Thursday, 5 September 2019

White-bellied sunbird

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:

SOLD

These small birds are fairly common around here where I live, in parks and gardens, as well as wooded wild areas. But they are not seen all that often because of their small size and wooded habitat. Not easy to photograph either, because they seem never to remain still for more than a fraction of a second at a time. Only the males have bright, iridescent colors; the females, like the females of other sunbirds, are drab grey-brown. They have a similar lifestyle to those of the hummingbirds of the Americas, and live on nectar, small insects and spiders.


Wednesday, 4 September 2019

Southern Red Bishop

Acrylics on Masonite, 20 x 15 cm:

SOLD

The bishop birds are part of the weaver family, and like other weavers, in the breeding season the males turn into bright colors, build woven nests and engage in mating displays in an attempt to attract females. In the non-breeding season, they lose their bright feathers and turn drab like the females.


Tuesday, 3 September 2019

Orange-breasted waxbill

Acrylic on Masonite, 15 x 20 cm:

SOLD

These colorful critters are fairly common along water courses in the eastern half of southern Africa. They're pretty small and elusive though, so usually you have sit quietly for a while before you wil see them, often in small groups, flitting from perch to perch.