White-Bellied Sunbirds occur across central and southern Africa, mainly in drier areas of savanna and woodland. As with all sunbirds, the males have striking plumage, in this case iridescent green, blue and purple on their heads and shoulders while the females are grey/brown with a pale grey breast. This dimorphism may seem unfair but it does make the males more vulnerable to predation. The birds have a complex migration pattern, moving east and west across southern Africa, perhaps in relation to the previous year’s rainfall.

White-bellied Sunbirds feed mainly on nectar but will also search for aphids, ants and small flying insects. They have even been observed snatching spiders from their webs. The nest is built by the female alone and is a loose construction of grass and leaves, bound together with spider web and often placed alongside active paper wasp’s nests, the wasps providing some protection against predators. While the female works hard to build her nest, the male spends his time perched on a nearby branch singing loudly!

In this painting, a male White-bellied Sunbird in full breeding plumage feeds on the nectar of a Burning Bush Combretum (Combretum microphyllum.)

Acknowledgements to Harald Leber for the reference photograph.

Signed Limited Edition Print on 300 GSM Fine Art Cotton Paper from an original watercolour painting. This print is delivered rolled into a tube, ready for framing. Free worldwide shipping.

Limited Edition of 25 Fine Art Prints.

Size: 420mm x 300mm