Promerops gurneyi (endemic)

This beautiful endemic is smaller than its cousin, the cape sugarbird, and has a rufous breast and crown.

This is the first sugarbird that we recorded in Southern Africa. We were visiting Kaapsehoop in the Limpopo Province in August 2010 and were returning from a late afternoon walk when we noticed this stunning bird sitting on top of a protea. The light was perfect for photography and the bird was relaxed enough to allow us within a few metres of it.

Another great spot for this species is Giants Castle in the central Drakensberg.