Opportunistic avian nectarivory on flowering Aloe maculata with a review of visiting bird species

Abstract

Eight bird species were recorded feeding on Aloe maculata (Soap Aloe) nectar at Biddulphsberg, Senekal, Free State, from 23–26 August 2021. Birds were mist-netted as part of a bird ringing study and aloe pollen was noticed on some birds. The flowering aloes attract mainly Malachite Nectarinia famosa and White-bellied Sunbirds Cinnyris talatala as well as Cape Zosterops virens and Orange River White-eyes Z. pallidus. Of the 108 birds ringed or collected, 34 birds (eight species) had aloe pollen on them. These species, including a first record of Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans, and a confirmed record of Streaky-headed Seedeaters Crithagra gularis, represent the first observations of birds probing A. maculata flowers.