Thursday, 5 April 2018
Wednesday, 4 April 2018
4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SAVANNAH ELEPHANT (Loxodonta Africana)
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The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of three extant elephant species and, along with the African forest elephant, one of two extant species of African elephant. It is the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 metres (10.0–11.0 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 tonnes (11,000–15,000 lb); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (23,000 lb). The African bush elephant is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a convex back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. The skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water.
The African bush elephant inhabits a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, woodlands, wetlands and agricultural land. It is a mixed herbivore feeding mostly on grasses, creepers, herbs, leaves, and bark. The average adult consumes about 150 kg (330 lb) of vegetation and 230 L (51 imp gal; 61 US gal) of water each day. A social animal, the African bush elephant often travels in herds composed of cows and their offspring. Adult bulls usually live alone or in small bachelor groups. During the mating season, males go through a process called musth; a period of high testosterone levels and heightened aggression. For females, the menstrual cycle lasts three to four months, and gestation around 22 months, the longest of any mammal.
4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN PYGMY KINGFISHER (Ispidina Picta)
The African pygmy kingfisher (Ispidina picta) is a small insectivorous kingfisher found in the Afrotropics, mostly in woodland habitats.
The African pygmy kingfisher is distributed widely in Africa south of the Sahara, where it is a common resident and intra-African migrant. It is absent from much of the horn of Africa, and also the drier western regions of Southern Africa. It is found in woodland, savanna and coastal forest, and it is not bound to water. It is usually found either singly or in pairs and is secretive and unobtrusive.
African pygmy kingfishers nest in burrows that are dug by both sexes in sandy soil banks or into a ground termite nest. The burrows are between 30 and 60 cm (12 and 24 in) in length. The clutch is four to six white eggs. Both parents care for the young. They can have several broods in a year.
The African pygmy kingfisher's diet consists of insects like grasshoppers, praying mantis, worms, crickets, dragonflies, cockroaches and moths. They are also known to take spiders which make up quite a large part of their diet. They also take geckos and lizards that are easily their length and small frogs and even occasionally small crabs. Prey are hunted from low perches and once caught are either crushed in the beak or smashed against the perch.
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Tuesday, 3 April 2018
3-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - COMMON IMPALA (MALE) (Aepyceros melampus ssp. melampus)
The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a medium-sized antelope that is found in Africa. It was first described to European audiences by German zoologist Hinrich Lichtenstein in 1812. Active mainly during the day, the impala may be gregarious or territorial depending upon the climate and geography. The impala is known for two characteristic leaps that constitute an anti-predator strategy.
Impala is an elegant and magnificent species of antelope. The animal has slender body with the identifying "M"-like marking on the rear. This medium-sized antelope possesses thin, pointed horns with tips, lying far apart from each other. Males of this species are identified by the characteristic "S"-like horns. The elegant limbs of these animals have scent glands behind the ankles. The overall coloration of their fur is red-brown with paler sides. In addition, they have black and white colored areas on their body. Thus, the tail, belly, chin, lips, inside ears as well as the lines above the eyes are colored with white. Meanwhile, black bands cover their thighs, tail, forehead and ear tips.
2-4-2018 PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE GULL (larus dominicanus ssp vetula)
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The Kelp Gull, known scientifically as Larus dominicanus, is a robust seabird with a commanding presence along the coasts and islands of the Southern Hemisphere. This species exhibits a striking contrast between its black upper parts and wings, and the pure white of its head, underparts, and tail. The wingtips are adorned with small white "mirrors," adding a touch of elegance to its flight. Adult Kelp Gulls have a yellow bill marked with a red spot and legs of a greenish-yellow hue, which become more vivid during the breeding season.
To identify the Kelp Gull, look for its size, which is intermediate between the lesser and great black-backed gulls of the northern Atlantic. Adults typically measure 54 to 65 cm in length, with a wingspan of 128 to 142 cm. The bill and tarsus measurements are also distinctive, with the bill ranging from 4.4 to 5.9 cm and the tarsus from 5.3 to 7.5 cm. Juveniles can be recognized by their black bill, grey-brown plumage with whitish edges, and a dark band in the tail. They mature over three to four years, gradually acquiring the adult's pale bill base and predominantly white head and underparts.
Kelp Gulls favor coastal environments where they can be found on beaches, rocky shores, and islands. They are also known to frequent landfills, indicating their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits.
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Large black-backed gull. Few similar species across most of its range. Usually coastal. Adults have a black back and wings with very little white on the flight feathers. The bill is very strong and thick, and the legs are greenish-yellow. Juveniles have a dark brown back mottled with white, a black bill, and a dark tail band.
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The Kelp Gull has a widespread distribution across the Southern Hemisphere, with subspecies found in South America, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, parts of Australia, New Zealand, Southern Africa, subantarctic islands in the Indian Ocean, southern and southwestern Madagascar, Antarctica, and Antarctic islands. The species is a rare vagrant to the United States.
Kelp Gulls are omnivorous and exhibit a variety of feeding strategies, including scavenging and actively hunting small prey. They have been observed engaging in unique behaviors such as pecking at the skin of living whales and dropping shellfish onto rocks to break them open. Their predatory tactics extend to attacking seal pups by first blinding them. The Kelp Gull's nest is a simple ground depression lined with vegetation and feathers, where typically 2 or 3 eggs are laid.
The vocalization of the Kelp Gull is a distinctive and strident "ki-och," which can be heard echoing along the coastal habitats they frequent.
During the breeding season, both male and female Kelp Gulls take part in nurturing their young, which emerge from the eggs laid in the ground nests.
Monday, 2 April 2018
1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba)
The African spoonbill, Platalea alba, is a striking wading bird belonging to the ibis and spoonbill family, Threskiornithidae. This species is characterized by its long legs, which facilitate wading through marshy wetlands, and its distinctive long grey spatulate bill, which is used to sift through shallow waters for food. Adult birds are predominantly white with red legs and a red face, while immature birds can be identified by their yellow bills and the absence of red on their faces.
When identifying the African spoonbill, look for a large, all-white bird with a unique spoon-shaped bill. During flight, unlike herons, spoonbills keep their necks outstretched. Breeding adults will exhibit more vibrant red coloration on their legs and face, and their bill will be grey. Juveniles can be distinguished by their paler bill color and lack of red facial markings.
The African spoonbill is found in marshy wetlands that have open shallow water. It prefers environments where it can wade and forage for food, such as in reedbeds or along the edges of bodies of water.
This bird has a widespread presence across Africa and Madagascar, with sightings reported in countries including Botswana, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
African spoonbills are known for their methodical feeding technique, swinging their open bills side-to-side in the water to catch prey. They are sociable birds, often nesting in colonies, but they typically do not share these colonies with storks or herons. Their long legs and thin, pointed toes are perfectly adapted for navigating through varying water depths.
The African spoonbill is generally silent, but it may make soft grunting noises during the breeding season.
Breeding season for the African spoonbill occurs in the winter and extends into spring. During this time, males display more pronounced plumage and brighter colors. Nests are constructed from sticks and reeds in trees above water and lined with leaves. Females lay three to five eggs, primarily in April or May. Both parents share the responsibility of incubating the eggs for up to 29 days. After hatching, the chicks are cared for by both parents for approximately 20 to 30 days, becoming ready to fly four weeks post-fledging.
The African spoonbill can be confused with the common spoonbill; however, it lacks the crest found on the latter. Additionally, the common spoonbill has a yellowish bill, whereas the African spoonbill's bill is grey.
The diet of the African spoonbill includes a variety of fish, molluscs, amphibians, crustaceans, insects, and larvae. Its specialized bill allows it to efficiently sift through water to capture these prey items.
The IUCN Red List classifies the African spoonbill as Least Concern, indicating that the species currently faces no significant threats to its survival. It is also protected under the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).
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 - 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).
Sunday, 1 April 2018
1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE BACKED MOUSEBIRD (Coilus colius)
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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)
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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.
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