edges where nectar sources are concentrated. Often uses perches to probe flowers but can hover briefly when needed.
