5-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - THREE BANDED PLOVER (Charadrias tricollaris)

The Three-banded Plover, or Charadrius tricollaris, is a small wader, measuring 18 cm in length, with a distinctive elongated profile characterized by its long wings and very long tail. This bird is easily recognized in flight by its white front and the white side of the tail and rump. The adult's upperparts are a medium brown, while the underparts are predominantly white, featuring two black breast bands separated by a white band, which are the hallmark of this species. The head boasts a striking pattern with a black crown and white supercilia extending from the white forehead to meet at the back of the neck. The face is grey, transitioning to brown on the neck, and the orbital ring is a vivid orange-red. The bill is mostly black with a rosy red base.

When identifying the Three-banded Plover, look for the unique combination of the two black breast bands and the white band in between. The long wings and tail are also key features, setting it apart from most other small plovers. The thin white bar above the wings and the dark smudge over the primary coverts below are visible in flight. The Malagasy subspecies can be distinguished by a grey band between the bill and the white forehead, and grey sides of the head.

This species is typically found along inland rivers, pools, lakes, and pans, where it frequents exposed shores.

The Three-banded Plover is resident and generally sedentary across much of East Africa, southern Africa, and Madagascar.

BehaviourOften seen as solitary individuals, the Three-banded Plover may also gather in small flocks. It hunts primarily by sight, searching for insects, worms, and other invertebrates.

The call of the Three-banded Plover is a sharp, whistled "weeet-weet."

Breeding involves a simple nest, which is a bare scrape on shingle. Egg laying varies by region, occurring from March to June in the tropics, but predominantly from July to October in southern Africa.

The Forbes's Plover is a larger and darker-plumaged species that replaces the Three-banded Plover in West Africa and the moist tropics. The Forbes's Plover can be differentiated by its brown forehead and the absence of a white wingbar.

The diet consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, which the Three-banded Plover hunts by sight.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Three-banded Plover as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - RED BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio)

The Red-backed Shrike, Lanius collurio, is a carnivorous passerine of the shrike family, Laniidae. A bird of striking contrasts, the male boasts a reddish back, a grey head, and a distinctive black eye stripe. The underparts are tinged with pink, and the tail exhibits a black and white pattern reminiscent of a wheatear. Females and juveniles are more subdued, with brown, vermiculated upperparts and buff, vermiculated underparts.

Adult males are easily identified by their reddish upperparts and grey heads, complemented by the black eye stripe. The underparts are subtly pink. Females and young birds can be recognized by their brown and vermiculated upperparts, with buff underparts that also show vermiculation. The tail pattern is a useful feature for identification in both sexes.

The Red-backed Shrike inhabits a variety of landscapes across Europe and western Asia, favoring open country with scattered shrubs and trees, which provide vantage points for hunting.

This migratory species breeds from Western Europe to central Russia and winters in the eastern regions of tropical Africa and southern Africa.

The Red-backed Shrike is known for its unique hunting behavior, often perching conspicuously as it scans for prey. It feeds on large insects, small birds, frogs, rodents, and lizards. A notable habit is its practice of impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire, creating a "larder" for later consumption.

The call of the Red-backed Shrike is a sharp, shrill cry that has given rise to its name, derived from the Old English "sċrīc," meaning "shriek."

The Red-backed Shrike breeds across its wide range, with some populations experiencing declines. In Great Britain, where it is now a rarity, there have been sporadic breeding events, particularly in Scotland and Wales.

This species is a predator, feeding on a variety of prey including insects, small birds, and small vertebrates. Its characteristic behavior of impaling prey serves both as a food store and a display to potential mates.

Globally, the Red-backed Shrike is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, there are regions where the species has suffered significant declines, leading to local conservation concerns. In the UK, it is considered a 'Red List' species due to its rarity.

5-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - YELLOW BIĹLED STORK (Mycteria ibis)

The yellow-billed stork (Mycteria ibis), sometimes also called the wood stork or wood ibis, is a large African wading stork species in the family Ciconiidae. It is widespread in regions south of the Sahara and also occurs in Madagascar.

The yellow-billed stork (Mycteria ibis ), sometimes also called the wood stork or wood ibis, is a large African wading stork species in the family Ciconiidae. It is widespread in regions south of the Sahara and also occurs in Madagascar.

The yellow-billed stork has appeared on postage stamps in several African countries.

The yellow-billed stork is closely related to three other species in the genus Mycteria: the American woodstork (Mycteria americana), the milky stork (Mycteria cinerea) and the painted stork (Mycteria leucocephala). It is classified as belonging to one clade with these three other species because they all display remarkable homologies in behavior and morphology. In one analytical study of feeding and courtship behaviours of the wood-stork family, M.P. Kahl attributed the same general ethology to all members of the genus Mycteria, with relatively few species-specific variations. These four species are collectively referred to as the wood-storks, which should not be confused with one alternative common name (wood-stork) for the yellow-billed stork.

Before it was established that the yellow-billed stork was closely related to the American wood stork, the former was assigned to the genus Ibis, together with the milky stork and painted stork. However, the yellow-billed stork has actually long been recognised as a true stork and along with the other 3 related stork species, it should not strictly be called an ibis.

6-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - EAST AFRICAN HARRIER HAWK (Polyboroides typus ssp. typus)

The African harrier-hawk, or gymnogene, is a medium-sized bird of prey, measuring about 60 to 66 centimeters in length. It is distinguished by its pale grey upperparts, head, and breast, while its belly is white with fine dark barring. The broad wings are pale grey with a distinctive black trailing edge, highlighted by a narrow white line. Its tail is black with a single broad white band. A notable feature is the bare facial patch, which can be red or yellow. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles display pale brown where adults are grey, and dark brown replaces the black areas.

When observing this raptor, look for the double-jointed ankles, a unique adaptation that allows it to probe into crevices for food. The African harrier-hawk's flight is characterized by its black trailing edge on the wings and the single white band on the tail. The facial patch color can also be a helpful identifier, varying between individuals.

This adaptable bird can be found in a range of habitats including thick rainforests, forest edges, riparian areas, agricultural lands, and even human-occupied areas. It is quite common in traditional rural villages and has been known to breed in palm trees within urban settings.

The African harrier-hawk is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, with a higher prevalence in the tropical regions of western Africa. Its presence becomes less common towards the eastern and southern parts of the continent.

This species exhibits a fascinating courtship display where pairs may soar together at great heights, often vocalizing. Males may perform undulating flights alone, and when in pairs, they may engage in talon-touching maneuvers. The African harrier-hawk is also known for its intelligence in locating prey by gauging the aggression level of mobbing passerines.

The call of the African harrier-hawk is a distinctive whistled "sueee-sueee-sueee," often heard during flight or courtship displays.

Breeding seasons vary across their range, with March to August in Nigeria and the austral summer in southern regions. Nests are large, circular structures made of sticks and lined with leaves, often reused across seasons. Clutch sizes range from one to three eggs.

An omnivorous diet includes fruit from oil palms and small vertebrates. Its climbing ability and double-jointed legs allow it to raid nests of cavity-nesters for eggs and nestlings. It also preys on introduced species such as feral pigeons and house sparrows.

The IUCN lists the African harrier-hawk as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its wide range.

5-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaiĺlantii)

The crested barbet, Trachyphonus vaillantii, is a small, vibrantly colored bird, easily recognized by its thick bill and speckled plumage. Its face is a mosaic of yellow and red, adorned with a modest black crest. The belly mirrors the face with yellow and red speckles, while the wings are black with white dots. A striking black band encircles its neck. The bird's overall yellow hue, peppered with black and white feathers and red at the body's end, provides excellent camouflage in its natural bush habitat. The crested barbet's call is a distinctive trill.

When identifying the crested barbet, look for its unique coloration and markings. The combination of a yellow and red speckled face, a small black crest, and a broad black neck band are key features. The bird's trilling call can also serve as an auditory clue to its presence.

The crested barbet thrives in a variety of environments, including forests, savannahs, suburban gardens, woodland thickets, and areas near watercourses.

This species is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, with sightings confirmed in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

5-4-2018 THORNYBUSH KRUGER, SOUTH AFRICA - BLACK RHINOCEROS (Diceros bicornis)

The southern black rhinoceros, southern hook-lipped rhinoceros or Cape rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis bicornis) is an extinct subspecies of the black rhinoceros that was once abundant in South Africa from the Cape Province to Transvaal, southern Namibia, and possibly also Lesotho and southern Botswana. Zoos, animal sanctuaries and conservation centers use this same scientific name as an indicating reference to the surviving south-central black rhinoceros. This former species was brought to extinction by excessive hunting and habitat destruction around 1850.

 

D. bicornis bicornis was the largest of all black rhino subspecies. While the differentiation of subspecies is mostly based on skull and body proportions, as well as details of the dentition, the external appearance of the southern subspecies is not exactly known because no photos exist. The skull was the largest of any known subspecies and proportionally large compared to the body. The limbs were short but slender and the skin folds were probably only weakly pronounced.

5-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pasillas)

The Little Bee-eater, scientifically known as Merops pusillus, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This species is adorned with green upper parts and a yellow throat, complemented by a striking black gorget. The upper breast is a rich brown, which gently transitions to a buffish ochre on the belly. Their wings exhibit a blend of green and brown hues, while their beaks and legs are a stark black. Measuring a mere 15–17 cm in length, they hold the title of the smallest African bee-eater. Both males and females are similar in appearance.

When identifying the Little Bee-eater, look for its bright green upper parts, yellow throat, and the distinctive black gorget. The rich brown of the upper breast and the buffish ochre belly are also key characteristics. Their small size and black beak and legs can help distinguish them from other bee-eaters.

These birds favor open country with an abundance of bushes, showing a preference for areas near water sources.

The Little Bee-eater is a resident of Sub-Saharan Africa. Their movements are seasonal, often dictated by the patterns of rainfall rather than long-distance migration.

Little Bee-eaters are known for their abundance and tame nature within their range. They are often seen perched low, sometimes just a meter above the ground. They roost communally, aligning themselves neatly on a tree branch.

Typically a quiet species, the Little Bee-eater's call is a soft "seep," which can be heard intermittently.

Solitary nesters by nature, Little Bee-eaters excavate tunnels in sandy banks for their nests, occasionally utilizing the entrance of an Aardvark den. They lay a clutch of 4 to 6 spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the responsibility of egg care.

True to their name, Little Bee-eaters primarily consume insects, with a particular fondness for bees, wasps, and hornets. They exhibit remarkable agility, capturing their prey mid-air from an open perch and then removing the stinger by striking the insect against a hard surface before consumption.

The Little Bee-eater is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of 60 to 80 million individuals.

4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - WATER THICK NEE (Barhinus Vermiculatus)

The Water Thick-knee, also known as the Water Dikkop (Burhinus vermiculatus), presents a striking figure with its 38 to 41 cm (15–16 in) stature and a weight range of 293–320 g (10.3–11.3 oz). This bird is characterized by a robust bill, black with a hint of yellow at the base, broad and blunt wings, and a rather short tail.

When identifying the Water Thick-knee, look for its heavy bill with a yellow base, which is quite distinctive. The wings are broad and blunt, which can be observed when the bird stretches them. The tail is short, which is noticeable when the bird is in flight or when it fans its tail feathers.

The Water Thick-knee is typically found along the edges of lakes, estuaries, and rivers. It also frequents mangroves and some sheltered beaches, often requiring nearby bushes or woodlands for shelter. Its habitat range extends from sea level up to 1,800 m (5,900 ft).

This species enjoys a widespread distribution across sub-Saharan Africa, with sightings reported in countries such as Angola, Botswana, Burkina Faso, and many others, all the way to South Africa.

The Water Thick-knee is a nocturnal terrestrial feeder, often venturing up to 1 km (0.62 mi) away from water to forage. It is known for its unique nesting behavior, often laying its eggs adjacent to or directly on top of Nile crocodile nests, engaging in a symbiotic mutualism with the crocodiles.

The Water Thick-knee is known to be vocal, especially when acting as a sentry for its nest or the crocodile nests it shares. Its calls are used to alert the crocodile of potential threats.

Breeding typically occurs in the dry season or early rainy season. The Water Thick-knee is monogamous, with both parents diligently guarding the nest and brooding the eggs. The nest is a simple scrape in the ground, and the clutch consists of two sandy-yellow eggs. Incubation lasts for 22-25 days, with both parents sharing the responsibility of feeding the young.

The Water Thick-knee can easily be confused with the Spotted Thich-knee.

The diet of the Water Thick-knee includes insects, crustaceans, and mollusks, which it forages for during the night.

The Water Thick-knee is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SAVANNAH ELEPHANT (Loxodonta Africana)

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.

The African pygmy kingfisher (Ispidina picta) is a diminutive avian jewel of the Afrotropics, measuring a mere 12 cm in length. Both males and females are similarly adorned with rufous underparts and a striking blue back that cascades down to the tail. A dark blue crown sets the adult apart from its relative, the African dwarf kingfisher.

To distinguish this species, look for the violet wash on the ear coverts and its smaller stature compared to the malachite kingfisher. The subspecies I. p. natalensis, found in the southern reaches of its range, features paler underparts and a distinctive blue spot above the white ear patch. Juveniles present a less pronounced violet on their ear coverts and a black bill, rather than the orange bill seen in adults.

The African pygmy kingfisher is not a bird of the water's edge but rather frequents woodlands, savannas, and coastal forests. It thrives in these terrestrial habitats, often observed alone or in pairs, and tends to be secretive and unobtrusive in its behavior.

This species is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa, commonly residing as a resident and intra-African migrant. It is notably absent from the arid western regions of Southern Africa and much of the Horn of Africa.

The African pygmy kingfisher is a solitary creature, often found alone or in pairs. Its elusive nature makes it a delightful surprise to spot in the wild.

The call of this kingfisher is a high-pitched, insect-like "tsip-tsip" that can be heard during its flight, adding a sonic sparkle to its visual splendor.

Both sexes of the African pygmy kingfisher partake in the construction of their nest—a burrow in sandy soil banks or termite nests. They lay clutches of four to six pristine white eggs and are known to raise several broods within a single year, with both parents tending to the young.

An insectivore by nature, the African pygmy kingfisher's diet is composed of grasshoppers, praying mantises, worms, crickets, dragonflies, cockroaches, moths, and a significant portion of spiders. It also consumes geckos, lizards comparable to its own length, small frogs, and occasionally, small crabs. Prey is typically hunted from low perches and subdued by crushing in the beak or beating against the perch.

3-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - COMMON WARTHOG (Phacochoerus Africus)

The Common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is a wild member of the pig family (Suidae) found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the only pig species that has adapted to grazing and savanna habitats.

Common warthogs are found in sub-Saharan Africa. They live in grasslands, savanna, open bushlands, and woodlands. These animals prefer open areas and avoid rainforests, thickets, cool montane grasslands, and severe deserts.

A warthog has two pairs of tusks protruding from the mouth and curving upwards. The lower pair, which is far shorter than the upper pair, becomes razor-sharp by rubbing against the upper pair every time the mouth is opened and closed. The upper canine teeth can grow to 25.5 cm (10.0 in) long and have a wide elliptical cross-section, being about 4.5 cm (1.8 in) deep and 2.5 cm (0.98 in) wide. A tusk will curve 90° or more from the root, and will not lie flat on a table, as it curves somewhat backward as it grows. The tusks are not used for digging, but are used for combat with other hogs and in defense against predators - the lower set can inflict severe wounds. Common warthog ivory is taken from the constantly growing canine teeth. The tusks, particularly the upper set, work in much the same way as elephant tusks with all designs scaled down. Tusks are carved predominantly for the tourist trade in eastern and southern Africa. The head of the Common warthog is large, with a mane down the spine to the middle of the back. Sparse hair covers the body. Its color is usually black or brown. Tails are long and end with a tuft of hair. Common warthogs do not have subcutaneous fat and the coat is sparse, making them susceptible to extreme environmental temperatures.

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.

3-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN GREATER KUDU (Tragelaphus Strepsiceros)

The greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) is a large woodland antelope, found throughout eastern and southern Africa. Despite occupying such widespread territory, they are sparsely populated in most areas due to declining habitat, deforestation, and poaching. The greater kudu is one of two species commonly known as kudu, the other being the lesser kudu, T. imberbis.

Greater kudus have a narrow body with long legs, and their coats can range from brown/bluish grey to reddish brown. They possess between 4 and 12 vertical white stripes along their torso. The head tends to be darker in colour than the rest of the body, and exhibits a small white chevron which runs between the eyes. Greater kudu bulls tend to be much larger than the cows, and vocalize much more, utilizing low grunts, clucks, humming, and gasping. 

The bulls also have beards running along their throats, and large horns with two and a half twists, which, were they to be straightened, would reach an average length of 120 cm (47 in), with the record being 187.64 cm (73.87 in). They diverge slightly as they slant back from the head. The horns do not begin to grow until the bull is between the ages of 6–12 months. The horns form the first spiral rotation at around 2 years of age, and not reaching the full two and a half rotations until they are 6 years old; occasionally they may even have 3 full turns.

The greater kudu is one of the largest species of antelope, being slightly smaller than the bongo. Bulls weigh 190–270 kg (420–600 lb), with a maximum of 315 kg (694 lb), and stand up to 160 cm (63 in) tall at the shoulder. The ears of the greater kudu are large and round. Cows weigh 120–210 kg (260–460 lb) and stand as little as 100 cm (39 in) tall at the shoulder; they are hornless, without a beard or nose markings. The head-and-body length is 185–245 cm (6.07–8.04 ft), to which the tail may add a further 30–55 cm (12–22 in).

3-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTH AFRICAN GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. giraffa)

The South African giraffe or Cape giraffe (Giraffa giraffa or Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a species or subspecies of giraffe found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Mozambique. It has rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves.

In 2016, the population was estimated at 31,500 individuals in the wild.

The IUCN currently recognizes only one species of giraffe with nine subspecies. The Cape giraffe, along with the whole species, were first known by the binomen Camelopardalis giraffa as described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in his publication Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen (The Mammals Illustrated from Nature with Descriptions) during his travel in the Cape of Good Hope in 1784. Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert also described it under the binomial name Giraffa giraffa whilst also identifying the nominate specimen of said species under the ternary name Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa in 1785.

The South African giraffe is found in northern South Africa, southern Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, and south-western Mozambique. After local extinctions in various places, South African giraffes have been reintroduced in many parts of Southern Africa, including in Eswatini. They are common in both in and outside of protected areas. South African giraffes usually live in savannahs and woodlands where food plants are available. Giraffes are herbivorous. They feed on leaves, flowers, fruits and shoots of woody plants such as Acacia.

South African giraffes live in a fission–fusion society system based on factors such as sex, age, season, and kinship. This allows them to adapt to environmental changes.

2-4-2018 PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE GULL (larus dominicanus ssp vetula)

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.

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.

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.

1-4-2018 PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - HELMETED GUINEA FOWL (Numida meleagris)

The Helmeted Guineafowl, Numida meleagris, is a distinctive bird, easily recognized by its round body, small head, and striking plumage. Adults typically measure 53 to 58 cm in length and weigh around 1.3 kg. Their feathers are predominantly gray-black, speckled with white, providing them with a somewhat polka-dotted appearance.

One can identify the Helmeted Guineafowl by its bare head adorned with a bony knob, which can be dull yellow or reddish, and the surrounding skin may exhibit red, blue, or black colors. The wings and tail are short, contributing to a rather compact silhouette. Subspecies vary mainly in the size, shape, and color of the casque and facial wattles.

These birds favor warm, open environments with scattered shrubs and trees, such as savannas or farmlands, where they can forage and breed.

Native to Africa, mainly south of the Sahara, the Helmeted Guineafowl has been introduced to various regions worldwide, including the West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia, and Europe.

Helmeted Guineafowls are social creatures, forming flocks of about 25 individuals outside the breeding season. They are ground-dwelling birds, preferring to run rather than fly when threatened. Their flight is short and explosive, relying on gliding for longer distances. They are adept at running and can cover up to 10 km in a day. When alarmed, they emit loud, harsh calls.

The calls of domesticated hens and the sounds of young birds, known as keets, are characteristic of this species.

These birds are seasonal breeders, with summer being the peak season. The female lays a clutch of 6 to 12 eggs in a well-hidden scrape and incubates them for 26 to 28 days. Larger clutches may indicate shared nesting.

While there are various subspecies of Helmeted Guineafowl, they are generally distinguishable from other guineafowl by their unique head ornamentation and coloration.

The Helmeted Guineafowl's diet is diverse, including animal and plant foods. They consume seeds, tubers, and invertebrates, with a particular fondness for arthropods like beetles. They forage by scratching the ground with their strong claws.

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 - BLACK SWAN (Cygnus atratus)

The black swan (Cygnus atratus) is a striking large waterbird, native to the southeastern and southwestern regions of Australia. It is characterized by its predominantly black plumage and a distinctive red bill, with a pale bar and tip. The legs and feet are a greyish-black hue. Males, known as cobs, are marginally larger than females, or pens, and possess a longer, straighter bill. Juveniles, referred to as cygnets, display a greyish-brown coloration with pale-edged feathers.

Adult black swans range from 110 to 142 centimeters in length and weigh between 3.7 and 9 kilograms. Their wingspan stretches from 1.6 to 2 meters. Notably, they have the longest neck relative to body size among swans, which is typically curved into an elegant "S" shape.

Black swans inhabit a variety of wetland environments, including fresh, brackish, and saltwater lakes, as well as swamps and rivers with abundant underwater and emergent vegetation. They are also found in permanent wetlands and ornamental lakes, and may occasionally venture into flooded pastures, tidal mudflats, or the open sea near islands or the coast.

Within Australia, black swans are common in the wetlands of the southwest and east, and their range extends to adjacent coastal islands. They are nomadic birds, with migration patterns influenced by climatic conditions, such as rainfall or drought.

2-4-2018 PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - WESTERN CAPE AUTUMN WIDOW BUTTERFLY (Dira clytus ssp. clytus)

The Western Cape Autumn Widow butterfly, scientifically known as Dira clytus, is a species found in South Africa. It's characterized by a wingspan of 45-55 mm and is typically on the wing from late February to April, with a single generation per year. The adults are most active in the mornings and are often seen fluttering in grassy areas, according to the Steenbok Nature Reserve. The larvae feed on various grass species, including Ehrharta erecta, Pennisetum clandestinum, and Stenotaphrum secundatum, says Wikipedia. 

Their life cycle is a long one as the butterflies are only evident for a few weeks in Autumn. They then lay eggs on LONG grass, the eggs hatch and the little caterpillars eat the LONG grass and then pupate and wait for the following year.

Subspecies

Dira clytus clytus — south-western Cape

Dira clytus eurina Quickelberge, 1978 — southern Cape.

1-4-2018 EDEN PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - VULTURINE GUINEAFOWL (Acryllium Vulturinium)

The vulturine guinea fowl (Acryllium vulturinum) is the largest extant species of guinea fowl. Systematically, it is only distantly related to other guinea fowl genera. Its closest living relative, the white breasted guinea fowl, Agelastes meleagrides inhabit primary forests in Central Africa. It is a member of the bird family Numididae, and is the only member of the genus Acryllium. It is a resident breeder in northeast Africa, from southern Ethiopia and Somalia through Kenya and just into northern Tanzania.

The vulturine guinea fowl is a large (61–71 centimetres (24–28 in)) bird with a round body and small head. It's average weight is between 1kg to 1.6kg and it has longer wings, neck, legs and tail than other guinea fowl. The adult has a bare blue face and black neck, and although all other guinea fowl have unfeathered heads, this species looks particularly like a vulture because of the long bare neck and head.

The slim neck projects from a cape of long, glossy, blue and white hackles. The breast is cobalt blue, and the rest of the body plumage is black, finely spangled with white. The wings are short and rounded, and the tail is longer than others in the family Numididae.

The sexes are similar, although the female is usually slightly smaller than the male and with smaller tarsal spurs. Young birds are mainly grey-brown, with a duller blue breast and short hackles.

The vulturine guinea fowl is a gregarious species, forming flocks outside the breeding season typically of about 25 birds. This species' food are seeds and small invertebrates. This guinea fowl is terrestrial and will run rather than fly when alarmed. Despite the open habitat, it tends to keep to cover, and roosts in trees. It makes loud chink-chink-chink-chink-chink calls.

It breeds in dry and open habitats with scattered bushes and trees, such as savannah or grassland. It usually lays 4–8 cream-coloured eggs in a well-hidden grass-lined scrape.

These birds will feed on seeds, roots, tubers, grubs, rodents, small reptiles and insects. They will also occasionally feed on vegetation and fruits.