In pictures: Seeking DR Congo's wildlife

Although the nets are soft, sunbirds, like this tiny blue headed sunbird, will dry out and die if they are left in the nets for more than 45 minutes.

The team had 12 nets and checked each net regularly. The birds were measured before being released.

These sunbirds are only found in the Albertine Rift, which stretches from Itombwe to the Ruwenzori mountains further north.