20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN HOOPOE (Upupa epops ssp. africana)

The African hoopoe, Upupa africana, is a striking bird with a sizeable range of 25 to 29 cm in length, a wingspan of 44 to 48 cm, and a weight between 38 and 67 grams. Its most notable feature is the chestnut crest with black tips, which it raises when alarmed. The male is resplendent in full chestnut, while the female sports a grayer hue. Both sexes exhibit distinctive black and white stripes on their wings and tail, creating a V-shaped pattern on their backs. The juvenile resembles the female but has a notably shorter beak.

In flight, the African hoopoe can be identified by its unique wingbeat pattern: four to five flaps followed by a pause, during which the body dips slightly. The underside reveals the same black and white striping seen when the bird is perched. The species is differentiated from its Eurasian counterpart by its deeper rufous plumage, as opposed to the pale sandy buff of the latter.

The African hoopoe favors open and bushy landscapes, including thornveld and riverine woodlands in arid regions. It is also found in broadleaf forests and savannahs.

This bird is native to southern Africa, ranging from the Central Democratic Republic of Congo to central Kenya, and southward to the Cape of Good Hope. It is a resident species, though it may undertake short-distance movements.

The African hoopoe's behavior is similar to that of the Eurasian hoopoe, though it has adapted to a different ecological niche. Raptors such as hawks and eagles pose the greatest predatory threat to this species.

The male African hoopoe's call is a distinctive "oop-oop" or "oop-oop-oop," often used during mating season. Additional vocalizations include a "swizzling" sound and other calls like "rattle" and "huk" when disturbed. During courtship, males may also produce a "choorie, choorie, choorie" sound when presenting food to females.

The African hoopoe is monogamous, with breeding commencing in mid-April. Nesting occurs in pre-existing holes, with clutches of four to seven blue-green eggs. Incubation is solely the female's responsibility, and chicks fledge after 26 to 32 days. The species is known to be double-brooded.

The African hoopoe can be confused with the Eurasian hoopoe, but the former's deeper rufous plumage sets it apart.

The diet consists mainly of insects such as beetles, earwigs, and orthopterans, along with small reptiles, worms, slugs, and occasionally seeds and berries. The long beak is used to probe the soil for prey.

The conservation status of the African hoopoe is not explicitly mentioned, but the lack of concern suggests it may not be currently at risk.

20-5-2019 LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN FISH EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African fish eagle (Icthyophaga vocifer) or the African sea eagle is a large species of eagle found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of open water with an abundant food supply occur. It is the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. As a result of its large range, it is known in many languages. Examples of names include: visarend in Afrikaans, nkwazi in Chewa, aigle pêcheur in French, idì in Yoruba, hungwe in Shona, inkwazi in isiZulu, and ntšhu in Northern Sotho. Though this species may superficially resemble the bald eagle in appearance they are not closely related and the two species occur on different continents, with the bald eagle being endemic to North America.

The African fish eagle is a species placed in the genus Icthyophaga (fish eagles). Its closest relative appears to be the critically endangered Madagascar fish eagle (I. vociferoides). Like all sea eagle species pairs, this one consists of a white-headed species (the African fish eagle) and a tan-headed one (Madagascar fish eagle). These are an ancient lineage of sea eagles; like other sea eagles, they have dark talons, beaks, and eyes. Both species have at least partially white tails even as juveniles. The vocifer is derived from its original genus name, so named by the French naturalist François Levaillant, who called it 'the vociferous one'.

The African fish eagle is a large bird. The female, at 3.2–3.6 kg (7.1–7.9 lb) is larger than the male, at 2.0–2.5 kg (4.4–5.5 lb). This is typical sexual dimorphism in birds of prey. Males usually have wingspans around 2.0 m (6.6 ft), while females have wingspans of 2.4 m (7.9 ft). The body length is 63–75 cm (25–29.5 in). The adult is very distinctive in appearance with a mostly brown body with a white head like the bald eagle and large, powerful, black wings. The head, breast, and tail of African fish eagles are snow white, except for the featherless face, which is yellow. The eyes are dark brown in colour. The hook-shaped beak, ideal for a carnivorous lifestyle, is yellow with a black tip. The plumage of the juvenile is brown, and the eyes are paler than the adult's. The feet have rough soles and are equipped with powerful talons to enable the eagle to grasp slippery aquatic prey. While this species mainly subsists on fish, it is opportunistic and may take a wider variety of prey, such as waterbirds. Its distinctive cry is, for many, evocative of the spirit or essence of Africa. The call, shriller when uttered by males, is a weee-ah, hyo-hyo or a heee-ah, heeah-heeah.

This species is still quite common near freshwater lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, although it can sometimes be found near the coast at the mouths of rivers or lagoons. African fish eagles are indigenous to sub-Saharan Africa, ranging over most of continental Africa south of the Sahara Desert. Several examples of places where they may be resident, include the Orange River in South Africa and Namibia, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, and Lake Malawi bordering Malawi, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The African fish eagle is thought to occur in substantial numbers around the locations of Lake Victoria and other large lakes in Central Africa, particularly the Rift Valley lakes. This is a generalist species, requiring only open water with sufficient prey and a good perch, as evidenced by the number of habitat types in which this species may be found, including grasslands, swamps, marshes, tropical rainforests, fynbos, and even desert-bordering coastlines, such as that of Namibia. The African fish eagle is absent from arid areas with little surface water.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE FACED WHISTLING DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata)

The white-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) is a whistling duck that breeds in sub-Saharan Africa and much of South America.

This species is gregarious, and at favoured sites, the flocks of a thousand or more birds arriving at dawn are an impressive sight. As the name implies, these are noisy birds with a clear three-note whistling call.

The white-faced whistling duck was formally described by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1766 in the twelfth edition of his Systema Naturae under the binomial name Anas viduata. He specified the type locality as Cartagena in Colombia. The white-faced whistling duck is now one of eight species placed in the genus Dendrocygna that was introduced in 1837 by the English naturalist William Swainson. The species is considered as monotypic: no subspecies are recognised. The genus name combines the Ancient Greek dendron meaning "tree" with the genus name Cygnus Bechstein, 1803, meaning "swan" in Latin. The specific epithet viduata is Latin meaning "widowed" or "in mourning".

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE HEADED LAPWING (Vanellus albiceps)

The white-crowned lapwing, white-headed lapwing, white-headed plover or white-crowned plover (Vanellus albiceps) is a medium-sized wader. It is resident throughout tropical Africa, usually near large rivers.

This lapwing is unmistakable. Its wings and tail are strikingly patterned in black and white, the back is brown and the underparts white. The head is particularly striking, being mainly grey, but with a white crown and foreneck. The eyering, facial wattles and legs are yellow. Females, males and young birds are similar in plumage.

It is a wader which breeds on exposed sand or shingle near rivers. 2–3 eggs are laid in a ground scrape. The nest and young are defended noisily and aggressively against all intruders, up to and including the hippopotamus.

Food is mainly insects and other small invertebrates. This species often feeds in small flocks when not breeding.

The white-crowned lapwing is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies.

The White-headed Lapwing (or White-crowned Lapwing, Vanellus albiceps) is a distinctive African shorebird known for its grey head with a white crown stripe, bright yellow eye-ring/wattles, brown back, and striking black-and-white wings. These medium-sized birds live near rivers, sandbanks, and wetlands, feeding on insects, often forming groups outside breeding season but nesting solitarily or in loose colonies, using their sharp calls and wing spurs for defense, and are classified as Least Concern globally.

Key Facts:

Appearance: Grey head with a white stripe, yellow facial wattles/eyering, brown upperparts, white underbelly, black wingtips, and white in wings (visible in flight).

Habitat: Prefers large rivers with sandy banks, but also uses pans, floodplains, grasslands, and farms.

Diet: Insects and other invertebrates.

Behavior: Gregarious in flocks outside breeding, territorial during breeding (solitary or loose groups). Uses loud "kriiip" calls and wing spurs (like tiny clubs) for defense.

Nesting: Breeds during the dry season, laying 2-3 eggs. Chicks are precocial (able to walk soon after hatching).

Size: About 28-32 cm (11-12.6 inches) long.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - SMITH'S BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraderus Cepapi)

Smith's bush squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi), also known as the yellow-footed squirrel or tree squirrel, is an African bush squirrel which is native to woodlands of the southern Afrotropics.

It is found in Angola, Botswana, the DRCongo, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is a common rodent which is diurnal by nature.

Its total length is 350 mm (14 in), half of which is tail; weight 200 g (7.1 oz). The coat colour varies throughout the region. In the western and arid parts of its range, it is pale grey, and in the eastern localities, more brown. Its head and legs are a rusty colour. Colouration on the chest varies from yellowish to buff in the east, to white in the west. This squirrel's belly is white. These alert and ever busy creatures carry their long tails extended backwards.

Smith's bush squirrels are primarily vegetarian, but like most rodents, they take insect prey and use their front feet to manipulate food items when feeding. They scatter-hoard seeds next to tree trunks or grass tufts, thereby facilitating tree regeneration.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - VERVET MONKEY (Chlorocebus pygerythrus)

The vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), or simply vervet, is an Old World monkey of the family Cercopithecidae native to Africa. The term "vervet" is also used to refer to all the members of the genus Chlorocebus. The five distinct subspecies can be found mostly throughout Southern Africa, as well as some of the eastern countries. These mostly herbivorous monkeys have black faces and grey body hair color, ranging in body length from about 40 cm (16 in) for females, to about 50 cm (20 in) for males.

In addition to behavioral research on natural populations, vervet monkeys serve as a nonhuman primate model for understanding genetic and social behaviors of humans. They have been noted for having human-like characteristics, such as hypertension, anxiety, and social and dependent alcohol use. Vervets live in social groups ranging from 10 to 70 individuals, with males moving to other groups at the time of sexual maturity. Studies done on vervet monkeys involve their communication and alarm calls, specifically in regard to kin and group recognition, and particular predator sightings.

The vervet monkey ranges throughout much of Southern and East Africa, being found from Ethiopia and extreme southern South Sudan all the way down to South Africa. It is not found west of the East African Rift or the Luangwa River, where it is replaced by the closely related malbrouck (C. cynosuros) species. The vervet monkey inhabits savanna, riverine woodland, coastal forest, and mountains up to 4000 m (13,100 ft). They are adaptable and able to persist in secondary and/or highly fragmented vegetation, including cultivated areas, and sometimes are found living in both rural and urban environments. Annual home range size has been observed to be as high as 176 ha, with an average population density of 54.68 animals/km2.

Vervet monkeys that are naturalised (introduced by humans) are found in Cape Verde, Ascension Island, Saint Helena, St Kitts and Nevis, and Barbados. Dania Beach, Florida, is home to about 40 introduced vervets.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus ssp. aethiopicus)

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

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

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

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

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

The African sacred ibis is a social bird, often seen in flocks. It is predominantly silent, but can occasionally emit puppy-like yelping sounds. The species is known for its predatory feeding habits, which occur mainly during the day.

This species is usually silent, but may occasionally make puppy-like yelping noises.

Breeding occurs once a year during the wet season, with the season spanning from March to August in Africa and from April to May in Iraq. The ibis builds a stick nest, often in a baobab tree, and nests in colonies alongside other large wading birds. Females lay one to five eggs, which are incubated by both parents for 21 to 29 days. Chicks fledge after 35 to 40 days and reach sexual maturity between one to five years after hatching.

The diet of the African sacred ibis consists mainly of insects, worms, crustaceans, molluscs, fish, frogs, reptiles, small mammals, and carrion. It uses its long beak to probe the soil for invertebrates and may also feed on seeds.

The IUCN classifies the African sacred ibis as "Least Concern," with an estimated global population of 200,000–450,000 individuals. However, the population appears to be decreasing. The species is covered by the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA).

The African sacred ibis was venerated in Ancient Egyptian religion, linked to the god Thoth. It was often mummified as a votive offering. The species was believed to fend off winged serpents and was associated with wisdom and knowledge.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - RAINBOW SKINK (Trachylepis margaritifera)

The rainbow skink (Trachylepis margaritifera) is a species of Afro-Malagasy mabuya or skink in the subfamily Lygosominae.

Mabuya quinquetaeniata margaritifera, formerly a subspecies of Trachylepis quinquetaeniata (the five-lined mabuya, also known as the rainbow skink), was elevated to full species in 1998 (as Trachylepis margaritifera).

T. margaritifera is a medium-sized lizard reaching a length of about 20 centimetres (7.9 in). The coloration of this species is quite variable, depending on the gender and the age. The scales are glossy, with metallic reflections. The basic colour is usually olive-brown or dark brown, sometimes with pearly whitish spots and with three light yellow-orange longitudinal stripes running from the head to the electric blue tail. These stripes may fade and become indistinct in the adults.

The head shows a pointed snout and clearly visible ears holes. Just behind the ear opening, there are some black spots. Legs are dark brown, short and strong, with relatively long toes. The flanks are mainly yellowish and the underside of the body is whitish.

It is found in southern Africa, from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa to southern Malawi; isolated populations occur in central to southeastern Tanzania and southern Kenya. It is found in rocky and mountainous regions of these countries.

Rainbow skinks are small, iridescent lizards known for their metallic sheen in bright light, often called "plague skinks" in places like New Zealand where they're invasive, outcompeting natives by eating invertebrates, while species like the African Rainbow Skink (Trachylepis quinquetaeniata) show distinct male/female coloring, with males getting vibrant stripes and spots for breeding in savannahs. They have long bodies, short limbs, and can lose and regrow their tails for defense. 

Key Facts

Appearance: Shiny, iridescent bodies (brown/grey with stripes in juveniles, brighter in males), long bodies, short legs, and a long tail.

Size: Typically 3-4 cm (nose to hind legs) for the common invasive type, but some African species reach up to 20 cm.

Diet: Invertebrates like insects, spiders, termites, and sometimes even fruit.

Habitat: Native to Australia/Africa, but invasive in New Zealand, Hawaii, etc., found in gardens, forests, and rocky areas.

Behavior: Diurnal (active during the day), basks in the sun, and can be gregarious.

Defense: Can shed their tail (autotomy) for escape, with the tail regenerating.

Reproduction: Some lay eggs, others give birth to live young; males often display bright colors during mating season. 

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - VIOLET BACKED STARLING (MALE) (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)

The violet-backed starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), also known as the plum-coloured starling or amethyst starling, or Ndambamukula in the Venda language, is a relatively small species (17 cm) of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is the only member of the genus Cinnyricinclus. This strongly sexually dimorphic species is found widely in the woodlands and savannah forest edges of mainland sub-Saharan Africa. It is rarely seen on the ground, but instead found in trees and other locations away from the ground.

The violet-backed starling is a sexually dimorphic species with adults reaching a length of about 18 cm (7 in). The male has an iridescent violet head and back and pure white underparts. The female has a thrush-like appearance with brown, boldly-streaked upper parts and white, heavily-streaked underparts. Both sexes have yellow irises and black bills and legs.

The violet-backed starling is a common bird in Sub-Saharan Africa, occurring in most locations with the exception of the dense rainforest of the Congo Basin, and the more arid parts of southwestern Africa. It is found in open woodland, gallery forests, forest verges and clearings. In the Chyulu Hills of Kenya, it occurs at altitudes up to 2,100 m (6,900 ft).

The diet of the violet-backed starling includes fruits, seeds and arthropods. It sometimes hawks for insects in a manner similar to flycatchers. It largely feeds in the canopy, seldom foraging on the ground. The nest is usually located in a crevice in a tree within a few metres of the ground. Nesting material includes green leaves and dung. The female will incubate the clutch of two to four eggs, which are pale blue with reddish/brown spots, for 12–14 days. The male will help feed chicks until they fledge after about 21 days.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - VIOLET BACKED STARLING (FEMALE) (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)

The violet-backed starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), also known as the plum-coloured starling or amethyst starling, is a relatively small species (17 cm) of starling in the family Sturnidae. It is the only member of the genus Cinnyricinclus. This strongly sexually dimorphic species is found widely in the woodlands and savannah forest edges of mainland sub-Saharan Africa. It is rarely seen on the ground, but instead found in trees and other locations away from the ground.

The violet-backed starling is a sexually dimorphic species with adults reaching a length of about 18 cm (7 in). The male has an iridescent violet head and back and pure white underparts. The female has a thrush-like appearance with brown, boldly-streaked upper parts and white, heavily-streaked underparts. Both sexes have yellow irises and black bills and legs.

The violet-backed starling is a common bird in Sub-Saharan Africa, occurring in most locations with the exception of the dense rainforest of the Congo Basin, and the more arid parts of southwestern Africa. It is found in open woodland, gallery forests, forest verges and clearings. In the Chyulu Hills of Kenya, it occurs at altitudes up to 2,100 m (6,900 ft).

The diet of the violet-backed starling includes fruits, seeds and arthropods. It sometimes hawks for insects in a manner similar to flycatchers. It largely feeds in the canopy, seldom foraging on the ground. The nest is usually located in a crevice in a tree within a few metres of the ground. Nesting material includes green leaves and dung. The female will incubate the clutch of two to four eggs, which are pale blue with reddish/brown spots, for 12–14 days. The male will help feed chicks until they fledge after about 21 days.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pasillas)

The little bee-eater (Merops pusillus) is a bird species in the bee-eater family, Meropidae. They are found in Sub-Saharan Africa. They should not be confused with the little green bee-eater (Merops orientalis). Migration is limited to seasonal movements depending on rainfall patterns.

Members of this species, like other bee-eaters, are rich and brightly coloured slender birds. They have green upper parts, yellow throats, black gorgets, and rich brown upper breasts fading to buffish ochre on the belly. Their wings are green and brown. Their beaks and legs are black. They reach a length of 15–17 cm, which makes them the smallest African bee-eater. Sexes are alike. Often silent, their call is a soft "seep".

These are abundant and tame birds, familiar throughout their range. There have been estimated to be between 60 and 80 million little bee-eaters. They breed in open country with bushes, preferably near water. Just as the name suggests, bee-eaters predominantly eat insects, especially bees, wasps and hornets, who are caught in the air by sorties from an open perch. This species often hunts from low perches, maybe only a metre or less high. Before eating their meal, a bee-eater removes the stinger by repeatedly hitting the insect on a hard surface.

Unlike most bee-eaters, these are solitary nesters, making a tunnel in sandy banks, or sometimes in the entrance to an Aardvark den. They lay 4 to 6 spherical white eggs. Both the male and the female take care of the eggs. These birds roost communally, lined up on a tree branch.

This is an abundant and tame bird, familiar throughout its range of Sub-Sahara Africa. There have been estimated to be between 60-80 million little bee-eaters. It breeds in open country with bushes, preferably near water. 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.

This is the world’s smallest bee-eater at a length of 16 cm. The little bee-eater is bright green on top with orange or buff underparts, including the outer flight feathers. A black gorget (collar) separates the orange or buff breast from a yellow throat.

The tail is orange or buff, with a green center. Like all bee-eaters, the little bee-eater has a black eye stripe, with turquoise spot above the eye.

The little bee-eater hunts flying insects, whilst in flight. Once they catch an insect, they will return to a perch, to kill the insect and remove its sting, by repeatedly hitting the insect against the branch. The little bee-eater prefers insects such as bees and wasps.

A tunnel is dug by both the male and female little bee-eater, normally in a vertical sandy bank or an aardvark hole. This tunnel can be as deep as 130 cm. They do not line the nest cavity and the 2 to 6 eggs are laid directly on the sand. The eggs are incubated by both sexes for around 20 days.

This bee-eater is parasitized by the Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator).

The little bee-eater will roost communally at night, with the birds huddled together on a single perch. They often use the same perch repeatedly when hunting, taking short flights to catch their prey then returning back to the same perch.

The little bee-eater is found in a woodland environment, near water. This is a common resident in the north-eastern areas of South Africa.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - 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 are different 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.

Lilac-breasted rollers are found throughout eastern and southern Africa, and occurs locally at sea level, and up to 2,000 metres above sea level or over. Their range extends from the Red Sea coast of Eritrea through East Africa (including Zanzibar) to southern Africa, where they occur commonly in Namibia (excluding the Namib Desert), Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northeastern South Africa. The nominate subspecies C. c. caudatus is non-migratory, but a measure of post-breeding dispersal occurs into miombo woodland or sandy areas, before they return to the breeding areas at the start of the rains. Its counterpart, the lilac-throated roller (C. c. lorti) migrates from northeast Kenya to northwest Somalia to breed from late April to mid-September. The latter subspecies is also a vagrant to Eritrea, Oman and Yemen. Lilac-breasted rollers are most abundant in Kenya, though the species is less abundant than in former times.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius)

The Kittlitz's plover, named after Heinrich von Kittlitz, is a diminutive shorebird, tipping the scales at a modest 35-40 grams. This species is adorned with a black bill, dark brown eyes encased in black eyelids, and legs that may shift in hue from black to greenish or grey. During the breeding season, the male is distinguished by a white forehead and a series of bands on the forecrown, while the female's plumage is similar but with a narrower black band. The non-breeding plumage sees little change, save for a paler underbelly and a browner eye stripe.

Adults boast a wing length of 100–110 mm, a bill length of 15–23 mm, and a tarsus length of 26–33 mm. Juveniles resemble adults but lack the black facial markings and have brown upperparts with a buff-colored hindneck collar.

Kittlitz's plover is partial to open habitats near water, such as lakes, lagoons, rivers, tidal mudflats, and inland saltmarshes. It breeds in areas with short vegetation and is strictly terrestrial in its activities.

This species is widespread across sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, and the Nile Delta. It is common in South Africa but less so in arid regions like Botswana and Namibia. In Madagascar, it is both a breeding resident and intra-island migrant.

Kittlitz's plover is sociable outside of the breeding season, forming small flocks. It is known for its flexible breeding system and shorter pair bonds, often being polygamous. The species is territorial during breeding, with both parents defending their ground vigorously.

A repertoire of calls includes 'pipip', 'towhit', 'tit-peep', and others, used variably as alarm calls, during courtship, or when feigning injury. The young emit a 'peep' to communicate.

Breeding occurs throughout the year with varying peak seasons. The nest is a simple ground scrape, lined with natural materials, and the clutch typically consists of 1-3 eggs. Both parents share incubation duties, which last 21–27 days.

The Madagascar plover (Charadrius thoracicus) is a distinct species that does not interbreed with Kittlitz's plover.

Kittlitz's plover forages in a run-stop-search manner, feeding on insects, spiders, small crustaceans, and molluscs. It can be aggressive towards other birds when foraging, especially in the winter months before breeding.

The IUCN lists Kittlitz's plover as Least Concern. It is abundant in Africa and locally common in Madagascar, with a wide range. Threats include habitat loss due to wetland degradation and diseases such as avian malaria and botulism.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (JUVENILE) (Charadrius pecuarius)

The Kittlitz's plover, named after Heinrich von Kittlitz, is a diminutive shorebird, tipping the scales at a modest 35-40 grams. This species is adorned with a black bill, dark brown eyes encased in black eyelids, and legs that may shift in hue from black to greenish or grey. During the breeding season, the male is distinguished by a white forehead and a series of bands on the forecrown, while the female's plumage is similar but with a narrower black band. The non-breeding plumage sees little change, save for a paler underbelly and a browner eye stripe.

Adults boast a wing length of 100–110 mm, a bill length of 15–23 mm, and a tarsus length of 26–33 mm. Juveniles resemble adults but lack the black facial markings and have brown upperparts with a buff-colored hindneck collar.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - GUINEAFOWL BUTTERFLY (Hamanumida daedalus)

The genus Hamanumida comprises of a single species – daedalus, which is popularly known as the Guineafowl due to its colour and pattern which resembles that of the guineafowl bird.

Hamanumida daedalus is widespread across Africa including Madagascar. It also occurs in the Arab states.

This is a grassland / savannah species found at altitudes between sea level and about 800m. It is associated mainly with dry, rocky grassland where there are scattered bushes and trees, but also rapidly colonises abandoned agricultural land.

The primary larval foodplant is Combretum, but Terminalia and Tectona (teak) are also used.

The butterflies are normally seen singly or in two’s and three’s. Males will mud-puddle at the edges of fords and small streams, but both sexes are more commonly seen aggregating at the top of hills where courtship and copulation take place. They fly very low over the ground, and frequently settle to bask on bare ground or on rocks or boulders. At all times they remain very alert, taking flight at the slightest disturbance.

Hamanumida daedalus, the guineafowl butterfly, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae and only member of the genus Hamanumida.

Range

It is found in the Afrotropical realm (Natal, Eswatini, Transvaal, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, tropical Africa (dry lowland areas) and southwest Arabia).

Description

The wingspan is 55–65 mm for males and 60–78 mm for females. Adults are on wing year-round, with peaks in midwinter and summer.

Food plants

The larvae feed on Combretum and Terminalia species.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - 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.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a bird of modest size, comparable to a sparrow, with a length ranging from 17 to 19 cm. It is predominantly brown with a distinctive broad, white eyebrow stripe and a white rump that becomes conspicuous during flight. Males are marked by a stark black bill, while females exhibit a horn-colored bill, and juveniles possess a pinkish-brown bill. In Zimbabwe, this species may show faint brown spotting across its white breast.

To identify the White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, look for the white eyebrow stripe and the white rump in flight. The male's black bill is a key distinguishing feature, contrasting with the female's lighter bill. The bird's size and general brown plumage also aid in identification.

This species is typically found in dry regions with woodland or wooded grassland. It nests in colonies along thornveld and scrubby, dry riverbanks.

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is prevalent in north-central southern Africa, with its range extending from Botswana to Tanzania and western Mozambique, and as far north as Ethiopia. It is particularly abundant in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia, and southern Malawi.

Groups of two to eleven individuals, including one breeding pair and non-reproductive members, are active year-round, engaging in nest-building. The species is sedentary, with populations remaining in the same area.

The bird's vocalizations include a brief "chik-chick" or a loud, fluid whistle of "cheoop-preeoo-chop."

Breeding occurs mainly in the warmer months, although it can be observed year-round. Nests are constructed on the leeward side of trees to withstand weather conditions, with some nests being used by other bird species.

The Yellow-throated Petronia is similar but can be differentiated by its pinkish brown bill, buff eyebrow stripe, black feet, and yellow shading at the bottom of a white throat. It is also smaller in size and found in different habitats.

The White-browed Sparrow-Weaver is classified as Least Concern, with populations becoming more abundant and expanding their range in various directions.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN BUSHBUCK (MALE) (Tragelaphus scriptus)

The Cape bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus), also known as imbabala, is a common, medium-sized bushland-dwelling, and a widespread species of antelope in sub-Saharan Africa. It is found in a wide range of habitats, such as rain forests, montane forests, forest-savanna mosaic, savanna, bushveld, and woodland. It stands around 90 cm (35 in) at the shoulder and weigh from 45 to 80 kg (99 to 176 lb). They are generally solitary, territorial browsers.

Cape bushbucks stand around 90 cm (35 in) at the shoulder and weigh from 60 to 80 kg (130 to 180 lb) in males and 25 to 60 kg (55 to 132 lb)in females. They 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 bodies, such as the ears, chin, tail, legs, and necks. The muzzles are also white. Horns, found only on the males, can reach over half a metre and have a single twist. At 10 months old, young males sprout horns that are particularly twisted and at maturity form the first loop of a spiral.

The Cape bushbuck has on average less striping and more uniform colouration than populations in West Africa. Cape bushbuck occur from the Cape in South Africa to Angola and Zambia and up the eastern part of Africa to Ethiopia and Somalia, according to one interpretation. Other interpretations restrict the taxon to Southern Africa sensu stricto or consider them sensu lato to occur in the above range except eastern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia. The first Latin name that can be attributed to the Cape bushbuck was Antilope sylvatica after Sparrman (1780), described from the Cape Colony.

Bushbuck browse on trees, shrubs, and forbs; they rarely if ever eat grasses. Studies of free-ranging bushbuck in various parts of southeastern Africa using DNA metabarcoding show that bushbuck frequently forage on acacias (Senegalia, Vachellia) and other legumes, along with mallows (Grewia, Hibiscus), bushwillows (Combretum), buckthorns (Berchemia, Ziziphus) and various other plants. Bushbuck are active throughout the day, but tend to be nocturnal near human habitations.

Bushbuck are solitary animals, but are not aggressively antisocial, and individuals sometimes forage in close proximity. Bushbuck live within a "home" area, which is usually around 50,000 m2 (540,000 sq ft) on the savannah and much larger in the forest, that they will not normally leave. These areas usually overlap other bushbuck home areas.

Some game farmers in southern Africa discovered that the bushbuck may compete with the closely related, larger nyala when they tried to introduce the two species to the same area. However, the two species are often found in close proximity in natural communities (e.g., in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique).