Cyanerpes caeruleus, or Yellow-legged Honeycreepers

Yellow-legged Honeycreepers or Purple Sugarbirds, Cyanerpes caeruleus, are widespread throughout South and Latin America. There are five recognized sub-species.

An actual description of these birds cannot do them justice, but fortunately they calm down very quickly in captivity and become excellent photographic subjects. Some of the sub-species are as small as 3.5 inches, making them the smallest of the Honeycreepers.

They adapt well to captivity and are quick to try new foods. At Rainforest we feed various soft fruits, cake crumbs, monkey chow soaked (and floating) in nectar, and soaked softbill pellets. We tried Universal food but the birds were not interested in it. While we agree with the many books that state nectar is essential for these birds, we do limit its supply as the birds will take nectar in preference to all other foods and their health soon suffers. They love to bathe and will often "dive in" several times a day.

We house our birds in cages 5 X 1.5 X 3 feet high, although they appear to be quite happy in much smaller cages. They can be safely moved to an outside aviary for the summer, but should be moved inside before the commencement of the cold and damp winter season.

Breeding season starts in April and can run as long as September. If no box is supplied the birds build a very flimsy nest and the eggs often fall out during incubation. We use a small wooden finch box and supply sisal, coconut fiber and plant rootlets as the nesting material. When displaying the male sits near his mate and extends his head out so far in front it looks like he is about to fall from the perch. He takes a deep breath and starts his serenade. The hen often looks on appreciably but to the human ear his song sounds like two pieces of sandpaper being rubbed together!! We have seen a hen appear to be uninterested in his courtship. The male stopped singing, flew to the fruit pot and returned with a blueberry that he then offered to the hen as he commenced singing again. We did not witness the hen accept her "bribe".

The two eggs are incubated by the hen and hatch after 12 days. The male takes no part in incubation or the feeding of the chicks in the nest, the hen does it all and will feed each chick up to 6 times each hour. Baby 'creepers require lots of small livefood when they are in the nest and the successful breeder will figure out how to collect insects from the hedgerows around their house. The hen is quite happy to jump into a large plastic tub containing the insects. The male takes no part in raising the chicks until they leave the nest. Then he starts his parental duties and takes over the responsibility for feeding as the hen often lays another clutch of eggs.

Because of their dietary needs these 'creepers are not birds for the novice breeder, but despite their delicate appearance they will live for many years if given the proper care and attention.