  The Cape Sugarbird is a species restricted
to the Cape Fynbos, showing a distinct preference for Fynbos, which has many protea
plants. The Cape Sugarbird is brown above and paler below. It has a white chin and
distinctive brown stripe, with a white line above it. The underparts are paler - the
female with a white chest centre and belly, and streaking on the flanks and lower belly.
In both sexes the undertail is bright yellow, and the top of the head is dull brown. The
Male has a very long tail (twice the length of the body) and the female a tail of about
half that length
Name: Promerops cafer
Distribution: The Cape Sugarbird is common in the Western Cape, including in
botanical gardens and mountain slopes. The Cape Sugarbird is one of a family (of only two
species, Gurney's Sugarbird being the other) This family Sugarbird family is restricted to
Southern Africa.
Habitat: Usually in pairs or groups, the male often sitting prominently at the
top of a large protea bush.
Diet Description: Insects, spiders and nectar of protea species.
Reproduction: The Cape Sugarbird breeds from February to August, but mainly from
April to May in the South-western Cape . The nest is an untidy cup of twigs, grass roots
and pine needles, lined with protea down. It is placed in the fork or tangled branch of a
protea bush or other large leaved trees.
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