Sugarbirds (Promeropidae)

Gurney's Sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi) - HBW 13, p. 497

French: Promérops de Gurney German: Natalhonigfresser Spanish: Mielero-abejaruco de Gurney
Other common names: Natal Sugarbird, Gurney’s/Natal Long-tailed Sugarbird, Chestnut-headed Sugarbird

Taxonomy: Promerops gurneyi J. Verreaux, 1871, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
Forms a superspecies with P. cafer; some evidence of former hybridization between the two in Eastern Cape. Races separated geographically, and perhaps ecologically isolated; research required on possible taxonomic implications. Two subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

ardens Friedmann, 1952 - E highlands of Zimbabwe and adjacent W Mozambique (Chimanimani Mts).
gurneyi J. Verreaux, 1871 - N & E South Africa from Limpopo Province (isolated populations) S along Drakensberg escarpment.