Ornithological Observations

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An electronic journal published

Ornithological Observations accepts papers containing faunistic information about birds. This includes descriptions of distribution, behaviour, breeding, foraging, food, movement, measurements, habitat and plumage. It will also consider for publication a variety of oth

relevant ornithological material: reports of projects and conferences, annotated checklists for a site or region, specialist other interesting or relevant material.

ART OF CONSTRUCTION: NEST MATERIALS US

Recommended citation format:

Peacock F 2013. Art of construction: nest materials used by a Greater Double

Ornithological Observations

An electronic journal published by BirdLife South Africa and the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town

accepts papers containing faunistic information about birds. This includes descriptions of distribution, behaviour, breeding, foraging, food, movement, measurements, habitat and plumage. It will also consider for publication a variety of oth

relevant ornithological material: reports of projects and conferences, annotated checklists for a site or region, specialist other interesting or relevant material.

Editor: Arnold van der Westhuizen

N: NEST MATERIALS USED BY A GREATER DOUBLE AFER

Faansie Peacock

Art of construction: nest materials used by a Greater Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris afer

URL: http://oo.adu.org.za/content.php?id=95 Published online: 19 July 2013

Ornithological Observations

the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town

accepts papers containing faunistic information about birds. This includes descriptions of distribution, behaviour, breeding, foraging, food, movement, measurements, habitat and plumage. It will also consider for publication a variety of other interesting relevant ornithological material: reports of projects and conferences, annotated checklists for a site or region, specialist bibliographies, and any

Editor: Arnold van der Westhuizen

GREATER DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD

Cinnyris afer. Ornithological Observations, Vol 4:127-130.

/oo.adu.org.za/content.php?id=95 19 July 2013

the Animal Demography Unit at the University of Cape Town

accepts papers containing faunistic information about birds. This includes descriptions of distribution, behaviour, er interesting or bibliographies, and any

COLLARED SUNBIRD CINNYRIS

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ART OF CONSTRUCTION: NEST MATERIALS US BY A GREATER DOUBLE

CINNYRIS AFER

Faansie Peacock*

Ornithology Department, Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (formerly Transvaal Museum), PO Box 413, Pretoria,

*Corresponding author: [email protected]

On 25 May 2013 a sunbird nest was discovered on the grounds of Barberton Mountain Lodge (S25°48

a.s.l.), approximately 2.3 km SW of Barberton, Mpumalanga, South Africa. The nest was secured to the base of one

fronds of a 3 m high, exotic Queen palm adjacent to a small swimming pool,

Despite appearing freshly built and in excellent condition, no sunb was seen to approach the nest during a four

The nest did not contain any eggs or chicks, and was not used as a nocturnal roost by adults. Therefore the identity of the species that constructed the nest remains unconfirmed. Ameth

Chalcomitra amethystina were numerically and socially dominant throughout the lodge gardens, and large numbers were feeding in trees in the immediate vicinity of the nesting palm.

However, the nest appeared very different

Sunbird nest collected elsewhere in the lodge gardens (Ditsong National Museum of Natural History accession number

The latter was much darker in colour, was constructed of rather coarse materials, was externally decorated with multiple large de leaves, much lichen and other assorted large debris items, and did not include a single feather in its lining. Additionally, the Amethyst Sunbird nest was placed conspicuously at the tip of an exposed 1.5 m drooping twig, hanging below the canopy of a

tree, c. 3.5 m above the ground.

N: NEST MATERIALS USED GREATER DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD

CINNYRIS AFER

Faansie Peacock*

Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (formerly Transvaal Museum), PO Box 413, Pretoria, 0001

[email protected]

On 25 May 2013 a sunbird nest was discovered on the grounds of 25°48'27.3"; E31°02'50"; 1 130 m km SW of Barberton, Mpumalanga, South ica. The nest was secured to the base of one of the uppermost m high, exotic Queen palm Syagrus romanzoffiana, adjacent to a small swimming pool, c. 2.2 m above the ground.

Despite appearing freshly built and in excellent condition, no sunbird was seen to approach the nest during a four-day observation period.

The nest did not contain any eggs or chicks, and was not used as a nocturnal roost by adults. Therefore the identity of the species that constructed the nest remains unconfirmed. Amethyst Sunbirds were numerically and socially dominant throughout the lodge gardens, and large numbers were feeding in trees in the immediate vicinity of the nesting palm.

However, the nest appeared very different from a true Amethyst Sunbird nest collected elsewhere in the lodge gardens (Ditsong National Museum of Natural History accession number TM80741).

The latter was much darker in colour, was constructed of rather coarse materials, was externally decorated with multiple large dead , much lichen and other assorted large debris items, and did not include a single feather in its lining. Additionally, the Amethyst Sunbird nest was placed conspicuously at the tip of an exposed m drooping twig, hanging below the canopy of a Celtis africana

Conversely, the original nest was pale in colour, constructed almost exclusively of light, fluffy materials, lacked large leaves or large pieces of lichen on the outside, and was lavishly lined with feathers internally. In addition, its placement near the top, but close to the centre, of the palm tree suggests that it was not built by an Amethyst.

In addition to the boisterous Amethyst Sunbirds Greater Double

Sunbirds from the

remote possibilities are Malachite Sunbird Scarlet

Cyanomitra olivacea perhaps Southern Double these species, Greater Double only likely candidate, given

and nest materials, and in particular the zealous use of feathers as lining in the nest interior: Skead (1967)

"some nests have Shortly after the ne TM80742

demolished the delicate structure. Fortunately I was able to collect all the nest materials

shredded cotton

measured, nor the nest structure adequately examined and described. When weighed after a further three days had elapsed, the nest mate

partly disasse

nest construction materials.

The nesting material

A1-C3), excluding decorative adornments (Fig. 3). Two classes were excluded from numerical ana

inseparable and uncountable fibrous material tangled in down and cobweb, weighing

tion to the boisterous Amethyst Sunbirds, smaller number Greater Double-collared Sunbirds Cinnyris afer, and White

Sunbirds C. talatala were observed in the garden. Distributional data from the South African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP) suggest that other remote possibilities are Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis, Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea, Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris perhaps Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybeus

these species, Greater Double-collared Sunbird appears to be the only likely candidate, given the surrounding habitat, nest placement, and nest materials, and in particular the zealous use of feathers as lining in the nest interior: Skead (1967) remarked of this species that

some nests have almost more feathers than bulk!".

Shortly after the nest was collected (DNMNH accession number 742), it was snatched by a passing dog, which

demolished the delicate structure. Fortunately I was able to collect all the nest materials, which then resembled little more than a heap of shredded cotton. However, the nest dimensions could thus not be measured, nor the nest structure adequately examined and described. When weighed after a further three days had elapsed, the nest materials collectively weighed 12.5 g. As the nest was already partly disassembled, I took the opportunity to count and measure the nest construction materials.

The nesting material was separable into eight main classes (Fig C3), excluding decorative adornments (Fig. 3). Two

classes were excluded from numerical anaylsis: a mass of inseparable and uncountable fibrous material tangled in down and cobweb, weighing c. 1.5 g (A1), and a large amount of

, smaller numbers of and White-bellied were observed in the garden. Distributional data (SABAP) suggest that other Nectarinia famosa, , Olive Sunbird Hedydipna collaris, and Cinnyris chalybeus. Of all collared Sunbird appears to be the the surrounding habitat, nest placement, and nest materials, and in particular the zealous use of feathers as remarked of this species that

st was collected (DNMNH accession number ), it was snatched by a passing dog, which promptly demolished the delicate structure. Fortunately I was able to collect all , which then resembled little more than a heap of . However, the nest dimensions could thus not be measured, nor the nest structure adequately examined and described. When weighed after a further three days had elapsed, the g. As the nest was already mbled, I took the opportunity to count and measure the

le into eight main classes (Fig. 1, C3), excluding decorative adornments (Fig. 3). Two of these ylsis: a mass of inseparable and uncountable fibrous material tangled in down and g (A1), and a large amount of fluffy, greyish

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Ornithological Observations, Vol

Figure 1 - Nesting material separated into eight classes based on material type, colour, size and texture. See text for descriptions.

Each white box measures 115 , Vol 4: 127-130

Nesting material separated into eight classes based on material type, colour, size and texture. See text for descriptions.

Each white box measures 115 mm x 185 mm.

plant down (

fur. The remaining six 1 185 discrete items.

primarily of dry, straw

1 mm in diameter, without seeds or soft down (A3). A total of 205 such inflorescences

63.8 mm; S.D. ±24.6 measure just over 13

In addition, 80 soft, white grass incorporated (26

principal component of the nest walls was dark thin twiglets (B2), with

black apical seeds (n =

±21.1 mm). All other dark twig counted together (n = 100; 9

±27.6 mm); this More than 8

nest; fibres were whitish, straw 4 mm in width and 18

Finally, 165 small, compact, fibrous balls of plant resembling

balls were of six colours, namely brown (148), grey (11), blue (3), black (1), green (1) and purple (1). Skead (

fondness for

described one female hovering in fro (Rhoicissus

stems; possibly the

Yellowish cobweb was used to hold the nest together.

Characteristically for

densely lined with feathers (Tarboton 2011). The nest included total of 383 feathers, 7

rachis to tip of flattened feather). In comparison, Skead (1954, 1967) reported one nest with 539

plant down (c. 1.5 g; A2). The latter category may include some hare fur. The remaining six material-types (A3-C3) together

185 discrete items. The exterior walls of the nest were constructed primarily of dry, straw-coloured grass inflorescences with stalks

mm in diameter, without seeds or soft down (A3). A total of 205 such inflorescences were used, with lengths 14-

mm; S.D. ±24.6 mm).If laid end-to-end, these would co measure just over 13 m.

In addition, 80 soft, white grass inflorescences (B1) were also incorporated (26-164 mm; mean 62.1 mm; S.D. ±27.1

principal component of the nest walls was dark-coloured, almost hair twiglets (B2), with multiple angular divisions and small, single, black apical seeds (n = 130; 20-121 mm; mean 55.0

mm). All other dark twig-like materials 1 mm or less thick, were ounted together (n = 100; 9-191 mm; mean 42.3

mm); this category included many pliable conifer needles.

More than 8 m of plant fibres (B3) was also incorporated into the nest; fibres were whitish, straw-yellow or grey-brown in colour, and 1

mm in width and 18-230 mm in length.

Finally, 165 small, compact, fibrous balls of plant

resembling "dust bunnies", were included in the nest walls; these balls were of six colours, namely brown (148), grey (11), blue (3), black (1), green (1) and purple (1). Skead (1967) mentioned a fondness for "coloured cottons" for exterior decoration. He also described one female hovering in front of stems of wild grapes

Rhoicissus sp.) in order to pluck, bit by bit, the hairy do

stems; possibly the "dust bunnies" are such beakfuls of fuzz.

Characteristically for C. afer, the interior and cup of the nest were densely lined with feathers (Tarboton 2011). The nest included total of 383 feathers, 7-114 mm in length (measured from base of rachis to tip of flattened feather). In comparison, Skead (1954, 1967) reported one nest with 539 feathers, another with 445 feathers, and

128

g; A2). The latter category may include some hare C3) together constituted The exterior walls of the nest were constructed inflorescences with stalks c.

mm in diameter, without seeds or soft down (A3). A total of 205 -150 mm (mean end, these would collectively

inflorescences (B1) were also mm; S.D. ±27.1 mm). Another coloured, almost hair- multiple angular divisions and small, single,

mm; mean 55.0 mm; S.D.

mm or less thick, were mm; mean 42.3 mm; S.D.

le conifer needles.

incorporated into the brown in colour, and 1-

Finally, 165 small, compact, fibrous balls of plant material (C1) in the nest walls; these balls were of six colours, namely brown (148), grey (11), blue (3), 1967) mentioned a for exterior decoration. He also nt of stems of wild grapes sp.) in order to pluck, bit by bit, the hairy down off the are such beakfuls of fuzz.

or and cup of the nest were densely lined with feathers (Tarboton 2011). The nest included a mm in length (measured from base of rachis to tip of flattened feather). In comparison, Skead (1954, 1967)

feathers, another with 445 feathers, and

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Figure 2 - Selected examples of passerine feathers incorporated into nest lining. Top right: Red-winged Starling contour feathers; middle

left: Forest Canary contour feathers; bottom left: Yellow Canary contour feathers, remiges, rectrices and wing

Specimens from the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History.

Selected examples of passerine feathers incorporated into winged Starling contour feathers; middle left: Forest Canary contour feathers; bottom left: Yellow-fronted

ntour feathers, remiges, rectrices and wing coverts.

Specimens from the Ditsong National Museum of Natural History.

one with 91 feathers. The majority of feathers (78%) were of domestic chickens, as also found by Skead (1954). The builder appeared to show

chicken feathers), although this might just reflect feather availability.

The remaining

comparisons with museum material, these were found to belong to three species (Fig.

•

It is not clear where or how these passerine feathers were gathered, but the large number of feathers from only three species suggests abundant but localised sources, such as roosts, nests or feeding sites, or perhaps even remains of dead birds. Skead (196

that chicken feathers are while wild bird feathers were shared by all three these species hagedash

Glossy Starling nest, Yellow

were all observed within 25 coop was located 80

A tiny whiti

material. Miscellaneous items incorporated into the nest walls, or used as

•

• •

one with 91 feathers. The majority of feathers (78%) were of domestic chickens, as also found by Skead (1954). The builder appeared to show a slight preference for white feathers (C2;

chicken feathers), although this might just reflect feather availability.

The remaining 86 feathers (22%) were from passerines; through comparisons with museum material, these were found to belong to

species (Fig. 2):

Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio (23 contour feathers).

Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica (35 contour feathers and 17 remiges/wing coverts/rectrices).

Forest Canary Crithagra scotops (11 contour feathers).

It is not clear where or how these passerine feathers were gathered, but the large number of feathers from only three species suggests abundant but localised sources, such as roosts, nests or feeding sites, or perhaps even remains of dead birds. Skead (196

that chicken feathers are collected from the environs of

while wild bird feathers were "taken at a roosting place in a kloof ared by all three these species" viz. Hadeda Ibis

hagedash, Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris

Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens. In the case of the Barberton nest, Yellow-eyed and Forest Canaries and Red-winged Starli were all observed within 25 m of the sunbird nest, while

coop was located 80 m away.

A tiny whitish tick or feather mite was found in amongst the nest material. Miscellaneous items incorporated into the nest walls, or used as decorations (Fig. 3), included:

A 450 mm sloughed snake skin which was attached to the outside of the nest.

Four large 5x11 mm seed cases.

One small piece of lichen.

one with 91 feathers. The majority of feathers (78%) were of domestic chickens, as also found by Skead (1954). The builder feathers (C2; 58% of chicken feathers), although this might just reflect feather availability.

feathers (22%) were from passerines; through comparisons with museum material, these were found to belong to

(23 contour

(35 contour feathers and 17 remiges/wing coverts/rectrices).

(11 contour feathers).

It is not clear where or how these passerine feathers were gathered, but the large number of feathers from only three species suggests abundant but localised sources, such as roosts, nests or feeding sites, or perhaps even remains of dead birds. Skead (1967) reported collected from the environs of "native huts", taken at a roosting place in a kloof Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia agris, and Cape . In the case of the Barberton winged Starlings m of the sunbird nest, while the chicken

sh tick or feather mite was found in amongst the nest material. Miscellaneous items incorporated into the nest walls, or

mm sloughed snake skin which was attached to the

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Ornithological Observations, Vol

• Nine 1-2 mm stick, 9-39 mm in length.

• Two eucalyptus bark chips (13x 5

• A 154 mm string-like piece of cotton.

• Several meters of human hair, including single strands from blondes and brunettes and multiple matted tangles, possibly collected from e.g. drain outlets.

• Two blackjacks fruits (Bidens pilosa

• Two rolled-up dead leaves, five live leaves >

live leaves < 10 mm in length.

• Three small balls of tangled yellow cobweb.

• Two small pieces of yellow-brown dishwashing sponge.

• Small section of mottled bluish material, apparently

"undercarpet felt".

• One clump of pink, and one clump of orange flower stamens.

Acknowledgements

Greg Davies is thanked for reviewing this paper, and for

in my office while I was counting wispy grass stalks and feathers.

References

Skead CJ 1954. A study of the Larger Double (Cinnyris afra afra (Linnaeus)). Ostrich 25: 76

Skead CJ 1967. The Sunbirds of Southern Africa,

white-eyes and the Spotted Creeper. Johannesburg: A. A. Balkema.

Tarboton W 2011. Roberts nests & eggs of southern African birds.

Cape Town: Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund.

, Vol 4: 127-130

mm in length.

wo eucalyptus bark chips (13x 5 mm and 24 x 3 mm).

like piece of cotton.

Several meters of human hair, including single strands from multiple matted tangles, possibly collected from e.g. drain outlets.

Bidens pilosa).

d leaves, five live leaves > 20 mm, and 41 mm in length.

Three small balls of tangled yellow cobweb.

brown dishwashing sponge.

ed bluish material, apparently

One clump of pink, and one clump of orange flower stamens.

-oo0oo-

Greg Davies is thanked for reviewing this paper, and for not sneezing in my office while I was counting wispy grass stalks and feathers.

A study of the Larger Double-collared Sunbird (Linnaeus)). Ostrich 25: 76-88.

The Sunbirds of Southern Africa, also sugarbirds, eyes and the Spotted Creeper. Johannesburg: A. A. Balkema.

Roberts nests & eggs of southern African birds.

Cape Town: Trustees of the John Voelcker Bird Book Fund. Figure

and blackjack fruits; B: assorted small dried leaves and short sticks;

C: passerine feathers used in inner lining (see text and Fig. 3 for details); D: human hair; E: miscellaneous objects, including sponge,

cotton, flower stamens,

Figure 3 - Decorative and minor structural elements. A: seed cases and blackjack fruits; B: assorted small dried leaves and short sticks;

cotton, flower stamens, cobweb and felt; F: sloughed snake skin.

130

elements. A: seed cases and blackjack fruits; B: assorted small dried leaves and short sticks;

cobweb and felt; F: sloughed snake skin.