1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN COMMON MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus ssp. meridionalis)

The african common moorhen, known scientifically as Gallinula chloropus, is a bird of the rail family, Rallidae. It is a bird of striking appearance, with a mix of black and brown plumage, a white under-tail, and white streaks along its flanks. Its legs are a vibrant yellow, and it sports a distinctive red frontal shield. The bill is a matching red with a yellow tip. Juveniles are a duller brown and do not have the red shield.

Adult moorhens can be identified by their red frontal shield, which has a rounded top and fairly parallel sides. The tailward margin of the red unfeathered area is smoothly curved. Their yellow legs and the combination of their black and brown plumage with white markings make them quite distinctive. The young are browner and lack the red shield, making them less conspicuous.

The common moorhen is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, ponds, canals, and lakes that are rich in vegetation. It is also known to inhabit city parks with suitable water bodies.

Moorhens are known for their secretive nature but can become quite tame in certain areas. They exhibit territorial behavior during the breeding season and are known to aggressively defend their territory against intruders.

The common moorhen emits a variety of gargling calls and will hiss loudly when threatened.

Breeding season sees moorhens becoming territorial. They construct a basket-like nest on the ground within dense vegetation. Egg-laying typically begins in spring, with clutches ranging from 5 to 8 eggs. Both parents are involved in incubation and rearing the young, which fledge after 40-50 days.

Moorhens have a varied diet that includes vegetable matter and small aquatic organisms. They forage in and around water bodies, sometimes upending in the water or walking on lilypads to feed.

Globally, the common moorhen is abundant and classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, localized populations may be vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and hunting.

There are about five recognized subspecies of the common moorhen, which vary slightly in appearance and are distributed across different geographic regions. These subspecies include the Eurasian common moorhen (G. c. chloropus), the Indo-Pacific common moorhen (G. c. orientalis), the African common moorhen (G. c. meridionalis), the Madagascan common moorhen (G. c. pyrrhorrhoa), and the Mariana common moorhen (G. c. guami).

27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - IRISES AND ALLIES (Genus Tritoniopsis)

27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - COMMON SPOONFIG (Erepsia anceps)

The Common Spoonfig, scientifically named Erepsia anceps, is a South African plant native to the Cape Provinces. It's a member of the Aizoaceae family, also known as stone plants or brightfig plants. The plant is considered to be of "Least Concern" status, meaning it is not currently facing any major threats to its survival. 

Here's a more detailed look at the Common Spoonfig: 

Scientific Name: Erepsia anceps

Common Names: Common Spoonfig, Untidy Spoonfig, Everlasting Vygie

Family: Aizoaceae

Native Range: Cape Provinces, South Africa

Conservation Status: Least Concern

Habitat and Ecology: The plant is found in South Africa, specifically in the Western Cape region. It grows in a variety of habitats.

Taxonomy: Erepsia anceps is part of the genus Erepsia, which also includes other spoonfig species like the Swartland Spoonfig (Erepsia hallii).

1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE BACKED MOUSEBIRD (Coilus colius)

The Speckled Mousebird, Colius striatus, stands as the largest of its kind, reaching a length of about 35 cm, half of which is attributed to its elongated tail. This bird tips the scales at a modest 57 grams. Its plumage is a muted mousy brown, complemented by a pronounced crest atop its head. The upper bill is cloaked in black, while the lower bill exhibits a soft pink hue.

Distinguishing features of the Speckled Mousebird include its crest and the dual-toned bill. Variations among subspecies manifest in head contrast, throat color, barring extent, and iris hue. The White-headed Mousebird may appear similar, but the Speckled Mousebird's distinct bill colors and absence of a bare grey orbital patch set it apart.

The Speckled Mousebird thrives in a variety of settings, from savannas to open woodlands, and even in urban gardens and orchards. It tends to avoid rainforests and deserts, favoring open bushveld and areas with dense thickets.

This species has a broad range, from Cameroon across to Eritrea and Ethiopia, and southward to the southernmost tip of Africa. It is a common sight across Tanzania and is well-adapted to both wild and urban environments.

Social by nature, Speckled Mousebirds are often seen in groups, partaking in communal feeding and mutual preening. They exhibit a unique behavior of dust bathing on the ground and may ingest pebbles to aid in digestion. At dusk, they roost closely together, sometimes entering a state of torpor to conserve energy, relying on their numbers for protection against predators.

While not celebrated for melodious singing, the Speckled Mousebird is nonetheless vocal. It emits a warbling 'tsu-tsu' in flight and a 'tisk-tisk' alarm call when threatened.

Breeding can occur year-round, with nests being a collaborative effort between males and females. These nests are rather large and disheveled, made from various materials. Clutch sizes vary, averaging 3-4 eggs, with both parents and previous offspring participating in rearing. Incubation lasts about two weeks, and fledglings venture out at around 17-18 days, becoming independent after a month.

As a frugivore, the Speckled Mousebird's diet consists primarily of fruits, berries, leaves, seeds, and nectar. It exhibits regional preferences in its diet, selecting food sources specific to its habitat.

The IUCN Red List categorizes the Speckled Mousebird as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.

1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - BLACK COLLARED BARBET ( Lybius corquatus)

The Black-collared Barbet, Lybius torquatus, is a plump and vividly marked bird, native to the diverse landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognized by its robust size, typically ranging from 20 to 25 centimeters in length, and its large head adorned with a heavy, bristle-fringed bill characteristic of its genus. The species is named for its striking black collar and head, which contrast with the fiery red plumage surrounding its eyes and beak. Notably, the Black-collared Barbet exhibits morphological variability, with some individuals replacing the red head with a black one. Despite this variation, the species is sexually monomorphic, showing no discernible difference between males and females in either morphology or behavior.

When identifying the Black-collared Barbet, look for the distinctive black collar and head, as well as the intense red coloration around the eyes and beak. The bird's larger size sets it apart from other barbets. Its plumage may vary, with some individuals displaying a black head instead of the typical red. Both sexes appear identical, making sex differentiation in the field a challenge.

The Black-collared Barbet thrives in a variety of habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, including woodlands and savannas, where it can be found inspecting trees and utilizing nest holes for roosting.

This species has a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, from Angola to Kenya, and southward to South Africa, encompassing countries such as Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Black-collared Barbet is a gregarious bird, often seen acting in unison with others of its kind to repel intruders. They are known to roost together in groups, sometimes numbering up to 15 individuals in a single nest hole. Their flight is characterized by a direct path and a loud whirring of wings.

The vocal repertoire of the Black-collared Barbet is dominated by its antiphonal duets, often described as "too-puddly" or "too-doodle" calls. These duets are synchronized, with one bird singing a note followed by its partner, creating a seamless auditory experience. The birds engage in a greeting ceremony that includes wing-flicking and bowing to each other. In addition to its duets, the barbet produces a variety of calls, including a snarling warning and a loud buzzing.

The breeding season for the Black-collared Barbet occurs from December to February, during which time they may engage in more elaborate wing and flight displays as part of their mating rituals.

While the Black-collared Barbet is distinctive in its appearance, it may be confused with other barbet species. However, its larger size, intense coloration, and unique duetting behavior are key differentiators.

The diet of the Black-collared Barbet is predominantly frugivorous, with a preference for a variety of fruits and vegetables. They are known to visit plantations in search of food, consuming fruits whole and later regurgitating the seeds. Although less frequently, they may also feed on insects, centipedes, lizards, frogs, and geckos.

27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - FOREST CAPE BATIS (Batis capensis ssp. capensis)

The Cape batis, a member of the wattle-eye family, is a small and stout bird, endemic to the Afromontane forests of southern Africa. It presents a striking pattern, with the adult male showcasing a grey crown, a distinct black eye mask, and a white throat. Its back is brown, complemented by a black rump and tail, and rufous wings. The underparts are white, set off by a broad black breast band and rufous flanks. The female and juvenile are similar but with a narrower, rufous breast band and a small rufous patch on the throat.

When identifying the Cape batis, look for the male's black eye mask and breast band, which contrast with its white throat and underparts. The rufous wings and flanks are key features distinguishing it from other Batis species in the region. Females and juveniles have a rufous, rather than black, breast band and a rufous throat patch.

This bird favors cool coastal forests, moist evergreen mountain forests, and wooded gorges, where it can be found flitting about in the understory.

The Cape batis is native to South Africa, Eswatini, the Matobos and Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, and adjacent Mozambique. It is a resident species, meaning it does not typically migrate.

The Cape batis is a territorial bird, with both sexes known to defend their area with vigor. They are not shy in the presence of larger birds, animals, or humans, often perching conspicuously and voicing their displeasure. They employ a hunting strategy that includes flycatching and ground foraging, similar to shrikes. Their nests are small and neatly constructed cups situated low in trees or bushes.

28-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA - FISCAL FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis silens)

The Fiscal Flycatcher, Sigelus silens, is a small, strikingly patterned bird, part of the Old World flycatcher family. It is the sole representative of its genus, easily recognized by its black and white plumage. The male exhibits a bold contrast with a black upper body and a pristine white underbelly, complemented by white wing patches and lateral tail feathers. The female, however, sports a more subdued brown upper body, akin to an immature fiscal shrike, rather than the male's stark black.

When identifying the Fiscal Flycatcher, look for a bird measuring 17–20 cm in length. The male is predominantly black with white underparts, wing patches, and tail sides. The female is distinguishable by her brown upper parts. They can be mistaken for fiscal shrikes, but unlike shrikes, they lack heavy, hooked bills and white shoulder patches, and their tails are shorter and adorned with white.

This species thrives in a variety of environments, including subtropical open woodlands, dry savannas, shrublands, and even suburban gardens, adapting well to human-altered landscapes.

The Fiscal Flycatcher is a resident breeder across several southern African countries, including Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Swaziland, with occasional sightings reported in Namibia.

These birds are known for their open-cup nests, constructed from thin stems and plant material, and lined with plant down. Nests are strategically placed in dense bushes or thickets within trees, a nesting habit reminiscent of the fiscal shrike.

The Fiscal Flycatcher's vocalizations are relatively modest, with a gentle chittering song and a tssisk alarm call that can be heard in its natural habitat.

An insectivorous bird, the Fiscal Flycatcher captures its prey both in flight and on the ground, including caterpillars which it meticulously cleans of spines before consumption. It also partakes in small wild berries from plants like Halleria and Chrysanthemoides, and enjoys the nectar of certain flowers such as Aloe. In suburban settings, it may also feed on domestic scraps.

The Fiscal Flycatcher is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at this time.

27-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE BREASTED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo ssp. Lucidus)

The White-breasted Cormorant, Phalacrocorax lucidus, is a striking bird, akin to the Great Cormorant in stature and habit. Adults boast a distinctive white neck and breast, which becomes more pronounced with age. This large bird measures between 80 to 100 centimeters in length, presenting a grand silhouette against the African skies.

Upon observing the White-breasted Cormorant, one is immediately drawn to its white breast and throat, a feature that sets it apart from its relatives. As the bird matures, the white plumage extends, enhancing its contrast with the darker feathers. During breeding, a dark gular skin becomes visible, a telltale sign of its reproductive state.

This species is the sole representative of the great cormorant lineage in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a geographical range that spans from the Cape Verde Islands to Guinea-Bissau, along the west coast, and from Angola to the Cape of Good Hope, extending northwards to Mozambique on the east. It is also found inland, more frequently in eastern and southern Africa, and around the Red Sea, where it is sometimes referred to as the Red Sea White-breasted Cormorant.

The White-breasted Cormorant is a freshwater bird, often seen in the company of the Reed Cormorant and the African Darter. However, it distinguishes itself ecologically through its fishing habits and the size of its prey. It is known to interbreed with dark-breasted forms in central Africa, showcasing a degree of adaptability and genetic fluidity.

Breeding adults can be identified by their white flank spots, a characteristic that becomes more visible during this period. The bird's breeding behavior is marked by the darkening of the gular skin, a visual cue for those observing these magnificent creatures.

The White-breasted Cormorant is sometimes confused with the smaller and markedly different Black-faced Cormorant, Phalacrocorax fuscescens, of southern Australia, which also bears the name White-breasted Cormorant. However, the two can be distinguished by size and geographic distribution.

The White-breasted Cormorant feeds on a variety of fish, which it skillfully captures in its freshwater habitats.

The conservation status of the White-breasted Cormorant is not explicitly mentioned, but given its wide distribution and adaptability, one might assume it is not currently at critical risk. However, as with all wildlife, monitoring is essential to ensure its continued survival amidst changing environmental conditions.

30-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA - RED BILLED QUELEA (FEMALE) (Quelea quelea)

The Red-billed Quelea, also known as the Red-billed Weaver or Red-billed Dioch, is a diminutive migratory bird, part of the weaver family Ploceidae. It measures approximately 12 cm in length and weighs between 15 to 26 grams. This sparrow-like bird is native to the vast expanses of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Red-billed Quelea is characterized by its heavy, cone-shaped bill, which is red in non-breeding males and females, and orange to yellow in breeding females. Breeding males are distinguished by a black or occasionally white facial mask, surrounded by a colorful wash on the head and breast, which can be purplish, pinkish, rusty, or yellowish. Non-breeding plumage is less vibrant, with light underparts and striped brown upper parts.

This species typically inhabits tropical and subtropical areas with a seasonal semi-arid climate, avoiding dense forests, deserts, and colder regions. It is often found in dry thornbush grasslands, including the Sahel, and requires proximity to water sources for daily drinking.

The Red-billed Quelea's distribution covers most of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a highly migratory bird, moving seasonally in response to the availability of its primary food source, seeds of annual grasses.

26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE ROCK HYRAX (Procavia capensis ssp. capensis)

Along with other hyrax species and the sirenians, this species is the most closely related to the elephant. An unrelated, convergently evolved mammal of similar habits and appearance is the rock cavy of Brazil.

Rock hyraxes are squat and heavily built, with adults reaching a length of 50 cm (20 in) and weighing around 4 kg (8.8 lb), with a slight sexual dimorphism, males being about 10% heavier than females. Their fur is thick and grey-brown, although this varies strongly between different environments, from dark brown in wetter habitats, to light gray in desert-living individuals. Hyrax size (as measured by skull length and humerus diameter) is correlated to precipitation, probably because of the effect on preferred hyrax forage

Prominent in and apparently unique to hyraxes is the dorsal gland, which excretes an odour used for social communication and territorial marking. The gland is most clearly visible in dominant males.

The rock hyrax has a pointed head, short neck, and rounded ears. It has long, black whiskers on its muzzle. The rock hyrax has a prominent pair of long, pointed tusk-like upper incisors, which are reminiscent of the elephant, to which the hyrax is distantly related. The fore feet are plantigrade, and the hind feet are semi-digitigrade. The soles of the feet have large, soft pads that are kept moist with sweat-like secretions. In males, the testes are permanently abdominal, another anatomical feature that hyraxes share with elephants and sirenians.

Thermoregulation in rock hyraxes has been subject to much research, as their body temperature varies with a diurnal rhythm. Animals kept in constant environmental conditions also display such variation, and this internal mechanism may be related to water balance regulation. The rock hyrax occurs widely across sub-Saharan Africa in disjunct northern and southern populations; it is absent from the Congo Basin and Madagascar. The distribution encompasses southern Algeria, Libya, Egypt, and the Middle East, with populations in Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Arabian Peninsula. The northern subspecies was introduced to Jebel Hafeet, which is on the border of Oman and the United Arab Emirates.

The shade of their pelts varies individually and regionally. In particular, the dorsal patches (present in both sexes) of the central populations are very variable, ranging from yellow to black, or flecked. In outlying populations, these are more constant in colour, black in P. c. capensis, cream in P. c. welwitschii, and orange in P. c. ruficeps. A larger, longer-haired population is abundant in the moraines in the alpine zone of Mount Kenya.

31-3-2018 KYNSNA, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus ssp. aethiopicus)

The African sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) is a striking wading bird from the family Threskiornithidae. It is characterized by its all-white plumage, save for the dark plumes on its rump. The adult bird measures approximately 68 cm (27 in) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 112 to 124 cm (44 to 49 in), and weighs between 1.35 to 1.5 kg (3.0 to 3.3 lb). Males are generally slightly larger than females. The species is distinguished by its bald head and neck, thick curved bill, and black legs. In flight, the white wings reveal a contrasting black rear border. The eyes are brown, encircled by a dark red orbital ring.

When identifying the African sacred ibis, look for the combination of its white body, black head, neck, and bill. Juveniles can be recognized by their less pristine white plumage, smaller bill, and some feathering on the neck. The presence of greenish-brown scapulars and more black on the primary coverts also helps to distinguish younger birds.

This ibis favors marshy wetlands and mud flats, both inland and along the coast. It is often found nesting in trees near water and is known to frequent very shallow wetlands, wet pastures with soft soil, cultivation areas, and rubbish dumps.

The African sacred ibis is indigenous to Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East, including small regions of Iraq, Iran, and Kuwait. The species has migratory populations that move with the rains, with some South African birds traveling as far north as Zambia, while those north of the equator migrate in the opposite direction.

The species has been introduced to various parts of Europe, including Italy, France, and the Netherlands, as well as to Florida, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates. In Europe, it is considered an invasive species.

29-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH - CAPE WEAVER (Ploceus capensis)

The Cape weaver, Ploceus capensis, is a robust bird, measuring 17 cm in length, with olive-brown streaked upperparts and a sharply pointed conical bill. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism.

During the breeding season, the male Cape weaver is resplendent with a bright yellow head and underparts, an orange visage, and striking white irises. The adult female, however, sports an olive-yellow head and breast, which fades to a paler yellow on the lower belly. While females typically have brown eyes, a small percentage may display pale eyes during the summer months. Juveniles resemble the female in plumage.

The Cape weaver thrives in open grasslands, lowland fynbos, coastal thickets, and agricultural landscapes, provided there is a consistent presence of water and suitable trees for nesting.

This bird is endemic to the southern reaches of Africa, specifically South Africa, Lesotho, and Eswatini. Its range extends from the Northern Cape's Orange River, southward to the Cape of Good Hope, and eastward to northern KwaZulu Natal, almost reaching Bloemfontein in the Free State.

Outside of the breeding season, Cape weavers form flocks and congregate in large communal roosts, which may be shared with other avian species. They exhibit anting behaviour and are known to bathe even during rainfall or mist.

29-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA - TORCH CACTUS (Trichocereus spachianus)

Soehrensia spachiana, commonly known as the golden torch, (white) torch cactus or golden column, is a species of cactus native to South America. Previously known as Trichocereus spachianus for many years, it is commonly cultivated as a pot or rockery plant worldwide. It has a columnar habit, with a lime-green cylindrical body with 1–2 cm long golden spines.

Soehrensia spachiana grows as a cactus with a columnar habit, reaching 2 m (7 ft) high, with a diameter of 5–6 cm (2–2+1⁄4 in).[2] Vertical branches arise from the base of the plant.[3] Each column has 10–15 rounded ribs. The large areoles are around 1 cm apart, and have wavy yellow hairs. The straight spines are red-yellow initially, fading to white as they age. The central spine is around 1–2 cm (1⁄2–3⁄4 in) long, and is surrounded by 8 to 10 smaller radial spines that are 0.4–1 cm (1⁄4–1⁄2 in) in length. The white flowers are 15 cm (6 in) across and 18–20 cm (7–7+3⁄4 in) long,[2] part of which is an 8 cm long tube. In the northern hemisphere, the flowers appear in June–July and open at night.

Soehrensia spachiana is native to western Argentina around Icaño and Santiago del Estero province and Bolivia. It is a declared weed in South Africa.

30-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA - RED BILLED QUELEA (MALE) (Quelea quelea)

The Red-billed Quelea, also known as the Red-billed Weaver or Red-billed Dioch, is a diminutive migratory bird, part of the weaver family Ploceidae. It measures approximately 12 cm in length and weighs between 15 to 26 grams. This sparrow-like bird is native to the vast expanses of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Red-billed Quelea is characterized by its heavy, cone-shaped bill, which is red in non-breeding males and females, and orange to yellow in breeding females. Breeding males are distinguished by a black or occasionally white facial mask, surrounded by a colorful wash on the head and breast, which can be purplish, pinkish, rusty, or yellowish. Non-breeding plumage is less vibrant, with light underparts and striped brown upper parts.

This species typically inhabits tropical and subtropical areas with a seasonal semi-arid climate, avoiding dense forests, deserts, and colder regions. It is often found in dry thornbush grasslands, including the Sahel, and requires proximity to water sources for daily drinking.

The Red-billed Quelea's distribution covers most of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a highly migratory bird, moving seasonally in response to the availability of its primary food source, seeds of annual grasses.

With an estimated population sometimes peaking at 1.5 billion individuals post-breeding, the Red-billed Quelea is considered the most numerous undomesticated bird on the planet. It forms colossal colonies for breeding and feeds in immense flocks that can number in the millions.

The species produces a variety of sounds, including a distinctive noise from the wingbeats of flying flocks. Males sing in short bursts, starting with chatter followed by a warbling tune. Both sexes call, and the collective noise at roosts or nesting sites can be quite intense.

Breeding occurs in very large colonies, with the construction of oval roofed nests woven from grass and suspended from thorny branches or reeds. The breeding cycle is one of the shortest known in birds, with incubation lasting only nine or ten days.

The Red-billed Quelea primarily feeds on seeds of annual grasses, but it also causes significant damage to cereal crops, earning it the moniker "Africa's feathered locust." It feeds in large flocks, with a rolling cloud-like movement that allows efficient exploitation of food sources.

31-3-2018 WILDERNESS NAT PARK, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE WHITE EYE (Zosterops capensis)

The Cape white-eye (Zosterops virens) is a small passerine bird in the white-eye family. It is native to southern Africa. It is commonly found in suburbia, parks and gardens, besides a variety of mesic to well-watered habitats.

This species is about 12 cm long with rounded wings, strong legs, and a conspicuous ring of white feathers round the eyes. The upperparts are green, and the throat and vent are bright yellow. The members of the Z. v. capensis has a grey breast and belly, whereas Z. v. virens has a greenish-yellow breast and belly.

They are very vocal, and constantly keep in touch with soft trilled pee, pree or pirreee callnotes. The song consists of repeated long jerky phrases of sweet reedy notes, varying in pitch, volume and temp, usually starting off with teee teee or pirrup pirrup notes, then becoming a fast rambled jumble of notes, which may incorporate mimicked phrases of other birdcalls.

This is a sociable species forming large flocks outside the breeding season. It builds a cup nest in a tree and lays 2-3 unspotted pale blue eggs. The eggs hatch in 11–12 days, and fledging occurs in another 12–13 days. The peak breeding season is September to December.

The Cape white-eye feeds mainly on insects, but also soft fleshy flowers, nectar, fruit and small grains. It readily comes to bird feeders.

It is found in a wide range of densely to lightly wooded habitats in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini and marginally in Mozambique. Most populations are resident, but some perform minor seasonal movements.

23-3-2018 CAPE POINT, CAPE TOWN - CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus)

Chacma baboons are found throughout southern Africa, ranging from South Africa north to Angola, Zambia, and Mozambique. They live in diverse habitats from woodlands to savannas, steppes, and sub-deserts. Chacma baboons are found in the Kalahari Desert as well as on the alpine slopes of the Drakensberg. They usually sleep on hills, cliffs, or large trees and during the day, avoid arid areas with a lack of water.

The Chacma baboon (Papio ursinus) is a member of the Old World monkey family. It is one of the largest of all monkeys. Located primarily in southern Africa, the chacma baboon has a wide variety of social behaviors, including a dominance hierarchy, collective foraging, adoption of young by females, and friendship pairings. In general, the species is not threatened, but hunting, trapping, and accidents kill or remove many baboons from the wild, thereby reducing their numbers and disrupting their social structure.

The Chacma baboon is perhaps the longest species of monkey and it is also one of the heaviest. Adult males can in some instances be about twice as long and three times as heavy as adult females. Perhaps the most distinctive feature of this baboon is its long, downward-sloping face. The Chacma baboon is generally dark brown to gray in color, with a patch of rough hair on the nape of its neck. Unlike the males of northern baboon species (Guinea, hamadryas, and Olive baboons), Chacma males do not have a mane. The three subspecies are differentiated by size and color. The Cape chacma is a large, heavy, dark-brown, and has black feet. The Gray-footed chacma is slightly smaller than the Cape chacma, lighter in color and build, and has gray feet. The Ruacana chacma generally appears to be a smaller, less darkly colored version of the Cape chacma.

Chacma baboons are diurnal, spending most of the day on the ground. They are highly sociable animals, living in troops, which consist of 20-80 individuals. The troops include males as well as females with their young. Members of a troop are in close ties with each other, sleeping, feeding, and grooming together. During the day the groups split into smaller subgroups, consisting of 4-5 females with their young and a dominant male, who leads the group and defends it from other males. They are always on the alert, living in troops for protection and watching for predators. When threatened, the baboons give out loud barks. Then the males run to attack while the females and young hide in a safe place among the trees. Chacma baboons communicate by vocalizations, using about 30 different sounds such as grunting, barking, or screaming. They also use gestures such as shoulder shrugs, yawns, or lip-smacking.

30-3-2018 KYNSNA, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis ssp capensis)

                                                  

The Cape wagtail, or Wells's wagtail, is a modestly adorned bird with a relatively short tail. Its upperparts are an unassuming olive grey, while the face is similarly hued, accented by a tan supercilium and dark lores. The underparts are a soft creamy white, occasionally showing a subtle pinkish tinge on the lower breast and belly. A dusky breast band is present, and the flanks share the olive-grey of the breast. The wings are a brownish black with pale feather edging, and the tail is predominantly blackish, save for the white outer feathers. Juveniles resemble adults but are a touch browner above and have a more yellowish hue below.

Look for the iconic black triangle on the chest, a key feature for identification. There is no sexual dimorphism in plumage, so males and females appear alike.

The Cape wagtail is a versatile species, inhabiting areas near water such as riverbanks, as well as rocky coastlines, farms, villages, cultivated lands, parks, gardens, and urban centres. In East Africa, it is typically found at altitudes above 2,000 meters.

This bird is widespread in eastern and southern Africa, ranging from Uganda and Kenya, through Zambia and Angola, and down to the Western Cape and the Cape of Good Hope.

The species is mostly resident and territorial, but some may migrate altitudinally or form flocks outside the breeding season.

Cape wagtails are monogamous and may remain with their breeding partner across multiple seasons. They are solitary nesters, constructing nests in a variety of natural and artificial recesses. Breeding can occur year-round, with a peak from mid-winter to early summer. Clutches typically consist of one to five eggs, incubated by both parents for about two weeks. Chicks are fed by both parents and fledge in about two to three weeks, with full independence reached approximately one to two months post-fledging.

The Cape wagtail's diet consists mainly of invertebrates, which it hunts on the ground or in shallow water. It is known to feed on a variety of prey, including insects, fiddler crabs, sandhoppers, snails, ticks, tadpoles, small fish, and even small chameleons. It is also known to consume carrion and occasionally human food.

The Cape wagtail is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.                                                                

30-3-2018 KYNSNA, SOUTH AFRICA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

Grey Herons are unmistakeable – tall, with long legs, a long beak and grey, black and white feathering. They can stand with their neck stretched out, looking for food, or hunched down with their neck bent over their chest.

The Grey Heron is a distinctive species with grey, black, and white plumage. It is often seen along rivers or lake margins, or standing in flooded fields.

In flight their large size, impressive wingspan, long legs, and folded neck give them an unmistakable silhouette. Largely silent away from colonies, flight is sometimes accompanied by a harsh ‘kraank’ call.

Grey Herons gather to nest in treetop sites called heronries, some of which have been occupied for many decades. These have been monitored in the UK since 1928 through the Heronries Census. Overall the UK's breeding population has increased, with numbers peaking in the early 2000, but with some more recent declines.

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

29-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN DOUBLE COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris afer)

The greater double-collared sunbird, Cinnyris afer, is a small and vibrant member of the sunbird family. This species exhibits a striking sexual dimorphism. The male is adorned with a glossy, metallic green head, throat, upper breast, and back. A brilliant red band, edged with a narrow metallic blue stripe, graces his chest. The rest of his underparts are a pale grey. When in display, one may observe yellow tufts on his shoulders. The female, in contrast, is clad in more subdued tones of pale grey, with darker wings. Both sexes possess a long, decurved bill, black in color, matching their legs and feet, and dark brown eyes.

To identify the greater double-collared sunbird, look for the male's broad red chest band and the distinctive blue band above it. The female is less colorful but can be recognized by her grey plumage and darker wings. The species can be distinguished from the similar lesser double-collared sunbird by the male's larger size, wider red chest band, and longer bill.

The greater double-collared sunbird is commonly found in gardens, fynbos, forest edges, and coastal scrub across southern South Africa.

This sunbird is mainly resident but partly migratory in the northeastern parts of its range within southern South Africa.

The greater double-collared sunbird is typically observed alone or in pairs. It exhibits a fast and direct flight on its short wings.

The call of this sunbird is a hard "chut-chut-chut," while its song is a high-pitched jumble of tweets and twitters, richer than that of its lesser double-collared counterpart. Additionally, it produces a shrill whistle and click, sounding like "wrew wrew wrew ch ch."

Breeding occurs throughout the year, peaking from July to November. The sunbird constructs a closed oval nest from grass, lichen, and other plant materials, all bound together with spider webs. The nest features a side entrance, occasionally adorned with a porch, and is lined with soft feathers.

The diet of the greater double-collared sunbird primarily consists of nectar from flowers. It also consumes fruit and, particularly when feeding young, insects and spiders. It has a unique habit of hovering in front of webs to pluck spiders and can hover like a hummingbird to feed on nectar, though it typically perches to do so.

The IUCN has classified the greater double-collared sunbird as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival.

30-3-2018 OUDTSCHOORN, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops ssp. africana)

The African hoopoe (Upupa africana) is a species of hoopoe in the family Upupidae. Previously considered as a subspecies (Upupa epops africana) of the Eurasian hoopoe, it is a resident species of southern Africa.

The African hoopoe has the average size of 25 to 29 cm (9.8 to 11.4 in), with a wingspan between 44 and 48 cm (17 and 19 in).[4] The weight is between 38 and 67 g when fully grown. This is about the size of the average American robin. African hoopoes have a crest which is chestnut coloured with black on the tips. It is raised when the bird has been startled or disturbed, especially when eating. No eyerings or eye-stripes are present, but the bill is long, dark and narrow and slightly down curved. The male is typically fully chestnut colored, whereas the female has a grayer body. Both males and females have black and white stripes on their wings and tail which are rounded. This black and white striped pattern leads to a V-formation on their backs. Juveniles are similar in appearance to females except that they have a shorter beak. In adults, the beak is about the same size as the head.

When these birds are in flight, they flap between 4 and 5 beats, then pause in which their body drops, and then continue to beat their wings 4 to 5 times. When in the air, you'll notice the same black and white striping on the wings and tail on their underside as when they are perched.

The African hoopoe differs from the Eurasian hoopoe in having plumage which is deep rufous rather than pale sandy buff.

The African hoopoes most common call is very distinctive "oop-oop" or "oop-oop-oop". This will be repeated after a pause. This call is only made by males and is usually used during the mating season. Besides the "oop" call, the male will also produce a “swizzling” sound: “swizzle-swizzle-swizzle”. When not in mating season, these birds are more silent but still have some sounds such as the “rattle” and “huk”. These sounds are used more often when the bird has been disturbed and is used by both the males and females. Lastly, a sound: "choorie, choorie, choorie" is used by males when he gives food to the female during the mating season.

The African hoopoe is widely distributed throughout southern Africa from Central Democratic Republic of Congo across to central Kenya and all the way south to the Cape of Good Hope. A list of countries where the African hoopoe is commonly seen is as follows: South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya and the southern half of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Unlike the Eurasian hoopoe that often migrates, the African hoopoe is usually resident but may make short-distance movements.

The species prefers open and bushy areas, including thornveld, a landscape with mostly thorny bush and trees, and riverine woodlands in dry areas. It inhabits broadleaf forests and savannah.

Only a limited amount of research has been carried out on the African hoopoe, but it appears to be similar in behaviour to the Eurasian hoopoe, although it occupies a different ecological niche. The biggest threat predatorily are raptor species which include hawks and eagles.

African hoopoes eat mainly insects. These include Coleoptera, which are beetles, Dermaptera (earwigs) and Orthoptera, grasshoppers, locusts and crickets. Besides these, small reptiles have been found to be fed to chicks as well as worms, slugs, and small snakes. Small seeds and berries may even be eaten. To find the insects, the African Hoopoe uses its long beak to penetrate the soil and then may whack the insect or prey onto the ground to break it up into smaller pieces. They prefer to do this in shorter grass. Unlike the rest of the year, African hoopoes maintain a specific territory throughout the breeding season in which they feed.

The African hoopoa bird is monogamous. The mating season begins in mid April where the male seeks out a female and offers her small pieces of food. Breeding occurs later in August. The African hoopoe does not make its own nest but rather finds a nest hole that is just slightly larger than its body. The nest hole is probably chosen by the male. The nests are located from ground level up to a maximum of about eight meters above the ground. The clutch varies between four and seven eggs which are laid at one or two day intervals. The eggs are smooth and blue-green when freshly laid but with age they become rougher and the colour fades. Only the female incubates the eggs which hatch after 14 and 16 days. The chicks are fed mostly by the male until close to their fledging date when the female and male share the responsibilities. The chicks fledge after between 26 and 32 days. These birds are double brooded and have two sets of chicks per year. The breeding season ends in December. The greater honeyguide may use the nests of African hoopoes to lay their own eggs making them brood parasites.