8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COMMON WATERBUCK (Kobus ellipsiprymnus ssp. ellipsiprymnus)

Waterbucks are rather sedentary in nature. As gregarious animals, they may form herds consisting of six to 30 individuals. These groups are either nursery herds with females and their offspring or bachelor herds. Males start showing territorial behaviour from the age of 5 years, but are most dominant from the six to nine. The waterbuck cannot tolerate dehydration in hot weather, and thus inhabits areas close to sources of water. Predominantly a grazer, the waterbuck is mostly found on grassland. In equatorial regions, breeding takes place throughout the year, but births are at their peak in the rainy season. The gestational period lasts 7–8 months, followed by the birth of a single calf.

Waterbucks inhabit scrub and savanna areas along rivers, lakes, and valleys. Due to their requirement for grasslands and water, waterbucks have a sparse ecotone distribution. The IUCN lists the waterbuck as being of least concern. More specifically, the common waterbuck is listed as of least concern. while the defassa waterbuck is near threatened. The population trend for both is downwards, especially that of the defassa, with large populations being eliminated from certain habitats because of poaching and human disturbance.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COMMON TSESSEBE (Damaliscus lunatus ssp. lunatus)

The common tsessebe or sassaby (Damaliscus lunatus lunatus) is the southern, nominate subspecies of Damaliscus lunatus, although some authorities have recognised it as an independent species. It is most closely related to the Bangweulu tsessebe, sometimes also seen as a separate species, less to the topi, korrigum, coastal topi and tiang subspecies of D. lunatus, and less to the bontebok in the same genus. Common tsessebe are found in Angola, Zambia, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), and South Africa. 

Common tsessebe are among the fastest antelopes in Africa and can run at speeds up to 90 km/h.

Adult tsessebe are 150 to 230 cm in length. They are quite large animals, with males weighing 137 kg and females weighing 120 kg, on average. Their horns range from 37 cm for females to 40 cm for males. For males, horn size plays an important role in territory defense and mate attraction, although horn size is not positively correlated with territorial factors of mate selection. 

Their bodies are chestnut brown. The fronts of their faces and their tail tufts are black; the forelimbs and thighs are greyish or bluish-black. Their hindlimbs are brownish-yellow to yellow and their bellies are white. In the wild, tsessebe usually live a maximum of 15 years, but in some areas, their average lifespan is drastically decreased due to overhunting and the destruction of habitat.

The most significant difference between the tsessebe, the southernmost subspecies, and the other topi subspecies is the incline of the horns, with the tsessebe having horns which are placed further apart from each other as one moves distally. This has the effect of the space between them having a more lunate profile when seen from a certain angle, as opposed to lyrate, more like that of a hartebeest. Tsessebe populations show variation as one moves from South Africa to Botswana, with southerly populations having on average the lightest pelage colour, smallest size and the least robust horns. Common tsessebe do not differ significantly from the Bangweulu tsessebe, the northernmost population, but in general the populations from that part of Zambia are on average the darkest-coloured and have the most robust horns, although differences are slight and individuals in both populations show variation in these characteristics which almost completely overlap each other.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - TAWNY FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava)

The tawny-flanked prinia (Prinia subflava) is a small passerine bird belonging to the genus Prinia in the family Cisticolidae, a family of Old World warblers. It is widespread and common in most parts of Africa south of the Sahara. The plain prinia (P. inornata) of southern Asia was formerly included in this species but is now usually considered to be a separate species.

The tawny-flanked prinia is 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in) in length with a long, narrow, graduated tail[6] and a fairly long, slender bill. The tail is often held erect or waved from side to side. The upperparts are grey-brown with rufous-brown edges to the flight feathers and a rufous tinge to the rump. The throat and breast are whitish while the flanks and vent are warm buff. There is a whitish stripe over the eye and the lores are dark. The tail feathers have a white tip and a dark subterminal band.

The sexes are similar in appearance. Non-breeding birds have a longer tail than breeding birds. Juveniles have pale yellow underparts and a yellowish bill. There are many recognised subspecies.

The call is short, wheezy and rapidly repeated. The song is a monotonous series of shrill notes. The male often sings from an exposed perch.

The pale prinia (P. somalica) of North-east Africa is similar but paler and greyer with whitish flanks. It inhabits drier, more open habitats than the tawny-flanked prinia. The river prinia (P. fluviatilis) of West Africa is also paler and greyer and has a longer tail. It is restricted to waterside vegetation.

23-6-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LITTLE RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius dubius)

The Little Ringed Plover, Charadrius dubius, presents itself as a small and sprightly bird. Its plumage is a subtle blend of grey-brown on the back and wings, while its underparts remain a crisp white. A distinctive black neckband adorns its white breast, complementing the brown cap atop its head. A striking black mask encircles the eyes, set against a white forehead, and is accentuated by a clear yellow eye-ring—a feature unique to this species. Its bill is short and dark, and the legs exhibit a flesh-coloured hue, with all toes connected by webbing.

To distinguish the Little Ringed Plover from its close relatives, one should note the colour of its legs, the pattern on its head, and the presence of the yellow eye-ring. These characteristics set it apart from the larger Ringed Plover, which lacks these specific traits.

The preferred breeding grounds of the Little Ringed Plover are open gravel areas adjacent to freshwater sources. These include gravel pits, river edges, and islands, where vegetation is sparse or non-existent.

This bird boasts a wide range across the Palearctic, extending to northwestern Africa. It is a migratory species, retreating to the warmer climates of Africa during the winter months.

The Little Ringed Plover is known for its foraging habits on muddy terrains, where it primarily relies on sight to locate its prey. It is a ground-nesting bird, with both males and females sharing the responsibility of incubating the eggs.

The call of the Little Ringed Plover is a distinctive sound, contributing to the rich tapestry of bird songs in its habitat.

During the breeding season, these birds exhibit a fascinating mating ritual where the male bird may be observed tapping the cloaca of the female.

While similar in appearance to the larger Ringed Plover, the Little Ringed Plover can be differentiated by its leg colour, head pattern, and the conspicuous yellow eye-ring.

The diet of the Little Ringed Plover consists of insects and worms, which it diligently searches for in muddy areas.

23-6-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - WHITE FEATHERLEG DAMSELFLY (Platycnemis latipes)

The White-legged Damselfly (Platycnemis pennipes) is known for its distinct broad, feathery white leg edges, pale blue male bodies, and greenish/creamy females, favoring slow, vegetated rivers in Europe/Asia, displaying courtship with raised legs and laying eggs in plants, developing larvae in water for a year before emerging. 

Key Facts:

Identification: Slender body (30-35mm), wide, flattened, pale legs (tibia), often with pale blue (males) or creamy/green (females) bodies, and pale wing spots (pterostigmata).

Habitat: Prefers slow-flowing, unshaded rivers, canals, and muddy streams with abundant aquatic plants; larvae tolerate brackish water.

Distribution: Widespread across Europe and Asia, from the Atlantic to Siberia, though uncommon in some northern UK areas.

Behavior: Males perform a courtship display, fluttering their white legs at females. Eggs are laid in tandem on floating or emergent plants.

Life Cycle: Larvae develop underwater for about a year, living in bottom debris.

Activity: Active from May to August, peaking in June and July. 

23-6-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - LANG'S SHORT TAILED BLUE BUTTERFLY (Leptotes pirithous)

Leptotes pirithous, commonly known as Lang's short-tailed blue or common zebra blue, is a butterfly of the family Lycaenidae.

Leptotes pirithous is a small butterfly with a wingspan of 21–29 mm (0.83–1.14 in) in males and 24–30 mm (0.94–1.18 in) in females. The uppersides of the wings are purple bluish in males, bluish brown in female. The undersides are dark beige striped with white lines. The hindwings show marginal orange and black spots and two small tails. For the design of the undersides of the wings they can be confused with Lampides boeticus and Cacyreus marshalli.

These butterflies fly from February to November depending on the location. They are regular migrants.

The larvae feed on the flowers and fruits of Fabaceae, Rosaceae and Plumbaginaceae species, including Plumbago capensis, Indigofera, Rynchosia, Vigna, Burkea, Mundulea, Melilotus, Crataegus, Quercus suber, Medicago sativa, Trifolium alexandrinum, Arachis hypogaea, Lythrum, Calluna, Genista, Dorycnium, Lythrum salicaria, Calluna vulgaris, Onobrychis viciifolia, Ulex and Melilotus alba. A life cycle takes about four to eight weeks, depending on the temperature.

This species can be found in southern Europe (Spain, France and Italy), along the Mediterranean coast, in Asia Minor up to the Himalayas, and in most of Africa and Madagascar.

23-6-2019 ADOR, VALENCIA - COMMON HOUSE MARTIN (JUVENILE) (Delichon urbicum)

The Western House Martin (Delichon urbicum), sometimes known as the Common House Martin, is a migratory passerine bird belonging to the swallow family. It is characterized by a blue head and upperparts, a distinctive white rump, and pure white underparts. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with both sexes appearing similar, and juveniles displaying a sooty black coloration with white-tipped wing coverts and quills.

Adults measure approximately 13 cm in length, with a wingspan ranging from 26 to 29 cm and an average weight of 18.3 grams. They possess brown eyes, a small black bill, and pink toes and exposed leg parts. The white rump and underparts are particularly noticeable in flight, aiding in distinguishing them from other swallows.

The Western House Martin favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It is also found in urban areas and can nest in city centers if air quality permits.

23-6-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - GREAT WILLOWHERB (Epilobium hirsutum)

Epilobium hirsutum is a flowering plant belonging to the willowherb genus Epilobium in the family Onagraceae. It is commonly known as the great willowherb, great hairy willowherb or hairy willowherb. Local names include codlins-and-cream, apple-pie and cherry-pie.

It is a tall, perennial plant, reaching up to 2 metres in height. The robust stems are profusely hairy with soft spreading hairs. The hairy leaves are 2–12 cm long and 0.5–3.5 cm wide. They are long and thin and are widest below the middle. They have sharply toothed edges and no stalk. The large flowers have four notched petals. These are purple-pink and are usually 10–16 mm long. There are 8 stamens. The stigma is white and has four lobes. The sepals are green.

It is relatively easy to distinguish from similar species at least in much of its European range, where its flowers are among species of its genus present there.

The native range of the species includes North Africa, most of Europe up to southern Sweden, and parts of Asia. It is absent from much of Scandinavia and north-west Scotland. It has been introduced to North America and Australia.

It typically grows in wet or damp habitats without dense tree-cover up to 2,500 metres above sea-level. Common habitats include marshland and the banks of rivers and streams. It also occurs in anthropogenic contexts such as wet ditches and in general in places rich in nitrates. It flowers from June to September, with a peak in July and August.

23-6-2019 VILLALONGA RESERVOIR, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus)

The 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.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SWALLOW TAILED BEE-EATER (Merops hirundineus)

The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater is a vibrant green African bird with a striking forked blue tail, yellow throat, and black eye stripe, known for catching bees and wasps mid-air from open perches in wooded savannas, nesting colonially in sandy banks, and sharing communal feeding/roosting habits. These colorful insectivores are easily approached, display distinct behaviors like removing stings before eating, and form pairs or small colonies, making them easily identifiable. 

The swallow-tailed bee-eater (Merops hirundineus) is a species of bee-eater native to sub-Saharan Africa. It feeds predominantly on insects, especially bees and their relatives, which are caught in flight from an open perch. Its vivid colors and forked tail are distinctive.

Like other bee-eaters, this is a richly coloured, slender bird. Its colours and readily visible forked tail make it unmistakable. It is mainly green with a yellow throat, blue gorget and black eye stripe and beak. Swallow-tailed bee-eaters can reach a length of 20–22 cm, including the long forked green or blue feathers. Sexes are alike.

It breeds in savannah woodlands of sub-Saharan Africa. It is partially migratory, moving in response to rainfall patterns. This is a species which prefers somewhat more wooded country than most bee-eaters.

This attractive bird is readily approached. Just as the name suggests, bee-eaters predominantly eat insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets, which are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. The swallowtail has a preference for honeybees.

These bee-eaters nest as pairs or in very small colonies in sandy banks, or similar flat ground. They make a relatively long tunnel in which the 2 to 4 spherical, white eggs are laid. They also feed and roost communally.

The Swallow-tailed Bee-eater is a vibrantly colored African bird known for its striking green body, yellow throat, blue collar, and deeply forked blue tail, catching insects like bees and wasps in flight from savanna perches. These social birds form flocks, nest in sandy bank tunnels, and meticulously remove stings from their prey by rubbing them against a perch before eating. 

Appearance & Identification

Colors: Bright green body, yellow throat, blue collar/chin, black eye stripe, and distinctive deep blue, forked tail.

Size: Medium-sized, about 20-22 cm long, with the tail making up a significant portion.

Sexes: Males and females look alike. 

Habitat & Range

Location: Sub-Saharan Africa, common in West, East, and Southern Africa.

Environment: Prefers open woodlands, savannas, and scrubby areas, often near water. 

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SCRUB HARE (Lepus saxatilis)

Scrub hares (Lepus saxatilis) are solitary, nocturnal African lagomorphs known for their zigzag escape runs, blending grey-brown fur, and white-tipped tails, living above ground in shallow scrapes ("forms") under bushes, feeding on grasses and shrubs, and having short gestation (around 42 days) with 1-3 young per litter, facing threats but classified as Least Concern. 

Key Facts

Appearance: Grizzled grey-brown fur, white belly, long ears with black tips, and a distinctive black-and-white tail that flashes when running.

Habitat: Found across Southern Africa in grasslands, woodlands, and scrub, preferring areas with cover and open spaces.

Behavior: Primarily nocturnal, they hide in shallow depressions (forms) during the day. They are solitary but may gather to mate.

Defense: Masters of evasion, they use their powerful hind legs and zigzagging sprints to escape predators like jackals, owls, leopards, and caracals.

Diet: Herbivores, eating grasses, leaves, and shrubs, sometimes re-ingesting feces (coprophagy) for nutrition.

Reproduction: Short gestation (approx. 42 days), 1-3 young (leverets) per litter, with several litters possible per year, peaking in rainy seasons. Leverets are independent quickly.

Life Span: Short in the wild (often under a year due to predation), but can reach 5-7 years.

Why they run in zigzags at cars: Headlights can startle them, making them see their own shadow as a predator, causing panicked zigzags as they flee into the dark. 

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN SAVANNA 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 (5.7–7.6 short tons); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (11.5 short tons). 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.

Since 2021, the African bush elephant has been listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. It is threatened foremost by habitat destruction, and in parts of its range also by poaching for meat and ivory. Between 2003 and 2015, the illegal killing of 14,606 African bush elephants was reported by rangers across 29 range countries. Chad is a major transit country for smuggling of ivory in West Africa. This trend was curtailed by raising penalties for poaching and improving law enforcement. Poaching of the elephant has dated back to the 1970s and 80s, which were considered the largest killings in history. In human culture, elephants have been extensively featured in literature, folklore and media, and are most valued for their large tusks in many places.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - RING NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola)

The Ring-necked Dove, also known as the Cape Turtle Dove or Half-collared Dove, graces the skies of East and southern Africa with its presence. This bird, mostly sedentary in nature, boasts a semi-collar of black feathers on its lower nape, a characteristic it shares with its Streptopelia kin. The upper parts of its body are cloaked in the darkest shades of grey and brown, while the lower belly and vent gleam white. Notably, the tail feathers are edged with white, a detail most visible during their display flight.

Adult Ring-necked Doves exhibit a variety of grey and brown tones with a hint of lavender on the nape, and a paler underside with a touch of pinkish lavender. The white lower belly and crissum starkly contrast with the slate grey tail feathers tipped with white. Males and females are similar in appearance, though males are marginally larger, measuring between 25–26.5 cm in length and weighing 92–188 g. Their eyes are a deep, almost black hue, complemented by a black bill and dark purple feet. Juveniles are duller and lack the semi-collar, with buff edges on their upper parts and greyish-white edges below.

The Ring-necked Dove thrives in a variety of open habitats, from semi-desert scrub and savannahs to woodlands and farmlands. It avoids closed forests and the arid dune fields and gravel plains of the Namib. In southern Africa, they are frequently spotted in fynbos regions and various grassland types, often near trees planted in groves around farmsteads.

This species is widespread and abundant across East and southern Africa. It is commonly found at elevations below 2,000 meters, adapting to a range of environments from semi-desert to moist grasslands.

Ring-necked Doves are typically solitary or found in pairs, but they can form large flocks at food and water sources, sometimes numbering in the hundreds. They are diurnal, foraging on the ground with a distinctive head bobbing motion and roosting in treetops at night.

The Ring-necked Dove's call is a penetrating and rhythmic "kuk-COORRRR-uk," which may be repeated numerous times. They also emit a raspy "kooorr" or "knarrrrrr" when landing or interacting with other doves. Their vocalizations can be heard throughout the day and into moonlit nights.

These monogamous birds engage in territorial nesting, with males performing steep gradient flapping followed by a spiraling descent during display. Both sexes share in the construction of the flimsy twig nest and incubation of the two to four pure white eggs. Chicks are fed regurgitated food by both parents and fledge after about 16 days. Multiple broods may be raised in a single season.

22-9-2019 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ROSE CHAFER BEETLE (Aethiessa floralis)

10-25 mm. Beetle of the Family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniidae: It is distributed throughout Mediterranean Europe, southwest Asia and North Africa; quite common in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.

Glossy black-brown color, with highly variable white spots, usually grouped on the side and back of the elytra, where they often form an irregular white line; at the suture of the elytra a thick and raised edge is formed which begins in a well-marked scutellum; the end of the abdomen extends caudally beyond the elytra.

They fly from April to June, direct and safe flight, they feed on the flower of thistles, and they often do so in groups.

The larvae develop in damp soils, with decaying vegetation, and also on manure.

Aethiessa floralis is a species of beetles belonging to the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae.

Description

Aethiessa floralis can reach a length of about 10–25 millimetres (0.39–0.98 in). Basic color is shiny black–brown, with quite variable whitish markings, mainly in lateral margins. Adults can be seen from May to September mainly feeding on flowers of thistles (Silybum sp.), but also on Echium italicum.

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in Italy, Spain, Slovenia and in North Africa from Morocco to Libya. These beetles prefer sunny or arid environments.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - RED LECHWE (MALE) (Kobus leche ssp. leche)

The lechwe, red lechwe, or southern lechwe (Kobus leche) is an antelope found in wetlands of south-central Africa.

The lechwe is native to Botswana, Zambia, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northeastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats, and Bangweulu Wetlands. The species is fairly common in zoos and wild animal farms.

Adult lechwe typically stand 90 to 100 cm (35 to 39 in) at the shoulder and generally weigh from 50 to 120 kg (110 to 260 lb), with males being larger than females. They are golden brown with white bellies. Males are darker in colour, but exact hue and amount of blackish on the front legs, chest and body varies depending on subspecies. The long, spiral horns are vaguely lyre-shaped and borne only by males. The hind legs are somewhat longer in proportion than in other antelopes to ease long-distance running on marshy soil.

Lechwe are found in marshy areas where they are an important herbivore of aquatic plants, as well as grasses that are found in flooded meadows. They use the knee-deep water as protection from predators. Their legs are covered in a water-repellant substance which allows them to run quite fast in knee-deep water. Lechwe are diurnal. They gather in herds which can include many thousands of individuals. Herds are usually all of one sex, but during mating season they mix.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - RED LECHWE (FEMALE) (Kobus leche ssp. leche)

The lechwe, red lechwe, or southern lechwe (Kobus leche) is an antelope found in wetlands of south-central Africa.

The lechwe is native to Botswana, Zambia, southeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, northeastern Namibia, and eastern Angola, especially in the Okavango Delta, Kafue Flats, and Bangweulu Wetlands. The species is fairly common in zoos and wild animal farms.

Adult lechwe typically stand 90 to 100 cm (35 to 39 in) at the shoulder and generally weigh from 50 to 120 kg (110 to 260 lb), with males being larger than females. They are golden brown with white bellies. Males are darker in colour, but exact hue and amount of blackish on the front legs, chest and body varies depending on subspecies. The long, spiral horns are vaguely lyre-shaped and borne only by males. The hind legs are somewhat longer in proportion than in other antelopes to ease long-distance running on marshy soil.

Lechwe are found in marshy areas where they are an important herbivore of aquatic plants, as well as grasses that are found in flooded meadows. They use the knee-deep water as protection from predators. Their legs are covered in a water-repellant substance which allows them to run quite fast in knee-deep water. Lechwe are diurnal. They gather in herds which can include many thousands of individuals. Herds are usually all of one sex, but during mating season they mix.

Lechwe mate during rain seasons of November to February. They have a gestation period of seven to eight months so a majority of calves are born from July to September.

Although rare, hybrids between lechwe and waterbuck have been observed.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - RED BILLED SPURFOWL (Pternistis adspersus)

The red-billed spurfowl (Pternistis adspersus), also known as the red-billed francolin, is a species of bird in the family Phasianidae. It is found in Southern Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in size. Males are larger, measuring 38 cm (15 in) in length and weighing 340–635 g (12.0–22.4 oz), whereas females measure 33 cm (13 in) in length and weigh 340–549 g (12.0–19.4 oz). The species has barred underparts (in contrast to the related Natal spurfowl) and a conspicuous yellow eye-ring.

The red-billed spurfowl was described in 1838 by the English naturalist George Robert Waterhouse from specimens collected by James Edward Alexander on his expedition to Namaqualand and Damaraland. Waterhouse coined the binomial name Francolinus adspersus and noted that the specimens had come near the Fish River in what is now Namibia. The specific epithet adspersus is Latin for "sprinkling". The species is now placed in the genus Pternistis that was introduced by the German naturalist Johann Georg Wagler in 1832. The red-billed spurfowl is considered as monotypic: the proposed subspecies mesicus is not recognised.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - RED BILLED FIREFINCH (FEMALE) (Lagonosticta senegala)

The red-billed firefinch or Senegal firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala) is a small seed-eating bird in the family Estrildidae. This is a resident breeding bird in most of Sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 10,000,000 km2. It was introduced to Egypt, but the population there has become extinct. It was also introduced to southern Algeria where it is currently expanding northward.

The red-billed firefinch is 10 cm (3.9 in) in length. The adult male has entirely scarlet plumage apart from brown wings. The bill is pink, and there is a yellow eye-ring. Females have uniformly brown upperparts and buff underparts. There is a small red patch in front of both eyes, with the bill also being pink.

This widespread and abundant species is often found around human habitation, often with other species such as the red-cheeked cordon-bleu. Its soft queet-queet call is a familiar African sound. The song is a rising chick-pea-pea-pea.

The red-billed firefinch is a small gregarious bird which feeds mainly on grain and other seeds. It frequents open grassland and cultivation. The nest is a large domed grass structure with a side entrance, built low in a bush, wall or thatch into which three to six white eggs are laid. The nest of this species is parasitised by the village indigobird.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca)

The Magpie Shrike, also known as the African Long-tailed Shrike, is a striking bird belonging to the family Laniidae. It is characterized by its elongated tail and contrasting black and white plumage, reminiscent of the European magpie, though they are not closely related.

This species can be identified by its long tail, which is almost the length of its body, and its black and white coloration. The bird's back is predominantly black, with white underparts and a white patch on the wing. The head is black with a white belly and flanks, and the eyes are keen and alert.

The Magpie Shrike is native to the grasslands of eastern and southeastern Africa. It thrives in dry savannah, moist savannah, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, preferring open areas with scattered acacia trees, close-grazed turf, and bare ground.

This bird is found across a range of African countries, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is common in places within this range.

The Magpie Shrike is a gregarious and social bird, often found in noisy groups of about a dozen. These groups occupy a home range of several tens of hectares. During the breeding season, they display a variety of behaviors such as bowing, tail flicking, wing raising, and whistling to communicate and establish bonds.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is an African bird of the roller family, Coraciidae. It is widely distributed in Southern and Eastern Africa, and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It prefers open woodland and savanna, and it is for the most part absent from treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot insects, amphibians and small birds moving about on the ground.

Nesting takes place in a natural hole in a tree where a clutch of 2–4 eggs are laid, and incubated by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defence of their nest, taking on raptors and other birds. During the breeding season the male will rise to a fair height (69 to 144 metres), descending in swoops and dives, while uttering harsh, discordant cries. The sexes do not differ in coloration, and juveniles lack the long tail streamers of adults. This species is unofficially considered the national bird of Kenya. Alternative names for the lilac-breasted roller include the fork-tailed roller, lilac-throated roller (also used for a subspecies of purple roller) and Mosilikatze's roller.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius)

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius; /ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs/; pl.: hippopotamuses), often shortened to hippo (pl.: hippos), further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). Its name comes from the Ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος).

After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippopotamids are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. Hippos are recognisable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, short legs, and large size: adults average 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) for bulls (males) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for cows (females).

Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. Territorial bulls each preside over a stretch of water and a group of five to thirty cows and calves. Mating and birth both occur in the water. During the day, hippos remain cool by staying in water or mud, emerging at dusk to graze on grasses. While hippos rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos typically do not display territorial behaviour on land. Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in the world due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat and ivory (canine teeth).

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - GREY RUMPED SWALLOW (Pseudhirundo griseopyga)

The grey-rumped swallow (Pseudhirundo griseopyga) is a species of swallow. It is the only member of the genus Pseudhirundo.

It is found in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Grey-rumped Swallow (Pseudhirundo griseopyga) is a small, dark blue/pale-bellied African swallow known for its unique habit of nesting in old rodent or kingfisher burrows in bare ground, often near water; it's an insectivore that catches prey in agile, low flight, sometimes following tractors, and is identified by its grey rump, slim body, and long tail, contrasting with the white rump of the similar House Martin. 

Key Facts

Appearance: Dark blue upperparts, pale underparts, a distinctive grey rump (visible in flight), and a long, slim tail.

Habitat: Grasslands, savannas, open areas near water, including sandbars, golf courses, and airfields.

Diet: Aerial insects (flies, termites, beetles), often catching them low over water or ground, and sometimes opportunistically eating insects flushed by vehicles or fires.

Nesting: Unique for using abandoned burrows (rodents, bee-eaters) or digging its own tunnels (up to 1m long) in bare earth, lining the chamber with grass.

Behavior: Forages in small flocks, known for agile flight, and can be found near other swallow species.

Distribution: Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa.

Conservation: Considered Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN, potentially benefiting from habitat disturbance that creates bare ground. 

Interesting Tidbit

It's the only member of its genus, Pseudhirundo, and is related to Australia's White-backed Swallow. 

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SQUARE TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus fossii)

The square-tailed nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii) is a species of nightjar in the family Caprimulgidae which is native to tropical and subtropical woodlands of the Afrotropics. It has an extensive range south of the African equator. Despite not having a completely "square tail", its naming highlights a distinguishing field mark. The similarly plumaged slender-tailed nightjar, found in dry bush country of the tropics, differs namely by its protruding central tail feathers. It is alternatively known as the Gabon nightjar or Gaboon nightjar or the Mozambique nightjar.

Medium-sized, typical nightjar with bold pale spots on the back. Both sexes have a broad pale patch on the outer tail that is white in males and buff in females. Found in a variety of woodland and savanna habitats that are usually moist and often near water. Song is an extraordinarily long, dry trill that changes in speed and pitch. Most similar to Swamp Nightjar, but has smaller pale patches in the outer tail and lacks a blackish cheek; male has a white trailing edge to the wing in flight. Also similar to Montane Nightjar but found in different habitat.

It occurs mainly south of the equator in Africa, but enters the tropics during the northern hemisphere summer. An isolated race occurs in Equatorial Guinea and western Gabon. It is a seasonal visitor to the northern DRC, northern Tanzania, southern Kenya and southern Uganda. It occurs year-round in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

This bird's call is a prolonged churring, which alternates between a fast and slow pace roughly every second. As such it differs from the similar long-tailed and slender-tailed nightjars which produce fast and slow churrs respectively.

8-6-2019 KHWAI CAMP, BOTSWANA - EMERALD SPOTTED WOOD DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos)

The emerald-spotted wood dove is a small pigeon, about \(20\) cm long, known for its metallic green wing spots, which are a key identification feature. It inhabits woodlands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa, feeding on seeds and small invertebrates on the ground. Nests are built as a platform of twigs and roots, usually in a tree or bush, and both parents participate in raising the young.

Identification Size: Approximately \(20\) cm (7.5–8 inches) long and weighing around \(55-65\) grams.Plumage: Features bluish-grey on the head, a pinkish-grey throat, and pinkish underparts that fade to white on the belly.Wings: Folded wings have distinctive, dark metallic green patches that give the bird its name.

Distinguishing features: In flight, the underwings show bright chestnut markings. The bill is dark with a red base.Sexes: Males and females look similar, though females may be slightly duller. 

Behavior Diurnal: They are active during the day.Foraging: They are ground foragers that often walk in a zigzag pattern.

Vocalization: Known for their melancholic call, which consists of a series of coos. Habitat and diet Habitat: Found in dry woodlands, open woodlands, savannas, and gardens, but not in arid areas or dense rainforests.

Diet: Primarily feeds on seeds and fallen fruit, also consuming small invertebrates like termites and small molluscs. 

Reproduction Nesting: They build a platform nest of twigs, roots, and grass in a tree, bush, or aloe, typically 0.5-6 meters above the ground.Eggs: The female lays 1-2 eggs.Incubation: Incubation is performed mainly by the female for about 17 days.Chicks: The young stay in the nest for 15-17 days before leaving.