DISTRIBUTION, BIOMETRICS AND MOULT OF GURNEY'S SUGARBIRD <i>PROMEROPS GURNEYI</i>

Abstract

Summary De Swardt, D. H. 1992. Distribution, biometrics and moult of Gurney's Sugarbird Promerops gurneyi. Ostrich: 63:13-20. Gurney's Sugarbird Promerops gurneyi was studied at Lydenburg, from December 1986 until December 1990. Its distributional range coincides with the high mountainous veld types in association with Protea spp (mainly P. roupelliae). A total of 97 males (31,7%), 115 females (37,6%0) and 94 unsexed sugarbirds (30, 7%) were mistnetted and biometric and moult data recorded. The mean culmen, total head, tarsus, wing and tail lengths of males were significantly loner than those of females. No seasonal variation in the body mass of the sexes was recorded although males were heavier than females. In both sexes, a significant correlation was found between wing/tail and total head/culmen lengths. Bulging in P6 in males was significantly correlated with wing length. Primary moult occurred between September and March, coinciding with the breeding season. Primaries were moulted descendantly and secondaries ascendantly. Tail feathers were moulted centripetally from the inner to the outer rectrices. Tail and body moult were recorded throughout the year.