[1] The African population of Marico sunbird was spotted on various occasions in between July and August 2016 in locations southwest of where its previously believed range ended.

[2] The range of these birds is expanding into the Northern Cape and Free state provinces in central South Africa.

Since 2014, a severe drought has ravaged large parts of western and central South Africa, serving as a potential explanation for the southward movements of the Marico sunbird.

[2] The current range change map was made by comparing the results of the first and second South African Birds Atlas Project's that were undertaken about 20 years apart.

[3] This shrub encroachment has created more habitats for the Marico sunbird as it is primarily a woodlands species, but can also survive in dry, arid savanna type environments.