First observation of a brood patch on a male sunbird ( Chalcomitra amethystina )

Nest care and brooding in sunbirds (Nectariniidae) is thought to be performed exclusively by females. Here, we provide the first evidence that male sunbirds might help with brooding. During a ringing session in Hoekwil, South Africa, we observed one male Amethyst Sunbird ( Chalcomitra amethystina ) with a brood patch. Its sex was confirmed using molecular methods, and our observation suggests that nest care in sunbirds may at least in some cases be biparental.