Funny Nature & Travel Art & Stage Going Viral Science Greetings Inspirational

Edit Profile Recently Viewed Favorites

Main > Art & Stage > Design & Photography

10 Show-Stopping Photos of the Sunbirds of South Africa

Edited By: Natalia J.

Add to Favorites In Favorites

Español

Font Size:

A+ A-

Distinguished for their signature thin down-curved bills and the impressive variety of colors, sunbirds are among the most beautiful and recognizable fowls in the world. Some of the biggest and most magnificent species of sunbirds live in South Africa, where you can find a whopping 21 different species of sunbirds, many of which are endemic to the region.

During the Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa - one of the strictest in the world - everyone was confined to their homes, and Steve Benjamin, a professional nature photographer, was no different. So, instead of capturing stunning shots of his usual underwater subjects, such as sharks, whales, and dolphins, the photographer from Cape Town turned his underwater photo gear towards the inhabitants in his backyard - sunbirds. The photographer set up a special bird feeder along with a variety of plants as perches for his feather models. This allowed him to photograph the beautiful fowls in a studio-like setting, with each hue and each feather shining lustrously in the sun.

We've collected 10 astonishing photos of different sunbird species by Steve Benjamin in this article, and a video explaining the process that enabled him to make such stunning shots below. To see the full bird exhibition, visit Benjamin's website, or take a look at his Instagram page for his other works.

1. Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa)

Steve Benjamin Sunbird Photos Malachite Sunbird

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

2. Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer)

Steve Benjamin Sunbird Photos Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer)

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

Related Article: 30 Bright and Colorful Birds Found in the Nation of Peru

3. A Closeup Shot of a Southern Double-Collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus)

Steve Benjamin Sunbird Photos Southern Double-Collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus)

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

4. A Malachite Sunbird (left) and an Orange-breasted Sunbird (right) on a Double Perch

Steve Benjamin Sunbird Photos Malachite Sunbird and the Orange-breasted Sunbird on a Double Perch

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

Related Article: 19 Gorgeous Birds You Might Not Have Seen Before

5. A Closeup Shot of a Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer)

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

6. Southern Double-Collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus)

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

7. Malachite Sunbird Spreading Its Wings

Steve Benjamin Sunbird Photos Malachite Sunbird Spreading Its Wings

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

8. Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera Brachyura)

Steve Benjamin Sunbird Photos Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura)

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

9. An Orange-Breasted Sunbird Perched on a Flower

Steve Benjamin Sunbird Photos Orange-Breasted Sunbird

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

10. Left: Malachite Sunbird Landed on a Red Hot Poker; Right: Orange-breasted Sunbird Sitting on a Protea Flower

Steve Benjamin Sunbird Photos Left: Malachite Sunbird Landed on a Red Hot Poker; Right: Orange-Breasted Sunbird Sitting on a Protea Flower

Image Source: Steve Benjamin

Bonus Video: Behind the Scenes of These Amazing Bird Photos

having trouble playing this movie? click here

Like Next Post Send Share WhatsApp

Copy Link

Did you mean:

Continue With: Facebook Google

By continuing, you agree to our T&C and Privacy Policy

Report copyright infringement

Print this content

You may also like:

Nature

This Albatross is More Than 70 Years Old!

4:18

Meet Wisdom, the World's Oldest Known Wild Bird

Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, has survived tsunamis and raised over 40 chicks. And she’s still not done!

Design & Photography

These Incredible Pics Capture the Charm of Birds Perfectly

See the Winners of the 2020 Audubon Photography Awards

Check out these amazing photos of birds from the 2020 Audubon Photography Contest.

Nature

Watch These Owls Have Their Fun With a Hidden Camera

3:09

Burrowing Owl Hidden Cam: What are They Up to?

This man tries to fool his pet burrowing owls... but he quickly learned that he grossly underestimated them.

Travel

Travel the Deepest Jungles and Highest Mountains

We invite you to partake in the glory of the beauty of the earth. Enjoy a playlist of calming music with crisp, high-resolution videos of wildlife and vistas.

Nature