Southern Double-collared Sunbird or Greater Double-collared Sunbird ? (South Africa) (2 Viewers)

[JarJar]

Hi there,

is this a Southern Double-collared Sunbird or or Greater Double-collared Sunbird?

Seen in South Africa, Blyde River Canyon, God´s Window, 17. August 2023

Best regards and thanks,
Christoph

 

[Bewick]

Belly is more yellow and red breast band seems more extensive- so Greater Double-collared Sunbird in my opinion.

 

[THE_FERN]

Belly is more yellow

is this a feature? not mentioned in the Sasol app.

Although the red band is broad, it's just about within variation for Southern. The bill is similarly on the boundary. On balance I agree this is probably greater double-banded, mostly because the bill is more robust than most Southerns.

 

[Bewick]

is this a feature? not mentioned in the Sasol app.

Although the red band is broad, it's just about within variation for Southern. The bill is similarly on the boundary. On balance I agree this is probably greater double-banded, mostly because the bill is more robust than most Southerns.

Unless my field guide is wrong it should be, I also agree about the bill. Imo I thought the red band was much to large for the southern. Have not seen many pics of southern with bands so extensive- and it seems quite normal for a greater.

Edit- after more research I don’t believe the ‘more yellowish belly’ is a reliable feature. Though I still believe it’s a greater based on the band and the bill as well as what the_fern mentioned.

 

[JarJar]

Thanks, @Bewick & @THE_FERN !

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