News

The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) is proud to announce the forthcoming publication of the second edition of Sunbirds of the World: Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, Spiderhunters & Sugarbirds, co-authored by Professor Robert Cheke, Emeritus Professor at NRI, University of Greenwich. The updated edition will be released on 12 June 2025, offering expanded content, updated taxonomy, and a continued celebration of these striking nectar-feeding birds.

This richly illustrated reference work is the culmination of decades of fieldwork and ornithological research by Professor Cheke and the late Clive Mann. It explores the diversity, ecology, and evolutionary significance of sunbirds and their relatives across the tropics, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where much of Professor Cheke’s extensive ornithological and ecological fieldwork has been conducted. As Professor Cheke explains, “Sunbirds and their allies are important ecologically as pollinators of varied types of plants and as predators of insects and spiders. Evolving in Asia they spread to Africa and Polynesia and are good examples of adaptive radiation. For instance, numerous taxa have evolved on islands."

"This is a gorgeous book about some of the world's most gorgeous birds: sunbirds and their allies. They are often compared to jewels because of their small size and bright or iridescent colors. As striking as their appearances are their behaviors – flowerpeckers skin mistletoe berries as neatly as waiters in Michelin 3-star restaurants peel fruit. Read this updated volume, enjoy its photos and maps and text, and then go see these jewels for yourself!"

Professor Cheke’s long-standing research on tropical birds and ecological systems is emblematic of NRI’s commitment to high-impact science in support of sustainable development. His contributions continue to shape our understanding of biodiversity and the ecological roles of species in tropical environments.

NRI congratulates Professor Cheke on this outstanding achievement. Learn more about the book.