Abundant Birdlife of the Witzenberg Valley

Cape Sugar bird

Our Witzenberg Trail travels high up into the foothills of the Witzenberg mountains with a bird’s eye view of the Tulbagh, Wolseley and Breede River Valleys below us. And speaking of birds, these protea “forests” are home to the Cape Sugarbird. During the drier summer months the flowering proteas are found at higher altitudes and the birds are not so commonly seen, but as the weather cools and the proteas start to flower, the sugar birds return. Their long claws enable them to cling onto the blooms even in howling gales, although the males long tails are a little more inelegant in strong winds.

Unlike many other birds, breeding season is during the winter months, coinciding with the peak protea flowering season.

The Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer) is endemic to the fynbos biome of the Western Cape and is highly dependant on proteas for nectar and nesting. As they feed predominantly on the nectar of proteas and fynbos, the sugar birds are also essential pollinator for these species. 

The Witzenberg Valley is home to a wide variety of birds and is the ideal location for anyone interested in Bird Watching. The varied terrains and habitats from waterways to mountains are home to many identified species. Ask your hosts for more information.

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Grey Heron stalking

Blue Cranes Dancing at Horse About