Nectarinia famosa
The Malachite Sunbird, specifically the adult males in breeding plumage, is undeniably among the most beautiful birds occurring in South Africa. Though normally seen singly or in pairs, at times they congregate in enormous numbers – hundreds and even thousands – when a favourite kind of plant is in bloom in a limited area. Malachite Sunbirds feed principally on the nectar of aloes, proteas and other plants, and as pollinators are a crucial part of a healthy ecosystem. They also include a portion of invertebrates in their diet.
Pairs are monogamous when breeding, which peaks in spring and summer, but the pair bond isn’t very strong and apart from protecting the pair’s breeding territory (against birds of all description, not only other sunbirds) the male plays little to no part in the building of the nest, incubation of the eggs or rearing of the chicks. Clutches of 1-4 eggs hatch about 2 weeks after laying, with the chicks leaving the nest less than three weeks after hatching and becoming independent before they’re a month old. Fully grown, males measure up to 25cm in length, including their long tails, and weigh only up to 25g. Adult females are about 14cm long.
The Malachite Sunbird has a very patchy distribution stretching from Ethiopia to South Africa, where it inhabits coastal and montane grassland, heathland and scrub, as well as suburban parks and gardens, from sea-level to 3,500m above. Within the borders of South Africa, Malachite Sunbirds are found in parts of all nine provinces, being generally absent from most of the Great Karoo, the Kalahari, the Bushveld and the Lowveld. The IUCN lists it as being of least concern.
DeWetsWild 
Glorious photos of the glorious malachite sunbird! And congratulations on 9 years of blogging!
Thank you very much, Carol!
PRagtige foto’s Dries. Hulle kuier ook gereeld hier in my tuin!
Ek sal jou goed glo, Aletta! Jou tuin is n suikerbekkie-magneet!
Such stunning plumage, Great shots, Dries. I would love to see one of these in real life, but your beautiful photos are almost as good and I get to see them right under my nose. 😀
Thanks Sylvia, but when you see one for yourself you’ll see these photographs are not a patch on the real thing!
They are such a beautiful shade of green! The long tail and bill add to their character. Congrats on your blog anniversary! 🎉
Thanks so much, Siobhan!
Happy Blogversary! Beautiful birds. I always enjoy your posts about wildlife on your side of the globe.
Thank you very much, John! Without the kind community of friends like you the nine years would have been much less fun.
Spectacular…like a jewel with wings…. 🙂
What an apt description, Lori!
Gorgeous photographs of this stunning bird Dries and happy Blogoversary! 🤗
Thank you so much, Xenia!
A stunning beauty! Nice shots Dries especially the first one.
Thanks a lot, Brian!
Happy blogging anniversary, Dries and family. There is no better way to celebrate it than with this beautiful sunbird. Presumably the birds play a critical role in the pollination of the plants they favour so enthusiastically. It is good that they are doing so well.
Thank you very much, Tracy!
Yes, the sunbirds are the major pollinators of various plant species, and those ecosystems would be much poorer without their important service.
I agree with you about the magnificence of these birds – real beauties they are. We used to see them fairly often in our garden during autumn – now I often see them in my son’s garden on the other side (more sunny) part of town. Congratulations too on your nine-year anniversary – one day you may turn all these interesting posts into a book 🙂
Your comments have been ever encouraging and much appreciated over the years, Anne. Thank you very much!
Sjoe die hooffoto is pragtig. Dit wys duidelik hoe kleurvol en diep kleure die vere het as son daarop skyn.
Baie dankie, Ineke!
This Sunbird is just incredible, deWets!! One of the most glorious-looking birds I’ve ever seen!
Definitely one to go looking for when you come visit us here in South Africa, Carol!
☺️ Hope I will someday!
We do too!
What a stunning bird! I especially like that top shot. And a very happy anniversary! So glad you’re in the blogging world.
Thank you so much, Janet! You’ve been with us for almost all of those nine years and I really appreciate it.
It’s been fun.
It certainly has! Sending a BIG hug your way.
Right back at all of you.
So colorful. 😊
Even more so in real life, Irene!
This is a remarkably gorgeous bird! What a plumage when breeding… Thanks D. 🙂
They’re definitely a special treat
Congratulations on 9 years–that’s awesome! What a beauty this bird is!
Thank you very much, Lois!