The Cape sugarbird is a long-tailed, decurved-billed passerine endemic to the fynbos biome of South Africa's Western and Eastern Cape, where it is one of only a handful of birds confined to this biodiversity hotspot. Breeding males carry an exceptionally elongated tail that can reach two to three times their body length. As a specialist nectarivore of the protea family (Proteaceae), it is a primary pollinator of many Protea species, visiting up to 300 flowers a day and carrying pollen on its bill and face between inflorescences; it also forages nectar at pincushions (Leucospermum) and other fynbos flowers. Gardens within the Cape Floristic Region that grow flowering proteas and pincushions will draw sugarbirds.

Plants this species pollinates · 1

Nectar plants · 1

Endemic to the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, restricted to fynbos vegetation from near Nieuwoudtville in the northwest across the Western Cape and into the Eastern Cape as far as the Amatola Mountains.