Page 14 - Cornwall Issue 6 2024

THE BIG PICTURE

Cape Sugarbird / Afr.
Kaapse Suikervoel.
Kirstenbosch National
Botanical Garden
A colourful bird, about the size of
a sparrow, with a long, curved bill,
the Cape Sugarbird is a specialist
feeder on nectar-rich flowers,
particularly in fynbos areas like
Kirstenbosch and Harold Porter
Botanical Gardens. It is often seen
hovering at flowers, sipping nectar
with its long tongue. Primarily a
nectarivore, it also consumes
insects. It builds a cup-shaped nest
in a tree or shrub, and both parents
share the responsibilities of nest
building, incubation, and feeding
the young. Known for its long,
curved bill, which is adapted for
feeding on nectar.

12 Cornwall View • Issue 6 2024