Magnificent Sunbird

Magnificent Sunbird

We are delighted that Dr Ingo Ellgering has taken over the sponsorship of the magnificent sunbird (Nectarinia superba).

In dim light they appear completely black, but in sufficient light at least the males live up to their name: their plumage shimmers and shimmers in all the colours of the rainbow ...

The family of nectarbirds (Nectariniidae) is the best-known group of flower-pollinating birds in the "Old World", a large number of which also occur in the African rainforests. Although they are not related to the hummingbirds that only occur in the "New World" (South to North America), they have developed similar characteristics in a "convergent" evolution that enables them to access a special food source: flower nectar.

In order to reach the sweet and energy-rich plant sap, they have long, thin and curved beaks with which they penetrate to the base of the flowers, which are usually tubular or brush flowers. During nectar collection, the pollen sticks to the plumage around the base of the beak and can be deposited on the stigma of another flower the next time they visit. As flower pollinators, nectar birds therefore play an important ecological role in the rainforest and other ecosystems. The interaction between flowers and birds has led to the development of real "bird flowers", which are often characterised by a striking red colour, for example - a colour that can be easily perceived by birds, whereas bees are blind to it. Birds are extremely effective flower pollinators for the spatial distribution of plants, as they often carry the pollen over long distances.

Although nectar birds - unlike hummingbirds - usually drink from the flowers while perched on a branch, the magnificent sunbird has occasionally been observed drinking while hovering.