11-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN GREY HEADED SPARROW (MALE) (passer diffusus)

The Southern grey-headed sparrow (Passer diffusus) is a charming member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This bird is recognized by its distinctive grey head, which contrasts with its brown back and wings, and a pale underbelly.

When trying to identify this species, look for the grey head without a pattern, which is a key distinguishing feature. The bird's upperparts are brown, and the underparts are a lighter shade, providing a subtle contrast that can be quite helpful for identification.

This sparrow favors savanna and woodland areas, where it can be seen flitting about in search of sustenance or engaging in social activities with its kin.

The Southern grey-headed sparrow is found across a swath of the African continent, from Angola and Zambia, stretching southwards into South Africa. Here, it has been expanding its range, becoming a more familiar sight in suitable habitats.

In its natural environment, the Southern grey-headed sparrow exhibits typical sparrow behaviors such as social flocking and active foraging. It is also known to be kept as a caged bird, much like its relative, the white-rumped seedeater.

BirdLife International has assessed the Southern grey-headed sparrow as being of Least Concern. This status indicates that, currently, there are no immediate threats to the population levels of this species, allowing bird enthusiasts to breathe a sigh of relief for the time being.

The Southern grey-headed sparrow, with its unassuming appearance and adaptable nature, continues to thrive in the African wilderness, much to the delight of birdwatchers and ornithologists alike.

11-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN GREY HEADED SPARROW (FEMALE) (passer diffusus)

The Southern grey-headed sparrow (Passer diffusus) is a charming member of the sparrow family Passeridae. This bird is recognized by its distinctive grey head, which contrasts with its brown back and wings, and a pale underbelly.

When trying to identify this species, look for the grey head without a pattern, which is a key distinguishing feature. The bird's upperparts are brown, and the underparts are a lighter shade, providing a subtle contrast that can be quite helpful for identification.

This sparrow favors savanna and woodland areas, where it can be seen flitting about in search of sustenance or engaging in social activities with its kin.

The Southern grey-headed sparrow is found across a swath of the African continent, from Angola and Zambia, stretching southwards into South Africa. Here, it has been expanding its range, becoming a more familiar sight in suitable habitats.

In its natural environment, the Southern grey-headed sparrow exhibits typical sparrow behaviors such as social flocking and active foraging. It is also known to be kept as a caged bird, much like its relative, the white-rumped seedeater.

11-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN GREY HORNBILL (Lophoceros nasutus)

The African grey hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) is a notable member of the hornbill family, a group of mainly tropical near-passerine birds. This species, with a length of 45–51 cm (18–20 in), is considered large, though it ranks among the smaller hornbills. Exhibiting a plumage of subdued grey and brown, the bird is darker on the head, flight feathers, and elongated tail. A distinctive white line graces each side of the crown, extending down the back and becoming visible only during flight.

Males can be distinguished by their dark upper mandible adorned with a creamy-yellow mark or stripe, while females boast a tricoloured, red-tipped mandible. Both sexes have a small casque on the upper bill, more pronounced in males. Juveniles resemble adults but initially have uniformly blackish bills. The flight of the African grey hornbill is characterized by a distinctive undulating pattern.

The African grey hornbill is partial to open woodlands and savannahs, where it can be found perched or in flight, traversing the expansive African skies.

This species is a widespread resident breeder across sub-Saharan Africa and extends its range into the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula.

The African grey hornbill is a sociable bird, often seen in pairs or small family groups. It is known for its piping "pee-o pee-o pee-o" call, a sound that resonates through its preferred habitats.

The call of the African grey hornbill is a distinctive and repetitive piping sequence, often rendered as "pee-o pee-o pee-o," which it uses to communicate within its habitat.

During the breeding season, the female lays two to four white eggs in a tree hollow. The entrance is sealed with a mixture of mud, droppings, and fruit pulp, leaving only a narrow slit for the male to pass food to the enclosed female and later, the chicks. As the nest becomes crowded, the female breaks free to assist in feeding the growing brood.

An omnivorous bird, the African grey hornbill's diet consists of insects, fruits, and occasionally reptiles. It predominantly forages in the trees, plucking its varied diet from the foliage.

The IUCN Red List categorizes the African grey hornbill as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - CHOBE BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus sylvaticus ssp. ornatus)

The bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus ) is a common and a widespread species of antelope in Sub-Saharan Africa. Bushbuck are found in a wide range of habitats, such as rain forests, montane forests, forest-savanna mosaic, savanna, bushveld and woodland. Bushbuck stand about 90 centimetres (35 in) at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 80 kilograms (99 to 176 lb). They are generally solitary, territorial browsers.

The bushbuck is a widespread species of antelope in Sub-Saharan Africa. These animals have a light brown coat, with up to seven white stripes and white splotches on the sides. The white patches are usually geometrically shaped and on the most mobile parts of their body such as the ears, chin, tail, legs, and neck. The muzzle is also white and horns are found only on the males.

Bushbuck are the only not territorial and solitary animals. The mature males usually go out of their way to stay away from each other. They live within a "home" area, which is usually around 50 000 square meters on the savannah and much larger in the forest, which they do not normally leave. These areas usually overlap other bushbuck home areas. These antelopes are usually most active during early morning and part of the night but tend to be nocturnal near human habitations. They spend their day feeding, standing and moving about. When threatened bushbuck will lie flat on the ground, or may run away producing series of hoarse barks. When feeling the danger in the open area, they may stand still or will slowly walk to the nearest cover.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - 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.

Common warthogs are social animals and live in groups called sounders. Females live in sounders with their young and with other females. Females tend to stay in their natal groups, while males leave, but stay within the home range. Subadult males associate in bachelor groups but live alone when they become adults. Adult males only join sounders during the breeding season. Common warthogs are not territorial but instead occupy a home range. They have two facial glands: the tusk gland and the sebaceous gland. They mark sleeping and feeding areas and waterholes. Common warthogs use tusk marking for courtship, antagonistic behaviors, and to establish status. They are powerful diggers and use both their snouts and feet. Whilst feeding, they often bend their front feet backward and move around on the wrists. Although they can dig their own burrows, they usually occupy abandoned burrows of other animals. When temperatures are high Common warthogs enjoy wallowing in the mud in order to cool themselves and will huddle together to get warm when the temperatures get low. Although capable of fighting, the Common warthog's primary defense is to flee by means of fast sprinting. However, if a female has any piglets, she will defend them very aggressively.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana)

The Rattling Cisticola, Cisticola chiniana, is a small, sprightly bird belonging to the Cisticolidae family. It is a bird that is native to the diverse landscapes of Africa, south of the equator, and parts of East Africa.

This species is characterized by its streaked appearance and a distinctive rufous cap. When perched, one may notice its tail is typically held upright, and its flight is undulating, which aids in identification.

The Rattling Cisticola thrives in a variety of savanna and scrubland habitats, from arid to moist and upland regions. It has a particular affinity for environments dominated by thorn trees or shrubs, such as those of the genera Dichrostachys. It is also a common sight in miombo and mopane woodlands, as well as the Mozambican coastal plain.

This bird's range extends across a swath of the African continent, including Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Congo, DRC, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Rattling Cisticola is particularly conspicuous during the summer months, when it can be seen—or more often heard—delivering its strident calls from prominent perches atop trees or bushes.

Its call is a distinctive and repetitive sound that can be transcribed as "chee-chee chichi-chirrrrr," although there is some variation among individuals.

Breeding for the Rattling Cisticola occurs in the wet season, during spring and summer. They construct a ball-shaped nest from coarse grass blades, which is then delicately lined with finer plant material.

The Rattling Cisticola is currently listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that, at present, there are no immediate threats to its population numbers that would warrant a higher level of concern.

6-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer caffer)

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large sub-Saharan African bovine. There are five subspecies that are recognized as valid by most authorities:

Syncerus caffer caffer, the Cape buffalo, is the nominotypical subspecies, as well as the largest, found in Southern and East Africa.

S. c. nanus, the forest buffalo, is the smallest subspecies, common in forest areas of Central and West Africa

S. c. brachyceros, the Sudan buffalo, a smaller version of the Cape buffalo, found in the drier, northern areas of Central and West Africa.

S. c. aequinoctialis, the Nile Buffalo, sometimes considered identical to the Sudan buffalo, found in the drier, northern areas of East and Central Africa.

S. c. mathewsi, the mountain buffalo, a disputed subspecies from the Virunga Mountains in Central Africa.

The adult African buffalo's horns are its characteristic feature: they have fused bases, forming a continuous bone shield across the top of the head, referred to as a "boss".

The African buffalo is more closely related to other buffalo species than it is to other bovids such as American bison or domestic cattle, with its closest living relative being the Asian water buffalo. Its unpredictable temperament may be part of the reason that the African buffalo has never been domesticated, which would also explain why the African buffalo has no domesticated descendants, unlike the wild yak and wild water buffalo which are the ancestors of the domestic yak and water buffalo. Natural predators of adult African buffaloes include lions, African wild dogs, spotted hyenas, and Nile crocodiles. As one of the Big Five game animals, the Cape buffalo is a sought-after trophy in hunting.

The African buffalo is a very robust species. Its shoulder height can range from 1.0 to 1.7 m (3.3 to 5.6 ft) and its head-and-body length can range from 1.7 to 3.4 m (5.6 to 11.2 ft). The tail can range from 70 to 110 cm (28 to 43 in) long.[4] Compared with other large bovids, it has a long but stocky body (the body length can exceed the wild water buffalo, which is heavier and taller) and short but thickset legs, resulting in a relatively short standing height. Cape buffaloes weigh 425 to 870 kg (937 to 1,918 lb) (males weigh about 100 kg (220 lb) more than females).[5] In comparison, African forest buffaloes, at 250 to 450 kg (600 to 1,000 lb), are only half that size.[6] Its head is carried low; its top is located below the backline. The front hooves of the buffalo are wider than the rear, which is associated with the need to support the weight of the front part of the body, which is heavier and more powerful than the back.

Savannah-type buffaloes have black or dark brown coats with age. Old bulls often have whitish circles around their eyes and on their face. Females tend to have more reddish coats. Forest-type buffaloes are 30–40% smaller, reddish brown in colour, with much more hair growth around the ears and with horns that curve back and slightly up. Calves of both types have red coats.

A characteristic feature of the horns of adult male African buffalo (southern and eastern populations) is that the bases come very close together, forming a shield referred to as a "boss". From the base, the horns diverge downwards, then smoothly curve upwards and outwards and in some cases inwards and or backwards. In large bulls, the distance between the ends of the horns can reach upwards of one metre (the record being 64.5 inches 164 cm). The horns form fully when the animal reaches the age of 5 or 6 years old, but the bosses do not become "hard" until it reaches the age of 8 to 9 years old. In cows, the horns are, on average, 10–20% smaller, and they do not have a boss. Forest-type buffalo horns are smaller than those of the savanna-type buffaloes from Southern and East Africa, usually measuring less than 40 cm (16 in), and are almost never fused.

Unlike other large bovines, African buffalo have 52 chromosomes (for comparison, American bison and domestic cattle have 60). This means domestic cattle and bison are unable to create hybrid offspring with cape buffalo.

The African buffalo is one of the most successful grazers in Africa. It lives in savannas, swamps and floodplains, as well as mopane grasslands, and the forests of the major mountains of Africa. This buffalo prefers a habitat with dense cover, such as reeds and thickets, but can also be found in open woodland. While not particularly demanding in regard to habitat, they require water daily, and so they depend on perennial sources of water. Like the plains zebra, the buffalo can live on tall, coarse grasses. Herds of buffalo mow down grasses and make way for more selective grazers. When feeding, the buffalo makes use of its tongue and wide incisor row to eat grass more quickly than most other African herbivores. Buffaloes do not stay on trampled or depleted areas for long.

8-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SPOTTED BUSH SNAKE (Philothamnus semivariegatus)

Philothamnus semivariegatus, commonly known as the spotted bush snake is a species of non-venomous colubrid snake, endemic to Africa.

P. semivariegatus is distributed from South Africa northward to Sudan, Uganda and from Guinea eastward to Tanzania and sited at Nigeria.[3]

The colour is bright green with black speckles. Average snout to vent length (SVL) is 60–90 cm (24–35 in).

Spotted bush snakes are mostly found in trees in bush and forest areas, where they hunt lizards and treefrogs. They are also known to devour chameleons and dwarfs. They are excellent climbers and swimmers, have very good eyesight, and are highly alert snakes. 

They are not territorial, and will roam great distances in search for food. Spotted bush snakes are very common and completely harmless. They are well camouflaged, naturally very nervous, and quick to escape from any potential threat. As such, suburban sightings are rare.

They can be very difficult to keep in captivity, being very nervous and reluctant to feed on anything but sympatric gecko species, but they are occasionally kept and bred successfully. 

Females can lay between 3 and 12 elongate eggs every summer, and each hatchling is about 25 cm (9.8 in) in total length (including tail).

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - BURCHELL'S STARLING (Lamprotornis australis)

Burchell's starling (Lamprotornis australis ) or Burchell's glossy-starling, is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. The monogamous and presumably sedentary species is native to dry and mesic woodlands and savannah of southern Africa. The name of this bird commemorates the English naturalist William John Burchell.

The Burchell's starling, or Burchell's glossy-starling, is a striking member of the Sturnidae family, bearing the scientific name Lamprotornis australis. This species is a monogamous bird, presumed to lead a sedentary lifestyle within its native range.

Burchell's starling is well-adapted to the dry and mesic woodlands as well as the savannah regions of southern Africa. It notably avoids miombo woodlands but is found in the westerly gusu woodlands.

This species graces the landscapes of several countries in southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

It is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The species is absent from miombo woodland, but is present in westerly gusu woodlands.

In the vast expanses of the Kalahari, Burchell's starlings are known to associate with camelthorn trees. The breeding habits of these birds are synchronized with the summer months.

The diet of Burchell's starling is quite varied, encompassing flowers and fruit, as well as small animals. They are also known to feed on the flowers of the camelthorn trees with which they associate.

Fortunately, Burchell's starling is not currently facing the threat of extinction. It is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN and is locally common within conservation areas.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - GREY FOAM NEST TREEFROG (Chiromantis xerampelina)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/26656-Chiromantis-xerampelina

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Dendroperdix sephaena)

The crested francolin, known scientifically as Ortygornis sephaena, is a distinguished member of the Phasianidae family. This bird is adorned with a notable crest, which gives it its common name.

When attempting to identify the crested francolin, look for its characteristic crest and the overall brown plumage with intricate patterns that provide excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.

The crested francolin is a bird of southern Africa, where it frequents a variety of habitats, adapting well to its surroundings.

This species is widely distributed across southern Africa, indicating a healthy and stable population in this region.

Observations of the crested francolin's behavior reveal a bird that is well-adapted to its environment, exhibiting typical behaviors of the Phasianidae family.

7-4-2018 THORNYBUSH LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - DARK CHANTING GOSHAWK (Melierax metabates)

The dark chanting goshawk (Melierax metabates) is a bird of prey in the family Accipitridae which is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa and southern Arabia, with an isolated and declining population in southern Morocco.

The Dark chanting Goshawk, a bird of prey from the Accipitridae family, presents a fascinating case of polymorphism. This species exhibits two distinct color morphs: the more common pale form, with its predominantly grey upperparts, white rump, and barred chest, thighs, and underwings, and the rarer, almost entirely black form. Both adult morphs share dark eyes, long legs, and a red cere, while juveniles display a yellow cere and legs, and a generally browner plumage with less defined barring. Females are notably larger than males, with body lengths ranging from 28 to 36 cm and a wingspan of approximately 63 cm.

To identify the Dark chanting Goshawk, look for the striking white rump and the barred tail in the pale morph. The dark morph can be recognized by its near-black appearance. Juveniles can be distinguished by their yellow cere and legs, as well as their untidier barring compared to adults.

The Dark chanting Goshawk is found in open woodlands, particularly favoring dry Acacia savanna and broad-leaved woodlands. It can also be seen in tree-lined watercourses in arid regions and occasionally in urban areas.

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and extends into the Arabian Peninsula. It is divided into three subspecies: M. g. aequatorius in the highlands from Ethiopia to northern Mozambique, M. g. gabar from southern Angola to South Africa, and M. g. niger from Senegambia to Sudan and southwestern Arabia.

Typically sedentary, the Dark chanting Goshawk may exhibit nomadic tendencies in immature birds and some migratory movements. It is often seen alone or in pairs during the breeding season, engaging in aerial pursuits or calling from perches.

Nesting occurs in thorny trees, where the goshawk uses spider webs, including live spiders, to construct its nest, possibly aiding in camouflage and parasite control. Breeding season peaks from September to November, with clutches of two eggs being common. The female primarily incubates the eggs for about 33–38 days, and chicks fledge around 35–36 days old.

The Dark chanting Goshawk primarily preys on small birds, but will also hunt small mammals, reptiles, and insects. It employs an energetic pursuit to flush out prey from trees or may hunt from a perch, swooping down to capture its target.

The Dark chanting Goshawk is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable population without significant immediate threats to its survival.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN TULIP TREE (Spathodea Campania lata)

Spathodea is a genus in the plant family Bignoniaceae. The single species it contains, Spathodea campanulata, is commonly known as the African tulip tree. The tree grows between 7–25 m (23–82 ft) tall and is native to tropical dry forests of Africa. It has been nominated as among 100 of the "World's Worst" invaders.

This tree is planted extensively as an ornamental tree throughout the tropics and is much appreciated for its very showy reddish-orange or crimson (rarely yellow), campanulate flowers. The generic name comes from the Ancient Greek words σπαθη (spathe) and οιδα (oida), referring to the spathe-like calyx. It was identified by Europeans in 1787 on the Gold Coast of Africa.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN WARTHOG (Phacochoerus africanus ssp. sundevallii)

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.

The common warthog is the only pig species that has adapted to grazing and savanna habitats. Its diet is omnivorous, composed of grasses, roots, berries and other fruits, bark, fungi, insects, eggs and carrion. The diet is seasonably variable, depending on availability of different food items. During the wet seasons, warthogs graze on short perennial grasses. During the dry seasons, they subsist on bulbs, rhizomes, and nutritious roots.

Warthogs are powerful diggers, using both their snouts and feet. When feeding, they often bend their front feet backwards and move around on the wrists. Calloused pads that protect the wrists during such movement form early in the development of the fetus. Although they can dig their own burrows, they often occupy abandoned burrows of aardvarks and other animals. The common warthog commonly reverses into burrows, with its head facing the opening and ready to burst out if necessary. Common warthogs will wallow in mud to cope with high temperatures and huddle together to cope with low temperatures.

Although capable of fighting (males fight each other during mating season), the common warthog's primary defense is to flee by means of fast sprinting. When threatened, warthogs can run at speeds of up to 48 km/h (30 mph), they will run with their tails sticking up and will enter their dens rear first with tusks facing out. The common warthog's main predators are humans, lions, leopards, cheetahs, crocodiles, wild dogs and hyenas. Jackals, Verreaux's eagle owls and martial eagles sometimes prey on piglets. However, a female common warthog will defend her piglets aggressively. On occasion, common warthogs have been observed charging and even wounding large predators. Common warthogs have also been observed allowing banded mongooses and vervet monkeys to groom them to remove ticks.

Common warthogs are not territorial, but instead occupy a home range. Common warthogs live in groups called sounders. Females live in sounders with their young and with other females. Females tend to stay in their natal groups, while males leave, but stay within the home range. Subadult males associate in bachelor groups, but males live alone when they become adults. Adult males only join sounders with estrous females. Warthogs have two facial glands: the tusk gland and the sebaceous gland. Common warthogs of both sexes begin to mark around six to seven months old. Males tend to mark more than females. They mark sleeping and feeding areas and waterholes. Common warthogs use tusk marking for courtship, for antagonistic behaviors, and to establish status.

Common warthogs are seasonal breeders. Rutting begins in the late rainy or early dry season and birthing begins near the start of the following rainy season. The mating system is described as "overlap promiscuity": the males have ranges overlapping several female ranges, and the daily behavior of the female is unpredictable. Boars employ two mating strategies during the rut. With the "staying tactic", a boar will stay and defend certain females or a resource valuable to them. In the "roaming tactic", boars seek out estrous sows and compete for them. Boars will wait for sows to emerge from their burrows. A dominant boar will displace any other boar that also tries to court his female. When a sow leaves her den, the boar will try to demonstrate his dominance and then follow her before copulation. For the "staying tactic", monogamy, female-defense polygyny, or resource-defense polygyny is promoted, while the "roaming tactic" promotes scramble-competition polygyny.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN LEOPARD BUTTERFLY (Phalanta phalantha ssp. aethiopica)

Phalanta phalantha, the common leopard or spotted rustic, is a sun-loving butterfly of the nymphalid or brush-footed butterfly family.

The common leopard is a medium-sized butterfly with a wingspan of 50–55 mm with a tawny colour and marked with black spots. The underside of the butterfly is more glossy than the upper and both the male and female are similar looking. A more prominent purple gloss on the underside is found in the dry-season form of this butterfly.

Male aud female. Upperside bright yellowish-ochreous. Forewing with two black short slender sinuous bars across middle of the cell, a similar darker pair at its end, followed beyond by a short broad sinuous streak from the costa to the lower radial, and is then succeeded below the cell by an inwardly-oblique series of four irregular-shaped spots, and beyond by a medial-discal transverse row of similarly disposed narrow spots, an outer-discal row of round spots, then an inner submarginal sinuous line, confluent with an outer straight line, and a marginal row of triangular spots. Hindwing with a slightly-defined slender black lunule within the cell, two before its end, and two also above it; a transverse inner-discal irregular series of slender lunules which are slightly pale bordered externally; a medial-discal row of four larger black oval spots, two submarginal sinuous slightly confluent lines, and marginal triangular spots.

Underside paler, and with all the markings, as on upperside much less defined; the interspaces of cell-bars and outer markings suffused with violet-grey, and the inner-discal series outwardly bordered with greyish lunules. In some specimens, presumably dry-season, all the markings on the upper and underside are less prominent.

Body and palpi above yellowish-ochreous; beneath and also femora beneath greyish-white; tibia and tarsi pale ochreous; antennae ochreous-brown.

The butterfly is found in Subsaharan Africa and southern Asia (including India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar) in a number of subspecies.

It is widely distributed and abundant; from the tops of hills in Sri Lanka and southern India and up to 3000 m in the Himalayas, as well as the whole of Subsaharan Africa.

Sun loving and avoids shade. Seen in the plains, gardens, and edges of clearings. Has active and sharp flight movements. Visits flowers regularly especially Lantana, Duranta, Meyenia laxiflora, Gymnosporia montana, and thistles. Often seen mudpuddling from damp patches in the ground, either alone or in groups. A regular basker with wings spread wide open. It is commonest in dry areas and dry weather and absent from the wetter parts of India during the monsoon. It often perches on edges of clearing with wings half open and has the habit of chasing away other butterflies and guarding its territory.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - MEXICAN SUNFLOWER (Tithonia rotundifolia)

Tithonia rotundifolia, the red sunflower or Mexican sunflower, is a plant in the family Asteraceae, which is native to the warmer and moister parts of North America.

Plants are perennial in the native habitat, up to 4 m tall with orange or red flowers (in cultivation only 0.8 to 1.5 meters). In USDA zones cooler than Zone 10 it is an annual. Leaves, despite the epithet, are deltoid to lanceolate, occasionally lobed (or broadly heart-shaped) up to 38 cm long and 30 cm wide, with subentire, crenate or serrated margin. The lower ones are usually three-lobed. The petiole is up to 40 centimeters long. The upper side of the leaves is gray, the underside is hairy.

The flower heads have a diameter of 5 to 8 (rarely up to 10) centimeters. The ray flowers are vermilion red and broadly egg-shaped. The disc flowers are golden yellow and are generally solitary, long-pedunculated head, with a campanulate to hemispherical involucrum. There are 12 to 16 bracts, the outer ones being pointed. The flowers are used by many insects as a nectar source including migrating monarch butterflies. The fruit is a turbinado-quadrangular cypsel less than 1 cm long, brown or black, with two unequal deciduous wings.

It occurs in Florida, Louisiana, Mexico, Central America and the West Indies on fields, in woody plants and ruderally at altitudes below 1000 meters on the edges of roads and highways, as well as in other disturbed areas. Outside its native region it is sometimes grown as an ornamental and has become naturalized in some of these locales. In Africa it has been recorded up to an altitude of 1,580 m above sea level.

Due to its characteristics, it is usually used in hedges to form a background for other smaller plants. It requires poor to average, well-drained soil in an area protected from the wind to prevent its brittle stems from bending or breaking. It is propagated from seeds. Seedlings are planted 30–50 centimeters apart. It requires a sunny plant site and fresh, nutrient-rich soil with plenty of humus. It tolerates drought well, but it still needs water during long periods of drought. Titonia usually blooms from summer until the first frosts.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - BOLD SKIMMER DRAGONFLY (Corthetrum stemmale)

Orthetrum stemmale is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and possibly Burundi. 

Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, intermittent rivers, shrub-dominated wetlands, swamps, intermittent freshwater lakes, freshwater marshes, and intermittent freshwater marshes.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - COMMON BULBUL (Pycnonotus barbatus)

The common bulbul, or Pycnonotus barbatus, is a passerine bird belonging to the bulbul family. It is characterized by a fairly short, thin bill with a slightly downward curve on the upper mandible. The plumage is similar for both sexes, featuring a dark brown head and upperparts. The bird's bill, legs, and feet are black, and it possesses a dark brown eye with an inconspicuous dark eye-ring. With a length of about 18 cm (7.1 in), the common bulbul has a notably long tail.

When identifying the common bulbul, look for its dark brown head and upperparts, and its long tail. The black bill, legs, and feet are also distinctive, as is the dark brown eye. The eye-ring may be difficult to discern. The bird's overall length and silhouette are key features to observe.

The common bulbul is adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including woodland, coastal bush, forest edges, riverine bush, montane scrub, and mixed farming areas. It also thrives in exotic thickets, gardens, and parks.

This species is a widespread resident breeder across much of Africa, and has even been found breeding as far north as southern Spain. Its range extends from Morocco to Tunisia, southern Mauritania to western Chad and northern Cameroon, central Nigeria to Gabon and southern Congo, eastern Chad to northern and central Sudan and eastern Egypt, and in southeastern Sudan, western, central, and eastern Ethiopia, and Eritrea.

The common bulbul is typically observed in pairs or small groups. It is a conspicuous bird, often perching at the top of a bush. Its behavior is active and noisy, and its flight pattern is bouncing and reminiscent of a woodpecker.

The vocalizations of the common bulbul are quite loud, with a distinctive call that sounds like "doctor-quick doctor-quick be-quick be-quick."

Breeding occurs throughout the year in the moist tropics, with a seasonal peak coinciding with the onset of the rainy season in other areas. The nest is a rigid, thick-walled, and cup-shaped structure, typically hidden within the leafy foliage of a small tree or shrub. Clutch size is generally two or three eggs. The species is known to be parasitized by the Jacobin cuckoo.

The diet of the common bulbul consists of fruit, nectar, seeds, and insects, making it an omnivorous bird.

10-4-2018 VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - GARDEN COMMODORE BUTTERFLY (Precis archesia ssp. archesia)

Precis archesia, the garden inspector or garden commodore, is a species of butterfly in the family Nymphalidae, native to Subsaharan Africa.

Wingspan: 45–50 mm for males and 50–60 mm for females.

Flight period is year-round with two main broods from September to March and April to August.

Subspecies

P. a. archesia — Kenya, Tanzania, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Zambia to Zimbabwe, Botswana, Eswatini, South Africa: Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga, North West Province, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape Province, Western Cape Province to the south-east

 

Larval food plants include Plectranthus esculentus, Plectranthus fruticosus, Rabdosiella calycina, Pycnostachys reticulata, and Pycnostachys urticifolia.

Also known as the Garden Inspector butterfly.

Garden Commodore butterflies are indigenous to sub - Saharan Africa.

Their flight period is year-round with two main broods from September to March and April to August.

Their preferred terrain is the savannah, although they are now being found in deforested areas and gardens. Adult butterflies feed on flower nectar. 

Precis archesia are medium sized butterflies with wingspans up to 6 cm. The ventral side ground color is black with white, pink, green, or blue spots and bands. The dorsal side may also have a brownish ground color. The wings often have eyespots. The outer wing margins are wavy and toothed or scalloped. Several species occur in multiple color forms (morphs). They tend to have distinct rainy season and dry season forms, that of the Gaudy Commodore being the most extreme. Transitional forms are also known.

It is generally believed that the temperature during the stage of pupal development determines the color form of the adults.