SANParks.org Forums

Technically, sunbirds shouldn't be considered LBJs, but female sunbirds ... Is there any way of telling which these two might be? They were seen at Bontebok NP on 3 October 2009 and there weren't any males about to make an ID easier ... I'd think that they are not malachite females, but could be either lesser or greater doublecollared females ... and from the pix in my Newmans there doesn't seem to be any way of distinguishing between these two

1st female sunbird




2nd female sunbird

Hi Arks,

Yes, female sunbirds can indeed pose a challenge right up there with the toughest of LBJ's. Some of them have markings on the underparts and eyebrows which makes ID a bit easier but then there are also those of which the only noticeable feature is that they have no noticeable features. Your bird is one of those

When it comes to these sunbirds the size of the bill is often the most useful field characteristic and by the looks of your bird I wouldn't say that it is long enough for Greater Double-Collared Sunbird. I'd agree with you that the bird is not a female Malachite either as I can't discern any yellow colouration or bright enough white outer tail feathers.

So I would think that both of your birds are female Southern Double-Collared Sunbird.

I agree, bill length does seem to fit Southern Double Collared Sunbird best!

Thanks for the good laugh here, deefstes, and all the other interesting info and insight on these perplexing females

And thanks to RJ for seconding the ID — altho I'm still using the old/alernative name of lesser doublecollared sunbird. As only a part-time RSA birder, it will take me time to get familiar with all these new names

Garden Route Botanical Gardens

Showing it's pectoral tufts.