Birds of South Africa (Helm Wildlife Guides) 9781472990808, 9781472990815, 1472990803

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ADAM RILEY

BIRDS OF

SOUTH AFRICA A PHOTOGRAPHIC GUIDE

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This book is dedicated to my wife Felicity and our beautiful children William, Alexander and Victoria. HELM Bloomsbury Publishing Plc 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP, UK 29 Earlsfort Terrace, Dublin 2, Ireland BLOOMSBURY, HELM and the Helm logo are trademarks of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc This edition published 2022 This electronic edition published in 2022 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc Copyright text © Adam Riley, 2022 Photographs © Adam Riley, 2022 Adam Riley has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers Bloomsbury Publishing Plc does not have any control over, or responsibility for, any third-party websites referred to or in this book. All internet addresses given in this book were correct at the time of going to press. The authors and publisher regret any inconvenience caused if addresses have changed or sites have ceased to exist, but can accept no responsibility for any such changes A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloguing-in-Publication data has been applied for ISBN: PB: 978-1-4729-9080-8; ePub: 978-1-4729-9081-5; ePDF: 978-1-3994-0656-7 Design by Rod Teasdale Map 2022, by www.mapstudio.co.za

To find out more about our authors and books visit www.bloomsbury.com and sign up for our newsletters

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CONTENTS Introduction4 Habitats and endemism

5

Conservation6 Best birding sites in South Africa Species accounts Further reading and resources

7 18 222

Acknowledgements223 Index223

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Introduction

INTRODUCTION Over the past 20 years, birding has surged in popularity, both within South Africa and internationally. We are fortunate in South Africa to be one of the world’s most productive birding countries, with both splendid species diversity and high levels of endemism. At the time of writing, 867 bird species have been recorded in South Africa, of which 69 are endemic or near-endemic (range restricted). Most bird field guides also cover neighbouring countries, forming the Southern African subregion, where 987 species have been recorded. For beginner birders and visitors to our country, a field guide covering such a large number of species provides a daunting prospect and potential barrier to their bird identification journey. For this reason Helm has embarked upon a series of national and regional photographic field guides focussing on the most frequently encountered and obvious bird species. This book deals with 350 meticulously selected species. They are not necessarily the commonest or most widespread bird species in South Africa, but they are those most likely to be seen by birders exploring our most popular reserves and accessible birding sites, or in backyards, parks and gardens. I have concentrated mainly on species prevalent in savannas (acacia bushveld and mixed woodlands), wetlands and human-influenced landscapes. Only the most common grassland, Karoo, coastal, forest and montane species are included. All photographs are of wild birds, and have been taken by the author during his birding adventures around South Africa and further afield. In order to aid identification, as wide a variety of plumages and postures have been included as space allowed. The species accounts are brief, outlining key identification features and tips, calls (if these aid identification) and preferred habitats and general range within South Africa. This book follows the names and taxonomy adopted by the BirdLife South Africa Checklist of Birds in South Africa, which is very close to that of the IOC World Bird List. Also included are alternative common names, especially those used in earlier editions of Roberts’ Birds of Southern Africa and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Clements Checklist. Where taxonomic species recognition is not standard between these lists, it is noted in the text. More comprehensive books and resources have been listed in the Further Reading and Resources section of this book (p. 222). Birding has enriched my life with countless joyful experiences and I have forged numerous friendships along the way. My fervent wish is that this book will encourage and assist others interested in birds on their birding journey, leading to the better appreciation and conservation of our birds and their environment. A note on the photos All images show the adult form, unless stated otherwise. Please refer to the key below for further information: Male ♂ Br Juvenile (including Juv Breeding Female ♀ chick and subadult) Non-breeding Nbr

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Okavango R. South Africa’s great range of local climates, habitat types and numerous mountain Caprivi Etosha ranges has resulted not only in high species diversity, but also high levels of endemism. Endemism refers to a species’ distribution being entirely or mostly limited to a specific geographic region. South Africa boasts the highest level of bird endemism of any country in Africa, even exceeding those of much larger countries with longer bird lists. South Africa can boast 18 endemic bird species, another 20 that are shared only with the tiny nations of Lesotho and Eswatini,Magadikgadi a further 30 near-endemics

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Habitats and endemism

HABITATS AND ENDEMISM

Johannesburg M Vaal R.

Orange R.

Tugela R. Orang

Durban

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ATLANTIC OCEAN

INDIAN OCEAN East London

Cape Town

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

COASTAL BUSH

GRASSLAND

MANGROVE

EVERGREEN FOREST

KAROO

WOODLAND – MOIST SAVANNA

DESERT AND SEMI-DESERT

FYNBOS

WOODLAND – ARID SAVANNA

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Habitats and endemism/Conservation

shared with other neighbouring countries and one breeding near-endemic, South African Cliff Swallow. Much of this endemism is due to the isolated Cape Floristic Region, by far the smallest of the world’s six floral kingdoms. This Mediterraneantype shrubland is commonly referred to as fynbos, and is restricted to the southern Cape. Eleven of South Africa’s 18 endemic species are restricted to this Cape fynbos region. BirdLife International has identified Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) across the planet and six (including the fynbos) of these fall within South Africa, the other five being Karoo, Lesotho highlands, South African forests, South-east African coast and Southern African grasslands. The bulk of South Africa’s other 51 endemic and nearendemic species are restricted to these EBAs. As remarkable as this endemism is, even more noteworthy is the fact that two entire bird families fall within this definition, the rockjumpers and the sugarbirds. At the time of writing, the world’s 10,912 extant species and 160 extinct species as recognised by the IOC World Bird List, are categorised into 252 families. The majority of these families consist of species whose combined ranges encompass vast regions of the Earth, so having two near-endemic bird families in South Africa indicates the significance of our country as a regional endemism hotspot.

CONSERVATION Regrettably, 163 of South Africa’s bird species are listed as globally or regionally threatened. Due to their red listing, BirdLife International and BirdLife South Africa have prioritised the conservation of these species, particularly the ones that fall within the Critically Endangered category, meaning they are at a high risk of extinction in the wild. South Africa has five globally Critically Endangered species: Tristan Albatross, Hooded, White-headed and White-backed Vultures, and White-winged Flufftail. The three vultures are covered in this book and can still be found in several larger game reserves despite the fact that their populations have plummeted in recent years. One species that is considered regionally Critically Endangered is Bearded Vulture, which can be found in the Drakensberg region of South Africa. Any regional threat status is mentioned in the individual species’ account. Two of the key programmes by which bird conservation is prioritised are the Important Bird Areas (IBA) and Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) programmes. BirdLife International has identified more than 13,000 IBAs, of which 99 are located in South Africa. As birders we have a responsibility to aid the protection of the birds that give us so much pleasure. This can be done in numerous ways, including joining and supporting BirdLife International and BirdLife South Africa (further details on p. 222), and other regional and local conservation organisations and initiatives. It is also important when out birding to minimise our impact on the birds and their environment. BirdLife South Africa has issued a birder’s code of ethics which can be found at: www.birdlife.org.za/ wp-content/uploads/2018/01/BLSA-Code-of-Conduct-Eng.pdf

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South Africa is truly blessed in harbouring superb birdlife throughout the country. Virtually every location can provide productive and enjoyable birding experiences, from the humblest urban gardens to our amazing national parks. This section briefly covers a range of the best and most accessible wildlife sites in South Africa, with a focus on the commoner and more obvious birds covered by this book. Additional recommended sites are also mentioned.

WESTERN CAPE 1 Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve This must-visit, world-famous reserve protects Africa’s south-westernmost peninsula, commonly known as Cape Point. It falls within the Table Mountain National Park, a natural world heritage site and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, which protects much of the wild areas in and around Cape Town. Cape of Good Hope encompasses fine stretches of mountain fynbos, as well as open plains, rocky outcrops, wetlands and 40 km of rugged coastline. Being allowed to walk in this reserve is an advantage. Typical fynbos endemics to search for here include Cape Francolin, Cape Bulbul, Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird. Other South African endemics and near-endemics in this habitat include Fiscal Flycatcher, Karoo Prinia, Southern Boubou, Cape Grassbird,

Cape Point in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve.

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Cape Longclaw, Cape Rock Thrush, Southern Double-collared Sunbird and Cape Bunting. Common Ostriches stride across the plains, which are also patrolled by low-flying Black Harriers. Overhead, look out for Verreaux’s Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Black-winged Kite, Rock Kestrel and Peregrine Falcon. Along the coastline, families of African Oystercatcher and Cape Cormorant are found on rocky areas and White-fronted Plover on the sandy beaches. Typical mammals include Cape Fur Seal, Bontebok, Eland, Cape Mountain Zebra and Chacma Baboon (be careful of these last mentioned who are adept at robbing visitors of food!).

Best birding sites in South Africa

BEST BIRDING SITES IN SOUTH AFRICA

2 Table Mountain The fabulous revolving, aerial cableway ride up to the summit of Table Mountain is one of the most highly recommended visitor activities in Cape Town. For the

Table Mountain.

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Best birding sites in South Africa

more intrepid, hiking to the top is also an option, although best done with a local guide. Species to look for on an expedition to Table Mountain include Verreaux’s Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Peregrine Falcon, Rock Kestrel, White-necked Raven, Alpine Swift, Rock Martin, Familiar Chat, Orangebreasted Sunbird, Neddicky, Cape Bulbul, Cape Grassbird and Cape Canary. You can’t miss the tame Rock Hyraxes which live around the top cableway station.

3 Boulders Beach, Simonstown This scenic beach in Simonstown is world famous for its African Penguin colony, now numbering 2,000–3,000 individuals. Watching the penguins from the boardwalk that runs into the heart of the colony is

African Penguins at Boulders Beach. a wonderful experience for birders and general tourists alike. Other species to look for here include White-breasted, Cape and Crowned Cormorants, Kelp and Hartlaub’s Gulls, Swift Tern, Speckled Pigeon, Southern Boubou, Cape Bulbul, Cape Robin-chat, Cape Wagtail, Cape White-eye, Karoo Prinia and Red-winged Starling.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. (however, it is best not to explore the trails up the mountain slope without a local guide). Helmeted Guineafowl and Cape Spurfowl scurry across the lawns and are very approachable. The protea and erica gardens are ideal for fynbos specialities such as Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird. Look out also for Malachite and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds at these flowers. In the more forested areas, species to watch for include African Olive Pigeon, Southern Boubou, Cape Batis, African Dusky Flycatcher, Sombre Greenbul and Swee Waxbill. In summer Red-chested and Klaas’s Cuckoos, Black Saw-wing and African Paradise Flycatcher also frequent the gardens. More open areas host typical Cape Town birds including Cape Bulbul, Olive Thrush, Cape Robin-chat, Karoo Prinia and Cape Canary. Kirstenbosch is also excellent for raptors especially along the Table Mountain massif. Regular species include African Harrier-hawk, African Goshawk, Black Sparrowhawk and Rock Kestrel. At least one Spotted Eagle-owl family roosts in the gardens, and gardening staff can usually point you in the right direction.

4 Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden This world-class botanical garden on the slopes of Table Mountain is another wonderful birding and tourist site. Besides the manicured gardens, a large section of Afro-montane forest is also protected

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5 West Coast National Park This vast reserve, an hour north of Cape Town, is a very productive birding site and well worth a day or more’s exploration. It is particularly impressive during the July–

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September wildflower season when the remote Postberg section of the park is open to the public. The park straddles both the Atlantic seaboard and the vast Langebaan Lagoon, a magnet for migrant waders and other waterbirds. The main habitat is strandveld, a dense shrubland that is classified as fynbos. Typical species in this special habitat include Common Ostrich, Southern Black Korhaan, Cape Spurfowl, Black-winged Kite, Black Harrier, White-backed Mousebird, Cape Bulbul, Karoo Scrub Robin, Long-billed Crombec, Pied Starling, Bar-throated Apalis, Cape Grassbird, Bokmakierie, Southern Double-collared and Malachite Sunbirds, Cape Sparrow, Southern Masked Weaver and Cape Bunting. Geelbek Hide near the park headquarters is a famous site for viewing waterbirds, especially migrant waders during summer. Typical aquatic species that can be seen here and elsewhere in the park include Greater and Lesser Flamingos, South African Shelduck, Cape Teal, African Spoonbill, African Marsh Harrier, Kittlitz’s and Whitefronted Plovers, Blacksmith Lapwing, Black-winged Stilt, White-throated Swallow (summer only), Cape Wagtail, Levaillant’s Cisticola and Cape Weaver. The park’s mammals include Bontebok, Eland, Plains and Cape Mountain Zebras, Red Hartebeest and Steenbok. Snakes are prolific especially in summer and common species include Puff Adder and Cape Cobra.

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6 Lambert’s Bay Bird Island is a protected site within Lambert’s Bay and is famous as the only accessible Cape Gannet colony (approximately 14,000 gannets breed here). A raised hide provides superb viewing of the colony and the fascinating antics of these seabirds. Other species to look out for include African Penguin, White-breasted, Cape and Crowned Cormorants, Kelp, Greyheaded and Hartlaub’s Gulls, Swift Tern and White-fronted Plover.

Best birding sites in South Africa

Cape Gannets on Bird Island, Lambert’s Bay.

Wildflower season in West Coast National Park (with Cape Mountain Zebra).

Other sites Strandfontein Sewage Works, Rondevlei Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay and Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, Paarl Mountain, Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Garden Route National Park (including Wilderness, Knysna, Nature’s Valley and Tsitsikamma) and Karoo National Park.

NORTHERN CAPE 7 Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park A visit to this Kalahari park is a very special experience. It protects a vast and pristine region of Kalahari acacia woodlands and dune savanna, intersected by two fossil riverbeds, the Nossob and the Auob. Best birding and game viewing results are had by driving these riverbeds northwards from

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Best birding sites in South Africa

Twee Rivieren. Waterholes along these roads attract thirsty wildlife and are highly productive wildlife viewing points. The well-wooded camps themselves are also a haven for birds. This park is particularly famous for its raptors and regular sightings of the following species can be expected: Secretarybird, Lappet-faced, White-backed and White-headed Vultures, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Black-winged Kite, Lanner Falcon, Gabar Goshawk, Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, Southern White-faced Owl and Pearl-spotted Owlet. When in the vicinity of Sociable Weaver colonies keep an eye out for Pygmy Falcons which share their nests. The more open areas are home to Common Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Northern Black Korhaan, Double-banded Courser, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Namaqua Dove, Sabota Lark, Capped Wheatear and Ant-eating Chat. Typical woodland species include Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, Common Scimitarbill, Burchell’s Starling, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Crimsonbreasted Shrike, Brubru, Black-chested Prinia, White-browed Sparrow-weaver, Red-billed Quelea, Scaly-feathered and Red-headed Finches, Shaft-tailed Whydah and the beautiful Violet-eared and Blackfaced Waxbills. Large wildlife abounds, in

particular a healthy population of predators such as Lion, Cheetah, Leopard, Caracal, African Wild Cat and Honey Badger. Besides herds of ungulates (including Gemsbok and Springbok), look out for aridzone specialists such as Cape and Bat-eared Foxes and entertaining families of Suricates (Meerkats).

Typical Kalahari scene in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park.

The Orange River in Augrabies Falls National Park.

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8 Augrabies Falls National Park This arid national park straddles the mighty Orange River, protecting stunning gorges and the impressive namesake waterfall. Along the river, thickets are very birdy, and the balance of the reserve is arid rocky scrubland. Along the gorges and cliffs look for Black Stork, Verreaux’s Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Alpine Swift, Rock and Brown-throated Martins and Mountain Wheatear. Birding the main park camp is very productive and species to look out for include Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Acacia Pied Barbet, Karoo Thrush, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Orange River Whiteeye, Black-chested Prinia and Red-billed Firefinch. Typical arid-zone species occur in the more open areas, and in particular look for Pygmy Falcon, usually around Sociable Weaver nests. Mammals occurring in the park include Gemsbok, Greater Kudu, Springbok, Klipspringer, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra and Giraffe.

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KWAZULU-NATAL

Namaqua[land] National Park, Mokala National Park, Akkerendam, Kamfers Dam.

10 uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, including Giant’s Castle Nature Reserve, Royal Natal National Park and Sani Pass

EASTERN CAPE 9 Addo Elephant National Park This park, comprising mostly dense thicket vegetation and grasslands, was declared to protect the last surviving elephants of the Cape region. The park has since been expanded to include fynbos, Karoo, forest and even coastal areas. In the more open areas watch for Secretarybird, Martial Eagle, Blue Crane and Southern Black Korhaan. Wetlands have Black Crake, Southern Red Bishop and Village Weaver. Species occurring in the more vegetated areas include Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Acacia Pied and Black-collared Barbets, Southern Boubou, Karoo Scrub Robin, Southern Black Tit, African Dusky Flycatcher, Long-billed Crombec and both Greater and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds. Addo is an overlap zone where both Cape and Darkcapped Bulbuls occur. Red-billed Oxpeckers can be found on the larger ungulates. Lions have been reintroduced into the park.

Other sites Mountain Zebra National Park, Grahamstown Botanical Gardens, Cape Recife Nature Reserve, Hogsback.

Addo Elephant National Park was created to save the Cape’s last surviving elephants.

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The breathtaking uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park stretches 200 km along the border of KwaZulu-Natal and Lesotho, and encompasses 12 protected areas and numerous high peaks. Giant’s Castle, Royal Natal National Park and Sani Pass are the most famous sections, but similar birds can be found across the park. Habitats include cliffs, montane grasslands, Afro-montane forest and wetlands. The park’s flagship species is Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier); this southern subspecies is now considered Critically Endangered. A morning spent at the Giant’s Castle Vulture Hide generally provides amazing views of adults and juveniles. Look out also for Cape Vulture, Martial and Verreaux’s Eagles, Jackal Buzzard, Black Harrier and Secretarybird. Rocky areas have Cape Rock Thrush, and at higher elevations Drakensberg Rockjumper, Mountain Wheatear and Cape Bunting. Where protea stands proliferate watch out for Gurney’s Sugarbird and both Malachite and Greater Double-collared Sunbirds. Typical grassland species in this park include Blue Crane, Southern Bald Ibis, Cape Grassbird, Long-tailed and Red-collared Widowbirds, Orange-breasted Waxbill and African Quail-

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Best birding sites in South Africa

Other sites

Sani Pass in the uKhahlambaDrakensberg Park.

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Best birding sites in South Africa

finch. In forested areas and along forest edges search for Red-chested Cuckoo and African Paradise Flycatcher in summer, Red-throated Wryneck, Chorister Robin-chat, Cape Batis, Drakensberg Prinia, Bokmakierie, Southern Double-collared Sunbird and Swee Waxbill. Typical mammals include Eland, Mountain Reedbuck, Grey Rhebok, Chacma Baboon and Rock Hyrax. The Giant’s Castle Main Caves Museum is well worth a visit and provides an insight into the lives of the extinct San people and their incredible rock art.

11 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park One of the world’s oldest parks, its declaration in 1895 ultimately saved the White Rhinoceros from extinction. This huge, scenic reserve in the heart of Zululand provides excellent birding. Habitats include open grasslands, acacia savanna and mixed woodlands, forest patches, wetlands and rivers. Close to 400 bird species have been recorded. Typical grassland species include Secretarybird, Black-bellied Bustard, Southern Ground Hornbill, Rufousnaped Lark, Fan-tailed and White-winged Widowbirds, Yellow-throated Longclaw and Zitting Cisticola. The savannas are rich in raptors including numerous species of vulture, Martial Eagle, Bateleur and Gabar Goshawk. A selection of other species includes Lilac-breasted Roller, Common Scimitarbill, Sabota Lark and Green-winged

The rolling hills of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

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Pytilia. During summer Wahlberg’s Eagle, European Roller and Red-backed Shrike supplement the resident birds. The riverine and scarp forests (the latter especially around Hilltop Camp) provide excellent opportunities for species such as Crowned Eagle, African Goshawk, African Emerald and Klaas’s Cuckoos (both in summer), Narina Trogon, Crowned and Trumpeter Hornbills, Red-capped Robin-chat and Bar-throated Apalis. Search wetlands and rivers for Goliath, Striated and Squacco Herons, African Jacana, Water Thick-knee, African Fish Eagle, Black Crake, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, and African Pied Wagtail. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is premier ‘Big Five’ (Lion, Leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhinoceros) country with both Black and White Rhinoceros present. In addition, African Wild Dog, Cheetah and Spotted Hyena are regularly encountered, as well as standard savanna animals such as Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Nyala, Common Waterbuck and Impala.

12 Mkhuze Game Reserve Arguably one of the finest birding sites in South Africa, the Mkhuze Game Reserve now forms a section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site. It is situated on the coastal plain at the base of the Lebombo Mountains. More than 450 species have been recorded in this reserve, including many rare and sought-after species. The landscape consists of mixed savanna, sand and riverine forest, grasslands and wetlands. Ensumo and Muzi Pans (the latter just outside the reserve) are waterbird havens and excellent for species such as Pink-backed Pelican, Goliath Heron, Yellow-billed Stork, African Openbill, African Fish Eagle, African Swamphen, African Jacana, Water Thick-knee and, in summer only, Whiskered Tern. The Fig Forest walk (which must be undertaken with

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a ranger) and sand forest around KuMasinga hide are very productive habitats. Typical species here include Crowned Eagle, Crested Guineafowl, Narina Trogon, Broad-billed Roller, White-throated Robinchat and Pink-throated Twinspot. A wide selection of savanna species such as African Green Pigeon, Purple-crested Turaco, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Bearded Woodpecker, Greater Honeyguide, and Grey-headed and Orange-breasted Bushshrikes can easily be found, as are many raptors. Mkhuze Game Reserve is another ‘Big Five’ reserve with both species of rhinoceros present. Hippopotamus is prolific in Ensumo Pan. Nyala is particularly abundant, and besides the larger antelope look out also for Natal Red Duiker and Suni.

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Best birding sites in South Africa

iNsumo Pan in Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Hooded Vultures, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Little and Black Sparrowhawks, Shikra and Lanner Falcon. The riverine forests and forest edges are home to Narina Trogon, Broad-billed Roller (summer only), Redfronted Tinkerbird, Trumpeter and Crowned Hornbills, Violet-backed Starling (summer only), Woodland and African Pygmy Kingfishers (summer only), Green Woodhoopoe, White-browed and Red-capped Robin-chats, Collared Sunbird, Spectacled Weaver and Pink-throated Twinspot. The savanna residents include Grey Go-awaybird, Red-faced Mousebird, Lilac-breasted Roller, African Hoopoe, Southern Yellowbilled and Southern Red-billed Hornbills, Acacia Pied and Crested Barbets, Greater Honeyguide, Striped Kingfisher, Goldentailed, Cardinal and Bearded Woodpeckers, Chinspot Batis, White-crested Helmetshrike, Brown-crowned and Black-crowned Tchagras, Brubru, Black Cuckooshrike, Rattling Cisticola, Arrow-marked Babbler, Groundscraper and Kurrichane Thrushes, Scarlet-chested and White-bellied Sunbirds, Yellow-throated Petronia, Golden-breasted Bunting, all three firefinch species and their three attendant indigobird brood parasites, Red-billed Oxpecker (attending the larger mammals) and, in summer only, Redbacked and Lesser Grey Shrikes. Manyoni offers great wildlife viewing, which includes the ‘Big Five’ as well as Cheetah, African

13 Manyoni Private Game Reserve This large private game reserve lies to the west of the Lebombo Mountains in Zululand and is an extremely productive wildlife and birding destination. More than 420 bird species have been recorded. The reserve consists of acacia and broadleaved savanna, grasslands and riverine forests. It is particularly rich in raptors with residents including Crowned, Tawny and Martial Eagles, White-backed, Lappet-faced and

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Birding in Manyoni Private Game Reserve.

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Best birding sites in South Africa

Wild Dog, Spotted and Brown Hyenas, and Temminck’s Pangolin. Zebra Hills Safari Lodge is situated within the reserve and employs experienced birding guides.

Other sites Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Pigeon Valley Park, Queen Elizabeth Park, Darvill Resources Park, Midmar Nature Reserve (Thurlow section), Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve, Weenen Nature Reserve, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Mtunzini and Umlalazi Nature Reserve, St Lucia (including the St Lucia Estuary, and the Eastern Shores, Cape Vidal and Western Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site).

FREE STATE 14 Golden Gate Highlands National Park This mountain park protects some incredible rock formations and offers excellent birding across its montane grasslands, sandstone cliffs, scrub and wetlands. One of the star attractions is Bearded Vulture, but other raptors occur, including Secretarybird, Cape Vulture, Jackal Buzzard, Lanner Falcon, Rock Kestrel and African Harrier-hawk. In summer large flocks of Amur Falcon hover over the grasslands. These grasslands are also home to Blue Crane, Southern Bald

Golden Gate, Highlands National Park.

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Ibis, Swainson’s Spurfowl, Pied Starling, African Stonechat, Cape Weaver, Longtailed and Red-collared Widowbirds, Yellow-crowned and Yellow Bishops, and Cape Grassbird. The cliffs and mountains also attract Speckled Pigeon, Alpine Swift, Rock Martin, White-necked Raven, Cape Rock Thrush and Cape Bunting. Look for Gurney’s Sugarbird and Malachite Sunbird where proteas are flowering. Key mammal species in the reserve include Black Wildebeest, Blesbok, Oribi, Grey Rhebok, Mountain Reedbuck and Red Hartebeest.

Other sites Free State National Botanical Gardens (Bloemfontein), Memel district, Sandveld Nature Reserve, Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve, Willem Pretorius Game Reserve.

GAUTENG 15 Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens These lovely botanical gardens, in the western suburbs of Johannesburg, are well

Witpoortjie waterfall in Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens.

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16 Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve This significant reserve to the south of Johannesburg protects an important swathe of grassland and rocky slopes as well as broadleaved and acacia savanna. The eastern reserve entrance is situated within a rocky zone where Mountain Wheatear, Bokmakierie, Fiscal Flycatcher and Familiar Chat abound. Moving up into the higher grasslands look for Secretarybird, Verreaux’s Eagle, Amur Falcon flocks in summer, Jackal Buzzard, Marsh Owl, South African Cliff and Greater Striped Swallows

(both summer only), Rufous-naped Lark, Ant-eating Chat, Long-tailed Widowbird and Yellow Bishop. In the drier western section of the reserve, more arid-zone species occur. Typical birds are Acacia Pied Barbet, Common Scimitarbill, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Brubru, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Red-headed Finch and both Violet-eared and Blackfaced Waxbills. Mammals include Black Wildebeest, Springbok, Red Hartebeest, Oribi and Aardwolf.

17 Marievale Bird Sanctuary This is a Ramsar Convention wetland site on the Blesbokspruit catchment to the south-east of Johannesburg. The reserve protects several waterbodies and their associated reedbeds, and some surrounding grasslands. It is popular with local birders and has a network of hides (blinds). Some of the key species to keep an eye out for include both species of flamingo, African Darter, Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, Great Crested Grebe, South African Shelduck, Southern Pochard, African Marsh Harrier, African Swamphen, Black Crake, Greater Painted Snipe (summer), Whiskered Tern (summer), Marsh Owl, Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, Levaillant’s Cisticola, Mountain Wheatear (near the entrance gate), Long-tailed and Fan-tailed Widowbirds, Southern Red and Yellowcrowned Bishops, African Quail-finch and Orange-breasted Waxbill. Spotted-necked Otters are regularly seen at Marievale.

15

Best birding sites in South Africa

worth a visit. The impressive Witpoortjie waterfall is the major feature, and cliffs, riverine forests and open gardens make up the rest of the park. The garden’s most famous birds are a resident pair of Verreaux’s Eagles, usually seen perched or flying around the cliffs. Other raptors can also be observed, including Black Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon and Rock Kestrel. Scan the slopes for Cape Rock Thrush and quieter sections of the river for Half-collared Kingfisher. Other species to look out for include Natal Spurfowl, African Olive Pigeon, Karoo Thrush, Brubru and Greater Double-collared, Malachite and Amethyst Sunbirds. Red-chested, Diederik and Klaas’s Cuckoos, African Paradise Flycatcher and Violet-backed Starling arrive for the summer season.

Other sites

High-elevation grasslands in Suikerbosrand.

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 15

Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary, Rondebult Bird Sanctuary, Pretoria National Botanical Gardens, Rietvlei Dam Nature Reserve, Abe Bailey Nature Reserve, The Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Tswaing Nature Reserve, Ezemvelo Nature Reserve.

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NORTH-WEST 18 Pilanesberg National Park

Best birding sites in South Africa

This scenic and rewarding park is within easy striking distance of Johannesburg and is well worth a visit. It consists of grasslands, savanna, wetlands and rocky ridges formed by an ancient volcanic crater. Some 350 bird species have been recorded. Cape, White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures can often be seen in the vicinity of a vulture restaurant near Manyane Gate. Other raptors to look out for include Western Osprey, Secretarybird, Verreaux’s Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Pale Chanting Goshawk and Rock Kestrel. Hamerkop, both flamingo species, African Spoonbill, Kori Bustard, Northern Black and Red-crested Korhaans, White-fronted and Little Bee-eaters, Lilac-breasted and Purple Rollers, Southern Yellow-billed, Southern Red-billed and African Grey Hornbills, Speckled and White-backed Mousebirds, Rufous-naped and Sabota Larks, Magpie and Crimson-breasted Shrikes, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Red-billed Oxpecker, Shaft-tailed and Pintailed Whydahs, and Violet-eared and Blue Waxbills are other species to look out for on this reserve. Pilanesberg is a ‘Big Five’ game reserve and has a good selection and numbers of typical savanna game. It is particularly renowned as an excellent site for finding Brown Hyena.

Brown Hyena in Pilanesberg National Park.

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 16

Other sites Barberspan, Borakalalo National Park, Madikwe Game Reserve, Magaliesberg Mountains, Vaalkop Dam Nature Reserve.

MPUMALANGA and LIMPOPO 19 Kruger National Park The world-famous Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship game reserve and birding site. More than 550 bird species have been recorded. It stretches over 20,000 km2 along South Africa’s northeastern boundary and encompasses 13 major habitat types. Much of Kruger is also surrounded by adjacent private reserves in South Africa and public reserves in Mozambique and Zimbabwe, creating one of the world’s greatest wildernesses. The entire park provides incredible birding, but the southern region of Kruger produces the highest bird numbers. As one travels northwards, more locally range-restricted species are encountered, with the far north being the only reliable location in South Africa for several species. The rest camps and picnic sites within Kruger are amazing locations for birding and bird photography, many of the birds being habituated to human presence (but please don’t feed any birds or animals). The bulk of Kruger is savanna. Typical resident species include Natal Spurfowl, Crested Francolin, Grey Go-away-bird, Southern Ground Hornbill, Bennett’s, Cardinal and Bearded Woodpeckers, Kurrichane Thrush, Forktailed Drongo, Southern White-crowned Shrike, White-crested Helmetshrike, Brubru, Black-crowned and Brown-crowned Tchagras, Grey-headed and Orangebreasted Bushshrikes, Wattled, Greater Blueeared, Burchell’s and Cape Glossy Starlings, Scarlet-chested, White-bellied and Marico Sunbirds, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Green-winged Pytilia, Blue Waxbill and

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Yellow-fronted Canary. In summer, Eurasian and intra-African migrants supplement the avifauna. Look out for numerous cuckoo, swift and swallow species, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, African Pygmy and Woodland Kingfishers, Violet-backed Starling, and Red-backed and Lesser Grey Shrikes. At this time of year several resident groups such as weavers, widowbirds, bishops, whydahs and indigobirds also attain their distinctive breeding plumage and make themselves more obvious. Raptors are a prevalent feature of the park with typical species including Hooded, Whitebacked, Lappet-faced and White-headed Vultures, Martial, Tawny, Wahlberg’s (summer only), African Fish, African Hawk, Brown Snake and Black-chested Snake Eagles, Bateleur, African Harrier-hawk, Common Buzzard (summer), Dark Chanting and Gabar Goshawks, Shikra and Lanner Falcon. Owls can be observed on night drives or found roosting in camps; look out for Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet and African Scops Owl. Kruger’s grassland species include Common Ostrich, White Stork (summer only), Swainson’s Spurfowl, Secretarybird, Black-bellied and Kori Bustards, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark, Sabota and Rufous-naped Larks, and Zitting Cisticola. Both Yellow-billed and Redbilled Oxpeckers can be found on larger animals. Wetland birding is particularly

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17

Best birding sites in South Africa

Luvuvhu River in northern Kruger National Park.

productive; keep an eye out for Goliath and Striated Herons, Saddle-billed, Yellowbilled, Black and Woolly-necked Storks, African Openbill, White-faced Whistling and Knob-billed Ducks, Greater Painted Snipe, African Jacana, Three-banded and Kittlitz’s Plovers, Blacksmith and African Wattled Lapwings, Water Thick-knee, White-fronted Bee-eater, Brown-throated Martin and African Pied Wagtail. Riverine forests and riverside camps offer a range of additional species such as African Goshawk, Little Sparrowhawk, African Green Pigeon, African Mourning Dove, Narina Trogon, Brown-headed Parrot, Trumpeter and Crowned Hornbills, Green Wood-hoopoe, Purple-crested Turaco, White-browed and Red-capped Robin-chats, and Collared Sunbird. Further to the north, in locations such as Punda Maria, also look out for Crested Guineafowl, Broad-billed Roller (summer) and Pink-throated Twinspot. Biggame viewing in Kruger is spectacular. This is prime ‘Big Five’ country and Leopards, in particular, occur at high densities and are usually quite relaxed. Besides the typical game species of South Africa’s savanna reserves, also look out for Sable and Roan Antelope, Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest, Sharpe’s Grysbok (north), Klipspringer, African Wild Dog, African Civet, Cape Clawless Otter, Dwarf Mongoose and Smith’s Bush Squirrel.

Other sites Mpumalanga Dullstroom, Wakkerstroom, Blyde Canyon Nature Reserve, Lowveld Botanical Gardens (Mbombela), Mount Sheba Nature Reserve.

Other sites, Limpopo Magoebaskloof, Mapungubwe National Park, Nylsvley Nature Reserve, Polokwane Bird Sanctuary, Polokwane Nature Reserve, Zaagkuildrift and Kgomo-Kgomo, Rust der Winter Nature Reserve.

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Ostrich

SPECIES ACCOUNTS Common Ostrich

Struthio camelus up to 200cm

Resident. This, the world’s largest extant bird species, is unmistakable. Males are predominantly black with white wings and a buff tail, females are greyish. Males can be dangerous so do not approach them. Their call is a deep booming that carries great distances and can be mistaken for a lion or eagle-owl. Chicks are very fluffy with streaky necks. Ostriches can be seen across much of South Africa, but many of these birds are farmed or feral. Most game reserves have reintroduced ostrich populations, but genetically pure and truly wild ostriches are restricted to Kruger and Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Parks.

♀

Juv

♂

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Helmeted Guineafowl

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Guineafowl

(Tufted Guineafowl) Numida meleagris 56cm

Resident. This large gamebird belongs to a bird family endemic to Africa (Numididae) and is by far its commonest representative, occurring throughout South Africa. It is unmistakable, being an upright, dark bird overlaid with numerous small white spots, with bare blue and red facial and neck skin, and a prominent helmet on its head. Helmeted Guineafowl usually occurs in large groups in open areas, especially agricultural fields and savanna, but also urban areas. It issues a fast, two-note, repeated whistled chu-whee song as well as loud rattling alarm calls.

Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani 50cm

Resident. Far more restricted in range than the previous species, flocks of Crested Guineafowl can be found through coastal and northern KwaZuluNatal, northern Kruger National Park and adjacent areas. They are confined to forest and forest edges and are darker than Helmeted Guineafowl, sporting their famous untidy “punk” hairdo, red eyes and dark or bluish bare facial skin. Unlike the commoner Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested’s white spots are encircled by blue rings. Their call is a loud repeated guttural ticking, ending in a rattle, mostly issued in alarm.

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Cape Spurfowl

(Cape Francolin) Pternistis capensis 40–43cm

Spurfowl and Francolin

Resident. This large and conspicuous gamebird is commonly encountered in pairs or small family groups throughout the Western Cape, as far north as the Orange River and eastwards through the Garden Route. It occurs in gardens, fynbos

and Karoo habitats, and is identified by its orange legs and bill base, dark cap, greyish-brown plumage with intricate pale feather patterning and white streaks on its underparts. This species’ call is a loudly repeated and excitable kwee-keee-kip.

Natal Spurfowl

(Natal Francolin) Pternistis natalensis 30–38cm Resident. Superficially similar to Cape Spurfowl (although their ranges don’t overlap), this species occurs in pairs or small family groups through eastern and northern South Africa. It sports an orange bill and legs, a greyish body scaled

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 20

black and white on the underparts, and lacks a dark cap. It occurs in gardens, woodlands, forest edge and savanna, often near watercourses. As with all spurfowl it is frequently vocal, issuing a variety of short but loud screeches.

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Swainson’s Spurfowl

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(Swainson’s Francolin) Pternistis swainsonii 33–38cm Spurfowl (not illustrated) which by contrast has bright red legs and occurs in the moister forests and grasslands of the eastern and southern regions of South Africa. Swainson’s Spurfowl utters a repeated raucous upslurred crow, usually in the morning, often from a raised and exposed position.

Spurfowl and Francolin

Resident. This common and usually conspicuous spurfowl ranges through the grasslands and savanna of much of central and northern South Africa. It is easily identified as a large dark gamebird with a striking bare red face and throat, combined with dark legs. It is superficially similar to Red-necked

Crested Francolin

Dendroperdix sephaena 33cm Resident. This noisy, bantam-like francolin is very common in the savanna of eastern and northern South Africa. It spends its days on the ground, foraging in pairs or small family groups, at sunset taking to low bushes and trees to roost. Crested Francolins show a distinctive pale eyebrow, streaked back, blotched

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 21

neck and chest, and a long tail that is often cocked. When excited, their crown feathers are raised, producing their namesake crested appearance. They are extremely vocal, especially in the morning, at sunset and even after dark, the call being a repeated loud and piercing chee-krrrrr.

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Grey Crowned Crane

(Crested Crane) Balearica regulorum 105cm

Cranes

Resident. This is one of the world’s classiest birds, sporting a truly magnificent golden head crown. Other distinctive features include the white cheek patch, bare red throat wattle and striking blackand-white wings, which are prominently

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 22

displayed during courtship dances. Largely restricted to eastern South Africa, they are best sought around wetlands and agricultural fields. Their loud and pleasant call is well rendered by their Afrikaans name, Mahem. Endangered.

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Blue Crane

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Grus paradisea 110cm

Cranes / Bustards

Resident. South Africa’s national bird is a truly majestic species, an attractive bluegrey with a distinctive shape comprising a bulbous head, long slender neck, long legs and long trailing feathers (which appear to be the tail, but are actually elongated wing plumes). It occurs through much of South Africa except the savanna regions, preferring open grasslands, the edges of wetlands and agricultural fields. In winter large flocks aggregate but they disperse as pairs to breed during summer. Their loud, harsh rattling call is often emitted in flight and can be audible over a great distance. Vulnerable.

Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori

♀112cm ♂135cm

Resident. The Kori Bustard is the world’s heaviest flying bird and is identified by its very large size and long rear crest, which is usually held flat but can be raised in display (when the neck is also puffed out and sometimes the tail is raised over the

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 23

back). Overall it is dull brown and grey, blending well with its preferred arid habitat, the drier open savannas and grasslands of central and northern South Africa. It can be found singly or in small groups and is generally silent. Near Threatened.

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Black-bellied Bustard

Bustards and Korhaans

(Black-bellied Korhaan) Lissotis melanogaster 62cm

Resident. This slender, elongated bustard is a bird of grassy patches in savanna, and less frequently open grasslands. Its long snake-like neck is often the first sign of its presence. The male has a black belly, the black extending up the throat, and striking black-and-white wings, dramatically exposed during the parachute drops of its aerial display. The female is smaller, more rusty and lacks the black belly. The male performs a unique vocal display, fanning his tail, holding his head high and inhaling with a loud kwaarp, then retracting his neck whilst holding his breath for 3 seconds before expelling the air with a cork-popping pwip.

♂

♀

Red-crested Korhaan (Red-crested Bustard) Lophotis ruficrista 50cm

♂

♀

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 24

Resident. The red crest is seen only during display. Superficially similar to Black-bellied Korhaan, it is smaller and more compact. The black belly of male Red-crested does not extend onto the neck, and the female has a black belly, a feature absent on female Black-bellied. Red-crested overlaps in range with the similar-sized Northern Black Korhaan but in both sexes is separated by the arrow-shaped pale chevrons on the upperparts (barred on Northern Black). The call starts with ticking, followed by a series of short, loud whistles and grunts. The male’s display flight consists of a death-defying plunge to ground. It occurs in scrubby savanna and the Kalahari sands of northern South Africa.

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Southern Black Korhaan

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(Black Bustard) Afrotis afra 52cm

♂

Cape Peninsula northwards almost to the Orange River, and eastwards into the Eastern Cape, up to 200km inland. The preferred habitat is fynbos and Karoo scrub. Calls are loud, unmelodic and strident, somewhat spurfowl-like and issued by the male usually from a raised perch or in flight. Vulnerable.

Bustards and Korhaans

Resident endemic. A small, compact bustard, the male sports a red bill, orange legs, white cheek patch, barred back, and black head, neck and belly. The female is plainer and lacks the black neck and head, and contrasting white cheek. Very similar to Northern Black, and best separated by range, which includes the

♂

Northern Black Korhaan

(Northern Black/White-quilled Bustard) Afrotis afraoides 50cm Resident. In flight, Northern Black displays white windows on the lower wing (all black in Southern Black), but otherwise it is almost identical to Southern Black. Northern’s range covers the arid interior of South Africa, east and north of Southern Black’s range. It does not occur in savanna or eastern

♂

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 25

South Africa. Its preferred habitat is Karoo and Kalahari scrublands and Highveld grasslands, where males often perch prominently on termite mounds. The loud calls of this species are more guttural than Southern Black’s, and the name ‘korhaan’ is derived from these repeated kor-kor notes.

♂

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African Wattled Lapwing

Lapwings and Stilt

(Wattled Plover) Vanellus senegallus 35cm

Resident. The only lapwing with bright yellow legs, this large wader prefers moist grasslands and wetland edges in eastern and northern South Africa. Look also for a brownish body, striking white forehead with a large dangling yellow wattle, and a streaked neck. Usually in pairs or small family groups, this species can be very noisy, issuing a monotonous, nasal knup-knup-knup.

Blacksmith Lapwing (Blacksmith Plover) Vanellus armatus 30cm

Resident. Another very distinctive, common and noisy wader, its name is derived from its metallic klik-klikklik notes, reminiscent of a blacksmith striking his anvil. Its unique black, white and grey plumage pattern allows for easy identification. It occurs in and around waterbodies, sometimes in nearby fields and mudflats, throughout South Africa.

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Crowned Lapwing

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Lapwings and Stilt

(Crowned Plover) Vanellus coronatus 31cm Resident. An abundant wader of open fields and grasslands, occurring throughout South Africa, especially in urban environments. Crowned Lapwing has distinctive red legs and a black upper head with a striking white ring, forming its namesake crown. Also look for a mostly red bill, white belly and sandybrown upperparts and chest. Issuing a strident and incessant kreep, it can be aggressive if you approach its nest or chicks. Often active and vocal at night.

Black-winged Stilt

Himantopus himantopus 38cm Resident. This common and distinctive waterbird boasts the longest legs in proportion to body size of any bird in the world. Look out for these long red legs, red eyes, long, slender and straight black bill, black wings and white head, neck and underparts. These birds are very noisy, uttering loud, metallic kik notes, which speed up when alarmed. They can be found throughout the country on any waterbody but prefer shallow pans, saltworks and estuaries, and occur singly or in large flocks.

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White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus 18cm

Plovers and Courser

Resident. Much smaller and shorter legged than lapwings, plovers are also less conspicuous. White-fronted Plover is a common small wader of sandy beaches and estuaries along the entire coastline. A buffier inland subspecies occurs on sandbars of large rivers, especially in Kruger National Park. Generally encountered as a pale bird that scuttles ahead of you on the beach, issuing a pleasant trilled call if flushed. Look for the short black bill and legs to separate it from Sanderling and other migrant waders. It also shows a distinctive white forehead, dark crown patch and eye-line, and a white collar on the back of the neck.

Coastal

Inland

Kittlitz’s Plover

Charadrius pecuarius 13cm

Br

Resident. Very similar to the previous species, this small wader prefers open fields and the muddy margins of wetlands but may frequent sandy beaches. It can be found throughout South Africa. A breeding-plumaged adult is buffy below with diagnostic black markings from the crown vertically down through the eye to the neck. It also shows a white forehead in common with White-fronted so this is not a distinguishing feature. The non-breeding plumage is less striking, but Kittlitz’s lacks the white neckband of White-fronted. The calls are a melodic single chuwee and chip notes.

Juv

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Three-banded Plover

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Charadrius tricollaris 18cm

Plovers and Courser

Resident. A common wader of freshwater shorelines and mudflats, usually in pairs and occurring throughout South Africa. Its distinctive double black breast-bands are separated by a white crescent, forming its somewhat erroneously named three bands. Also look for its red legs and bill, and yellow eye surrounded by a fleshy red eye-ring. Quite vocal, they issue rapid, sharp chip notes when disturbed.

Juv

Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus 24cm

Resident. Coursers are a group of small, mostly nomadic waders that generally occur in open areas away from water. The most frequently encountered species is Double-banded Courser, which inhabits the arid regions of southern, western and central South Africa. They are usually found in small family groups. These plain birds blend into the environment, but show a distinctive pair of black chest-bands and, in flight, striking chestnut outer wings.

Juv

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Water Thick-knee

Thick-knees and Jacana

(Water Dikkop) Burhinus vermiculatus 40cm Resident. Thick-knees are large, brown nocturnal waders with huge, yellow eyes. As its name suggests Water Thick-knee is closely associated with aquatic habitats, and during the day small groups are usually located by carefully scanning wetland edges. At night they venture away from wetlands and can be found on roads and in more open areas. Look for the unspotted grey wings, which also show black and white bars. They are very noisy, both day and night, issuing a series of frenzied highpitched whistles. Water Thick-knee can be found along most of the country’s coastline and inland regions through eastern and northern South Africa.

Spotted Thick-knee (Spotted/Cape Dikkop) Burhinus capensis 43cm

Resident. Larger than Water Thick-knee, Spotted is easily identified by its clearly spotted upperparts and bright yellow legs. The wing pattern is spotted and matches its upperparts, lacking the wingbars present in Water Thick-knee. Spotted Thick-knees are not associated with water; pairs or small groups spend their days in fields or under shady bushes, displaying remarkable camouflage. They emerge at night to forage, frequently giving their distinctive, rather sad piping whistles. They occur throughout South Africa, even in urban environments and agricultural fields.

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African Jacana

Actophilornis africanus 23–32cm

Thick-knees and Jacana

Resident. This large, distinctive wader occurs commonly on wetlands, usually with floating vegetation, through eastern and northern South Africa. It is easily identified by its copper body coloration, blue bill and frontal shield, white throat and face, and black upper neck. African Jacanas have extremely long toes adapted for walking on lilies and other aquatic vegetation. They frequently fly around wetlands and are rather noisy, issuing a variety of angry-sounding gulllike yapping notes and grating noises. Female jacanas are larger and dominant; this species engages in a polyandrous breeding strategy.

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Juv

Birds of South Africa_pages 01-101.indd 31

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Greater Painted-snipe

Rostratula benghalensis 25cm

Oystercatcher, Painted-snipe and Grebes

Resident/summer breeding migrant. This beautiful but rather secretive wader is usually spotted on the edge of reedbeds, sometimes wandering into open muddy areas. Look for its long pinkish bill, distinctive ‘eye spectacles’ and a vertical white line from the upper belly to the back. The female is the more colourful gender with a ruddy breast and head. The

♀ ♂

African (Black) Oystercatcher Resident. This distinctive coastal nearendemic is easily identified as a large allblack wader, with bright red legs, bill and eye. Small groups occur along the entire

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male’s breast is grey but it sports golden spots on the back. This species can be found at almost any wetland in South Africa (although more frequent in the warmer eastern and northern areas). It is nomadic with an influx into South Africa during the summer.

♀ Haematopus moquini 44cm South African coastline, especially rocky areas rich in mussels and other crustaceans. They are vocal, issuing a loud and repeated but pleasant whistled pwee call.

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Little Grebe (Dabchick)

Tachybaptus ruficollis 20cm

Nbr

Br

Great Crested Grebe

Podiceps cristatus 50cm

Resident. This teal-sized grebe is best identified by its unique head plumage, which includes a black forehead culminating in a double-pointed crest, as well as prominent rufous-and-black cheek ruffs. Also look out for the long neck, sharp

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Other distinctive features are their short, pointed bill and pale fleshy gape at the base of the bill. They are very vocal and their loud, trilling call is a frequent waterside sound.

Oystercatcher, Painted-snipe and Grebes

Resident. Superficially resembling a tiny duck, these diving birds commonly occur on freshwater bodies of all sizes across the entire country. In breeding plumage they display a rufous neck, but out of season are much paler.

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pointed bill and habit of regularly diving underwater. Great Crested Grebes prefer larger, reed-lined permanent waterbodies, and are mostly encountered in southern and central areas of South Africa.

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Common Moorhen

(Eurasian Moorhen) Gallinula chloropus 34cm

Moorhen, Coot, Swamphen and Crakes

Resident. This waterbird is equally adept at swimming or stalking along the edges of freshwater wetlands. Found singly or in pairs throughout South Africa, Common Moorhens are indeed common, as long as some protective vegetation exists for concealment when threatened.

Red-knobbed Coot

Fulica cristata 39cm

Resident. This large waterbird behaves more like a duck, usually swimming in deeper water or standing along wetland edges, but not usually walking in waterside vegetationlike the previous species. Coots are easy to identify with their all-black plumage, white bill and frontal

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Look for a medium-sized black bird with a yellow-tipped red bill, red frontal shield, yellow-green legs, white undertail and a narrow white flank line between wings and body. They are quite vocal, issuing a loud prrrrr and other short trills.

shield, topped in breeding plumage with two bright red fleshy knobs. Their eyes are bright red and their legs pale greyish. They occur on bodies of fresh water throughout South Africa, often in large flocks. Their sharp krik notes are frequent sounds of most wetlands.

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African Swamphen

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(Purple Gallinule) Porphyrio madagascariensis 43cm

Black Crake

Look for its iridescent greenish back, white undertail (sometimes prominently flicked up), purple head, neck and underparts, and bright red bill, frontal shield and legs. Swamphens issue a variety of gull-like screeches and more muted hoots.

Zapornia flavirostra 21cm

Resident. Crakes are notoriously shy, skulking birds, yet Back Crake is an exception to this rule. This small, allblack bird with a bright yellow bill and red legs often parades in the open along the edge of freshwater marshes.

Moorhen, Coot, Swamphen and Crakes

Resident. This large purple bird frequents well-vegetated freshwater marshes throughout South Africa. It usually occurs singly or in pairs (although a productive wetland may harbour numerous swamphens). Like Black Crake, it usually also parades in the open.

Pairs or family groups of Black Crakes can occur at any well-vegetated wetland throughout South Africa. Their calls include a loud and distinctive duet, often issued at dusk and dawn, comprising one bird chuckling whilst the other issues deeper hisses and croaks.

Juv

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Egyptian Goose

Alopochen aegyptiaca 68cm

Geese and Shelduck

Resident. This large species (which is actually not a goose but a shelduck) is South Africa’s commonest and most widespread waterfowl. Dark brown upperparts, paler underparts, a dark brown eye-ring with a pinkish bill and legs make this a distinctive bird. It usually

occurs in pairs or family groups, but sometimes large aggregations occur, especially when they are moulting. Any waterbody will do and they can also be found foraging in agricultural fields. They are very noisy, issuing harsh honking and hissing sounds, and can be aggressive.

Juv

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South African Shelduck

Tadorna cana 63cm separating them from the commoner Egyptian Goose. South African Shelducks occur near waterbodies over much of South Africa but avoid the warmer eastern and northern regions. They are often found in pairs, but large aggregations may occur.

Geese and Shelduck

Resident. This near-endemic waterfowl can on first impression be mistaken for Egyptian Goose, but is smaller and more slender. The male has an all-grey head, and the female a white face. It is also very vocal, its distinctive, pleasant honking calls being a reliable way of

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♀

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Spur-winged Goose

♂ Plectropterus gambensis 98cm

Resident. South Africa’s largest waterfowl is mostly dark with some white on the belly (more extensive in the male, although every individual is uniquely patterned). It has a red bill and bare red facial skin, which is also more prominent on the male.

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It is common throughout South Africa and can be found at any body of fresh water or out foraging in open fields. Its distinctive high-pitched, two-note, rhythmic wheezy whistle, issued mostly in flight, seems rather pathetic for such a huge bird.

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Knob-billed Duck

Ducks and Pochard

(Comb Duck) Sarkidiornis melanotos 67cm Summer breeding migrant. This large duck appears black and white at a distance, but at closer quarters both sexes show a speckled neck and head, and the male sports an iridescent blue back. In the breeding season males develop the namesake swollen knob on their bill. It is an intra-African migrant, usually appearing in the summer months in pairs or small groups in central, northern and eastern South Africa.

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White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata 46–48cm

Resident. By far the commonest of the two South African whistling ducks, this species has a distinctive white face and mostly brown body. When out of water it has an upright stance. White-faced Whistling Ducks are very vocal, issuing a diagnostic three-note whistled whitwhitpheew. This species is found in wetlands across central, eastern and northern South Africa. The similar but rarer Fulvous Whistling Duck is more rufous, has no white on the face and in flight shows a white band on the rump.

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Yellow-billed Duck

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Anas undulata 57cm

Ducks and Pochard

Resident. South Africa’s commonest duck sports a bright yellow bill, which separates it from all other ducks except the introduced Mallard (the male of which has a green head and chestnut breast, the female being uniformly pale). Yellow-billed Ducks have an all-dark body with green on the open wing, and the sexes are alike. They are found in pairs or small groups at wetlands and waterbodies throughout South Africa. They emit a typical duck-like quack, especially in flight.

Southern Pochard

Netta erythrophthalma 50cm

♂

♀

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Resident. This waterfowl is best identified by the male’s rich brown plumage and contrasting pale bill, or the paler brown female’s distinctive white face patch. The female, however, has a dark bill. It occurs in pairs or small groups throughout South Africa, preferring deeper water with some vegetation.

♂

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Cape Shoveler

Shoveler and Teals

Resident. This duller, darkish duck is best identified by its long, dark bill. Males show a greenish back, yellow eyes and orange legs (in the breeding season). Females are more unicoloured, with darker eyes. Cape Shovelers occur in pairs or small groups in shallower waterbodies throughout South Africa.

Spatula smithii 53cm

♂

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Blue-billed Teal

(Hottentot Teal) Spatula hottentota 35cm Resident. South Africa’s smallest teal is easily identified by its blue bill, dark cap and diminutive size. Usually occurring in pairs or small groups, Blue-billed Teals prefer fresh waterbodies with plenty of vegetation for concealment. They occur through central, northern and eastern areas of South Africa.

♂

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♀

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Red-billed Teal

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Shoveler and Teals

(Red-billed Duck) Anas erythrorhyncha 46cm

Resident. This, South Africa’s commonest and most widespread teal, is most easily confused with Cape Teal but it shows a dark cap, overall darker appearance and a darker red bill. It usually occurs in small groups and can be found at any waterbody throughout South Africa.

Cape Teal

Anas capensis 46cm Resident. This small, pale teal has a pinkish bill, red eyes and lacks the dark cap present on the other two teals. Pairs or small groups can be found on waterbodies throughout South Africa, but they tend to avoid the warmer northern and eastern regions. Populations are often nomadic and are partial to saline and brackish areas.

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Kelp Gull

Larus dominicanus 57cm

Gulls

Resident. This is the typical large blackbacked gull commonly found along the entire South African coastline. Adults are distinctive, with a black back, white underparts, head and neck, and a yellow bill with a red spot at the lower end. Juveniles are darker and mottled with black bills and are best identified by their large size. Occurring singly or in large flocks, they utter a series of loud kah calls.

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Grey-headed Gull

(Grey-hooded Gull) Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus 42cm Resident. The Grey-headed Gull is the typical smaller grey-backed gull, commonly found along the entire South African coastline. It also occurs in the vicinity of inland fresh water and dumps, especially in the centre of South Africa, and Gauteng in particular.

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In breeding plumage its grey hood is distinctively set off against a white neck and underparts. It has a red bill and legs. The grey hood is lacking in juveniles and non-breeding adults although a shadow hood usually remains. The call is a loud kraaa.

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Hartlaub’s Gull

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Chroicocephalus hartlaubii 38cm

Gulls

Resident. Common only along the west coast and the Cape Peninsula, this nearendemic associates with Grey-headed Gulls and is usually easily separated by its lack of a distinct grey hood. However on close inspection and only in breeding plumage, Hartlaub’s does actually display a very pale greyish hood. To separate Hartlaub’s from Grey-headed in any plumage look for Hartlaub’s dark eye and smaller size. Their calls are virtually indistinguishable.

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Swift Tern

Terns and Gannet

(Greater Crested Tern) Thalasseus bergii 48cm Resident. Swift Tern is the commonest resident tern and can be found anywhere that terns gather along the entire South African coastline. Look for a chunky tern with a large, bright yellow bill. It has a black crown in breeding plumage, which recedes in extent during the non-breeding season. The red-billed Caspian Tern is the only larger tern. Summer flocks of small, pale, black-billed terns are predominantly Common Terns, although other species occur on our coastlines.

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Whiskered Tern

Chlidonias hybrida 24cm

Br

Summer breeding migrant. Numerous species of terns occur along the South African coastline, often gathering in mixed-species roosting flocks. However, Whiskered Tern is the commonest inland species, this summer migrant often being observed foraging over freshwater lakes throughout the country. At a distance it is a fluttering dark and pale bird, but on closer examination look for the dark belly, grey underwings, paler upperwings, striking white cheek (the namesake ‘whisker’), dark cap, and red bill and legs. Non-breeding birds are pale below and show a white forehead and dark bill.

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Cape Gannet

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Morus capensis 89cm

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Terns and Gannet

Resident. This aerodynamic seabird is famed for its impressive oceanic plunges. Cape Gannets breed in large, noisy colonies mostly on islands off our colder southern shores. They forage widely off all South African coastlines, and are commonly seen off KwaZulu-Natal during the winter. Their predominantly white plumage, with contrasting black outer wings and wing-tips, separate them from most other seabirds. At closer quarters their golden head and long pointed bill are diagnostic. Juvenile birds are all dark grey-brown and are usually accompanied by adults. A visit to their only mainland breeding colony at Lambert’s Bay on the West Coast is highly recommended. Endangered.

Ad

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African Penguin

Penguin and Pelicans

(Jackass/Black-footed Penguin) Spheniscus demersus 60cm Resident. Also known as the Jackass Penguin due to its loud braying call, this is Africa’s only penguin, although several vagrant species have washed up on South African shores. It is a black-and-white bird with a single chest-band (although some individuals display a narrower second band). Most easily seen at its Simonstown and Betty’s Bay colonies, it also breeds on several offshore islands and may be encountered anywhere off our coastline as it forages for fish (although very rare off KwaZulu-Natal). Populations have dramatically decreased due to fish stock shortages and it is classified as globally Endangered.

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Great White Pelican

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(Eastern White Pelican) Pelecanus onocrotalus 160cm

Pink-backed Pelican

Pelecanus rufescens 128cm

Resident. Occurring mostly in KwaZuluNatal (where their only breeding colonies are found) and north-eastern parts of South Africa, this smaller, greyer pelican displays a pink back in flight only during breeding season. Its underwings are duller and less contrasting than those of Great White Pelican. Pink-backed

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gender). In flight it shows diagnostic contrasting black-and-white underwings. Great White Pelicans predominantly occur in the Western Cape, KwaZuluNatal and Kruger but can be found anywhere in South Africa, frequenting both coastal and inland waterbodies.

Penguin and Pelicans

Resident. This enormous bird can be separated from our only other pelican (Pink-backed), by its much larger size, whiter plumage (which attains a pinkish hue during the breeding season), longer bill and larger patch of bare facial skin (which may be bright yellow, pink or red depending upon breeding status and

Pelicans have a dull pinkish mandible pouch, which only changes to yellow for a short period during the breeding season, whereas Great White’s much larger pouch is always yellow. Pinkbacked Pelicans are usually found on larger inland waterbodies and estuaries.

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Reed Cormorant

Cormorants and Darter

(Long-tailed Cormorant) Microcarbo africanus 55cm Resident. This small, long-tailed species is by far South Africa’s commonest freshwater cormorant, although it can also be found along the coast (when care must be taken to separate it from the closely related Crowned Cormorant of the coastal southern and western Cape). Reed Cormorant is longer tailed than any other cormorant species, glossy black in breeding plumage, but paler out of season or in juvenile plumage, with a small, slender bill and red eyes (brown in the juvenile). Reed Cormorants can be found at any waterbody throughout South Africa.

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Cape Cormorant

Phalacrocorax capensis 63cm Resident. By far the commonest of the three range-restricted marine cormorants of the Cape. Populations of all these marine cormorants have crashed but Cape Cormorant can still be seen in large numbers, usually flying offshore in long, single-file lines or lounging around rocky seashores, estuaries and harbours. In winter many follow the sardines into the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal. They are all dark (glossy black in breeding plumage and duller out of season) with a yellowish bare gular patch and turquoise eyes. The smaller Crowned Cormorant displays a forehead crest and a bare red face; the larger Bank Cormorant shows neither bare facial skin nor gular patch. Endangered.

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White-breasted Cormorant

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Phalacrocorax lucidus 90cm

Cormorants and Darter

Resident. This is easily South Africa’s largest cormorant, occurring at both marine and freshwater environments throughout the country. Adults display a distinctive white breast and dark belly whereas juveniles are mostly pale below. The only identification risk lies with non-breeding or juvenile Reed Cormorants which are also pale below, but are much smaller, have proportionately longer tails and shorter, finer bills. Note: this species is sometimes lumped with Great Cormorant P. carbo.

African Darter Anhinga rufa 90cm

Resident. Although superficially resembling a cormorant, darters actually belong to their own family Anhingidae, characterised by their long slender necks and bills. They stab and impale rather than grasp fish. Darters are commonly known as snakebirds due to their habit of swimming with bodies mostly submerged and only their kinked, serpentine neck, head and bill exposed above the surface. Adults of these large, long-tailed birds are darker below with rufous throats, whereas juveniles are paler and plainer below. They occur on fresh waterbodies throughout South Africa.

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Goliath Heron

Ardea goliath 143cm

Large Herons

Resident. This, the world’s largest heron, is best identified by its enormous size. Its grey back contrasts with a rufous neck, crown and face. It is found in the wetter central and northern parts of South Africa but does range into the drier west along larger rivers. It is usually found along shallow shores of wetlands, rivers, lakes and estuaries, and is mostly silent.

Purple Heron

Ardea purpurea 85cm Resident. The smallest and most slender of the large herons, this species usually conceals itself inside reedbeds and is most often seen in flight. This secretive species superficially resembles a diminutive Goliath Heron but sports a distinctive black crown, striped face and neck. Juveniles are much paler and plainer. Purple Heron can occur anywhere in South Africa where there are reedbeds.

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Grey Heron

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Ardea cinerea 94cm

Large Herons

Resident. This large heron can be found closely associated with both fresh and marine waterbodies throughout South Africa. It is most easily confused with the similar and even commoner Blackheaded Heron. Grey Herons are slightly larger and bulkier and lack the black neck, crown and face of Black-headed Heron. In flight Grey Heron’s greyish underwings show far less contrast than the black-and-white underwings of Black-headed. Most importantly, Blackheaded is mostly a bird of grasslands and fields, not waterbodies. Grey Heron has a distinctive croak, mostly uttered in flight.

Black-headed Heron

Ardea melanocephala 92cm Resident. This slender heron is South Africa’s commonest large heron species, found in grasslands, farmlands, golf courses and other open areas throughout the country. It generally does not forage in aquatic habitats but may roost or nest in colonies near waterbodies. Adults show a diagnostic black neck, crown and face (grey in juveniles) and contrasting black-and-white underwings in flight. This species has a croak (usually uttered in flight) that is higher pitched than that of Grey Heron.

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Black Heron (Black Egret) Egretta ardesiaca 55cm

Smaller Herons

Resident. Resembling an all-black Little Egret, this species also sports that species’ bright yellow feet. It is famed for its unique umbrella feeding technique whereby it folds its wings over its body, forming a cup shape. Black Heron can be found in wetlands across northern and eastern parts of South Africa.

Squacco Heron

Ardeola ralloides 43cm Resident. This small cryptic heron is closely associated with aquatic habitats along the south and east coast, and northern parts of South Africa. In breeding plumage it sports a long crest, blue bill and mostly golden-buff body, which becomes paler and streaky in the non-breeding season when the bill also becomes yellowish and the crest is lost. Squacco Heron’s most distinctive feature in all seasons is its pure white wings, largely concealed when perched, but diagnostic in flight.

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Striated Heron (Green-backed Heron)

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streaky underparts. It issues a loud croak when disturbed or in flight. Also known as Green-backed Heron, this species occurs across eastern and northern South Africa.

Smaller Herons

Resident. This diminutive, dark heron features a black cap and yellow facial skin, eyes and legs. It is usually found at the edges of wetlands, where it perches inconspicuously as it hunts for frogs, fish and other prey. Juvenile birds show

Butorides striata 41cm

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Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Resident. Superficially resembling Striated Heron, this larger nocturnal species has large red eyes, a black crown and back, grey wings and pale unstreaked underparts. Juveniles are tougher to identify, being plainer with white spots on their grey-brown upperparts and streaks below, and orange eyes.

56cm

They spend their days hidden in thick waterside vegetation, coming out at night to feed in wetlands, and frequently uttering their distinctive quock call. They can be found throughout South Africa.

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Great Egret

(Great White Egret) Ardea alba 95cm

Egrets

Resident. One of the world’s most widespread species, this is South Africa’s largest egret, the size of a Grey Heron. In non-breeding plumage, this white egret shows a yellow bill and may be confused with the scarcer Intermediate Egret, but Great Egret is larger with a much longer, curved neck, much larger bill with a gape that extends beyond the eye, and allblack legs. For a short period during peak breeding season the bill turns black and the facial skin blue-green. Great Egrets are usually solitary and are found around wetlands throughout much of South Africa, but are much rarer in the south and mostly absent in the west of the country.

Intermediate Egret (Yellow-billed Egret) Egretta intermedia 69cm

Resident. Intermediate in size between Great and Little Egrets, this species always has a yellow bill, hence its alternative name, and thus ruling out Little Egret. It has a much shorter neck than Great and on close inspection the gape doesn’t extend beyond the eye. Its upper legs are usually yellow and its lower legs black. Less common than the other species on this page, Intermediate prefers freshwater wetlands with taller vegetation, and is partial to temporarily flooded pans. It can be found anywhere in South Africa in this preferred habitat.

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Little Egret

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Egretta garzetta 64cm

Egrets

Resident. As its name implies this species is much smaller than Great Egret. It has black legs with striking yellow feet. It sports a black bill in common with breeding Great Egret, but yellow facial skin as opposed to the blue-green of a breeding Great Egret. Juvenile birds show a paler bill and legs. Little Egrets can be found throughout South Africa in aquatic habitats and are particularly fond of estuaries and marine environs, but will also frequent fresh waterbodies.

Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis 54cm

Nbr

Resident. This, the smallest of South Africa’s white egrets, is also the commonest and least associated with aquatic habitats. It can be found throughout South Africa in small flocks, frequenting fields and farmlands around cattle, buffalo and other large herbivores, as well as in and around wetlands. Completely white with a yellow bill in the non-breeding season, it has a buff back and crown plumes, yellowish legs and a reddish bill when breeding.

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Black Stork

Ciconia nigra 103cm

Storks

Resident. Widespread but uncommon throughout South Africa. It sports a red bill and legs, but the upperparts and neck are glossy greenish-black (pitch-black at a distance or in poorer light) with only the belly white. They are most often found

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around rivers, dams and mountainous areas, singly or in pairs. Beware of confusion with the migratory Abdim’s Stork which usually occurs in large flocks during summer and has a short, pale bill and blue facial skin.

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White Stork

Ciconia ciconia 113cm

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Storks

Summer non-breeding migrant. This, the deliverer of babies in fables, is mainly a European summer migrant (although a tiny population breeds in the Western Cape). Usually in small flocks, they can be encountered anywhere in South Africa, frequenting grasslands, farmland and other open areas where they feast on locusts and other small prey. Mostly white with contrasting black-and-white wings and a diagnostic red bill and legs.

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus 84cm

Resident. Smaller than the previous two species, this stork’s distinctive white neck is diagnostic. The rest of its plumage is dark with white only on the lower belly and tail. Its dark bill has a reddish hue. Occurring in northern and eastern regions of South Africa, its range is expanding as it adapts to living in close association with people. Usually found around wetlands, fields and urban areas.

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Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

Storks

Resident. This enormous black-andwhite stork sports a massive black-andred bill surmounted by a yellow saddle, the inspiration for the species’ name. Its long black legs are punctuated by reddish knees and feet. Males have dark eyes and a small yellow wattle under the bill which is absent from the yellow-eyed female. Saddle-billed Storks are usually found in pairs frequenting wetlands and rivers in far eastern and northern South Africa.

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150cm

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Yellow-billed Stork

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(African Wood Stork) Mycteria ibis 97cm

Storks

Resident/summer-breeding migrant. A smaller, elegant stork, mostly white but often displaying a pink wash, and of course its namesake yellow bill. It also sports a bare red face and pale red legs. Yellow-billed Storks are closely associated with waterbodies, and can usually be found wading slowly through the shallows with its slightly open bill half-submerged, waiting to snap up an unwary fish or frog. Its range is mostly the warmer eastern and northern parts of South Africa, but in summer it may disperse more widely into central regions.

Marabou Stork

Leptoptilos crumenifer 152cm

Resident. Another enormous stork with dark upperparts and white underparts, a bare pinkish face, a long pendulous air-sac and a massive bill, altogether making it quite an unattractive bird. They have a habit of defecating on their legs, which are often white as a result.

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Marabous are found singly or in large groups, often at carcasses or roosting in trees, usually near water. The species is usually present only in the savanna game reserves of eastern and northern regions of South Africa, but individuals sometimes wander widely.

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African Openbill

(Open-billed Stork) Anastomus lamelligerus 82cm

Openbill, Spoonbill and Hamerkop

Resident. An all-dark stork, its ivorycoloured bill sports a unique gap used for extracting aquatic snails and mussels from their shells. Found at wetlands across

African Spoonbill

northern and north-eastern South Africa, often in small flocks. Eruptions occur every few years during which large numbers move beyond their normal range.

Platalea alba 83cm Resident. Almost completely white, this distinctive bird has a pinkish, spoonshaped bill and long pinkish legs. It is closely associated with wetlands, both fresh water and estuarine, foraging in shallow water with a distinctive sideways sweeping motion. It can be found throughout South Africa, singly or in small groups, and is often erratic, appearing when conditions are suitable.

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Hamerkop

Scopus umbretta 56cm

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Openbill, Spoonbill and Hamerkop

Resident. This unique bird is the sole member of the family Scopidae. Its plumage is uniformly dark brown with shaggy neck feathers producing the ‘hammer’ head shape from which its name is derived. Hamerkops are found near wetlands throughout South Africa, where they forage mostly for frogs. They build enormous stick nests in large trees. They can be very noisy, emitting loud yelps and screams. Surprisingly, Hamerkops sometimes soar high in the sky.

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African Sacred Ibis

Threskiornis aethiopicus 77cm

Ibis

Resident. This mostly white, aquatic ibis is common in and around fresh waterbodies throughout South Africa. It has a bare black head and neck, long dark bill and black back plumes. The Sacred Ibis has also adapted to certain man-made environments including rubbish dumps, farms and residential areas. It is generally silent.

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Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus 58cm Resident. This slender, long legged, alldark ibis has a long, horn-coloured bill and at closer quarters shows a chestnut body with darker glossy wings. It occurs throughout South Africa and is closely associated with wetlands. Like the African Sacred Ibis it is generally silent.

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Southern Bald Ibis

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Geronticus calvus 76cm

Ibis

Resident. This near-endemic is one of the country’s star bird species. At a distance it appears black, but the bald red head and long red bill are diagnostic. At closer quarters the body plumage is glossy blue with iridescent copper shoulder patches. Originally occurring across much of South Africa, it is now restricted to higher-lying grasslands around the Drakensberg and moister areas of the Highveld. They nest in cliffside colonies and are usually found foraging in groups in short grasslands and fields. Vulnerable

Hadada Ibis

(Hadeda) Bostrychia hagedash 76cm Resident. This noisy, dark ibis has adapted to human habitation, and as a result has greatly expanded its range and become one of South Africa’s most wellknown (although not necessarily best loved) birds. The Hadada Ibis has a dark grey body, glossy wings and a dark red bill, however its loud and characteristic call constantly gives it away. Small family groups occur in most habitats including city centres and suburbia.

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Greater Flamingo

Phoenicopterus roseus 155cm

Flamingos, Secretarybird and Osprey

Resident. As its name suggests, this is the larger of our two flamingo species. Adults are paler than Lesser Flamingo with their brightest red restricted to their wings. Their most diagnostic feature, however, is their two-toned bill, with the bottom third being much darker than the rest. Greater Flamingoes are usually found in flocks on shallow saline or brackish waterbodies. Both flamingo species are quite vocal, uttering soft goose-like croaks.

Lesser Flamingo

Phoeniconaias minor 118cm Resident/migrant. Lesser Flamingos are smaller and pinker than Greater, and show a diagnostic all-dark maroon bill. Lesser Flamingos can be found almost anywhere in South Africa but are more nomadic and less frequently encountered than Greater Flamingos. Both species of flamingo can be found at the same location, but they generally form separate flocks. In such cases the Lessers usually congregate in larger huddles and they can be identified, even from a great distance, by their brighter colouration. There is a significant breeding colony near Kimberley. Near Threatened.

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Secretarybird

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Sagittarius serpentarius 138cm

Flamingos, Secretarybird and Osprey

Resident. This unique raptor is so distinctive that it is placed in its own bird family. At a distance it can be identified by its long legs and tail, and its greyand-black plumage as it strides over grasslands and open savanna searching for prey. Its bare red face and distinctive neck plumes are evident at closer quarters. They are also often airborne, even soaring at great altitudes. In flight look for the long tail and black-and-white appearance. They are usually found singly or in pairs and are generally silent. Secretarybirds occur throughout South Africa but their populations are under threat due to habitat destruction and disturbance. Endangered.

Western Osprey

Pandion haliaetus 59cm

Summer non-breeding migrant. This unique raptor is a summer migrant from Eurasia and can be found throughout South Africa. It is a fishing species so is usually seen near water, both marine and fresh, or flying high between feeding areas or on migration. Western Osprey shows a conspicuous pale crown, dark line through the face, white throat and dark breastband, producing a distinctive masked appearance. Its dark brown upperparts contrast with its white underparts, and in flight its tail and underwings appear barred.

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Lappet-faced Vulture



Torgos tracheliotos 102cm

Vultures

Resident. South Africa’s largest vulture towers over other vultures at kills. Adults are easily identified by their distinctive bare red head and massive pale bill. Their plumage is generally black with a white bar near the front of the wings visible in flight. Juveniles have a paler head, blue face and dark bill. Its range matches that of White-backed Vulture but in much lower numbers. Endangered.

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White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis 85cm

♂

♀

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Resident. This is the rarest and most elegant of the savanna vultures. It resembles a diminutive Lappet-faced but shows a whitish head and red bill. It is sexually dimorphic, with extensive white on the female’s wings. Both sexes have a white belly. It is usually found singly or in pairs and has a similar range to Whitebacked Vulture. Critically Endangered.

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Cape Vulture

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Vultures

(Cape Griffon) Gyps coprotheres 101cm Resident. This large, near-endemic vulture is generally the only vulture occurring through much of interior and southern South Africa (usually away from the eastern and northern savanna reserves). Cape Vultures breed on cliffs and forage over mountains, grasslands and sometimes savanna. It closely resembles the smaller Whitebacked Vulture but adults show a paler creamy body, blue-grey neck, pale eye and less contrasting underwing pattern. Juveniles are even more difficult to separate but don’t show the white back (in flight or when wings spread) of Whitebacked Vulture and often have a pink neck. Endangered.

White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus 95cm

Resident. This is the ‘default’ savanna vulture and predominates numerically at kills. Adults are creamy-grey with a distinctive pure white rump, visible only when the wings are raised. It has a dark neck and eyes. Juveniles are darker brown. The species occurs in Zululand and northern South African game reserves as well as the Kalahari region. They are very noisy at kills, issuing harsh hisses, squeals and rattles. Critically Endangered.

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Bearded Vulture

Vultures and Kites

(Lammergeier) Gypaetus barbatus 110cm Resident. This atypical vulture is a very special species of higher elevations in the Drakensberg Mountains. The adult has dark upperparts contrasting with a mostly orange-buff head, neck and underparts (this coloration is cosmetic and attained by dust-bathing). Both sexes display the namesake beard tuft. Juveniles are dark, becoming lighter as they attain adult plumage. Bearded Vulture’s flight profile is unmistakable as a result of the very long wedge-shaped tail. Near Threatened.

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus 70cm Resident. South Africa’s smallest vulture is identified by its mostly all-dark plumage, bare red face and, most importantly, its slender bill. Hooded Vultures occur regularly only in the northern areas of the country, especially Kruger National Park. They are often one of the first arrivals at a kill but usually only in small numbers, keeping to the edges of vulture activity. Critically Endangered.

Juv

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Yellow-billed Kite

69

Milvus aegyptius 55cm

Vultures and Kites

Summer-breeding migrant. This intraAfrican breeding migrant is abundant during the period it spends in South Africa (predominantly August to March). The Yellow-billed Kite is found throughout the country except in the most arid areas, and in most habitats, including cities. As it hunts on the wing, it is very conspicuous and regularly encountered. It is a medium-sized, but slender, brown raptor with a distinctive forked tail and a yellow bill (mostly black in juveniles). It can be vocal, especially around its nest, uttering a piercing yeeeer-i-i-i. Note: this species is sometimes ‘lumped’ with Black Kite M. migrans.

Black-winged Kite (Black-shouldered Kite) Elanus caeruleus 30cm

Resident. This is South Africa’s commonest and most widespread raptor, regularly encountered on posts, fences and overhead lines in more open areas throughout the country. These small raptors are accomplished hover hunters preying predominantly on small rodents. At a distance or in flight, they appear mostly white but have grey upperparts, black shoulders and ruby-red eyes. Juveniles are mottled on the upperparts and show some brown on the underparts. They are mostly silent.

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Verreaux’s Eagle

Large Eagles

(Black Eagle) Aquila verreauxii 88cm Resident. Being predominantly black, this massive eagle was previously known as Black Eagle, but it does have a white ‘Y’ shape marking on its upperparts. In flight a white rump and pale windows on the end of the wings are visible, and the massive wings are conspicuously narrowed closer to the body. Juveniles are brown and mottled. Verreaux’s Eagles are found across most of South Africa, preferring rocky and mountainous areas where hyraxes, their favourite prey, occur. They are usually seen in pairs and hunt co-operatively.

Tawny Eagle

Aquila rapax 71cm

Juv

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Resident. This is the typical large brown eagle of the savanna and central areas of South Africa. One of this species’ most distinctive features is its plumage variability, ranging from pale to dark brown. Juveniles are pale or creamy and have dark eyes. These eagles are inveterate scavengers and are usually first at any kills, but they also hunt for themselves. In the summer months identification is complicated by the presence of two large migrant brown eagles, Steppe which is larger and has a gape extending beyond the eye, and Lesser Spotted, which is smaller and has narrow stove-pipe leg feathering. Vulnerable.

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Martial Eagle

71

Polemaetus bellicosus 81cm

Large Eagles

Resident. This, the ‘Leopard of the Sky’, is Africa’s largest eagle. A perched adult shows dark upperparts, head and breast with a conspicuous white belly and white feathered legs, both speckled with dark spots. Fierce yellow eyes and a small crest on the hindcrown are also good identification features. In flight the underwings are dark and the tail barred. The juvenile is grey above with large scalloped feathers, and pure white below, including the underwing in flight. Martial Eagles can be found in or over open areas anywhere in South Africa, but they occur at low densities and are best sought in the larger game reserves. Endangered. Juv

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African Fish Eagle

Haliaeetus vocifer 68cm

Large Eagles

Resident. This large, conspicuous and fairly common eagle frequents both freshwater and estuarine environments throughout South Africa. As a result, it is one of the country’s best-known raptors and its distinctive call is strongly associated with the African wilderness. Look for the clean white head and breast, chestnut belly and shoulders, and yellow facial skin. Often in pairs and frequently seen perched in tall trees or soaring overhead (when the white tail is also obvious), they throw their heads back and emit an evocative yelping keoookeeyiy, often in noisy duet. As its name suggests they are adept at catching fish with spectacular dives, but also prey on birds and small mammals. African Fish Eagles are also attracted to carrion and often try to steal food from herons and storks.

African Hawk Eagle Aquila spilogaster 63cm

♀

Resident. This medium-sized black-andwhite eagle is a voracious predator of northern and eastern woodlands in South Africa. The upperparts are predominantly black and the underparts white with black streaking. In flight they are slender with long wings, tail and body, and show distinctive black inner and white outer underwings, and pale windows on the upperwing. They usually hunt in pairs.

Juv

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Crowned Eagle (African Crowned Eagle)

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73

Large Eagles

Resident. This massive eagle is Africa’s most powerful, with a diet that includes monkeys and other mammals. Much longer-tailed than other large eagles, also look for its namesake crown which can be flattened or held aloft, and is much broader than that of Long-crested Eagle (p. 75). This species shows a black-andwhite speckled chest, finely spotted legs, dark upperparts, and in flight a rufous patch on the underwing. The juvenile is a very white bird, quite similar to a juvenile Martial (p. 71), but showing a white head and neck and yellow gape. Crowned Eagles can be very vocal, uttering an urgent, upslurred and repeated keewhee, especially during their aerial butterfly display, high over their preferred forest habitat. They occur along the east coast and in moister northern areas of South Africa, even in well-wooded suburbs of some large cities. Near Threatened.

Stephanoaetus coronatus 85cm

Juv

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Wahlberg’s Eagle

Hieraaetus wahlbergi 58cm

Eagles

Summer-breeding migrant. This relatively small eagle is a common intra-African summer breeding migrant to northern and eastern parts of South Africa. Its plumage is variable with two distinctive colour forms: pale with white underparts and an all-dark form. In flight it is quite easily identified by its distinctive T-shaped silhouette (long narrow tail and long narrow wings forming almost a 90-degree angle). When perched it has a small, but distinctive, nape crest and in common with all true eagles, feathered legs (lacking on buzzards, kites, harriers, accipiters, snake and fish eagles etc). It is vocal, mostly during territorial flights, and emits a piercing whit-whit-whit-wheeew call.

Pale

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Dark

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Long-crested Eagle

Lophaetus occipitalis 56cm

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Eagles

Resident. A common, small eagle of eastern and northern regions of South Africa, with an expanding range in the Cape and Gauteng. This distinctive all-dark eagle, with contrasting white leggings, sports a long floppy crest. In flight it shows a striking black-and-white pattern. It hunts rodents from a perch and is often seen on telephone poles and dead trees on the edges of forests, woodlands, plantations and open areas. It usually calls only during territorial display flights, emitting a loud piercing whistle.

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Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus 74cm

Snake Eagles and Bateleur

Resident. Snake eagles are distinguished from other eagles by their disproportionately large heads and unfeathered legs. This species is all brown when perched, with large, bright yellow eyes. In flight it reveals distinctive silvery, unbarred underwing flight feathers and a barred tail. Brown Snake Eagles hunt for snakes across the savannas of eastern and northern South Africa.

Black-chested Snake Eagle (Black-breasted Snake Eagle) Circaetus pectoralis 66cm

Resident. Slightly smaller than Brown Snake Eagle but with similar proportions (including a distinctive large head and unfeathered legs). An adult Black-chested Snake Eagle shows dark upperparts and chest contrasting with a striking white belly. In flight its underwings are mostly white, with some barring on the flight feathers. This species often hovers. The much larger Martial Eagle (p. 71) displays a similar coloration pattern but has spots on the belly, feathered legs and all-dark underwings. Black-chested Snake Eagles occur across the savanna and more open and arid regions of northern, central and eastern South Africa.

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Bateleur

Terathopius ecaudatus 63cm

♀

Snake Eagles and Bateleur

Resident. The distinctive and iconic Bateleur is actually an aberrant snake eagle, sharing the large head and unfeathered leg features. It is superbly adapted to its highly aerial existence, being one of the first raptors to take flight in the morning, usually fairly low over its preferred savanna habitat, in search of carrion. Its very broad wings (extensive white on the female’s underwing, the male exhibiting a much wider black trailing edge), short chestnut tail and rocking flight are distinctive. When perched, adults display a striking blackand-grey pattern, with distinctive red facial skin, red legs and feet, and a yellow bill. Their long wings extend beyond their tail, and most show a chestnut back (rarely pale). Juveniles are all brown with distinctive blue-green faces. They occur over eastern and northern South Africa as far west as the Kgalagadi but are now mostly restricted to larger game reserves. Endangered.

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Juv

♀ ♂

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African Harrier-hawk

(Gymnogene) Polyboroides typus 63cm

Harrier-hawk and Buzzards

Resident. This large but slender raptor appears at first as an all-grey bird, but on closer inspection look for the narrow white bar on the long black tail, barred belly, long yellow legs and bare facial skin that is usually yellow, but can flush red when excited. Juveniles are extremely variable (pale to dark) and can be quite an identification challenge, but helpful features include a shaggy crest and neck, long yellow legs and broad wings as well as the long, barred tail. Foraging behaviour includes hanging upside-down and fluttering along branches to probe for prey with its talons. African Harrier-hawks occur in woodlands, forest edge, gardens and open areas throughout much of South Africa, except the arid centre. The call of this species is a repeated rising whistle.

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Juv

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Jackal Buzzard

79

Buteo rufofuscus 50cm

Harrier-hawk and Buzzards

Resident near-endemic. This large buzzard is rather distinctive. Adults have black upperparts, throat and belly contrasting with a wide rufous breast (sometimes pale). In flight they are very broad-winged with a short, bright rufous tail and striking white patches on the upper- and underwings. Jackal Buzzards are fairly common, occurring over most of South Africa, with a preference for mountainous areas. Their call is a gull-like yelp, likened to a jackal, hence the species’ name.

Common Buzzard

(Steppe Buzzard) Buteo buteo 48cm Summer non-breeding migrant. This medium-sized brown raptor is one of the most frequently encountered birds of prey in South Africa. It is present only during the summer months when large numbers arrive from the steppes of Russia and surrounding regions. They can be found anywhere in the country, particularly open areas and savanna, usually perched prominently on telephone poles, the tops of trees and other high points. Their plumage is extremely variable but the main identification features are the upright stance, unfeathered yellow legs, irregularly barred or blotched underparts (streaked on juveniles) with the barring usually less prominent across the paler central chest, and a pale rufous tail (although it can be brown).

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African Marsh Harrier

Circus ranivorus 47cm

Harriers and Chanting Goshawks

Resident. Harriers are slender raptors with long wings and tails that usually fly low over wetlands and grasslands as they hunt for frogs and other prey. The commonest species across the moister regions of southern, eastern and central South Africa is the African Marsh Harrier.

Black Harrier

It is predominantly a brown bird, superficially similar to Common Buzzard but more slender with a longer tail and legs. Also look for the staring yellow eyes, paler central chest, barred tail and irregular spotting.

Circus maurus 51cm

Resident. Near-endemic. This raptor is a very classy bird of prey, occurring over wetlands, fynbos and grasslands of southern, western and central South Africa. Its range spreads eastwards during the

winter months. The adult is a slender black bird with a prominent white rump, striking black and grey barred tail, and large white flashes on the underwing. Juveniles are dark above and rusty below. Endangered.

Juv

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Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk

Dark Chanting Goshawk

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Harriers and Chanting Goshawks

Resident. The chanting goshawks are large, conspicuous grey goshawks with a bright red bill and long red legs, making identification rather easy. They are usually encountered perched atop a telephone pole, dead tree or other prominent high point, and can occur at high densities. This species occurs in arid habitats across southern, western and central South Africa, with almost no range overlap with Dark Chanting Goshawk. Juveniles are brown with orange legs and pale eyes. Their call is a fast series of klew notes, usually speeding up and likened to a chant.

Melierax canorus 55cm

Juv

Melierax metabates 45cm Resident. Superficially similar to Pale Chanting Goshawk, this species occurs in denser and taller woodlands of northern and north-eastern South Africa. It is a few shades darker than Pale Chanting, slightly smaller, with a barred rather than white rump but otherwise sharing all the features mentioned above.

Juv

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African Goshawk

Accipiter tachiro 38­–45cm

Goshawks and Sparrowhawk

Resident. Goshawks and sparrowhawks are a group of slender, fast and secretive raptors, whose identification can be challenging. The African Goshawk is one of the larger species frequenting forests, moist woodlands and well-wooded suburbia of southern, eastern and northern South Africa. It is often detected by its loud chuck note, usually issued at dawn during a high territorial flight (but also from a perch.) The male has grey back (browner in the larger female), barred tail and finely barred pale underparts (with rufous tones on the male.) The juvenile is strongly blotched on the underparts and shows a dark central throat stripe.

♂

♀

Black Sparrowhawk

(Great/Black Goshawk) Accipiter melanoleucus 52cm Resident. A large, fierce predator, Black Sparrowhawk is usually noticed as a fast, very long-tailed black-andwhite raptor, dashing across the sky in pursuit of a dove or other bird. Its plumage is variable, from all black to the more commonly encountered pied form, with black upperparts and mostly white underparts. It prefers woodlands, suburbia and even plantations, ranging from southern, through eastern, central and northern South Africa.

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Little Sparrowhawk

83

Accipiter minullus 25cm

Juv

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♂

Goshawks and Sparrowhawk

Resident. As its name suggests, this is the smallest accipiter in the country, but the larger female Little Sparrowhawk can easily be confused with the smaller male African Goshawk. When perched the key feature is the daintier head and smaller all-black bill with a bright yellow cere (fleshy base of bill), compared to African Goshawk’s bluish bill base. In flight Little Sparrowhawk displays three distinctive white spots on a dark, unbarred tail and rump, in contrast to African Goshawk’s dark, barred tail and rump. The juvenile is blotched on the underparts but lacks the central throat-stripe of African Goshawk. Little Sparrowhawks prefer forest edge, woodlands and wellvegetated suburbia across south-eastern, eastern and northern South Africa.

♂

♀

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Gabar Goshawk

Micronisus gabar 28–36cm

Goshawk, Shikra and Falcon

Resident. This raptor comes in two colour morphs. The commoner grey adult has a slate-grey chest, head and upperparts and a pale, barred belly. In flight it shows a distinctive white rump with a grey tail sporting four black bars. The dark morph is an all-black raptor, which even lacks the white rump. In both forms the red legs, eyes and cere are important characteristics. The juvenile is brown with a streaked breast, barred belly and white rump. This is a common raptor of the savanna over much of south-eastern, central and northern South Africa, including the Kalahari.

Shikra (Little Banded Goshawk)

A ccipiter badius 29cm Resident. The Shikra is the palest of the accipiters, sporting a pale grey head, upperparts and, most importantly, an allgrey uppertail lacking barring or a pale rump. The white underparts are finely barred and the bright cherry-red eye is diagnostic. The juvenile is browner above with distinctive brown spotting on the chest and barring on the belly. This is a species of the savanna of northern and north-eastern South Africa.

Juv

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Pygmy Falcon

85

Polihierax semitorquatus 20cm

Goshawk, Shikra and Falcon

Resident. This diminutive raptor is a fascinating species of the arid savanna of north-western South Africa. It is closely associated with Sociable Weavers (p. 201), whose nests they co-inhabit for both breeding and roosting. When near Sociable Weaver nests, look for these pale, chunky falcons, usually perched on tops of trees or telephone poles. Reminiscent in size and shape to Pearl-spotted Owlet (p. 130), they show distinctive black wings and tail that are finely spotted with white. The underparts are pale, the male has a grey back and the female’s is chestnut.

♂

♀

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Peregrine Falcon

Falco peregrinus 39cm

Falcons and Kestrel

Resident/summer non-breeding migrant. This, the fastest bird in the world, is often mistaken for the similar but generally larger Lanner Falcon. A Peregrine’s most important features are the black crown and broad black malar (moustachial) stripes. The upperparts are very dark and the underparts white with dark spots and barring (streaked in juveniles). The resident subspecies has a buffy wash over the chest; migrant birds are larger and paler. In flight the body, wings and tail are more compact and shorter than those of Lanner. Peregrines can be found, usually singly or in pairs, anywhere in South Africa but they generally prefer the vicinity of cliffs, mountains or even tall buildings.

Lanner Falcon

Falco biarmicus 42cm Resident. Larger and more elongated than Peregrine, this falcon shows a rufous crown and narrower malar stripes. Its pale underparts are unmarked except for some spots on the flanks. Lanner’s upperparts are paler than Peregrine’s, although juvenile Lanners do have a dark back and also show streaked underparts (but note their paler crown). Lanner is generally a commoner bird than Peregrine, and more catholic in its habitat choice and range. It can occur anywhere in South Africa, including arid areas and savanna.

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Amur Falcon (Eastern Red-footed Falcon)

87

Falcons and Kestrel

Summer non-breeding migrant. The Amur Falcon is a small, elegant migrant from far-Eastern Asia, appearing in large numbers during the summer months over the grasslands of the eastern half of South Africa. They are usually encountered communally, hovering over open areas or lined up on overhead power cables and fences. Large aggregations roost together in trees at night. Amur Falcons are sexually dimorphic. The male is all grey with a rufous lower belly, and in flight shows contrasting black-and-white underwings. The female has pale underparts with black markings. Both sexes show orange eye-rings, cere and legs.

Falco amurensis 29cm

♂

♀

Rock Kestrel

Falco rupicolus 32cm

♂

Resident. The slender Rock Kestrel is a member of the falcon family. As its name suggests, it is usually found in association with rocky outcrops, from arid grasslands to savanna, across all of South Africa. The male is a rufous bird, with black spots on both under- and upperparts, and a blue-grey head and tail. The female is paler with a pale grey head and tail. They usually occur singly or in pairs, unlike the superficially similar Lesser Kestrel (not illustrated), which is a European summer migrant occurring in flocks like Amur Falcon.

♀

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Speckled Pigeon

Pigeons

Resident. This is an abundant bird associated with mountains, rocky areas and especially rooftops. Flocks forage widely, especially over agricultural fields and grasslands.

Rock Dove

(Rock Pigeon) Columba guinea 33cm The bare red facial skin is diagnostic, but also take note of the rufous-and-grey plumage, with white speckles on the wings. The call is a deep fast hooting or a more guttural grrhoo-hooo.

(Feral/Rock Pigeon) Columba livia 33cm

Resident. This is the familiar introduced large pigeon of towns and cities throughout South Africa. Flocks may also forage in agricultural fields. Their plumage is extremely variable from

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pure white to pitch black, but most forms show two black bars on the upperwing and iridescent green and purple on the neck. Their calls are various deep hoots and grunts.

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African Olive Pigeon

(Rameron Pigeon) Columba arquatrix 40cm

89

African Green Pigeon

Pigeons

Resident. This is South Africa’s largest pigeon, occurring in forests and densely wooded areas, including suburbia, of eastern and northern South Africa. It is a recent colonist to Johannesburg and environs. The most distinctive feature of this species is its bright yellow bill, eyering and feet. On closer inspection it has dark purplish plumage liberally adorned with pale spots. African Olive Pigeons often perch on the tops of tall trees, especially in the morning, before dropping to lower levels to gorge on fruit. Populations are eruptive and move in accordance with fruiting trees. The calls are a variety of deep growls and hoots.

Treron calvus 29cm Resident. This small, compact green pigeon looks and behaves in a parrotlike fashion hence its Afrikaans name of Papegaaiduif (parrot-dove). Usually found in or near fruiting figs, flocks of these pigeons can almost magically disappear into tree canopies but betray themselves by their strange song, comprising rattles, whistles, growls and clicks. African Green Pigeon’s plumage is of varying shades of green, and it also sports yellow leggings, purple shoulders, red feet, a mostly red bill and pale eyes. African Green Pigeons occur in woodlands, especially riverine areas, of eastern and northern South Africa.

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Laughing Dove

(Palm Dove) Spilopelia senegalensis 25cm 

Doves

Resident. This small dove is common in towns, gardens and savanna throughout South Africa. It lacks the hindneck collar of other common suburban doves. Look for this species’ blue-grey wings suffused with rufous, and brownish chest with black spots. Its namesake call is a gentle laughing cucu-woo-hoo-hoo.

Cape Turtle Dove

(Ring-necked Dove) Streptopelia capicola 27cm

Resident. This larger dove is one of South Africa’s commonest birds, occurring in savanna and gardens throughout the country. However, it avoids forests and forest edge. It is most easily confused with Red-eyed Dove because of the shared hindneck collar. However, Cape

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Turtle Dove is smaller, more compact, has a dark eye with no eye-ring and is overall greyer with little contrast in its plumage, except for its white outer tail feathers in flight. This species’ call is a frequently repeated rendition of ‘workharder’ (or if you prefer ‘drink lager’).

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Red-eyed Dove

91

Streptopelia semitorquata 35cm

Doves

Resident. This is another abundant species that occurs throughout South Africa, except in the most arid areas. It can be found in forest edge, savanna and gardens, but in dryer areas is restricted to riverine habitats. Red-eyed Doves are larger than Cape Turtle Doves with heavier wingbeats. Features include a reddish eye-ring, horn-coloured eyes, pinkish underparts contrasting with a darker back and paler grey outer tail feathers in flight. Their call is a pleasant cooing koo-cucucu-koo-koo or a variation on this theme which can be rendered as “I AM a red-eyed dove”.

African Mourning Dove (Mourning Collared Dove) Streptopelia decipiens 30cm

Resident. African Mourning Dove shares most of Red-eyed Dove’s features but is smaller and most importantly has distinctive pale eyes encircled by red eyerings. It occurs only in the riverine woodlands of Kruger National Park and the far north of South Africa. The African Mourning Dove has several calls including a strange growl and a bubbling whoo-brrrru.

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Namaqua Dove Oena capensis 26cm

Doves and Sandgrouse

Resident. This long-tailed slender dove prefers drier regions, especially savanna and open areas, but being nomadic they can occur anywhere in the country. Features include the extremely long tail and rufous wings in flight. The male has a distinctive black face and throat and bicoloured yellow-and-red bill, which are features absent in the female. The juvenile is speckled. The call is a long, low and melancholic double hoot who-hooooo.

Juv

♂

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Green-spotted Dove) Turtur chalcospilos 20cm

Resident. This is an abundant small dove of the savanna of eastern and northern South Africa. It is short-tailed, with a pale grey head. Two iridescent green patches on each upperwing (which appear black when viewed from certain angles) are the source of the species’ name. In flight the rufous wings and double bar on the back are diagnostic. Its multinote soft hooting call, starting slowly and speeding towards the end, is a distinctive sound of the African savanna.

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Namaqua Sandgrouse

93

Pterocles namaqua 26cm

♂

Doves and Sandgrouse

Resident. Sandgrouse are dove-like (yet unrelated) birds of arid areas, famous for their daily gatherings at waterholes. Namaqua Sandgrouse occurs in pairs or small groups throughout the drier western half of South Africa, preferring Karoo and Kalahari grasslands and shrublands. The male is a beautiful bird with an unmarked head, a white-and-brown band on the chest and delicate golden and turquoise scalloped wings. The female has a streaked breast. Both sexes have thin projecting tail feathers. Their distinctive liquid call is well rendered by their Afrikaans name of Kelkiewyn, and this is often heard in the morning when they fly to their preferred waterholes to drink.

♀

♂

Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus 25cm

♂ ♀

♂

Resident. Double-banded Sandgrouse prefer the savanna of northern South Africa, including Kruger National Park. They are usually seen in pairs or small groups in sandy areas, especially roadsides. The male sports a distinctive whiteblack-white pattern on the forehead, as well as white and black chest-bands and a red bill. The female has a barred breast. Both sexes have a short tail with no projections. Their melodic bubbled calls are usually uttered in the evening, often after dark, when this species prefers to gather to drink.

Juv

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Southern Ground-hornbill

Bucorvus leadbeateri 110cm

Hornbills

Resident. Africa’s two ground-hornbills are so genetically distinct that they have been placed in their own family. Southern Ground-hornbill can be found in eastern and northern South Africa, but outside of Kruger National Park it is now a rare sight. Small family groups scour woodlands and grasslands. They are unmistakable with long black bills, large black bodies, bare red facial and neck skin (females with a blue throat patch, paler in juveniles) and striking white wing-patches in flight. Their call, usually uttered at dawn, is a deep rhythmic du-du-dudu, repeated at varying pitches by different individuals. Vulnerable.

♂

♂

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Crowned Hornbill

Lophoceros alboterminatus 52cm

African Grey Hornbill

Lophoceros nasutus 46cm

Resident. A small, slender hornbill of the drier savanna of northern South Africa, this is also our plainest hornbill. It is mostly grey with a paler eyebrow, belly and tail-tip. The bill is mostly dark with a pale stripe on the male’s and a reddish

♂

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high-pitched yips notes that speed up into a crescendo before slowing. Their large, orange bill is diagnostic, but other features to look for include the dark upperparts and chest, white belly and white-tipped tail.

Hornbills

Resident. Restricted to moister woodlands and forests in eastern South Africa, this medium-sized hornbill occurs in small family groups. They prefer the high canopy but do forage on the ground. They are often noisy, issuing

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tip to the female’s. African Grey Hornbills are arboreal, seldom dropping to the ground. Occurring usually in small family groups, they issue a series of plaintive, excitable whistles that speed up and crescendo.

♀

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Trumpeter Hornbill

Hornbills

Resident. This large black-and-white hornbill, with a bare pink face, is found in forested habitats across eastern South Africa. Numbers may gather at fruiting fig trees. Their loud nasal cries recall

Bycanistes bucinator 58cm a wailing infant and are amplified by the large casque on the male’s bill. They are often seen in flight and their striking black-and-white wing pattern is unmistakable.

♀

♂

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Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

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Tockus leucomelas 50cm

Hornbills

Resident. This species is commoner and more widespread than the similar Southern Red-billed Hornbill, occurring in the savanna of eastern and northern South Africa. It is also larger and its bright yellow bill is significantly more robust. The calls of Red-billed and Yellowbilled are quite similar and it takes practice to separate them. They are usually issued by pairs, sometimes accompanied by raised wings, and involve a long crescendo of clucking kok-kok-kok notes that end up merging, especially in Southern Yellow-billed.

Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris 40cm

Resident. This is South Africa’s smallest hornbill. It is easily separated from the usually more common but superficially similar Southern Yellow-billed by its slender red bill. The orange-billed Crowned Hornbill lacks any wing spotting. Southern Red-billed is found in pairs or small family groups in savannas of northern South Africa, and spends most of its time foraging on the ground or resting in low trees. See previous species for a description of calls.

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African Hoopoe

Upupa africana 26cm

Hoopoe, Wood-hoopoe and Scimitarbill

Resident. The African Hoopoe is one of South Africa’s most distinctive and widespread species. This predominantly burnt-orange bird sports a black-tipped crest, held open when disturbed or upon landing, otherwise flopped backwards to form an angular head shape. It also has diagnostic black-and-white wings, a long decurved black bill and a black tail. Found throughout the country in savanna and gardens, it issues a distinctive hoop-hoop-poop-poop-poe song, usually from a prominent perch, as well a short croaking alarm note. Note: this species is sometimes ‘lumped’ with Eurasian Hoopoe U. epops.

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Green Wood-hoopoe

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(Red-billed Wood-hoopoe) Phoeniculus purpureus 33cm long tail. It can appear black in poorer light or from a distance. Its raucous cackling call draws attention to small family groups as they forage along branches and trunks in savanna and gardens of eastern and northern South Africa.

Common Scimitarbill

Hoopoe, Wood-hoopoe and Scimitarbill

Resident. The wood-hoopoes and scimitarbills form a unique bird family endemic to Africa. The distinctive Green Wood-hoopoe is an elongated glossy violet-green bird with a long red decurved bill, white flecks on the open wing and a

(Greater Scimitarbill/Scimitar-billed Wood-hoopoe) Rhinopomastus cyanomelas 26cm Resident. The scimitarbill is superficially similar to the wood-hoopoe, but darker, significantly smaller and more slender. It also has a thinner, more decurved black bill (but beware that the juvenile woodhoopoe also has a black bill). The female scimitarbill has browner underparts which are not glossy.

♂

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Scimitarbills and wood-hoopoes coexist, although scimitarbills generally prefer drier savanna. They range throughout much of eastern and northern South Africa. Their frequently issued but ventriloquial repeated pyeeuw-pyeeuwpyeeuw song is a distinctive sound of the savanna.

♀

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Bennett’s Woodpecker Campethera bennettii 23cm

Woodpeckers

Resident. This large woodpecker is the most terrestrial of the savanna woodpeckers, feeding largely on ants and termites. The male has a distinctive red crown and malar stripe and prominent white cheeks. The female sports a diagnostic brown cheek and throat with a pale malar. Both sexes are spotted below. Bennett’s Woodpecker’s call is an excitable, loud and repeated kee-kiddy, often accompanied by wing flicking. This species occurs in the savanna of northern South Africa, and can be found singly or in small family groups. Even within its range, it is generally less frequently encountered than the next two species.

♂

♀

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♂

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Golden-tailed Woodpecker



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Campethera abingoni 21cm

Woodpeckers

Resident. The widespread Golden-tailed Woodpecker occurs in woodlands, gardens and savanna, singly or in pairs, through eastern, northern and central South Africa. It is usually first detected by its very distinctive nasal kneeeeu call, issued sporadically whilst foraging. It is a medium-sized woodpecker with streaked underparts. The male shows an all-red crown, and the female has a red hindcrown and a white-spotted black forecrown.

♂

♀

Cardinal Woodpecker

Dendropicos fuscescens 15cm

♂

Resident. By far South Africa’s commonest and most widespread woodpecker, this small species can be found, usually in pairs, throughout the country except in the most arid or mountainous areas. Both sexes are streaked below, the male with a red hindcrown and dark forecrown, while the female’s entire crown is dark. The frequently uttered call is a distinctive dry rattle.

♀

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Bearded Woodpecker

Chloropicus namaquus 25cm

Woodpecker, Wryneck and Barbet

Resident. This large woodland woodpecker is similar to Cardinal Woodpecker, with the male sporting a red-and-black crown and the female’s being all dark. However, Bearded is much larger, shows prominent black malar stripes and eye-line, and is the only woodpecker in South Africa that is barred below. Bearded Woodpecker is the only South African woodpecker that habitually drums on trees, and its call is a loud, fast wheek-wheek-wheek. This species occurs in pairs across eastern and northern South Africa.

♂

♀

Red-throated Wryneck (Rufous-necked Wryneck) Jynx ruficollis 19cm

Resident. This aberrant woodpecker is identified by its rusty-red throat and upper breast. Look also for grey upperparts with a black line down the back, streaked underparts and barred tail. Red-throated Wryneck occur in savanna and gardens through most of central and eastern South Africa, especially where dead trees are present. It is very vocal and issues a monotonous, repeated nasal pha-pha-pha from a prominent perch.

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Crested Barbet

Trachyphonus vaillantii 24cm

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Woodpecker, Wryneck and Barbet

Resident. This distinctive multi-coloured barbet is commonly found in savanna and gardens of central, northern and eastern South Africa. Its black upperparts and broad chest-band are spotted white, contrasting with its red-and-yellow face and underparts. It also sports an erectile black crest and a large pale bill. Although they usually forage on the ground in pairs, they perch prominently when delivering their distinctive and persistent trill, likened to someone running their finger along a comb.

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Black-collared Barbet

Lybius torquatus 20cm

Barbets and Tinkerbirds

Resident. The red throat and head of this barbet are more conspicuous than its namesake black collar. Occurring in pairs or small groups, this frugivorous species is commonly encountered in gardens and

Acacia Pied Barbet

(Pied Barbet) Tricholaema leucomelas 18cm

Resident. Less common than Blackcollared, but more widespread (occurring throughout South Africa, even in the driest savanna), the smaller Acacia Pied Barbet sports a red forehead, prominent yellow-and-white eyebrows, and a black

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woodland. They often perch prominently on open branches at the tops of trees, and issue a distinctive two-puddley duet. They occur through much of eastern, central and northern South Africa.

throat and chest. The Acacia Pied Barbet is usually found singly or in pairs, predominantly where acacia thorn trees dominate, they have two distinctive repeated calls, a fast hoot and a nasal three-note phe-phe-phe.

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Red-fronted Tinkerbird

Resident. This diminutive tinkerbird superficially resembles a miniature Acacia Pied Barbet but lacks the black throat and has a more intricate facial pattern. It occurs in moister woodlands and forests of eastern South Africa, and is replaced by the very similar Yellowfronted Tinkerbird (not illustrated) in northern South Africa. The yellow forehead of Yellow-fronted is the main characteristic separating the species. Both these tinkerbirds issue a seemingly endless series of fast, repeated hoots likened to a miniature tinker beating an anvil, hence their moniker.

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Barbets and Tinkerbirds

(Red-fronted Tinker Barbet) Pogoniulus pusillus 12cm

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Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus 29cm

Rollers

Resident. This is one of South Africa’s most well-known and cherished birds. It is a common resident throughout the savanna areas of central and northern South Africa. Lilac-breasted Rollers usually perch prominently, often on telephone lines, and are easily recognised by their lilac-pink breast (with pale streaks), blue crown, wings and tail (the latter sporting a pair of long streamers). Lilac-breasted Rollers frequently sally out to catch insect prey, flashing their brilliant blue wings. During the breeding season they perform noisy, cackling aerial displays, usually in pairs. Generally, however, they are silent.

Purple Roller

(Rufous-crowned Roller) Coracias naevius 33cm Resident. This is the largest roller in the country and occurs at lower densities than Lilac-breasted. In common with European Roller, it has no tail-streamers, but has white-streaked pink underparts. Purple Roller also shows a prominent pale eyebrow and purple shoulder patch. It can usually be found perched on a dead tree or telephone pole and shares the same range and habitat as Lilacbreasted Roller.

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European Roller

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Coracias garrulus 31cm

Rollers

Summer non-breeding migrant. This large roller is a migrant from Europe, and can be found in open areas, especially savanna, throughout South Africa, except in the very driest regions. It usually sits prominently on both high and low perches from which to sally out and catch insect prey. European Roller’s powder-blue underparts, head and tail contrast with a pale chestnut back, and in flight, striking bright blue and black wings. From the superficially similar Lilac-breasted Roller with which it co-exists, look for European’s square-tipped tail with no streamers, blue chest and bulkier profile.

Broad-billed Roller

Eurystomus glaucurus 29cm Summer-breeding migrant. This roller is quite different to the previous species. It is a smaller, slender, migrant to the moister eastern and northern parts of the country. Broad-billed Rollers prefer the canopy of tall riverine woodland, especially where fever trees are prevalent. Broad-billed Rollers are bright purple below, with chestnut upperparts and brilliant blue wings and tail. The distinctive bill is bright yellow. They are very noisy, uttering loud guttural yelps and rattles. They often hawk insects above the treeline at sunset and have an elegant, raptor-like flight.

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Giant Kingfisher

Megaceryle maxima 44cm

Kingfishers

Resident. This, the world’s largest aquatic kingfisher, is a widespread species of rivers and wetlands, occurring in pairs throughout the country, except the driest areas. It is easily identified by its whitespotted black upperparts, shaggy crest and large black bill. The male sports a rufous breast and pale belly, which is reversed in the female with her mottled breast and rufous belly. Giant Kingfishers are often first detected by their loud call, a repeated tja tja, which may accelerate into a trill when they are excited. They prey largely on crabs and fish.

♂

♀

♀

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Pied Kingfisher

Ceryle rudis 25cm

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Kingfishers

Resident. Smaller and generally commoner than Giant Kingfisher, this black-and-white bird can be found around any wetlands, including marine environments, throughout South Africa. Pied Kingfisher is famous for its hovering flight as it hunts for fish over water. This species’ upperparts are black with white mottling, and the underparts white with a wide black breast-band, augmented by a second narrow band only on the male. They can be found singly or in small groups, and they frequently utter high-pitched, excitable chee-chit-chit-chit calls.

♂

♀

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Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris 23cm

Kingfishers

Resident. This is one of South Africa’s commonest kingfishers, occurring in moister woodlands and gardens from Cape Town along the east coast, and through much of northern and central South Africa. Although usually found close to watercourses, it doesn’t fish, but preys on insects and reptiles. Brown-hooded Kingfisher is identified by its red bill, streaky brown head and underparts, and blue wings, tail and rump. The male has a contrasting black back which is brown in the female. Its often repeated pi-pi-pi-pi song is a distinctive sound of the savanna.

♂

♀

Striped Kingfisher

Halcyon chelicuti 18cm

Resident. Superficially similar to Brownhooded, this species is smaller, plainer and occurs in drier woodlands, from KwaZulu-Natal northwards through the savanna regions of South Africa including the arid Kalahari woodlands where it is the only kingfisher. Diagnostic features for separation from Brown-hooded include a black upper and red lower mandible, paler streaked underparts, less extensive blue on the wings, and white underwings in flight. Striped Kingfishers live in small family groups and their very loud kee-keerrrrrr trills become faster and more frantic as more members of the group join in, often accompanied by wing-raising.

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Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis 23cm

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Kingfishers

Summer-breeding migrant. The Woodland Kingfisher is an intra-African migrant to the savanna regions of north and north-eastern South Africa. It is not an aquatic kingfisher and as its name suggests it occurs in woodlands, although usually in proximity to well-wooded watercourses. Its loud distinctive tchichrrrrrrrr call is an iconic summer sound of the savanna. The Woodland Kingfisher displays stunning blue of varying intensities on the upperparts, contrasting with extensive black shoulder patches and pale underparts. Its red upper and black lower mandibles separate it from the much rarer Mangrove Kingfisher (not illustrated) which has an all-red bill.

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African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta 13cm

Kingfishers

Summer-breeding migrant. Superficially similar to the commoner, slightly larger and more widespread Malachite Kingfisher, African Pygmy differs in a variety of aspects. It is a summer migrant to eastern and northern South Africa. Pygmy frequents water for bathing, not for fishing. Instead it hunts for insects and small reptiles in the lower levels of wellwooded habitats. African Pygmy Kingfisher’s diagnostic features include a large pinkish patch behind the eye and a broad orange eyebrow (the blue crown on Malachite extends down to the eye). Frequently uttered high-pitched cheep calls are a reliable way of detecting this beautiful bird in its preferred dense habitat.

Juv

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Malachite Kingfisher

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Corythornis cristatus 14cm

Kingfishers

Resident. An aquatic kingfisher best identified by its small size, red bill (although the juvenile’s is black), brilliant ultramarine-blue back, lighter blue crown that extends down to the eyes, and mostly rufous face and underparts. Malachite Kingfishers are always found near fresh water, both still or flowing, where they hunt small fish and other aquatic life. They occur throughout South Africa and are common but not always conspicuous. Their high-pitched chirps and trills can draw attention to them when perched on overhanging waterside vegetation.

Juv

Half-collared Kingfisher Alcedo semitorquata 18cm

Resident. A beautiful but shy kingfisher of forested streams, lagoons and other secluded waterbodies of the eastern and northern parts of South Africa. Look for a mostly bright blue kingfisher with a long black bill. Juvenile Malachite and African Pygmy Kingfishers display similar features, but are significantly smaller and show orange not blue cheeks. Half-collared’s diagnostic halfcollar, comprising blue patches extending onto the breast, is also a reliable feature. The call is a very high-pitched chip, usually issued in flight.

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Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides 35cm

Bee-eaters

Summer-breeding migrant. Encountering flocks of Southern Carmine Bee-eaters is one of the delights of being in northern South Africa during the summer months. These large, extremely long-tailed red birds sport a green crown and a turquoise rump and vent. Juveniles are ruddier, with a shorter tail. Loose groups of Southern Carmine Bee-eaters are usually spotted when conspicuously perched on open tree tops or telephone lines. Their preferred habitat is drier savanna with nearby watercourses, where these summer migrants nest in riverbank colonies. Their call, especially when numbers gather, is a loud yapping sound.

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European Bee-eater

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Merops apiaster 25cm

Bee-eaters

As its name suggests, this is a beautiful migrant from Europe (although a small population does breed in the Western and Northern Cape). Small to large flocks can be found almost anywhere in South Africa, but particularly over the savanna regions. The European Bee-eater is a mediumsized bee-eater with a golden back, chestnut crown, yellow throat and turquoise belly. Juveniles have more washed out coloration. Their oftrepeated bubbling call is a great way of detecting this aerial species, either when flocks forage high overhead or gather to roost.

White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides 23cm

Resident. Another spectacular beeeater, White-fronted is identified by a combination of its namesake white forehead, red throat, blue vent and green back. White-fronted Bee-eater occur widely across the eastern half of South Africa where they are a resident species, ranging over savanna and open habitats in the vicinity of its riverbank breeding colonies. Less aerial than European Beeeater, this species is often first detected by its nasal call note, somewhat reminiscent of Greater Blue-eared Starling.

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Little Bee-eater

Merops pusillus 16cm

Bee-eater, Trogon and Honeyguide

Resident. As its name suggests, this is the smallest bee-eater in South Africa. It is also the most commonly encountered bee-eater. Small family groups can be found throughout eastern and northern South Africa, preferring savanna, thickets and wetland edges. Key features are the yellow throat, black chest marking, green back and, in flight, mostly rufous wings and tail. Little Bee-eaters are also very vocal although their high-pitched seee-see-see calls are not very loud.

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Narina Trogon

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Apaloderma narina 32cm

Bee-eater, Trogon and Honeyguide

Resident. This beautiful but shy bird is one of the region’s most sought after. The male sports a bright green back, head, throat and uppertail, with a brilliant red belly, pale undertail and bare green facial skin, which can also change to yellow or blue. The female has a brown throat, pinkish chest and bluish facial skin. Narina Trogon generally frequents the upper level of forest and moist woodland, sometimes moving into drier areas, including gardens and plantations, in winter. Its range covers most of the eastern coastal areas of South Africa northwards through Kruger. In summer the male can be located by his repeated, huffing hroo-hoo territorial call, but generally this is a quiet species.

♂

Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator 20cm

♂

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Resident. Of the four South African honeyguides, Greater is the largest, most distinctive and the only species that guides people to honey. Sparrowlike in appearance and coloration, in flight it sports prominent white outer tail feathers (in common with all African honeyguides). The male has a black throat, white cheek patch and pink bill, all absent in the female, and the juvenile shows yellow underparts. The male has a distinctive, repeated vic-tor call, and both sexes make a desperate churring when guiding. They occur in savanna and wooded areas throughout South Africa, avoiding the most arid regions. All honeyguides are brood parasites, Greater targeting a variety of hole-nesting species.

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Purple-crested Turaco

(Purple-crested Lourie) Tauraco porphyreolophus 42cm

Turacos and Go-away-bird

Resident. The turacos are an endemic African family of mostly very beautiful, large fruit-eaters. Purple-crested is a typical turaco, displaying brilliant red wings in flight. Look also for its namesake purple crest, green-and-orange suffused body, and purple back and tail. Purple-crested Turaco is a common bird of moist woodlands, well-wooded gardens and riverine zones extending into savanna, of eastern and northern South Africa. They are usually found in pairs or small groups, especially in fruiting trees, where they give themselves away by their loud kok-kok-kok calls, issued at varying tempos.

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Knysna Turaco

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(Knysna Lourie) Tauraco corythaix 46cm

Turacos and Go-away-bird

Resident. This forest species is endemic to South Africa and Eswatini, differing from the slightly smaller Purple-crested by its mostly green body and whitetipped crest and eye-lines. This species also displays brilliant red wing panels in flight. The Knysna Turaco is restricted to coastal and inland forests of eastern and north-eastern South Africa. Generally a secretive species, it is usually located high in the leafy canopy after issuing its raucous calls, which include a guttural koh-koh-koh and a growling rasp.

Grey Go-away-bird (Grey Lourie)

Corythaixoides concolor 49cm

Resident. The Grey Go-away-bird is an atypical colourless turaco, but its shape betrays its turaco relationship. Well named, this large bird is all grey and issues forth a loud go-away at regular intervals. It is found in small family groups, usually perched conspicuously on the tops of trees, in savanna and gardens in northern and north-eastern South Africa, including the suburbs of Gauteng.

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Brown-headed Parrot

Poicephalus cryptoxanthus 23cm

Parrot and Mousebirds

Resident. Compared with other tropical ecosystems, parrots are relatively scarce in Africa largely due to turacos outcompeting them in their shared niche. Brown-headed Parrot is the most frequently encountered native species (introduced Rose-ringed Parakeets can be found in some South African cities; not illustrated). Brown-headed occurs in savanna and riverine habitats, with a preference for fruiting figs, in north-eastern South Africa, from Zululand to northern Kruger National Park. With its green body and brown-grey head, it doesn’t stand out much, except in flight when its yellow underwings are displayed. Fortunately, the small family groups in which this species usually occurs are noisy, uttering typical parrot-like shrieks and whistles.

White-backed Mousebird Colius colius 31cm

Resident. Mousebirds are an ancient group of birds that are considered ‘living fossils’. The six extant species are not only a family, but also an entire order of birds, endemic to Africa. Three occur in South Africa, with White-backed being a weak-flying arid-zone species restricted to the drier western two-thirds of the country. Small family groups of these long-tailed, crested birds can be found in any vegetated habitat from fynbos to savanna and gardens. White-backed Mousebird’s diagnostic characteristics include its namesake white lower back, clean grey plumage, pale underparts and silvery bill. Its calls include soft chittering and whistles.

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Red-faced Mousebird

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Urocolius indicus 32cm

Parrot and Mousebirds

Resident. Unlike the other two mousebirds, Red-faced is a fast-flying, loud bird with a pleasant bubbled peepee-pee whistle. Small flocks can be found in almost any wooded habitat throughout the country, but they are often nomadic as they search for fruit sources. Red-faced Mousebirds most obvious feature is their bare red facial skin, and a bluish sheen to their grey upperparts.

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus 33cm

Resident. Similar to White-backed and sharing its weak-flying characteristics, the Speckled is an abundant bird of savanna and gardens in southern, eastern and northern South Africa. Speckled Mousebirds are overall brownish-grey, lacking pale underparts or a contrasting lower back. Small family groups enjoy sunning themselves or feasting on fruit and leaves, whilst issuing harsh chipping sounds.

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Burchell’s Coucal

Centropus burchellii 40cm

Coucal and Cuckoos

Resident. This large, familiar bird is commonly known as the ‘rainbird’ and is believed to issue its distinctive descending bubbling du-du-du notes in anticipation of rainfall. It is easily identified by its combination of bright rufous wings (often held out to dry after rain), black head, back and tail, pale underparts and striking red eyes. A member of the cuckoo family, yet building its own nest, Burchell’s Coucal ranges along the eastern seaboard from the southern Cape to northern and central South Africa. Its habitat is dense vegetation in savanna, forest edge, beside rivers and wetlands, and even wellwooded gardens. Note: this species is sometimes ‘lumped’ with White-browed Coucal C. superciliosus.

Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius 29cm

Summer-breeding migrant. This vocal cuckoo is considered the harbinger of spring, yet its secretive nature ensures it is seldom observed. An intra-African migrant arriving in September, it delivers an endlessly repeated three-note piet-myvrou (also its onomatopoeic Afrikaans name) until quietening down in January and migrating north in March. If you can track one down, usually high in a tall tree, you will see a large grey-backed cuckoo with a ruddy upper chest and pale barred belly. Females show less colour on the chest and juveniles are much darker. Red-chested Cuckoos occur in woodlands, forests and suburbia in the moister southern, eastern and northern regions of South Africa.

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Jacobin Cuckoo

123

Coucal and Cuckoos

(Pied Cuckoo) Clamator jacobinus 35cm Summer-breeding migrant. A large, longtailed black-and-white cuckoo with a distinctive crest. The typical form displays black upperparts, unstreaked white underparts and white flashes on the open wing. A rarer all-back form also occurs. It is found in savanna and thickets across much of South Africa, except the far south and arid west. Its loud, far-carrying calls are a plaintive klee-pip-pip and other similar loud whistles.

Levaillant’s Cuckoo (Striped Crested Cuckoo) Clamator levaillantii 40cm

Summer-breeding migrant. Superficially similar to Jacobin Cuckoo, but even larger, longer-tailed and shaggier-crested. The other key identification feature is its heavily striped underparts. Levaillant’s Cuckoo is a migrant to the savanna areas of northern and eastern South Africa. This cuckoo is a specialist babbler brood parasite (see Arrowmarked Babbler, p. 167). Darker juvenile Levaillant’s Cuckoos are often detected following noisy groups of babblers. The loud calls of this species include a throaty kweeeu and a fast tuk-tuk-tuk.

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Diederik Cuckoo (Dideric Cuckoo)

Cuckoos

Summer-breeding migrant. South Africa’s three green cuckoos are much smaller than the previous species. The commonest of these is Diederik Cuckoo. The male is mostly green above and white below with bright red eye-rings and eyes. Note also the heavy green barring on the underparts. Females are similar but duller and lack the red eyes and eye-rings, but juveniles are quite variable, usually with red bills, coppery upperparts and spotted underparts. This summer migrant occurs throughout South Africa, except the most arid west, and is encountered in woodlands, gardens and wetlands, usually close to colonies of weavers, sparrows and bishops, their favoured brood hosts. Their distinctive, plaintive dee-dee-diderik call is the inspiration for the species’ name.

Chrysococcyx caprius 19cm

♀

♀

♂

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African Emerald Cuckoo

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Chrysococcyx cupreus 20cm

Cuckoos

Summer-breeding migrant. The least common of the green cuckoos, the beautiful African Emerald is restricted to forests and well-wooded regions of eastern and north-eastern South Africa. It is a summer migrant but small numbers also overwinter. The male is a glistening emerald-green bird with a yellow belly. Also look for its blue eye-ring and bill. The female is strongly barred green below. The distinctive three-note call is the source of its local name Pretty Georgie.

♂

♀

Klaas’s Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx klaas 18cm

♂

♀

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Summer-breeding migrant. Klaas’s Cuckoo can be mistaken for Diederik, but male Klaas’s lacks the red eye-ring, white wing patches, white in front of the eye and heavy barring on the underparts. Male Klaas’s also has distinctive green half-collar patches on the upper breast. The female’s underparts are more barred, although the barring is narrower than that of Diederik’s. In flight, both sexes also display striking white outer tails, reminiscent of honeyguides. This migrant (small numbers also overwinter) prefers the moister woodlands and gardens of southern, eastern and northern South Africa. The distinctive call is a two-note mei-tjie and the inspiration for its onomatopoeic Afrikaans name, Meitjie.

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Spotted Eagle-owl

Bubo africanus 45cm

Eagle-owls

Resident. This is the commonest large owl in South Africa, often seen in the evening on roofs, telephone poles and roadside trees. It occurs throughout the country and in almost any habitat. Best identified by its ‘eared’ profile, yellow eyes and light blotching on its chest. The call is a typical owl-like hooted who-who often in duet and at varying pitch.

Juv

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Verreaux’s Eagle-owl

Resident. South Africa’s largest owl has a similar profile to Spotted Eagle-owl but is significantly larger and paler grey and has distinctive pink eyelids. Its range is more restricted, preferring the drier savanna of eastern and northern South Africa, although it can also be found in the Kalahari and Eastern Cape. During the day, Verreaux’s Eagle-owls prefer to roost in large leafy trees, usually along rivers or streams. The adult’s call is a series of deep grunting notes, and juveniles continually emit a long, highpitched whistle.

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Eagle-owls

(Giant/Milky Eagle-owl) Bubo lacteus 62cm

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Western Barn Owl Tyto alba 32cm

Owls

Resident. Barn Owls are not closely related to the other owls featured here, being placed in their own family. Western Barn Owl is a pale, mediumsized owl best identified by its white, heart-shaped facial disc and very pale, spotted underparts. Western Barn Owl occurs throughout South Africa except the most arid areas. Although they prefer woodlands, Western Barn Owls can be found in most habitats, and as their name suggests they do occupy barns and other buildings. Their call is a rather unpleasant long, grating screech.

Juv

Marsh Owl

Asio capensis 37cm Resident. Fairly similar to Western Barn Owl, Marsh Owl is however larger, much darker and restricted to grassland and wetland habitats in eastern and central South Africa, and along the south-east coastal region. Like Western Barn Owl, it shows a pale facial disc, but Marsh Owl’s is greyer. The strange short croak of this owl is not often heard. Marsh Owls are usually located in the early morning or evening, especially in winter, when they quarter low over grasslands in search of rodents. At night, they often perch on roadside fence posts, or even on roads.

Juv

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African Scops Owl

Otus senegalensis 16cm

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Owls

Resident. South Africa’s smallest owl is a tiny grey bird displaying perfect bark camouflage, thus making it extremely difficult to spot on its day roost. At night, these owls usually call continuously, a characteristic and pleasant short frog-like pirrup. Despite this loud call, they are ventriloquial and thus rather tricky to track down. African Scops Owls’ ear tufts are usually held erect during the day and flattened at night. This species prefers the savanna of eastern and northern South Africa and also extends into the dry Kalahari woodlands.

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Pearl-spotted Owlet

Glaucidium perlatum 19cm

Owlets, Owl and Nightjar

Resident. This small owl is often active during the day and if its presence is detected by other birds, it is usually fiercely mobbed, providing an exciting multi-species birding spectacle. Pearlspotted Owlet is identified by its rounded head sporting white spots (the namesake ‘pearls’), streaked breast and a pair of false eye-spots on the back of its head. The distinctive call of this species can be heard both day and night, and is a series of short rising pee whistles that then crescendo into longer peeu notes. This species occurs in the savanna regions of north-eastern and northern South Africa, including the dry Kalahari woodlands.

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Southern White-faced Owl

131

Ptilopsis granti 27cm

Owlets, Owl and Nightjar

Resident. This beautiful owl always holds its ear-tufts erect. It is significantly larger than African Scops, but much smaller than the eagle-owls. Its bright orange eyes are set in its namesake white facial disc, framed by black lines. The Southern White-faced Owl has a similar distribution and habitat preference to Pearl-spotted Owlet but is generally less common and even more tolerant of arid habitats. Its call is a dove-like wuwuwu-hooo.

Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis 24cm

Resident. Seven species of nightjar occur in South Africa and they can provide quite an identification challenge. The commonest and most frequently encountered is Fiery-necked, a nocturnal bird occurring in savanna and plantations in southern, eastern and northern South Africa. Its evocative call is one of the best-known sounds of the African night, a whistled good LORD deliver us, the source of its colloquial name, Litany-bird. When observed (usually perched on a tree or stump, but sometimes on a road at night), look for a wide rufous or pale neck-collar and – in flight – white patches on the outer tail feathers. Juv

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Alpine Swift

Tachymarptis melba 20cm

Swifts

Resident/summer-breeding migrant. The fast-flying, stiff-winged swifts can make for identification challenges, but these four species are the most frequently encountered and easiest to separate. Alpine is the largest of all swifts, and its striking white belly is diagnostic. Look also for the white throat and dark collar. Small numbers are resident but its population is swelled by migrants during summer. Alpine Swifts prefer montane areas but can be found overhead anywhere in South Africa, often in mixedspecies swift flocks.

African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus 15cm

Resident. This long-tailed swift is all grey, showing no white rump or belly, and its elongated, slender wings and tail make for fairly easy identification. As its name suggests it is closely associated with palm trees, although pairs and small family groups may wander more widely when foraging. Occurring across the eastern half of South Africa, this species is rapidly extending its range west and southwards. The call of this species is a high pitched twittering, softer than that of other swift species.

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Little Swift

Apus affinis 13cm

133

Swifts

Resident. This very noisy swift nests in colonies, usually on artificial structures, and is therefore common in cities and agricultural areas. It can be found anywhere across South Africa. It is a short, square-tailed black swift with a broad white rump. Particularly in the evening, flocks wheel high in the sky, uttering their shrill twittering screams.

White-rumped Swift Apus caffer 16cm

Summer-breeding migrant. This swift also occurs throughout South Africa but is usually found in pairs, not large groups. Superficially similar to Little Swift, this species has a longer forked tail and a narrow white belt across the rump. It is not usually vocal.

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Barn Swallow

(European Swallow) Hirundo rustica 20cm

Swallows

Summer non-breeding migrant. Swallows are superficially similar to swifts but not closely related. Both are aerial birds but swifts lack the ability to perch (they can cling to vertical surfaces) and are generally faster flyers with narrow curved wings. Swallows have more triangular wings and are often seen perched. The Barn Swallow is one of the world’s most abundant birds and millions of these migrants spread across all habitats throughout South Africa during summer. This species has a glossy blue back and chest-band, white belly, and rufous throat and forehead. Adults have long tailstreamers, but juveniles lack these as well as the rufous coloration, and are duller overall.

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Wire-tailed Swallow

135

Hirundo smithii 18.5cm

Swallows

Resident. This beautiful swallow occurs in the vicinity of waterbodies across eastern and northern South Africa. It has a predilection for adopting culverts, bridges and building as nest sites. Look for the brilliant blue upperparts, pure white underparts, a rufous crown, and the namesake extended wire-like tail feathers.

White-throated Swallow

Hirundo albigularis 18cm

Summer-breeding migrant. Whitethroated Swallow favours waterside locations and occurs throughout South Africa. It shares a blue back with the

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previous species but has a diagnostic blue collar fringing its namesake white throat. It has a rufous patch, which is confined to the forehead.

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Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata 19cm

Swallows

Summer-breeding migrant. This migrant swallow is a southern African breeding endemic and can be found throughout South Africa except the most arid west and lowest-lying humid east. It is similar to the smaller Lesser Striped Swallow, but has much finer streaks on the breast, pale cheeks and a paler rusty rump. The Greater Striped Swallow is usually found in pairs or small family groups, over almost any open area. They frequently issue a rolling prrup call, especially in flight.

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Juv

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Lesser Striped Swallow

137

Cecropis abyssinica 17cm

Swallows

Summer-breeding migrant. The Lesser Striped Swallow is restricted to the warmer eastern, northern and central regions of South Africa and is a very common bird within its range. It does overlap with Greater Striped but it generally replaces that species at lower elevations. Look for the broad black breast-stripes and bright rufous cheeks and rump. Its distinctive call, issued both when perched and in flight, is a complex series of swizzling and chipping notes.

Red-breasted Swallow (Rufous-chested Swallow)

Cecropis semirufa 22cm

Summer-breeding migrant. This very large swallow migrates to central, eastern and northern South Africa. Key features are an unstreaked rufous breast and throat, and blue upperparts including the cheeks. Usually in pairs and often nesting in culverts, this species is found in savanna and grasslands. Red-breasted Swallows generally avoid human habitations, unlike the two striped swallows.

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South African Cliff Swallow

(South African Swallow) Petrochelidon spilodera 14cm

Swallows and Martins

Summer-breeding migrant and nearendemic. This species is a southern African breeding endemic, large numbers arriving in summer to occupy busy colonies, mostly under bridges. Its range is central, over the Highveld grasslands and Karoo, and avoids lower-

lying areas. Usually in flocks foraging low over grasslands, its key feature is a pale buffy rump and undertail combined with a short, square tail. The upperparts are blue, wings grey and the paler underparts are mottled, especially on the throat and breast.

Juv

Black Saw-wing (Black Sawwing Swallow) Resident/summer-breeding migrant. This slender, elongated bird is the only all-black South African swallow. Both resident and summer migrant populations occur. Pairs or small family groups can

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Ad

Psalidoprocne pristoptera 15cm

be found flitting around forest edges, woodlands and moist grasslands. Its range extends along the eastern littoral from Cape Town northwards to far northern South Africa.

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Brown-throated Martin

139

(Plain Martin) Riparia paludicola 12cm

Swallows and Martins

Resident. This small, rather dull species can be found in close association with waterbodies throughout South Africa. The typical Brown-throated Martin is a grey-brown bird with a pale belly, but a small proportion of the population is all grey-brown. Notice the notched tail.

Dark

Rock Martin

Pale

Ptyonoprogne fuligula 15cm

Resident. As its name suggests, Rock Martin has a predilection for rocky areas, but also frequents tall buildings. It occurs throughout South Africa and is a resident species, although high-altitude

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populations do move lower in winter. The Rock Martin is similar to Brownthroated Martin but is larger, browner, with a square tail and, in flight, large white windows are apparent in the tail.

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Pied Crow

Corvus albus 49cm

Crows and Raven

Resident. A very distinctive large crow with a gleaming white chest and neck. Pairs or small groups are resident throughout South Africa, occurring in almost every habitat, including urban environments. They are noisy and frequently emit the caws typical of many crows.

Cape Crow

(Black Crow/Cape Rook) Corvus capensis 50cm Resident. This glossy all-black crow, with a long slender bill, occurs over most of South Africa, avoiding only the most arid and most humid regions. Its preference is for grasslands and agricultural fields. Usually in pairs or small family groups, it issues loud caws typical of many crows; when calling its throat typically bulges outwards.

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White-necked Raven

Corvus albicollis 52cm

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Crows and Raven

Resident. A large chunky black bird, easily identified by its white neck, short tail and very heavy bill. Pairs of White-necked Ravens generally frequent rocky and mountainous areas, but do forage widely in a variety of habitats, especially during the winter months. White-necked Raven’s far-carrying and fairly high-pitched kraar notes are a good way of detecting their presence, especially when they are high overhead.

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Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis 25cm

Black birds (Drongo, Flycatcher and Cuckooshrike)

Resident. These three all-black birds often cause identification challenges for beginner birders. Fork-tailed Drongo is the commonest and most widespread of them. It is an aggressive bird with a diagnostic forked tail, dark red eyes and noticeably heavy, hooked bill. Occurring in pairs in almost any wooded habitat, including suburbia, Fork-tailed Drongos frequently attack passing raptors. They also have a habit of following and even perching on large ungulates such as cattle, buffalos and rhinoceroses, sweeping out to catch insects disturbed by their passage. They frequently issue loud, harsh whistles and shrieks.

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Black Cuckooshrike

143

Campephaga flava 21cm

♂

♀

Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina 20cm

Resident. Often mistaken for a drongo, Southern Black Flycatcher is a smaller bird with a notched but not deeply forked tail. It has a finer bill lacking a hook, and its eyes are dark. Small family groups can be found in a variety of woodland habitats, including gardens, where they perch inconspicuously at mid-levels before dropping to the ground to catch insects. Their distribution ranges from eastern South Africa through northern and central regions.

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Black birds (Drongo, Flycatcher and Cuckooshrike)

Resident. The least common and most inconspicuous of these three black birds is Black Cuckooshrike. The male is a glossy all-black bird with a distinctive fleshy orange gape at the base of its bill, and a rounded tail. A small proportion of males show yellow shoulder-patches. The female is completely different; her features include distinctive barring on pale underparts and yellow wings. This species occurs singly or in pairs in savanna and forest edge, and is usually found in the canopy. It ranges from eastern through central and northern South Africa. Its distinctive call is a soft insect-like trill.

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Red-winged Starling

Onychognathus morio 30cm

Starlings

Resident. This very common bird is easily identified by its glossy black plumage and bright chestnut wings. The female has a greyer head. It is a large, long-tailed bird that has adapted to urban environments and rocky areas across much of South Africa, except the arid west and central areas, where it is replaced by the similar Pale-winged Starling (not illustrated). Its whistled notes are frequently heard.

♂

♂

♂ ♀

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Violet-backed Starling

(Plum-coloured/Amethyst Starling) Cinnyricinclus leucogaster 18cm

Starlings

Summer-breeding migrant. This summer migrant is a smaller starling of savanna and gardens, occurring from northeastern South Africa northwards. The male’s upperparts and chest are an iridescent violet but, depending upon the light, may appear to range from black to pale pink. The belly is brilliant white. The female is strikingly different and a frequent identification challenge. She has brown upperparts and pale underparts, both heavily streaked. The yellow base to her bill is also distinctive. The male’s call, usually uttered from an exposed perch on top of a tree, is a strange upslurred metallic whistle.

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♂ ♀

♀

♂

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Common Starling

Starlings and Myna

(European Starling) Sturnus vulgaris 21cm

Resident. This introduced species from Europe is a common bird in southern regions of South Africa, usually in urban and agricultural environments. It is a small starling with glossy blackish plumage covered in pale spots. The yellow bill fades to black outside of the breeding season. Its varied calls incorporate whistles and rattles.

Nbr

Common Myna (Indian Myna) Resident. Another introduced species, the Common Myna’s home range is southern Asia. This noisy brown bird is easily identified by its black head, bare yellow facial skin and large white wing patches.

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Acridotheres tristis 23cm Pairs or small family groups can be found in urban and agricultural environments through north-eastern, central and northern South Africa. Their complex calls include parrot-like squeals, whistles and rattles.

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African Pied Starling

147

Lamprotornis bicolor 25cm

Starlings and Myna

Resident near-endemic. This large species is iridescent black with a diagnostic white vent or lower belly. Look also for the pale eyes and fleshy yellow base to the bill. Flocks of Pied Starlings occur through much of South Africa’s open areas, with a preference for agricultural fields but avoiding lower-lying savanna, forested regions and dry Kalahari. Their distinctive yapping notes draw attention to them.

Wattled Starling

Creatophora cinerea 21cm

Resident. An eruptive nomad, flocks of Wattled Starlings roam the country in search of locusts and other food sources. They occur in any habitat but prefer more open areas. In breeding plumage,

Nbr

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males sport bright yellow bare faces and dangling black wattles. Outside the breeding season look for flocks of pale grey starlings with white rumps and black wings.

♂Br

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Cape Glossy Starling

(Red-shouldered Glossy/Cape Starling) Lamprotornis nitens 23cm

Glossy Starlings

Resident. The glossy starlings are a truly beautiful group of abundant African birds. The most common and widespread is Cape Glossy Starling. This species occurs in savanna and gardens throughout South Africa (with the exception of the south-western Cape). In much of its range it’s the only glossy starling. Separation from the others is covered under their accounts. Cape Glossy Starling occurs in pairs or small groups but large numbers can aggregate in winter. Their typical call is a two-note, fairly harsh chur-wheeu whistle, but they also make a variety of other sounds.

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Greater Blue-eared Starling

149

Lamprotornis chalybaeus 22cm

Glossy Starlings

Resident. This species is superficially similar to Cape Glossy Starling, but with its range restricted to Kruger National Park and the far north of South Africa it is not likely to cause confusion. Where their ranges do overlap they are often found together, especially in Kruger’s camps and picnic sites. The best characteristic is this species’ frequently uttered nasal whining call. Look also for the namesake dark earpatches, greenish rather than bluish upperparts and purple belly. Greater Blue-eared also lacks Cape Glossy’s reddish shoulder-patch, although this feature is not always visible.

Burchell’s Starling

Lamprotornis australis 32cm

Resident. This large glossy starling is easily separated from the previous species by both its size and long tail. Notice also its dark, not orange eyes. Small family groups of Burchell’s Starling are common in the dry savanna of Kruger and environs, as well as the Kalahari woodlands. Their loud calls are quite parrot-like, being a variety of squawks and whistles.

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Yellow-billed Oxpecker

Buphagus africanus 20cm

Oxpeckers

Resident. The two oxpecker species are modified starlings, but have diverged significantly enough to be classified in their own family. They are highly specialised, relying on large ungulates, on which they forage for parasites and blood. Yellow-billed was once extinct in South Africa but has recolonised Kruger National Park and is expanding its range. It is bulkier than Red-billed Oxpecker, with a distinctive pale rump and yellow bill base, and it lacks the bare eye-ring. Flocks of Yellow-billed Oxpeckers have a preference for giraffe and large buffalo herds.

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Red-billed Oxpecker

Buphagus erythrorhynchus 20cm

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Oxpeckers

Resident. More widespread than Yellowbilled Oxpecker, this species can be found in association with both wild and domestic animals across much of northern and eastern South Africa. Many game reserves have reintroduced oxpeckers, after they were exterminated by toxic cattle dips. Look for the all-red bill, broad yellow eye-ring and lack of contrast between the rump and back. Both oxpecker species have similar rasping calls, often emitted in flight or alarm, and a good way of detecting their presence (as well as that of dangerous game, such as buffalo, if you are walking in thick bush!).

151

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Rufous-naped Lark

Mirafra africana 17cm

Larks and Pipit

Resident. With 28 species, South Africa boasts the world’s richest lark diversity, but many of these brown birds have localised ranges and are beyond the scope of this book. The two commonest larks and one sparrow-lark are covered here. The large Rufous-naped Lark is South Africa’s most prominent lark, spending much of its day singing loudly from an exposed perch, such as a termite mound, fence post or low tree. Look for a chunky brown bird with a streaky back and breast. Its crest is erectile and when raised reveals the namesake rufous nape. In flight the bright rufous wings are striking. The call is a clear whistled tuwee-tweeoo, and after a series of 6–10 calls the songster jumps up and rattles its wings. This species occurs widely across the grasslands and grassy savanna of eastern, central and northern South Africa.

Sabota Lark

Calendulauda sabota 14.5cm Resident. This small lark is a common savanna species, occurring through most of South Africa within this habitat zone. Look for a small-bodied, streaky brown bird with a prominent white eyebrow and a dark moustachial stripe. The bill is shorter and finer than that of Rufous-naped Lark. The western form of Sabota has a much broader bill than the eastern one. Sabota Larks forage on the ground but spend much of their time perched atop medium-sized trees from which they enthusiastically sing (sometimes also vocalising in flight displays). Their song is a rich mixture of varied notes, many of them very high-pitched, and often incorporating mimicry of other savanna bird species.

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Chestnut-backed Sparrow-lark

153

(Chestnut-backed Finch-lark) Eremopterix leucotis 13cm

African Pipit

Larks and Pipit

Resident. As their name suggests, sparrowlarks can be mistaken for sparrows, being smaller, more compact and stouter billed than typical larks. The male of this species is easily identified by its striking white earpatch and chestnut back. Other features include a black head and belly and white neck-patch. The female is a duller bird, faded rufous on the back with a sooty belly patch. Usually found in small flocks, but sometimes in large aggregations, this species is nomadic, appearing when conditions are suitable. Its preferred habitat is short grasslands, especially in savanna areas, and it occurs widely across much of eastern South Africa, being replaced by the similar Grey-backed Sparrow-lark (not illustrated) over the west of the country.

♂

♀

(Grassveld Pipit) Anthus cinnamomeus 16.5cm Resident. Pipits are terrestrial brown birds, somewhat similar but unrelated to larks. Pipits are akin to wagtails and this relationship can be seen in their more slender upright bodies, longer legs and tail-wagging behaviour. Ten resident species occur in South Africa, but by far the most abundant and frequently encountered is African Pipit. Key features include a mottled back, streaked breast and prominent white outer tail feathers. This species issues a diagnostic chip call when flushed, and a repeated tjee-tjee-tjee song, usually made during aerial display. African Pipits are generally the commonest birds encountered in grasslands, grassy savanna and open areas, including agricultural fields, throughout South Africa.

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154

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp 20cm

Wagtails and Longclaws

Resident. Pairs of this striking black-andwhite wagtail are common over much of the eastern half of South Africa and along the Orange River system. Generally tame and approachable, they cheerfully sing their chirpy whistles from perches atop trees and buildings, always in proximity to rivers, ponds and lakes. Frequently wagging their tail and displaying striking white outer tail feathers, also look for a broad black chest-band, clear white eyebrows and black back. Females and non-breeding males are duller but still show a lot more contrast than Cape Wagtail.

Cape Wagtail

Motacilla capensis 20cm Resident. This familiar and often very tame bird is a common species, occurring in pairs in wetlands, gardens and agricultural areas throughout South Africa. It displays the namesake tail-wagging behaviour and the typical wagtail feature of prominent white outer tail feathers. Overall it is a dull, mostly grey bird with a darker chest-band and white throat and eyebrows. Its calls include an oftenemitted upslurred double whistle as well as a longer single whistle and a more complex song.

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Cape Longclaw

155

Wagtails and Longclaws

(Orange-throated Longclaw) Macronyx capensis 20cm Resident. Longclaws are in the same family as pipits and wagtails, but are taller, more colourful birds. The southern African endemic Cape Longclaw is a common grassland species, occurring in small family groups throughout South Africa (with the exception of the more arid central and lowest-lying eastern savanna regions). This species is easily identified by its underparts, which feature a striking orange throat, black throat collar (gorget) and yellow belly. However, its brown, streaked upperparts betray its pipit affinities. It issues a loud cat-like meeouw when taking flight, when the white tips of the fairly short tail can be observed.

Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus 21cm

Resident. This species is very similar to the smaller Cape Longclaw, but instead sports the namesake yellow throat. Yellow-throated Longclaw prefers grassy savanna or lower-lying grasslands with scattered trees, in comparison to Cape Longclaw’s preference for shorter and more open grasslands. It is also less terrestrial than Cape Longclaw, which seldom perches arboreally; instead, Yellow-throated is often found in trees, issuing its loud upslurred wheeeow whistle. This species occurs in small family groups across north-eastern South Africa and is generally a common species within its preferred habitat.

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Dark-capped Bulbul

(Black-eyed Bulbul) Pycnonotus tricolor 20cm

Bulbuls and Greenbul

Resident. Bulbuls are among the commonest of birds, dominating all wooded habitats, including gardens. The three species described here don’t have significant range overlap. Dark-capped occupies the moister eastern third of South Africa. Look for a distinctive dark

peaked head and yellow vent on an otherwise dull greyish bird. Occurring in pairs or small groups, they frequently issue their cheerful song notes and chips. Note: this species is sometimes ‘lumped’ with Common Bulbul P. barbatus.

Cape Bulbul

Pycnonotus capensis 20cm Resident endemic. The Cape Bulbul occupies the Cape Peninsula, ranging northwards and eastwards into fynbos and Karoo habitats. In comparison with Darkcapped Bulbul, this species shows a broad white eye-ring and is darker grey. Calls are similar but somewhat less melodious.

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African Red-eyed Bulbul

157

(Black-fronted Bulbul) Pycnonotus nigricans 20cm

Bulbuls and Greenbul

Resident. This bulbul replaces the others in the drier west and central regions of South Africa. In arid areas it is usually found only in the vicinity of watercourses. Its key feature is its striking orange-red eye-ring; otherwise it is rather similar to the other bulbuls. Its cheerful call is very similar to that of Dark-capped Bulbul.

Sombre Greenbul

(Sombre Bulbul) Andropadus importunus 21cm Resident. A rather dull, featureless species that is abundant within its range and preferred habitat. It is a species of forests and thickets, ranging from the Cape Peninsula eastwards to the far north of South Africa. Look for a plain olivegrey to yellowish bird with a striking

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white eye. It constantly calls, in winter issuing a double upslurred whistle wi-llie (source for this species’ Afrikaans name of Willie). In summer the song begins with the wi-llie but carries on in a long sequence that is described as come-andhave-a-fight scaaaaaaared.

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Southern Black Tit

Tit and Bushshrikes

Resident. This compact black-and-white bird is a common denizen of almost any woodland, including gardens. Look for an all-black bird with distinctive and obvious white wing panels. Small groups move through the middle and upper canopy, often leading mixed-species bird parties. They frequently utter a distinctive buzzing dze-dze-jeee-jeee call.

Melaniparus niger 16cm

Brubru

Nilaus afer 14cm

Resident. A common but generally inconspicuous savanna canopy species, Brubru is a member of the bush-shrike family. This species’ range covers the northern half of South Africa including the arid Kalahari woodlands. Look for a black-and-white bird with obvious rufous flanks. Distinctive

♂

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white eyebrows and wing panels are good features, and the lack of a breastband separates it from the smaller batis species. Females are duller. The namesake call of this species is very distinctive, being a loud, buzzing brrrrruuu which is heard far more frequently than the bird is seen.

♀

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Black-backed Puffback

159

Dryoscopus cubla 17.5cm

Tit and Bushshrikes

Resident. Another smaller member of the bush-shrike family, the puffback is pied (black and white), with striking red eyes. The male shows black upperparts and white underparts and wing-bars. It also has a white lower back with erectile feathers that can be puffed out in display, hence the puffback moniker. Its Afrikaans name is Sneeubal, literally ‘snowball’. The female is similar but duller with pale eyebrows. This species occurs in the moister eastern and northern regions of South Africa, and its preferred habitat ranges from forests to dry woodlands, including gardens. The puffback’s call varies across its range but usually includes a loud chu-weeeu song, and a variety of clicks.

♂

♀

Southern Boubou

Laniarius ferrugineus 22cm

♂

Juv

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Resident. Southern Boubou is one of the most vocal species within its range (all of eastern South Africa from the Cape to the far north of the country), but it is generally very secretive. Favouring the denser understorey and mid-levels of forests and thickets (including gardens), Southern Boubous occur in pairs, which maintain regular contact through a confusing variety of calls. One of the commonest of these vocalisations is a shwo-shwo-bou-boubou, which is the source of its name. Look for a chunky bird, not dissimilar to Southern Fiscal (p. 160) but more horizontal in stature. The male has black upperparts, white wing-bars and a white throat merging into a pale buffy belly. The female and juvenile have duller upperparts and richer buff underparts.

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160

Southern Fiscal

(Common Fiscal/Fiscal Shrike/Jackie-Hangman) Lanius collaris 22cm

Fiscal and Shrikes

Resident. This familiar and abundant species occurs throughout South Africa, inhabiting any open area, as long as there are prominent perches from which it can scan its territory. It is an upright blackand-white bird with a heavy, hooked bill. Females show a rufous patch on the flanks, and juveniles are brownish with fine barring on both upper- and undersides. They are very aggressive, and are infamous for their habit of impaling prey on thorns and barbed wire. Their calls include a variety of harsh whistles and a discordant buzzing djeer-djeer.

♀

Juv

♂

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Red-backed Shrike

161

Lanius collurio 18cm

Fiscal and Shrikes

Summer non-breeding migrant. This is a common species throughout most of South Africa, except the far south and arid west. It shows a preference for savanna country, but can also be found in more open areas. The male usually sits out prominently but ducks into cover on approach, displaying a distinctive black, white and grey tail and rump pattern. When perched the male shows a grey head, black face mask, pinkish underparts and the namesake rusty-red back. The female is usually more retiring and can be a tougher identification challenge, but look for brownish upperparts and pale underparts with distinct scaling.

♂

♀

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor 21cm

Summer non-breeding migrant. This shrike can be expected anywhere in the northern half of South Africa, usually in drier savanna and scrubbier areas than Red-backed Shrike. Superficially this species looks and behaves like Southern Fiscal, but it is bulkier, the back is pale grey not black, and it lacks white wing linings. The black face mask of Lesser Grey Shrike contrasts strongly with its grey crown and back.

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162

Magpie Shrike

(Long-tailed Shrike) Urolestes melanoleucus 45cm

Shrikes and Helmet-shrike

Resident. Living in very noisy family groups of up to a dozen individuals, these long-tailed shrikes are a distinctive species of the savanna of north-eastern and northern South Africa. They usually

♂

perch on the tops of trees, giving very loud two-note whistled jee-ooo calls. Look for the long graduated tail and white wing panels and back. The female differs in showing white flanks.

♀

Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens Resident. This is a large, distinctive shrike of the drier savanna of northern South Africa. Usually found in small groups, look for the striking white crown and

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24cm

underparts, contrasting with a dark nape. Its loud, yelping shrieks are somewhat reminiscent of a raptor or lapwing.

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White-crested Helmet-shrike

(White Helmetshrike) Prionops plumatus 18cm

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Shrikes and Helmet-shrike

Resident. Bumping into a flighty flock of White-crested Helmet-shrikes is one of the delights of birding the savanna of north-eastern and northern South Africa. These mostly silent family groups (of up to a dozen birds), forage at low levels in savanna, and are constantly on the move. Look for striking black-and-white birds with bright yellow eye wattles and orange legs. The South African form lacks the ostentatious fluffy crest present in East African birds. In flight their white wing patches contrast strongly against their black backs and tails. When they do call, it’s an unusual series of buzzing and chortled notes.

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Grey-headed Bush-shrike Malaconotus blanchoti 26cm

Bush-shrikes

Resident. This rather formidable predator is known to kill quite large snakes and other prey. Look for a chunky bird with a grey head, heavy hooked bill, pale lores (patch between the eyes and bill), and yellow underparts with an orange breast. It is often mistaken for Orange-breasted Bush-shrike and differences are described under that species. Grey-headed Bush-shrike occurs in woodlands, including savanna and gardens, from the Eastern Cape through eastern and northern South Africa. Its eerie whooooooo call is the inspiration for its Afrikaans name of Spookvoël, meaning ‘ghost bird’. It also performs very loud bill-clapping.

Orange-breasted Bush-shrike

(Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike) Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus 19cm

♀

Resident. Much smaller and more slender than Grey-headed Bush-shrike, this species displays a similar colour pattern. Key separation features include yellow eyebrows, dark eyes and a slender bill lacking a prominent hook. Orange-breasted Bush-shrike has a similar distribution and habitat preference to Grey-headed but generally sticks to denser tree canopies and can be fairly difficult to observe. It has variety of pleasant ringing whistled songs, including a distinctive pipipipi-peee.

♂

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Crimson-breasted Shrike

165

Laniarius atrococcineus 22cm

Bush-shrikes

Resident. This strikingly beautiful bird is a denizen of the dry Kalahari woodlands of north-western regions of South Africa. Look for a bird with a brilliant scarlet chest, black upperparts and contrasting white wing panels. It is at home both hopping on the ground and in tree canopies. Its distinctive song is a fast djup-djup-wheoo-wheoo, somewhat similar to Fork-tailed Drongo.

Bokmakierie

Telophorus zeylonus 23cm Resident. Bokmakierie is a bush-shrike that behaves rather differently to its close relatives. Usually found scurrying on the ground or creeping through low bushes, this species occurs across much of the country, except the lower-lying savanna areas of north-eastern and northern South Africa. It occupies a variety of habitats including fynbos, Karoo scrub, mountains and gardens. Key features include yellow underparts with a broad black gorget (somewhat reminiscent of Yellowthroated Longclaw), but with grey-green upperparts and distinctive yellow tips to its tail feathers. Its name is onomatopoeic, and it issues a wide variety of loud, ringing whistles and songs.

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166

Black-crowned Tchagra

Tchagras and Babbler

(Black-headed Tchagra) Tchagra senegalus 21cm

Resident. The tchagras are large brownish bush-shrikes with distinctive head markings and rufous wings. The commonest is Black-crowned Tchagra, which occurs in savanna and open areas from the Eastern Cape through eastern and northern South Africa. Distinctive features include a black crown, white eyebrow and white tail fringes. This species often runs on the ground, but flushes into low bushes when disturbed, showing off its bright rufous wings. The male utters a beautiful song, one of the characteristic sounds of the savanna, being a whistled chew-chewchewooo, usually answered by a variety of trills from the female.

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Brown-crowned Tchagra

167

Tchagras and Babbler

(Three-streaked Tchagra) Tchagra australis 17.5cm

Resident. Smaller and more slender than the previous species, Brown-crowned Tchagra usually occurs at lower densities. Its range includes the savanna of northeastern and northern South Africa, but does extend into the more arid woodlands of central South Africa. This species has a distinctive brown crown and is greyer below than Blackcrowned Tchagra. The call is usually issued during a noisy flapping display flight and is a descending series of fast, trilled whistles.

Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii 24cm

Resident. Noisy gangs of Arrow-marked Babblers are a common feature of the savanna and scrubby areas of northeastern and northern South Africa. They are usually detected by their loud, quarrelsome babbles. Look for dark, fairly long-tailed birds with red eyes and pale arrow-marked flecks on the underparts. They forage on the ground but are equally at home leaping about trees.

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168

Olive Thrush

Turdus olivaceus 24cm

Thrushes

Resident. This is the common thrush of gardens and forest edges, from the Cape Peninsula to north-eastern South Africa (roughly restricted to the Afro-montane forest zone). It is a dark-backed thrush with a yellow bill, no noticeable eye-rings and dull orange underparts. Usually hopping on the ground, it takes to trees when disturbed or to sing its typical thrush-like song, a variable series of rolling whistles, tjeeoo-peeoo-wheoo etc.

Karoo Thrush

Turdus smithi 22cm Resident near-endemic. Karoo Thrush replaces Olive Thrush in the more arid or higher-lying interior regions of South Africa. It is a common species of gardens, parks and woodlands, especially in interior cities like Johannesburg. Karoo Thrush is very similar to Olive Thrush and until recently they were considered to be the same species. Key differences are the Karoo Thrush’s orange eye-rings and mostly grey underparts, with diffuse orange only on the lower belly. Its song is very similar to that of Olive Thrush.

Juv

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Kurrichane Thrush

169

Turdus libonyana 22cm

Thrushes

Resident. This species is quite similar to the previous two thrushes and is frequently misidentified. Key features are the orange (not yellow) bill, broad black malar stripes and pale belly with orange flanks. The Kurrichane Thrush inhabits savanna but also visits gardens in northeastern and northern South Africa. Its song is very similar to that of the previous two species.

Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa 21cm

Resident. This is a very distinctive thrush of savanna, gardens and open areas, with a fondness for freshly burnt ground. Usually occurring in pairs, they spend most of their time on the ground, taking to trees only when disturbed or to sing. Key features of Groundscraper Thrush are its black spots on white underparts, distinctive black facial markings and grey back. In flight, buff wing panels are noticeable. Their song is a rather subdued series of unmelodious whistles, and the origin of their onomatopoeic scientific name litsitsirupa.

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170

Cape Rock Thrush

Rock Thrush, Wheatears and Chat

Resident near-endemic. A delightful bird of rocky areas, ranging eastwards from the Cape Peninsula into the north-eastern mountains of South Africa. Usually found in pairs or small family groups, these birds spend their time perched atop rocks or nearby bushes and trees. The male has a distinctive blue-grey head contrasting with an orange body and tail. The female is duller with a greyish head and back, and mottled orange underparts. At higher elevations, look for the similar but more slender Sentinel Rock Thrush (not illustrated), which differs due to the blue-grey back of the male and the grey breast of the female.

Monticola rupestris 22cm

♂

♀

Familiar Chat

Oenanthe familiaris 15cm Resident. The Familiar Chat is a widespread species occurring throughout South Africa, with a preference for rocky areas or buildings. As its name suggests, it is often a tame and approachable bird. The best identification feature for this overall rather dull bird is its behaviour of constantly flicking its wings, especially upon alighting. Occurring in pairs, they are usually seen on low perches, from which they swoop to the ground to catch insect prey. Look for a rusty tail and rump, on an otherwise plain bird. Familiar Chats are paler in the west of the country becoming darker grey in the east. The typical call is a fast cheeu-tja-tja.

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Capped Wheatear

171

Oenanthe pileata 17cm

Rock Thrush, Wheatears and Chat

Resident. This terrestrial species is widespread across much of South Africa but avoids the moister east and north. Its preferred habitat is arid scrubby areas and open grasslands, especially when freshly burnt. Look for an upright bird with a distinctive and very broad black chestband. The white throat and eyebrow contrast with the black chest-band and head. In flight it shows a striking blackand-white tail pattern, typical of most wheatears.

Mountain Wheatear

(Mountain Chat) Myrmecocichla monticola 19cm

♂

Resident. This is a confusingly variable bird of rocky and mountainous areas throughout South Africa (except the warmest lowlands of the far north and east.) The typical male is black with contrasting white shoulder patches, rump and outer tail feathers. The belly may be black or white. Several other plumage patterns exist that exhibit varying extents of black, white and grey coloration. The female is blackish-brown, her pale rump, outer tail feathers and vent separate her from Ant-eating Chat (p. 172). Mountain Wheatear’s enthusiastic song is usually uttered by the male from a raised perch and incorporates a variety of whistles and harsh notes.

♀

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172

African Stonechat

Saxicola torquatus 14cm

Chats and Rockjumper

Resident. This rather small, compact chat is an abundant species across South Africa, except the most arid regions. In the warmer savanna areas, it is usually present only during winter. Its preferred habitat is grasslands, including agricultural fields. The male is rather distinctive with a black head and throat, rufous chest and white on the neck, wing panels and rump (very obvious in flight). The female is duller but shows paler rufous underparts and the diagnostic white rump. Stonechats are almost always found in pairs, usually prominently perched on tall grass or low bushes. The male’s song is a jingly whistled phrase, and in alarm they issue a sharp tjip-chak-chak.

♂

♀

Ant-eating Chat

(Southern Anteater-Chat) Myrmecocichla formicivora 18cm Resident. This dark, short-tailed chat is a common bird of South Africa’s grassland biome. Small family groups are usually seen perched atop termite mounds, low bushes or fence posts. On first appearance they are uniformly dark

♂

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brown, but the male possesses a white shoulder-patch (usually concealed) and both sexes reveal striking white wingpatches in flight. The song is a varied melody of whistles and rattles.

♀

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Drakensberg Rockjumper

(Orange-breasted Rockjumper) Chaetops aurantius 22cm

♂Br

Chats and Rockjumper

Resident near-endemic. The two rockjumper species form an ancient bird family, which is endemic to South Africa and Lesotho. Drakensberg Rockjumper occupies higher elevations of the Drakensberg Mountains, where in its range it is often the most abundant bird species. Families run and hop along rocks, frequently fanning their broad white-tipped tails. The male shows distinctive black-andwhite throat and face markings. In breeding plumage his underparts are pale yellowish, turning burnt-orange in winter. The female lacks the chest and facial markings. The call is a plaintive pi-pi-pi and chee-cheechee. The similar but more rufous Cape Rockjumper (not illustrated) occurs in mountains of the southern Cape. Their ranges do not overlap. Near threatened.

173

♀

♂NBr

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174

White-browed Robin-chat

Robin-chats

(Heuglin’s Robin) Cossypha heuglini 18.5cm

Resident. White-browed Robin-chat is bright orange below, with striking white eyebrows that contrast with a black face and crown. Pairs occupy territories in riverine thickets and forest, as well as well-wooded gardens, through northeastern and northern South Africa. They are usually first detected by their beautiful song, a rising crescendo of fluted notes and whistles, usually issued by both birds from the interior of thick bushes. This handsome bird is arguably the richest songster of any South African species.

Red-capped Robin-chat (Natal Robin) Cossypha natalensis 16.5cm

Resident. Smaller than the previous species and less striking in both appearance and song, Red-capped Robin-chat makes up for this by its incredible mimicry skills. This species is mostly orange with grey wings and lacks a striking head pattern. Red-capped Robin-chat can be found in pairs occupying forest, thicket and gardens from the Eastern Cape northwards through the more humid areas of South Africa. Besides an incredible repertoire of imitated calls (with a marked preference for Crowned Eagle, African Emerald Cuckoo and Fierynecked Nightjar), this species also issues a monotonous two-noted fresh-fruit call.

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White-throated Robin-chat

175

Robin-chats

(White-throated Robin) Cossypha humeralis 15.5cm

Resident. This charming species inhabits thickets and watercourses in northeastern and northern South Africa’s savanna regions. Although not as colourful as the other robin-chats on these pages, it is nevertheless a striking bird. Key features include its clear white throat, chest, wing panel and eyebrows, and bright rufous tail and flanks. This fairly shy species is found in pairs, either foraging on the ground or singing from trees (fanning its rufous tail in the process). White-throated Robin-chat’s song is somewhat bulbul-like. It also emits high-pitched buzzing whistles.

Chorister Robin-chat (Chorister Robin) Cossypha dichroa 18cm

Resident near-endemic. This beautiful songster is endemic to South Africa and Eswatini, occurring in coastal and montane forests, from Mossel Bay eastwards to northern South Africa. It is orange below and dark slaty above, including its entire head. Chorister Robin-chats live in pairs, usually in the forest understorey, but when singing they sometimes rise to canopy level. They are very vocal, singing their own rich songs, as well as mimicking an impressive range of local forest birds.

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Cape Robin-chat

(Cape Robin) Cossypha caffra 17cm

Robin-chat and Scrub Robins

Resident. This common garden, thicket and woodland bird is one of South Africa’s most familiar and well-loved species. Cape Robin-chats can be found countrywide, avoiding only the most arid west and lowest-lying eastern savanna regions. Usually seen hopping on the ground with their orange tail frequently held cocked, look also for the orange throat and white eyebrows. In common with other robin-chats and flycatchers, juveniles are mottled. Cape Robin-chat’s somewhat subdued call is a pleasant jumble of notes, each phrase preceded by a short upslurred whistle. It also makes a soft growling rattle in the evening or when alarmed.

Kalahari Scrub Robin Cercotrichas paena 16cm

Resident. The scrub robins are a group of mostly terrestrial, rather plain birds that frequently cock their tail over their back. Kalahari Scrub Robin inhabits the arid woodlands and open areas dominated by the Kalahari sands of north-western South Africa. Its most distinctive feature is its rufous rump and tail (which terminates in a striking black-and-white pattern). It also shows distinctive pale eyebrows but is otherwise a plain, sandy-coloured bird. The song of this species is a series of varied, sweet melodious whistles.

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White-browed Scrub Robin

177

(Red-backed Scrub-Robin) Cercotrichas leucophrys 15cm markings. White-browed Scrub Robin’s pleasant series of whistled phrases are one of the most frequently heard and familiar songs of the savanna, even during the heat of the day. They usually sing from a semi-concealed mid-level perch but forage on the ground. A harsh rattle is issued in alarm.

Robin-chat and Scrub Robins

Resident. The most well-marked and colourful of the scrub robins. This species is very common in the savanna region of eastern and northern South Africa, and also occupies thickets and woodlands. Key identification features are the namesake white eyebrows, streaked chest, rufous rump and white wing

Karoo Scrub Robin

Cercotrichas coryphoeus 17cm Resident. This species is the darkest and plainest scrub robin, and resides in the fynbos and arid scrublands of the western regions of South Africa. Key features on this overall greyish bird are pale

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eyebrows, white tips to tail feathers and a lack of streaking. Karoo Scrub Robin’s song comprises both whistles and rattling notes, and is not as melodious as that of the other scrub robins.

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178

Fiscal Flycatcher

Melaenornis silens 18cm

Flycatchers

Resident near-endemic. This flycatcher is often mistaken for Southern Fiscal (p. 160), and this is by no means coincidental, its pied plumage is intended to mimic the larger and more aggressive species. Besides the smaller size and slender build, Fiscal Flycatcher has a fine, pointed bill lacking a hook. The white wing panel is restricted, not forming a ‘V’, and in flight Fiscal Flycatcher displays white on the inner, not outer tail. The female is duller than the male. This species occupies woodlands and savanna throughout South Africa, except the most arid west. In the lower-lying eastern savanna regions it occurs as a winter altitudinal migrant. The Fiscal Flycatcher sings a soft, scratchy song.

♂

Juv

African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta 13cm

Resident. This small greyish flycatcher is a common bird of forests and wellwooded regions, occurring from the Cape Peninsula eastwards to northern South Africa. Some higher-elevation populations migrate to lower-lying savanna regions in winter. Usually in pairs or small family groups, this species can be tame and approachable. They perch on the edges of trees at all levels and sally out to catch insects. Key features include the compact shape, large rounded head, grey breast streaking and inconspicuous pale eyebrows and eye-rings. African Dusky Flycatcher’s commonest call is a highpitched tseep.

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African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis

179

♀17cm ♂37cm

Flycatchers

Summer-breeding migrant. This charming species is a visitor to the eastern half of South Africa, southwards to the Cape Peninsula. The male’s delightful bubbling song is a harbinger of spring. He is a small, but very long-tailed bird with a bright chestnut back, wings and tail, contrasting with a dark, crested head. The bill and eye-rings are bright blue. The female is similar but lacks the long tail. Pairs of African Paradise Flycatchers hold territories along forest edges, riverine areas and well-wooded gardens. They often issue a buzzing tjeep-djeep contact call.

♂

♀

♂

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♂

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180

Cape Batis

Batis capensis 13cm

Batis and Crombec

Resident. Batises are charming, shorttailed, chunky African woodland and forest birds. The male Cape Batis shows a black chest-band, rufous flanks and wing panels, and striking yellow eyes. The female differs by showing a rufous chestband and throat patch and dark orange eyes. Separation from Chinspot Batis is discussed under that species, but the two species seldom occur together. Cape Batis prefers mid-levels in forest, riverine thickets and fynbos (from the Cape Peninsula eastwards to far northern South Africa), as opposed to Chinspot’s choice of savanna. Cape Batis has two distinctive calls, a penetrating too-too-too and a strange electronic gurgling usually issued by several members of a family group.

♀

♂

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Chinspot Batis

181

Batis molitor 13cm

Batis and Crombec

Resident. The male Chinspot Batis has a black chest-band and white flanks and wing panels (not rufous as in Cape Batis). The female shares Cape Batis’s rufous chest-band and chin patch, but shows white wing panels and yellow eyes. Pairs of Chinspot Batis are generally found in the canopy of savanna, wandering into non-native plantations and gardens during winter. This species occurs from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa. Its distinctive three-note, whistled descending song is popularly described as three-blind-mice.

♂

♀

Long-billed Crombec (Cape Crombec) Sylvietta rufescens 11cm

Resident. Sharing the stump-tailed batis shape, this small warbler is, however, unrelated. It is a plain, unmarked bird, grey-brown above and paler buffy below, with a relatively long, decurved bill. Crombecs forage by clambering along branches and through leaves, often hanging upside-down, searching for small insects. Their preferred habitat is fynbos and savanna across most of South Africa. They have two distinctive calls, a fast cheerful chirry-chirry-chirry and a short firefinch-like rattle.

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182

Bar-throated Apalis

Apalis thoracica 12.5cm

Apalis, Grassbird and Camaroptera

Resident. This slender forest warbler is a common and often very confiding bird of forests, fynbos, moist bushveld and riverine thickets. The namesake throatbar is a key feature, as well as the white throat, pale eyes and longish tail sporting white outer feathers. Occurring from the Cape Peninsula, eastwards to northern South Africa, Bar-throated Apalis’ background colour changes significantly over this range. Western populations are cold grey and white. Moving to the east and north, their underparts become yellower and their upperparts greener. Usually found in pairs, Bar-throated Apalis are vocal, frequently emitting a loud klup-klup-klup call.

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Juv

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Cape Grassbird

Sphenoeacus afer 21cm importantly a long tail with a ragged tip. It is a prolific songster, issuing a beautiful series of cheerful, jangling, cascading water-like notes from a prominent perch. Cape Grassbirds occur from the Cape Peninsula eastwards into northern South Africa.

Apalis, Grassbird and Camaroptera

Resident near-endemic. This large warbler is a common species of rank grass, scrub and wetland edges. Key features include the rufous crown and cheeks, black moustachial stripes, generous streaking (especially in the southern populations), and most

183

Green-backed Camaroptera

(Bleating Bush Warbler) Camaroptera brachyura 13cm Resident. This tiny warbler is a common, but rather secretive denizen of forests and thickets, ranging from Mossel Bay eastwards and northwards. However, this species more than makes up for its furtive nature by its frequently issued and incredibly loud calls, which range from a klak-klak-klak to a plaintive bleating (the source of this species’

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former name). This rather plain bird has a greenish back, wings and short tail, which is held prominently cocked, revealing a fluffy white vent. In the drier woodlands of northern South Africa, this species is replaced by the closely related Grey-backed Camaroptera (not illustrated), which as its name suggests has a grey, not green, back.

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184

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava 13cm

Prinias

Resident. Prinias are slender warblers with extremely long tails. Tawnyflanked Prinia is a very common bird, ranging from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa. This unstreaked, grey-brown species has contrasting tawny wings and flanks. Small family groups forage in rank grass in a wide variety of habitats, including gardens. They are usually first detected by their loud chipping or plaintive wheezing notes.

Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans 14cm

Resident. Black-chested Prinia is the western counterpart of Tawny-flanked Prinia. It is a common bird across western and central South Africa, sharing similar habitats, calls (except the wheezing notes) and behaviour. It differs in showing a broad black chest-band in breeding plumage, as well as yellowish underparts, but lacks tawny wings. In non-breeding plumage the chest-band fades but the yellowish on the underparts remains.

Nbr

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Karoo Prinia

185

Prinia maculosa 14cm

Prinias

Resident near-endemic. Karoo and Drakensberg Prinias were previously ‘lumped’ as a single species, Spotted Prinia. Hence these sister species are rather similar, but have only marginal range overlap. The Karoo Prinia occurs in scrubby areas across the southern quarter of South Africa, predominantly in the fynbos and Karoo biomes. It is prominently streaked on the underparts, including the throat and flanks. Occurring in pairs or small family groups, this species makes the typical prinia chipping notes as well as a rough buzzing call.

Drakensberg Prinia

(Saffron-breasted Prinia) Prinia hypoxantha 14cm Resident near-endemic. Drakensberg Prinia’s range is centred around the Drakensberg mountains, from the Eastern Cape to the highlands of northern South Africa. It is a common bird of scrubby habitats (overlapping significantly with Tawny-flanked Prinia). Drakensberg Prinia can be separated from Tawny-

flanked by its mostly streaked underparts and lack of tawny wings, and from Karoo Prinia by its unmarked throat and flanks. This species shows a yellow suffusion to the underparts in its winter non-breeding plumage. Besides the typical prinia chipping notes, this species also has a diagnostic fast prrrr-prrrr call.

Nbr

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186

Neddicky

Cisticolas

(Piping Cisticola) Cisticola fulvicapilla 11cm Resident. South Africa’s 15 cisticola species are the source of significant identification challenges. Their key features are actually their calls and habitat preferences. This book covers four of the most commonly encountered. Neddicky is one of the commonest birds within its range (Cape Peninsula through eastern, central and northern South Africa) and habitat preference (scrubby areas in woodland, fynbos and montane regions). It is tiny, with a prominent rusty cap, unstreaked body, thin tail (often cocked) and pinkish-orange legs. Body colour varies from grey in the south to pale in the north of its range. Its loud, monotonous ringing tsee-tsee-tsee song is endlessly repeated from a prominent perch.

Zitting Cisticola

(Fan-tailed Cisticola) Cisticola juncidis 11cm Resident. This tiny, short-tailed cisticola is an abundant grassland species, occurring across the whole country (except the most arid regions, which lack grasslands). Zitting Cisticola has streaky upperparts, plainer underparts, a rusty rump and a black subterminal tail bar (just above the tail tip). Its most distinctive feature is a unique call and display flight, the namesake zit issued during a low and jerky circuit over its territory.

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Levaillant’s Cisticola

187

Cisticola tinniens 14cm

Cisticolas

Resident. A larger, long-tailed cisticola that is an abundant resident of reedbeds and scrubby vegetation, always in close proximity to wetlands. It occurs throughout South Africa, with the exception of the most arid west and lowest-lying eastern and northern regions. It is one of the most well-marked cisticolas, with a bright rufous crown, nape and wings, and darkly streaked upperparts. Pairs of Levaillant’s Cisticola are vociferous, issuing a pleasant bubbling tsee-churreeoo song and, when disturbed, loud chipping notes.

Rattling Cisticola

Cisticola chiniana 15cm Resident. The well-named Rattling Cisticola is arguably the commonest and noisiest species occupying the savanna biome of eastern and northern South Africa. Family groups of these cisticolas take to the tops of bushes and trees, vehemently objecting to any disturbance with a loud chee-chee-chee-chrrrrra (the final part being the namesake rattle) Each individual makes a different variation of this call. Rattling Cisticola has a similar plumage pattern to Levaillant’s Cisticola but is more subdued, with a paler buffy crown, nape and wings, and a lightly streaked back.

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188

Cape Sugarbird

Promerops cafer 27–41cm

Sugarbirds and Sunbird

Resident. Endemic. The two sugarbird species constitute an ancient bird family, endemic to southern Africa and with no close relatives. Cape Sugarbird is unique within its range (the fynbos region of the southern Cape), and the key feature is the male’s incredibly long tail. Even the much shorter tail of the female is still proportionately long. Besides the tail, look for a long-billed, dark greyish bird with a yellow vent, usually perched in or near flowering protea bushes. Cape Sugarbirds are generally common within their range. The unmelodious song of this species is a series of harsh chipping, grating and jangling notes.

♂

♀

Gurney’s Sugarbird

Promerops gurneyi 23cm–27cm

Resident near-endemic. Generally occurring at lower densities than Cape Sugarbird, the more colourful but shorter-tailed Gurney’s Sugarbird can be found in the highlands of eastern and northern South Africa. It is also restricted to areas with prolific proteas, moving in accordance with their flowering.

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Altitudinal migration to lower elevations takes place during winter. This species is smaller and could be mistaken for a large sunbird, but the rufous breast and yellow vent should eliminate confusion. This species’ loud call is similar to that of Cape Sugarbird described above. Near Threatened.

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Malachite Sunbird

Nectarinia famosa 15–25cm

Sugarbirds and Sunbird

Resident. This remarkable large sunbird is always a delight to encounter. The breeding-plumaged male is a brilliant, long-tailed, metallic-emerald bird. In display it puffs out concealed yellow pectoral patches. The non-breeding eclipse male is yellowish below with random patches of metallic green. Females are similar but lack the metallic patches. All birds have the long, slightly decurved bill. Malachite Sunbirds range widely across much of South Africa except the arid central and north-eastern savanna regions. They have a preference for areas with many aloes or proteas, and perform seasonal movements to take advantage of flowering events. Their songs and calls are made up of high pitched chips, seeps and other twitters.

189

Nbr

♂

♂

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190

Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea 16cm

Sunbirds

Resident. Endemic. This colourful, longtailed sunbird is restricted to the fynbos biome of the southern Cape. The striking male sports the namesake orange breast, as well as a metallic purple breast-band and green head. The shorter-tailed female is an olive-yellow sunbird, larger and brighter than most other female sunbirds. Orange-breasted Sunbirds are generally common and usually found in the vicinity of flowering proteas or ericas. They emit typical sunbird chipping notes and a high-pitched warbling song.

♂

♀

♂

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Southern Double-collared Sunbird

191

(Lesser Double-collared Sunbird) Cinnyris chalybeus 12cm

♂

red bands and a preference for fynbos and Karoo scrub, whereas the eastern and northern populations sport wider red breast-bands and occur in forest and forest edge (but wander more widely in winter). Females are overall dull grey. Males sing a fast, cheerful high-pitched song, usually from the tops of bushes or high trees.

♀

Greater Double-collared Sunbird Resident near-endemic. This species is often confused for the generally commoner and smaller Southern Doublecollared Sunbird. Key features are the very wide red chest-band, much longer, more decurved bill and chunkier appearance. The female of this species shows more buffy underparts than that of Southern Double-collared. Greater is also almost

♂

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Sunbirds

Resident near-endemic. This small sunbird has a striking red chest-band, below a narrow violet band, hence the ‘doublecollared’ moniker. It is almost entirely restricted to South Africa, but occurs widely, avoiding only the most arid central and north-eastern savanna regions. Southern populations have very narrow

Cinnyris afer 14.5cm

entirely restricted to South Africa, and ranges from the southern Cape eastwards into northern South Africa. Its habitat preference is subtly different; it is partial to more open, scrubby areas, especially where aloes, leonotis and other flowering plants dominate. The louder song of this species is slower, more warbling and less cheerful than that of the previous species.

♀

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192

Marico Sunbird (Mariqua Sunbird)

Cinnyris mariquensis 13.5cm

Sunbirds

Resident. This smaller sunbird is common in the drier savanna of north-eastern and north-western South Africa. Marico Sunbird can be separated from the similar double-collared sunbirds by showing a

maroon (not red) chest-band and a black (not pale grey) belly. Females are grey above and mottled buffy below. The song is a pleasant series of typical sunbird-like trills and chips.

♀

♂

Amethyst Sunbird (Black Sunbird)

Chalcomitra amethystina 14.5cm

Resident. This medium-sized sunbird looks totally black at first sight, hence its former name. However, when seen in good light, the male’s brilliant green crown and purple throat, shoulder and rump patches glisten. The female shows a dark throat and heavily blotched

underparts. Ranging from the southern Cape eastwards into northern South Africa, this is a common species of woodlands, forest edges and gardens. The typical call of this species is a liquid cheep, but its song is a squeaky, jumbled series of notes.

♂

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Nbr

♂

♀

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Scarlet-chested Sunbird

Chalcomitra senegalensis 14cm

♀

prominent eyebrows. The range of Scarletchested is more limited, being restricted to the savanna of north-eastern and northern South Africa. The typical call of this species is a liquid, double chip-cheep.

Juv

Sunbirds

Resident. The striking Scarlet-chested Sunbird looks similar to Amethyst until its brilliant namesake scarlet chest is noticed. Compared with Amethyst, the female shows a less dark throat and less

193

♂

♂

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194

White-bellied Sunbird

(White-breasted Sunbird) Cinnyris talatala 11cm

Sunbirds and White-eye

Resident. This small sunbird’s key feature is its namesake prominent white belly. The male also sports a purple breastband and green head and upperparts. The female is very plain and pale. This is a common savanna and garden species,

♂

Collared Sunbird

Nbr

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♀

♂

Hedydipna collaris 10.5cm

Resident. This is a tiny, short-billed sunbird that is sometimes mistaken for a white-eye. Both sexes are mostly yellow below but differ from white-eyes by being metallic green above. The male sports a green throat and narrow blue breast-band, both absent in the female.

♂

occurring from KwaZulu-Natal through northern and north-western South Africa. Very vocal, the male sings a metallic chew-chew-chichichi, the last part being a trill. It also frequently utters a single metallic chip note.

This is a forest, forest edge and thicket species, occurring from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa. Pairs are generally inconspicuous, clambering in tangles at all levels. Their high-pitched chattering and chipping calls are reminiscent of white-eyes.

♀

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Cape White-eye

Zosterops virens 12cm

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Sunbirds and White-eye

Resident near-endemic. The Cape White-eye is a tiny, mostly yellow bird. It occurs across much of South Africa, barring the arid west, where it is replaced by the similar Orange River White-eye (not illustrated, which shows peach-coloured flanks). Several subspecies of Cape White-eye exist, exhibiting varying belly coloration, ranging from mostly grey in southern and central areas, to yellow or greenishyellow in the east and north. All forms show prominent white-feathered eyerings. Small family groups of white-eyes are abundant in all wooded habitats from forests to gardens. They constantly vocalise, issuing cheerful chee-chee-chee notes and a metallic trill in alarm.

195

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196

Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus 25cm

Oriole and Weavers

Resident. Superficially similar to weavers, Black-headed Oriole is, however, not closely related. Look for a fairly large, bright yellow bird with a black head and throat, and red bill. The juvenile has a dark bill and head, and a streaked throat and breast. This beautiful canopy-dweller is common, but usually found singly. It inhabits a variety of woodlands, including forests, savanna and gardens, from Mossel Bay to northern South Africa. The oriole’s clear liquid plueeeo usually betrays its presence. It also issues other delightful whistles, and a harsh krrreea alarm call. Juv

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Cape Weaver

197

Ploceus capensis 17.5cm

Oriole and Weavers

Resident near-endemic. This common, large weaver is endemic to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. It is all yellowish with distinctive pale eyes. The male has no black patches, although the subspecies occurring in the central and northern regions of South Africa display a ginger suffusion to the face during the breeding season. The female is lighter yellow with a long pinkish bill. Cape Weaver’s range includes most of South Africa, avoiding only the arid central and lower-lying savanna regions. Its preferred habitats include grasslands, fynbos and other open areas. This species nests in small colonies in trees or reedbeds. It utters the swizzles and rattles typical of weavers, especially around these colonies.

♂

♀

Village Weaver

(Spotted-backed Weaver) Ploceus cucullatus 16cm Resident. Within its range (from the Eastern Cape into northern South Africa), Village Weaver is usually the dominant and most abundant weaver species. In the breeding season, the male displays a diagnostic spotted back (hence its alternative name), as well as a black face and throat (typically terminating in a ‘V’ on the chest), and bright red eyes. Note the yellow forecrown which also

distinguishes this species from the smaller masked weavers (p. 199). Females and non-breeding males generally have red eyes and yellow heads, with variable amounts of yellow elsewhere. They tolerate any wooded habitat and prefer nesting in large noisy colonies over water (although not exclusively). They are very noisy, uttering the swizzles and rattles typical of weavers.

Nbr

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198

Thick-billed Weaver

Weavers

(Grosbeak Weaver) Amblyospiza albifrons 18cm Resident. As both names of this species suggest, this atypical dark weaver sports a very heavy bill. The dark chocolate male also shows a white forehead when breeding and white wing panels. The female is boldly streaked below, and her bill is horn-coloured. Thick-billed Weavers nest in small reedbed colonies consisting of several finely woven nests, each supported by two vertical stems. They range from the Eastern Cape into northern South Africa, and can be found in most habitats, including gardens. At their colonies they issue a chattering song, but small flocks emit a high-pitched seep-seep as they fly, usually high, between nesting and feeding areas.

Spectacled Weaver

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♀

Ploceus ocularis 15.5cm

Resident. Although common, Spectacled Weavers are rather secretive, keeping to tangles and thick bushes. However their regularly issued fast tee-ee-ee-eee song betrays their presence. Look for a bright yellow bird with a heavy black

♂

♂

Juv

line through their pale eye (the namesake ‘spectacles’). The male also sports a black throat. Territorial pairs build a single nest with a very long entrance tube; they are not colonial nesters. They range from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa.

♀

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Southern Masked Weaver

Ploceus velatus 15cm

♂

Ploceus intermedius 14cm

Resident. Very similar to, but slightly smaller than Southern Masked, the breeding male shows a pale eye and a very rounded black face and throat bib that doesn’t extend onto the chest. The pale eye is also noticeable in the plainer

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♀

♂NBr

Lesser Masked Weaver

♂

and bright red eyes. The back is greenishyellow and lacks spots. The non-breedingplumaged male and female are plainer (eyes red in the male and dark in the female). They nest in small colonies and can be very noisy, uttering the swizzles and rattles typical of weavers.

Weavers

Resident. This is South Africa’s most widespread weaver, occurring in most wooded habitats, including gardens, across the entire country. It is abundant in some areas but strangely rare or absent in others. This is a small weaver, the breeding male shows a black face, forecrown and throat,

199

female and non-breeding-plumaged male. It ranges from KwaZulu-Natal northwards and has a preference for savanna. It nests in small colonies, sometimes mixed with other weaver species, and utters the swizzles and rattles typical of weavers.

♀

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200

White-browed Sparrow-weaver

Weaver and allies

Plocepasser mahali 17cm Resident. This is a species of the more arid open savanna and Kalahari woodlands of central and western South Africa, although its range is expanding eastwards and southwards. The first evidence of this species’ presence is usually its colonies of messy straw nests in the upper levels of tall trees. Key features of this rather terrestrial species include the striking white rump (visible in flight) and broad white eyebrows and wing panels. Groups of White-browed Sparrow-weavers are noisy, emitting loud chattering.

Red-billed Buffalo Weaver

Bubalornis niger 23cm

Resident. This species is best identified by the combination of red bill and legs on a mostly black bird (males are darker than females and show white flanks). In flight they reveal striking white wing patches.

♂

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This species also builds prominent messy nests, constructed from dry twigs, and placed in trees as well as on power pylons and other infrastructure. They occur in the savanna of northern South Africa. Their call is an excited chattering.

♀

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Scaly-feathered Finch

201

(Scaly-feathered/Scaly Weaver) Sporopipes squamifrons 10.5cm scrub of the dry west, central and northwestern regions of South Africa. They are usually found in busy groups, hopping on the ground in search of seeds and emitting their cheerful chirps.

Weaver and allies

Resident. A pair of malar stripes gives this tiny bird an angry appearance. Look also for the scaly crown and small pinkish bill. This is also an arid western species, occupying the savanna, open areas and

Sociable Weaver

Philetairus socius 14cm Resident. A rather small, plain bird that overcompensates for its dull appearance by constructing one of the largest nests in the bird world. These huge straw structures are the most reliable sign of the species’ presence, and can be found in the arid north-western Kalahari region. Utilising trees as well as telephone poles, these communal nests are home not only to these aptly named birds, but often also to Pygmy Falcons (p. 85), Red-headed Finches (p. 219) and sometimes Rosyfaced Lovebirds (not illustrated). The weavers themselves are best identified by their black chin and face, and scaled back and flanks. They make an excitable chattering, especially when one approaches their nest.

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202

Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus 15cm

Sparrows

Resident. This is a common bird, occurring in savanna, woodlands and gardens throughout South Africa, barring the arid west. It lacks any obvious face markings, unlike all the other sparrows. Instead, look for a chestnut shoulder-patch and a small white wing-bar (sometimes concealed) on the upperwing. Their black bill fades to a horn colour during the non-breeding season. They are usually found in pairs, and their chip calls are typical of sparrows.

Nbr

House Sparrow

Passer domesticus 14.5cm

♂

Resident. This introduced Eurasian species can be found anywhere in South Africa, but seems to always seek the presence of humanity. The male is distinctive, with a grey crown contrasting with a black face and bib extending onto the chest. The female can be an identification challenge when not accompanied by any males. She has streaky upperparts and a long and distinctive buffy eyebrow. House Sparrows are usually found in small groups in and around buildings and make typical sparrow chip calls.

♀

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Cape Sparrow

203

(Mossie) Passer melanurus 15cm

Sparrows

Resident. This sparrow is common and widespread across South Africa, being absent only from the lowest-lying northern savanna regions. The male is a striking bird with a large white C-shaped marking on his black head and chest. The female shows a similar but less obvious pale C-shaped mark on her grey head and chest. Both sexes show more chestnut on the upperparts than any other sparrow. Family groups of Cape Sparrows can be found in most habitats, including cities. In common with House Sparrows, they often nest in buildings, and the two species can be found together. Cape Sparrows make loud chipping notes and a variety of other sounds.

♂

♀

Yellow-throated Petronia (Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow) Gymnoris superciliaris 16cm

Resident. This savanna species, ranging from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa, can be tricky to identify. The key feature is the broad pale eyebrow, not the namesake, usually concealed, yellow throat spot. Its bill is longer and sharper than that of the typical sparrows. The Yellow-throated Petronia also has an unusual and distinctive habit of regularly wagging its tail. Occurring in pairs or small groups, they forage on the ground but fly up to trees when disturbed. Their call is a throaty threenote cheer-cheer-cheer or chip-chip-chip.

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204

Red-headed Weaver

Weaver, Quelea and Bishop

Resident. The breeding-plumage male Red-headed Weaver cannot be easily mistaken, with his bright pink bill, scarlet head, neck and chest, and yellow wing panels. The non-breeding male and female are best separated from other nonbreeding weavers by their pale pink bill, yellow head, throat and wing panels, and grey back. Males construct distinctive hanging nests, which look old and scraggly even when freshly built. They occur across the savanna region of northern South Africa. Their calls are swizzling notes typical of weavers.

Anaplectes rubriceps 14.5cm

♂

Nbr

Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea 12cm

♂

Resident. This nomadic and eruptive species is infamous for forming enormous, synchronised-flying flocks. It occurs throughout South Africa, but is very rare in the south-western Cape. It can be found in any savanna or open areas, including agricultural lands. Males always have a red bill, but breeding plumage is variable. The typical male has a black face and chin, but a minority have a white face. Non-breeders revert to female dress – streaky dull brown. Non-breeding females show a red bill that turns straw-yellow when breeding. Juveniles have pale horncoloured bills. Their calls are typical seed eater chips.

♀

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Southern Red Bishop

Euplectes orix 13cm

Weaver, Quelea and Bishop

Resident. An abundant bird that occurs throughout South Africa. The breedingplumage male is bright and distinctive: look for a brilliant reddish-and-black bird. In transitional plumage it is mottled red and black. Non-breeding males and females resemble many other bishops and widowbirds and are a serious identification challenge. Key features are the stubby tail, pale yellow eyebrow and finely streaked underparts. During the breeding season the males utter long swizzling display songs as they flutter around their nests, which are usually built in reedbeds. When out foraging in grasslands, fields and gardens they make a single soft whit call.

205

♂

♂ Transitional

♂

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♀

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206

Yellow-crowned Bishop

(Golden Bishop) Euplectes afer 11cm

Bishops and Widowbird

Resident. This tiny gem performs one of the greatest displays in the bird world. The male fluffs out his brilliant golden back feathers and buzzes over wetlands and grasslands like a giant bumblebee. Note the yellow crown, which separates this species from the larger and longertailed Yellow Bishop. The non-breeding male and female are best identified by their tiny size, two-tone bill and heavily streaked appearance. Yellow-crowned Bishops occur across the eastern half of South Africa, but are generally not found in the lower-lying regions. Their calls are rather highpitched.

♂

♀

♂

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Yellow Bishop

207

(Cape Bishop/Yellow-rumped Widow) Euplectes capensis 17cm

♂

coloured shoulders and rump, but are best identified by the presence of accompanying males. Small family groups are common in fynbos regions of the Cape, north-eastwards into northern South Africa, favouring grasslands and agricultural fields. Males make highpitched swizzles and cheep calls.

Bishops and Widowbird

Resident. Larger than the other bishops, the mostly black male shows extensive bright yellow shoulder- and rumppatches. In non-breeding plumage, the black areas are lost and become very streaky, but the yellow shoulders and rump are retained. The very streaky females have dull mustard-

♀

White-winged Widowbird (White-winged Widow) Euplectes albonotatus 15cm

♂

Resident. The breeding-plumage male White-winged Widowbird is a slender black bird with a pale bill, the namesake white wing-patches and bright yellow shoulder epaulettes. In non-breeding plumage the male retains the white wing-patches, yellow shoulder-patches and much of the black on the wing, being otherwise streaky above and plain below. The female is rather plain below with a distinctive pale eyebrow and pinkish bill. This species is common in rank grass of savanna and other open areas, through north-eastern and northern South Africa. The displaying male emits a strange buzzing rattle and fast chittering.

♀

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208

Long-tailed Widowbird

(Long-tailed Widow) Euplectes progne 20–60cm

Bishops and Widowbirds

Resident. One of the distinctive summer sights in the grasslands of eastern South Africa is the absurdly long-tailed male Long-tailed Widowbird slowly and laboriously flapping over his territory. Look for his large red shoulder-patches. The non-

♂

breeding male and female can be separated from other non-breeding widowbirds by their large size, in particular their broad wings and long tail, combined with their orange-red shoulder-patches. The male has an undistinguished chipping song.

♀

Fan-tailed Widowbird

(Red-shouldered Widow) Euplectes axillaris 15cm Resident. In breeding plumage, the male Fan-tailed Widowbird shares Long-tailed Widowbird’s black coloration combined with red shoulder-patches. However, this species is much smaller and more slender, and doesn’t sport a very long tail. The non-breeding male retains the reddish shoulder-patches and pale bill.

♂

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The general background colour of the non-breeding male and female is buffy, not yellowish, and they usually show light breast streaking. This species occurs in grasslands, wetlands and open areas, from the Eastern Cape eastwards. The male emits high-pitched buzzes and chips during his display flight.

Nbr

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Red-collared Widowbird

(Red-collared Widow) Euplectes ardens 12–35cm

209

Bishops and Widowbirds

Resident. This long-tailed species is sometimes mistaken for Long-tailed Widowbird but is significantly smaller and more slender. The breedingplumage male lacks red shoulderpatches and appears all black until a good view is obtained, when his namesake brilliant red throat-collar is observed. The non-breeding male and female lack any colour, are unstreaked below and sport a proportionately long tail and very dark wings. This species is a common bird, usually in medium-sized flocks, ranging in grasslands and other open areas from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa.

♀

♂

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210

Pin-tailed Whydah

Vidua macroura

Whydahs

Resident. Whydahs are brood-parasitic seed eaters. By far the commonest species is Pin-tailed Whydah. During the breeding season, the black-and-white male sports a long, narrow black tail and a bright red bill. Females and non-breeding males show distinct black head streaking and a red bill, although breeding females have a dark bill. Juveniles are plain grey-brown with either a black or red bill, depending upon their age. Pin-tailed Whydahs occur in woodlands, open areas and gardens across South Africa, except the most arid north-western regions. Their primary host species is Common Waxbill. The male is a noisy bird, making loud chips and cheeps, especially during his bouncy display flight or when aggressively chasing other birds (including much larger species) out of his territory.

♀12.5cm ♂30cm

♂

Nbr

Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia 11–28cm

♂

Resident. This species is similar to Pintailed Whydah, but the breeding-plumage male is buffy-yellow below. The tail shape also differs, being narrow in the centre and terminating in broader feathertips. Females and non-breeding males show a streaked crown, and red bill and legs (legs are dark on Pin-tailed Whydah). Shaft-tailed Whydahs occur across the more arid savanna of central and northern South Africa. Their primary host is Violet-eared Waxbill. The male has a reedy song.

♂

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Long-tailed Paradise Whydah

(Acacia/Eastern Paradise Whydah) Vidua paradisaea 15–36cm

Whydahs

Resident. The breeding male shows a heavy black tail with a very broad base giving him a strange exclamation-like shape in flight. His head is black, chest rufous, and neck and belly buffy-yellow. Females and non-breeding males have a very striking black-and-white head pattern and dark bill. Males often perch at the top of trees and rise up in jerky display flights. Flocks forage on the ground, often mixed with other whydahs, indigobirds and seed eaters. This species occurs in the savanna of eastern and northern South Africa. The seldom-heard song is a fairly highpitched series of whistles and chatters, much of it mimicry of its primary host, Green-winged Pytilia.

211

♂

♀

♂

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Village Indigobird

Indigobirds and Firefinch

Resident. Indigobirds are brood parasites, each species having a firefinch as its specialist host species. In the case of Village Indigobird, this is Red-billed Firefinch. The male Village Indigobird is black with orange-red bill and legs. Females and non-breeding males are brownish with a streaked crown and paler orange-red bill and legs. This species occurs in savanna and gardens, through eastern and northern South Africa. The male’s song, emitted from an open perch at the top of a tree, mimics that of Red-billed Firefinch.

(Steel-blue Widowfinch) Vidua chalybeata 11.5cm

♂

Dusky Indigobird

(Variable Indigobird/Black Widowfinch) Vidua funerea 11.5cm

♂

Resident. The breeding-plumage male Dusky Indigobird is black with a whitish bill and orange-red legs. Females and non-breeding males are brownish with a streaked crown, whitish bill and orangered legs. This species occurs in savanna and gardens, from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa. The male’s song mimics that of African Firefinch, its host species.

Purple Indigobird

(Purple Widowfinch) Vidua purpurascens 10.5cm Resident. The breeding-plumage male Purple Indigobird is black with a whitish bill and legs. Females and non-breeding males are brownish with a streaked crown and whitish bill and legs. This species occurs in the savanna of northeastern and northern South Africa. The male’s song mimics that of Jameson’s Firefinch, its host species.

♂

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Red-billed Firefinch

213

Lagonosticta senegala 9.5cm

Indigobirds and Firefinch

Resident. Firefinches are small, mostly red seed-eaters that are the brood hosts for indigobirds. Red-billed is the most widespread firefinch with an expanding range incorporating savanna, thickets and gardens from the Eastern Cape to northern and north-western South Africa. Key features are the pinkish-red bill and yellow eye-ring. The female is the dullest of all female firefinches, being brown with red only on the tail and lores. The song of this species includes soft rattles and squeaking notes.

♂

African Firefinch

(Blue-billed Firefinch) Lagonosticta rubricata 10cm

♂

Resident. This firefinch has a distinctive dark bill combined with a grey crown and nape. The male is reddish below and the female buff-orange. It occurs in pairs or small family groups in thickets, forest edge and gardens, from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa. Their calls include pleasant bell-like tinkling and rattling.

Jameson’s Firefinch

Lagonosticta rhodopareia 11cm Resident. This firefinch of northern and far north-eastern South Africa shares with African Firefinch a dark bill, but differs in showing pinkish upperparts, including the crown and nape. The male is reddish below and the female buff-orange. Jameson’s Firefinch occurs in woodlands, thickets and gardens, often close to rocky areas. Its bell-like call is similar but faster than that of African Firefinch.

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♂

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Blue Waxbill

Waxbills

(Southern Cordonbleu) Uraeginthus angolensis 12.5cm Resident. This small, mostly blue bird is a common species of the savanna and open areas of eastern, central and northern South Africa. The underparts, including the face and tail, are mostly powder-blue. The upperparts are greyish-brown. The female has an extensive pale belly. Small family groups constantly make sibilant see-see-see whistles. They forage on the ground, flying into low, dense bushes when disturbed.

♂

♀

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild 12cm

Resident. An abundant species occurring throughout South Africa, in grasslands, wetland edges and agricultural fields. It is mostly grey-brown with a striking red bill, face and belly. On close inspection, both the upper- and underparts are finely barred. Small flocks of Common Waxbill spend their time foraging for seeds, either perched on grass stems or on the ground. The flocks make a nasal chi note when disturbed or in flight.

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Violet-eared Waxbill

215

Uraeginthus granatinus 14cm

Waxbills

Resident. This incredibly beautiful waxbill is an arid-zone species occurring in the dry savanna of central and northern South Africa. The male displays the namesake violet ear-patches as well as a purple rump. His body is mostly chestnut, with a black tail and pink-red bill. The female is a paler bird but also shows violet ear-patches and a purple rump. Living in small groups, they issue a chattering contact call and a harsh chit when disturbed.

♂

♀

Black-faced Waxbill

(Black-cheeked Waxbill) Brunhilda erythronotos 12.5cm Resident. Black-faced Waxbills are also arid-zone seed eaters of the savanna of central and northern South Africa. Key features are the black face mask, crimson rump and dark red belly. Sexes are alike, and they are found in pairs or small family groups. Their calls include pleasant whistles and chattering.

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Swee Waxbill

Coccopygia melanotis 9.5cm

Waxbills and Pytilia

Resident near-endemic. Flocks of Swee Waxbill occur along forest edges, from the Cape Peninsula to northern South Africa. In winter, they forage more widely, wandering to thickets, grasslands and even gardens. This species shows a greenish back, greyish underparts, an orange-red rump and bicoloured black-and-red bill. The male has a black chin and cheek patch. Their soft swee calls are the origin of their onomatopoeic name.

♂

♀

Orange-breasted Waxbill (Zebra Waxbill) Amandava subflava 9.5cm

♂

Resident. A beautiful waxbill found in small flocks in grasslands and wetlands, from the Eastern Cape through central and northern South Africa. Males are mostly yellow below but show orange on the breast, lower belly, rump and eyebrow. They also display barring on the flanks. Both sexes have a dark red bill, but the female is overall duller, and juveniles only show colour on the rump. Their calls are similar to Common Waxbill but slightly higherpitched.

♀

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Green-winged Pytilia

217

(Melba Finch) Pytilia melba 13cm

Waxbills and Pytilia

Resident. This common savanna seed eater occurs widely across north-eastern, northern and central South Africa, including the arid Kalahari woodlands. The male has a striking red crown and throat. Both sexes share the red bill, grey nape, green back and red tail. Their underparts are barred and spotted. Occurring in pairs, they forage on the ground, flying into low bushes when disturbed. The male’s song is a strange trilled rattle.

♂

♀

African Quail-finch

(Quailfinch) Ortygospiza atricollis 10cm

♂

♀

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Resident. This stubby, short-tailed seed eater occurs in small flocks in the grasslands of much of South Africa, barring the arid west. They are usually shy, flying up and uttering their distinctive squeaky quip-quip calls when disturbed, before resettling into long grass. They are best observed when they come down to drink or forage on roadsides for seeds. Their most distinctive feature is their striking face markings, with white circling a black eye mark (less prominent on the female). Their underparts are buffy-orange with dark barring. They also show white outer tail feathers in flight.

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Bronze Mannikin

Lonchura cucullata 9.5cm

Mannikin, Twinspot and Finches

Resident. This small but very common seed-eater occurs in small flocks and is partial to gardens, woodlands and open areas. It ranges from the Eastern Cape to northern South Africa. Adults show a dark head and breast, and white underparts with barred flanks. The metallic green shoulderpatch is often concealed. Juveniles are plain brown. Flocks make a distinctive buzzing chrie.

Juv

Pink-throated Twinspot Hypargos margaritatus 13cm

♂

Resident. A beautiful bird that is common in parts of Zululand, but rare in southern and far northern Kruger National Park and adjascent areas. Small family groups can be found foraging on the ground close to dense bushes in sand forest and near watercourses. The male sports the namesake pink throat, which is grey in the female. Otherwise, the sexes are similar with a pink rump and tail, brown back and black underparts that are boldly spotted white. Each feather sports two white spots hence the ‘twinspot’ name. Their call is a very high-pitched rolling tsee-tsee.

♀

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Red-headed Finch

219

Amadina erythrocephala 14cm

Mannikin, Twinspot and Finches

Resident. Red-headed Finches are common across much of South Africa, with the exception of the south-western Cape and lower-lying eastern and northeastern regions. Small flocks inhabit savanna, grasslands and other open areas, including gardens. The male has a striking red head and prominent white spots on the underparts. The female is plainer, with an unmarked head but barring on the underparts. Their calls are a distinctive short clup-clup.

♂

♀

Cut-throat Finch (Cut-throat) Amadina fasciata 12cm

Resident. The attractive Cut-throat Finch occurs in pairs or small flocks through the drier savannas and open areas of northern South Africa. The male’s brilliant scarlet throat-band is diagnostic. Both sexes have a scaled crown and heavily marked upper- and underparts. Their call is a buzzing schlip-schlip.

♂

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♂

♀

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220

Yellow-fronted Canary

Canaries and Buntings

(Yellow-eyed Canary) Crithagra mozambica 12cm

Resident. This is an abundant species of the eastern half of South Africa, small flocks occurring in savanna and any open areas, including gardens. Look for a small yellow bird with a distinctive facial pattern comprising a pair of dark moustachial stripes and a dark line through the eye. In flight its very bright yellow rump patch is obvious. Males and females are similar but the latter is duller yellow. Their sweet melodious song is a frequently heard sound of the savanna. The similar but larger and brighter yellow Yellow Canary (not illustrated) occupies the more arid zones of western South Africa. Female Yellow Canary shows no yellow at all.

♂

♀

Cape Canary

Serinus canicollis 13.5cm Resident. This yellow canary shows a distinctive grey nape and back on the male, which further extends onto the breast in the female. Both sexes lack facial or moustachial stripes. Cape Canaries occur in small flocks in the open areas of much of South Africa, except the arid centre and lower-lying savanna regions. Their busy song, usually issued from high in the canopy of a tall tree, is a fast series of trills and warbled notes. They also make a distinctive twee contact call, usually issued in flight.

♂

♀

Juv

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Golden-breasted Bunting

221

Emberiza flaviventris 16cm

Canaries and Buntings

Resident. This delightful bird is common across the eastern half of South Africa. Pairs are found in savanna, woodlands (including exotic plantations) and gardens. The male has a black head with two distinctive white stripes on each side of the head, and is yellow below, with a golden chest. In flight look for a rufous back and prominent white outer tail feathers and wing-bars. Females share all these features but are overall duller. The song is a distinctive whistled wee-chee wee-chee, and they also make a purring pcheeu contact call.

♂

♀

Cape Bunting

Emberiza capensis 16cm Resident. This bunting has striking black and white facial stripes and bright chestnut wings, on an overall brown or grey bird (coloration varies across its range, being greyish in the south and west of the country, and brownish in the east and north). It occurs through most of the country except the most arid north and lowerlying savanna areas. It generally occupies open, scrubby areas. The most distinctive call is a querulous neeah, and the song is a series of chip notes. Look for the similar Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (not illustrated), which differs by lacking the chestnut wings, and showing rufous underparts and a yellowish bill.

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Organisations

Further reading and resources

BirdLife South Africa is the South African country partner of BirdLife International. Its mission is “to conserve birds, their habitats and biodiversity through scientifically-based programs, through supporting the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources and by encouraging people to enjoy and value nature”. BirdLife South Africa is an efficient and effective organisation working on significant conservation projects throughout the country. These include addressing threats to endangered birds and protecting important bird habitats. The organisation is closely associated with more than 40 local bird clubs throughout South Africa, which arrange local indoor and outdoor birding events. BirdLife South Africa hosts a number of popular birding events, and publishes an excellent bi-monthly magazine, African Birdlife. One of the organisation’s successful projects has been the training and subsequent support of local bird guides. BirdLife South Africa is well worth joining; check out their website www. birdlife.org.za for additional information and resources, including the BirdLife South Africa Checklist of Birds in South Africa which can be found at this link: https://www.birdlife.org.za/ media-and-resources/bird-checklists/ BirdLife International is a powerful global partnership of conservation NGOs concerned with bird conservation and the sustainable use of the planet’s natural resources. It has pioneered extensive global projects to protect the world’s most endangered species and priority habitats, including the Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas programme. Its website www.birdlife.org outlines its work and provides information on joining the World Bird Club or Rare Bird Club. BirdLife’s Data Zone http://datazone.birdlife.org provides up-to-date information on each of the world’s bird species and their conservation. The African Bird Club aims to conserve Africa’s birds and provide information on birds and birding throughout Africa. It produces an excellent biannual bulletin and has produced a complimentary app which will eventually cover all the countries and bird species of Africa. Its website provides joining information as well as access to significant resources including African bird photo and sound databases. The Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2 collects geolocated bird records and is an important avian biodiversity monitoring programme. Constantly updated maps are

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provided for every South African species on its website http://sabap2.birdmap.africa. The best way of contributing sightings to its database is via the app Birdlasser; consult www.birdlasser.com or download the app.

Further reading Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition, 3rd edition currently in prep.), by Chittenden, H., Davies, G. & Weiersbye, I. Southern African Birds, The complete photographic guide, by Cillié, B., Cillié, N., Penlington, P., Hardaker, T. & Wielser, K. SASOL Birds of Southern Africa (5th edition), by Sinclair, I., Hockey, P., Tarboton, W., Perrins, N., Rollinson, D. & Ryan, P. Roberts Birds of Southern Africa (handbook) (7th edition), by Hockey, P., Dean, W. & Ryan, P. Roberts Geographic Variation of Southern African Birds by Chittenden, H., Allan, D. & Weiersbye, I. Roberts Bird Guide Kruger National Park and Adjacent Lowveld by Chittenden, H. & Whyte, I. Nests & Eggs of Southern African Birds by Tarboton, W. Beat about the bush, Birds by Carnaby, T. Southern African Birdfinder by Cohen, C., Spottiswoode, C. & Rossouw, J.

Digital resources Roberts Bird Guide 2 (3rd version in prep), by Chittenden, Davies & Weierbye, produced by Gibbon. This excellent app includes the text from the Roberts handbook, numerous illustrations, photos and sounds, as well as a birding site guide. Merlin Bird ID by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, which includes the South Africa Bird Pack, a complimentary download with photos and information for 707 South African bird species. Birds of Africa by the African Bird Club. This complimentary bird app will cover every African country and bird species. Birds of South Africa is not available at the time of writing but is in prep. Birdlasser is an excellent complimentary app for logging bird sightings. eBird by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology is another complimentary app for logging bird sightings. Its website https://ebird.org/ also provides live distributional information for each bird species as well as hotspot information.

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Acknowledgements Jim Martin of Bloomsbury Publishing, Alice Ward the Commissioning Editor at Bloomsbury Wildlife, Rod Teasdale for layout and Reece Dodd for photo editing. The John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, and the authors of the Roberts Bird Guide; Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies and Ingrid Weiersbye. Their book was the reference source which I consulted during the compilation of this book. Niel Cillié, Hugh Chittenden, Keith Valentine and Clayton Burne for bird advice and information. David and Sally Johnson for proof-reading the initial text. Hugh Chittenden and Niel Cillié for reviewing later drafts. However, errors that remain are my own. Niki Stuart, Keith Valentine and Clayton Burne, the senior leadership team at Rockjumper Birding Tours, for keeping Rockjumper on track whilst I focussed attention on this book project. To my many birding buddies with whom I have shared countless adventures, you have all in some way contributed.

223 There is no space to mention you all but the list includes David Allan, David Bailes, Dušan Brinkhuizen, Priscilla Christenson, Jonathan Clark, Marius Coetzee, Murray Collins, Clive Curtis, Erik Forsyth, Ralph Gilbert, Karin Grillo, Wonderboy Gumbi, Lee Gutteridge, Paul Hannah and Sue Sandiforth, Steve Harmer, Vernon Head, David Hoddinott, Bill Howells, Peter Kaestner, Livingstone Kalema, Jim Lawrence, Craig and Wade Lee, Andrew McKechnie, Joyce Meyer and Mike West, Sean Moffatt, Hugo Partridge, Johan Potgieter, Eric Pozzo, Selwyn Rautenbach, Guy Reen, Lance Ridl, Guy Roberts, John Robinson, Jonathan Rossouw, Forrest Rowland, Ed Schroeder, Luis Segura, David Semler and Marsha Steffen, Karen and Clint Sivewright, Colin van Heerden, Imran Vanker, and my great friend, the late James Wakelin. My YPO Forum buddies Francois du Plessis, Vegan Govender, Richard Hirsch, James Jarvie, Adam Pincus, Gary Watkins and Garth Woolley, who always provide endless support and advice. Finally and most importantly to my family, my parents, Norma and the late Stewart Riley who encouraged my birding passion, and to my wife Felicity for her endless support and our children William, Alexander and Victoria Riley who sacrificed family time whilst I worked on this book.

Acknowledgements/Index

I thank and acknowledge the assistance of the following people:

Index Apalis, Bar-throated 182 Babbler, Arrow-marked 167 Barbet Acacia Pied 104 Black-collared 104 Crested 103 Bateleur 77 Batis Cape 180 Chinspot 181 Bee-eater European 115 Little 116 Southern Carmine 114 White-fronted 115 Bishop Southern Red 205 Yellow 207 Yellow-crowned 206 Bokmakierie 165 Boubou, Southern 159 Brubru 158 Bulbul African Red-eyed 157 Cape 156 Dark-capped 156 Bunting Cape 221 Golden-breasted 221 Bush-shrike Grey-headed 164 Orange-breasted 164 Bustard Black-bellied 24 Kori 23 Buzzard Common 79 Jackal 79 Camaroptera, Green-backed 183

Canary Cape 220 Yellow-fronted 220 Chat Ant-eating 172 Familiar 170 Cisticola Levaillant’s 187 Rattling 187 Zitting 186 Coot, Red-knobbed 34 Cormorant Cape 48 Reed 48 White-breasted 49 Coucal, Burchell’s 122 Courser, Double-banded 29 Crake, Black 35 Crane Blue 23 Grey Crowned 22 Crombec, Long-billed 181 Crow Cape 140 Pied 140 Cuckoo African Emerald 125 Diederik 124 Jacobin 123 Klaas’s 125 Levaillant’s 123 Red-chested 122 Cuckooshrike, Black 143 Darter, African 49 Dove African Mourning 91 Cape Turtle 90 Emerald-spotted Wood 92 Laughing 90 Namaqua 92 Red-eyed 91

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Rock 88 Drongo, Fork-tailed 142 Duck Knob-billed 38 White-faced Whistling 38 Yellow-billed 39 Eagle African Fish 72 African Hawk 72 Black-chested Snake 76 Brown Snake 76 Crowned 73 Long-crested 75 Martial 71 Tawny 70 Verreaux’s 70 Wahlberg’s 74 Eagle-owl Spotted 126 Verreaux’s 127 Egret Great 54 Intermediate 54 Little 55 Western Cattle 55 Falcon Amur 87 Lanner 86 Peregrine 86 Pygmy 85 Finch Cut-throat 219 Red-headed 219 Scaly-feathered 201 Firefinch African 213 Jameson’s 213 Red-billed 213 Fiscal, Southern 160 Flamingo

Greater 64 Lesser 64 Flycatcher African Dusky 178 African Paradise 179 Fiscal 178 Southern Black 143 Francolin, Crested 21 Gannet, Cape 45 Go-away-bird, Grey 119 Goose Egyptian 36 Spur-winged 37 Goshawk African 82 Dark Chanting 81 Gabar 84 Southern Pale Changing 81 Grassbird, Cape 183 Grebe Great Crested 33 Little 33 Greenbul, Sombre 157 Ground-hornbill, Southern 94 Guineafowl Crested 19 Helmeted 19 Gull Grey-headed 42 Hartlaub’s 43 Kelp 42 Hamerkop 61 Harrier African Marsh 80 Black 80 Harrier-hawk, African 78 Helmet-shrike, Whitecrested 163

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224

Index

Heron Black 52 Black-crowned Night 53 Black-headed 51 Goliath 50 Grey 51 Purple 50 Squacco 52 Striated 53 Honeyguide, Greater 117 Hoopoe, African 98 Hornbill African Grey 95 Crowned 95 Southern Red-billed 97 Southern Yellow-billed 97 Trumpeter 96 Ibis African Sacred 62 Glossy 62 Hadada 63 Southern Bald 63 Indigobird Dusky 212 Purple 212 Village 212 Jacana, African 31 Kestrel, Rock 87 Kingfisher African Pygmy 112 Brown-hooded 110 Giant 108 Half-collared 113 Malachite 113 Pied 109 Striped 110 Woodland 111 Kite Black-winged 69 Yellow-billed 69 Korhaan Northern Black 25 Red-crested 24 Southern Black 25 Lapwing African Wattled 26 Blacksmith 26 Crowned 27 Lark Rufous-naped 152 Sabota 152 Longclaw Cape 155 Yellow-throated 155 Mannikin, Bronze 218 Martin Brown-throated 139 Rock 139 Moorhen, Common 34 Mousebird Red-faced 121 Speckled 121 White-backed 120 Myna, Common 146 Neddicky 186 Nightjar, Fiery-necked 131 Openbill, African 60 Oriole, Black-headed 196

Osprey, Western 65 Ostrich, Common 18 Owl African Scops 129 Marsh 128 Southern White-faced 131 Western Barn 128 Owlet, Pearl-spotted 130 Oxpecker Red-billed 151 Yellow-billed 150 Oystercatcher, African (Black) 32 Painted-snipe, Greater 32 Parrot, Brown-headed 120 Pelican Great White 47 Pink-backed 47 Penguin, African 46 Petronia, Yellow-throated 203 Pigeon African Green 89 African Olive 89 Speckled 88 Pipit, African 153 Plover Kittlitz’s 28 Three-banded 29 White-fronted 28 Pochard, Southern 39 Prinia Black-chested 184 Drakensberg 185 Karoo 185 Tawny-flanked 184 Puffback, Black-backed 159 Pytilia, Green-winged 217 Quail-finch, African 217 Quelea, Red-billed 204 Raven, White-necked 141 Robin Kalahari Scrub 176 Karoo Scrub 177 White-browed Scrub 177 Robin-chat Cape 176 Chorister 175 Red-capped 174 White-browed 174 White-throated 175 Rockjumper, Drakensberg 173 Roller Broad-billed 107 European 107 Lilac-breasted 106 Purple 106 Sandgrouse Double-banded 93 Namaqua 93 Saw-wing, Black 138 Scimitarbill, Common 99 Secretarybird 65 Shelduck, South African 37 Shikra 84 Shoveler, Cape 40 Shrike Crimson-breasted 165

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Lesser Grey 161 Magpie 162 Red-backed 161 Southern White-crowned 162 Sparrow Cape 203 House 202 Southern Grey-headed 202 Sparrowhawk Black 82 Little 83 Sparrow-lark, Chestnutbacked 153 Sparrow-weaver, Whitebrowed 200 Spoonbill, African 60 Spurfowl Cape 20 Natal 20 Swainson’s 21 Starling African Pied 147 Burchell’s 149 Cape Glossy 148 Common 146 Greater Blue-eared 149 Red-winged 144 Violet-backed 145 Wattled 147 Stilt, Black-winged 27 Stonechat, African 172 Stork Black 56 Marabou 59 Saddle-billed 58 White 57 Woolly-necked 57 Yellow-billed 59 Sugarbird Cape 188 Gurney’s 188 Sunbird Amethyst 192 Collared 194 Greater Double-collared 191 Malachite 189 Marico 192 Orange-breasted 190 Scarlet-chested 193 Southern Double-collared 191 White-bellied 194 Swallow Barn 134 Greater Striped 136 Lesser Striped 137 Red-breasted 137 South African Cliff 138 White-throated 135 Wire-tailed 135 Swamphen, African 35 Swift African Palm 132 Alpine 132 Little 133 White-rumped 133 Tchagra Black-crowned 166 Brown-crowned 167

Teal Blue-billed 40 Cape 41 Red-billed 41 Tern Swift 44 Whiskered 44 Thick-knee Spotted 30 Water 30 Thrush Cape Rock 170 Groundscraper 169 Karoo 168 Kurrichane 169 Olive 168 Tinkerbird, Red-fronted 105 Tit, Southern Black 158 Trogon, Narina 117 Turaco Knysna 119 Purple-crested 118 Twinspot, Pink-throated 218 Vulture Bearded 68 Cape 67 Hooded 68 Lappet-faced 66 White-backed 67 White-headed 66 Wagtail African Pied 154 Cape 154 Waxbill Black-faced 215 Blue 214 Common 214 Orange-breasted 216 Swee 216 Violet-eared 215 Weaver Cape 197 Lesser Masked 199 Red-billed Buffalo 200 Red-headed 204 Sociable 201 Southern Masked 199 Spectacled 198 Thick-billed 198 Village 197 Wheatear Capped 171 Mountain 171 White-eye, Cape 195 Whydah Long-tailed Paradise 211 Pin-tailed 210 Shaft-tailed 210 Widowbird Fan-tailed 208 Long-tailed 208 Red-collared 209 White-winged 207 Wood-hoopoe, Green 99 Woodpecker Bearded 102 Bennett’s 100 Cardinal 101 Golden-tailed 101 Wryneck, Red-throated 102

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