22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - CAPE BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer caffer)

The African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) is a large species of true buffalo native to Sub-Saharan Africa, where it is found in a number of disconnected ranges stretching from south-eastern Senegal through West and Central Africa to South Africa. The adult African buffalo's horns are its characteristic feature: they have fused bases that form a continuous bone shield, referred to as a "boss", across the top of the head. The African buffalo is more closely related to Asian buffalo (Bubalus) species than it is to other bovids such as American bison or domestic cattle. 

Its unpredictable temperament may be part of the reason that the African buffalo has never been domesticated and has no domesticated descendants, unlike the wild yak and wild water buffalo, which are the ancestors of the domestic yak and water buffalo, respectively. 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 (Syncerus caffer caffer), the largest subspecies native to eastern and southern Africa, is a sought-after trophy in hunting.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN YELLOW BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas ssp parvior)

The Southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) is a 40–60 cm long bird, nicknamed the "flying banana" for its large yellow beak. Native to southern Africa's savannas and woodlands, it is a ground-foraging omnivore known for a unique nesting behavior where the female seals herself into a tree cavity with mud and droppings. 

Key Facts About the Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill:

Distinctive Appearance: They have a white belly, black back with white spots, long tail, and bright yellow bill with a small casque. 

The Southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) is a 40–60 cm long bird, nicknamed the "flying banana" for its large yellow beak. Native to southern Africa's savannas and woodlands, it is a ground-foraging omnivore known for a unique nesting behavior where the female seals herself into a tree cavity with mud and droppings. 

Key Facts About the Southern Yellow-Billed Hornbill:

Distinctive Appearance: They have a white belly, black back with white spots, long tail, and bright yellow bill with a small casque. 

Unique Nesting: Females seal themselves inside tree cavities to lay eggs, relying on the male to pass food through a small slit for up to 8 weeks. 

Diet: They are opportunistic foragers, eating insects (termites, beetles), scorpions, seeds, and small vertebrates. 

"Flying Banana": This nickname is derived from their long, curved, yellow bill. 

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - BERTHELOT'S PIPIT (Anthus berthelotii)

Berthelot's pipit (Anthus berthelotii) is a small passerine bird which breeds in Madeira and the Canary Islands. It is a common resident in both archipelagos.

Berthelot's pipit is found in open country. The nest is on the ground, with 3-5 eggs being laid.

This is a small pipit, 13–14 centimetres (5.1–5.5 in) in length. It is an undistinguished looking species on the ground, mainly grey above and whitish below, with some breast streaking. It has a whitish supercilium and eyering, with dark eye and moustachial stripes. The sexes are similar, but juveniles are browner than adults.

This species appears shorter tailed and larger headed than meadow pipit. Its call is a "schrip" like yellow wagtail, and the song, given in flight, is a chattery "tsivrr tsivrr tsivrr tsivrr".

This species is named after the French naturalist Sabin Berthelot, one-time resident of the Canary Islands, by Carl Bolle.

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - COMMON SCREWPINE (Pandanus utilis)

Screw pines (Pandanus spp.) are tropical, palm-like plants recognized by their spirally arranged leaves, large pineapple-shaped fruits, and stilt roots that anchor them in sandy coastal soils. Native to the Old World Tropics, they are highly versatile plants used for food, medicine, and fiber, and they are essential for coastal erosion control. 

Key Facts About Screw Pines

Appearance and Growth: Despite the name, they are not pines, but monocots related to palms and bromeliads. They feature long, sword-shaped leaves with spiny margins and striking prop roots (stilt roots) that grow down from the trunk to stabilize the tree in sandy, windy coastal habitats. 

"Screw" Name Origin: They get their name from the distinct, upward twisting, helical pattern of their leaves as they grow. 

Fruit and Edibility: The large, segmented fruit looks like a pineapple and turns orange-red when ripe. It is highly prized, with some varieties having edible, starchy, sweet-scented seeds or pulp that can be cooked or eaten raw. 

Useful Fibers: The long leaves are strong and widely used in tropical regions for weaving baskets, mats, hats, and for thatching roofs, largely because they are water-resistant. 

Fragrant Flowers: Male plants produce small, highly fragrant yellow-white flowers, which are sometimes used to create perfume or perfume food. 

Environmental Utility: They are exceptionally useful in stabilizing coastal areas, as their extensive root system binds sand and helps reduce coastal erosion from ocean waves. 

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - ROSE RINGED PARAKEET (Psittacula krameri)

The Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) is one of the few parrot species that have successfully adapted to living in disturbed habitats. As a popular pet species, escaped birds have colonized a number of cities around the world, including Northern and Western Europe. These parakeets are also capable of living in a variety of climates outside their native range and are able to survive low winter temperatures in Northern Europe. The species is not threatened, but its popularity as a pet and unpopularity with farmers have reduced its numbers in some parts of its native range.

The Rose-ringed parakeet is a medium-sized parrot. The adult male sports a red and black neck ring, and the hen and immature birds of both sexes either show no neck rings or display shadow-like pale to dark grey neck rings. Both sexes have a distinctive green color in the wild, and captive-bred ringnecks have multiple color mutations including blue, violet, and yellow. 

Rose-ringed parakeets are social birds. They are active during the day spending their time, foraging, flying about, and resting in the shades of tree canopy during midday hours. They often gather in flocks that fly several miles to forage in farmlands and orchards. Rose-ringed parakeets are very noisy and have an unmistakable squawking call.

Rose-ringed parakeets are herbivores and usually feed on buds, fruits, vegetables, nuts, berries, and seeds. In India, they eat cereal grains, and during winter also pigeon peas. In Egypt during the spring, they feed on mulberry, and in summer they feed on dates and eat from sunflower and corn fields.

Rose-ringed parakeets are serially monogamous; they do not have life mates and often breed with another partner during the following breeding season. In northwest India, Rose-ringed parakeets form pairs from September to December. During this cold season, they select and defend nest sites, thus avoiding competition for sites with other birds. The female lays 1 to 7 eggs and incubates them alone for about 3 weeks. The chick hatch altricial meaning they are helpless and depend on their parents for feeding and protection. The young fledge at 7 weeks of age and become independent when they are 2 years old. Reproductive maturity is usually reached at the age of 3 years.   

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - TENERIFE BLUE CHAFFINCH (Fringilla teydea)

The Tenerife blue chaffinch, a passerine bird belonging to the finch family Fringillidae, is a species that calls the island of Tenerife its home. This bird, with its striking blue plumage in males, serves as the natural emblem of Tenerife, sharing this honor with the Canary Islands dragon tree.

The male Tenerife blue chaffinch is a sight to behold with its predominantly blue feathers and a contrasting grey bill. Larger than the common chaffinch, it also sports a more robust bill and lacks the dark cap seen in its relatives. The female, while more subdued in color, is a dull grey-brown and can be recognized by her less pronounced wing bars.

The preferred habitat of this bird is the mountainous Canary Island pine forests, thriving in areas with dense undergrowth. It also inhabits laurel and pine woodlands, as well as tree-heath and scrublands.

This bird is endemic to Tenerife and is found exclusively in the highlands of the island.

The Tenerife blue chaffinch is known for its song, which is shorter and less robust than that of the common chaffinch, and a flight call that is distinctly croakier. It is not a migratory species, and outside of the breeding season, it may form small flocks, occasionally mingling with common chaffinches and other finches.

The diet of this bird is primarily composed of Canary Island pine seeds. During the breeding season, its young are fed a significant amount of insects, a trait it shares with the common chaffinch but is less common among other finches.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - WHITE BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus)

The white-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) is an Old World vulture in the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, buzzards and hawks. It is the most common vulture species in the continent of Africa.

The white-backed vulture is a typical vulture, with only down feathers on the head and neck, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff. The adult's whitish back contrasts with the otherwise dark plumage. Juveniles are largely dark. This is a medium-sized vulture; its body mass is 4.2 to 7.2 kg (9.3–15.9 lb), it is 78 to 98 cm (31 to 39 in) long and has a 1.96 to 2.25 m (6 ft 5 in to 7 ft 5 in) wingspan.

The white-backed vulture occurs from Senegal, Gambia and Mali in the west, throughout the Sahel region to Ethiopia and Somalia in the east, through East Africa into Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa in the south.[1] It is the most widespread and common vulture in Africa with an estimated range of 24,300,000 km2 (9,400,000 sq mi), but has undergone rapid population declines in recent years.

21-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus ssp. taurinus)

The blue wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus), also called the common wildebeest, white-bearded gnu or brindled gnu, is a large antelope and one of the two species of wildebeest. It is placed in the genus Connochaetes and family Bovidae, and has a close taxonomic relationship with the black wildebeest. The blue wildebeest is known to have five subspecies. This broad-shouldered antelope has a muscular, front-heavy appearance, with a distinctive, robust muzzle. Young blue wildebeest are born tawny brown, and begin to take on their adult coloration at the age of 2 months. The adults' hues range from a deep slate or bluish-gray to light gray or even grayish-brown. Both sexes possess a pair of large curved horns. 

The blue wildebeest is an herbivore, feeding primarily on short grasses. It forms herds which move about in loose aggregations, the animals being fast runners and extremely wary. The mating season begins at the end of the rainy season and a single calf is usually born after a gestational period of about 8.5 months. The calf remains with its mother for 8 months, after which it joins a juvenile herd. Blue wildebeest are found in short-grass plains bordering bush-covered acacia savannas in southern and eastern Africa, thriving in areas that are neither too wet nor too arid. Three African populations of blue wildebeest take part in a long-distance migration, timed to coincide with the annual pattern of rainfall and grass growth on the short-grass plains where they can find the nutrient-rich forage necessary for lactation and calf growth.

The blue wildebeest is native to Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Today, it is extinct in Malawi, but has been successfully reintroduced in Namibia. The southern limit of the blue wildebeest range is the Orange River, while the western limit is bounded by Lake Victoria and Mount Kenya. The blue wildebeest is widespread and is being introduced into private game farms, reserves, and conservancies. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources rates the blue wildebeest as being of least concern. The population has been estimated to be around 1.5 million, and the population trend is stable.

21-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN GIRAFFE (Giraffa giraffa)

The southern giraffe (Giraffa giraffa), also known as two-horned giraffe, is a species of giraffe native to Southern Africa. The IUCN recognises four giraffe species, with several recognised subspecies.

Southern giraffes have rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves. They range from South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique. Their approximate population is composed of 44,500 to 50,000 individuals.

Giraffes are considered Vulnerable to extinction by the IUCN.

The South African subspecies of the southern giraffe has dark, somewhat rounded patches "with some fine projections" on a tawny background colour. The spots extend down the legs and get smaller. The median lump of bulls is less developed.

The southern giraffes live in the savannahs and woodlands of northern South Africa, Angola, southern Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, Zambia and south-western Mozambique. After local extinctions in various places, South African giraffes have been reintroduced in many parts of Southern Africa, including Eswatini, Majete Game Reserve in Malawi, and Maputo and Zinave National Parks in Mozambique, the Angolan giraffe has been reintroduced to the Cuatir Conservation Area in Southern Angola and starting in 2023 Iona National Park on the north bank of the Cunene River.

They are common in both inside and outside of protected areas.

Southern giraffes usually live in savannahs and woodlands where food plants are available. Southern giraffes are herbivorous mammals. They feed on leaves, flowers, fruits and shoots of woody plants such as Acacia.

Southern giraffes are not threatened, as their population is increasing.

21-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTH AFRICAN GROUND SQUIRREL (Geosciurus inauris)

The Cape ground squirrel or South African ground squirrel (Geosciurus inauris) is found in most of the drier parts of southern Africa from South Africa, through to Botswana, and into Namibia, including Etosha National Park.

The name Cape ground squirrel is somewhat misleading as it actually has a much wider area of habitation. This common name may have been arrived at to distinguish it from a tree squirrel (the eastern grey squirrel) found around Cape Town, which was imported from Europe by Cecil John Rhodes.

The species has also been known as the fan-tailed squirrel.

The Cape ground squirrel has black skin with a coat made of short stiff hairs without underfur. The fur is cinnamon on the back while the face, underbelly, sides of neck and ventral sides of limbs are white. The sides of its body each have a white stripe that stretches from the shoulders to the thighs. The eyes are fairly large and have white lines around them. The pinnae are small. The tail is flattened on the back and underside and is covered with white hair and two black bands at the base. The Cape ground's sexual dimorphism is subtle. Males usually weigh 423–649 grams (0.933–1.431 lb), 8 to 12 percent more than females at 444–600 grams (0.979–1.323 lb). Male Cape ground squirrels have a total length of 424–476 millimetres (16.7–18.7 in), while females are 435–446 millimetres (17.1–17.6 in) long. 

The belly and groin area of the females each have two pairs of mammary glands. The glans penis of the males are large with a prominent baculum. This species is notable for its impressively large testicles, which are roughly golf ball size, around 20% of the length of the head and body. Moulting occurs between August and September and between March and April, once per year.

21-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN BUSHBUCK (FEMALE) (Tragelaphus scriptus)

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.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.

14-3-2026 CALYPSO BAR, THE GAMBIA - WESTERN RED BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus kempi)

The western red-billed hornbill (Tockus kempi) is a species of hornbill in the family Bucerotidae. It is found from Senegal and Gambia to southern Mauritania and western Mali. There are five species of red-billed hornbills generally recognized now, but all five were once considered conspecific. Some authorities still categorize the group as Tockus erythrorhynchus with the remaining four as its subspecies.

Western red-billed hornbills are small hornbills in the genus Tockus. They have curved red beaks which are more orange on the lower beak and more bright red on the upper beak, with both ending with a dark orange colour. Their heads are greyish white and have black feathers along the back of their heads and neck. They have white plumage on their faces and large dark grey eye rings. Their sclera is dark brown and their pupils are black. Their wings are like all red-billed hornbills, with large and small circles of white feathers surrounded by black feathers on the exterior and white on the upper half of the interior and black on the lower half of the interior. They have long tail feathers that are black on the exterior and a greyish white on the interior.

21-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - LESSER STRIPED SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica)

The lesser striped swallow (Cecropis abyssinica) is a large swallow. It breeds in Sub-Saharan Africa from Sierra Leone and southern Sudan south into eastern South Africa. It is partially migratory with South African birds wintering further north. West African birds leave the north of the breeding range in the dry season.

This is a bird of wooded, mainly lowland habitats. The lesser striped swallow prefers less open habitats, and is replaced in montane grassland by the greater striped swallow, Hirundo cucullata. It is common and often found around human habitation.

14-3-2026 CALYPSO BAR, THE GAMBIA - WESTERN REEF HERON (Egretta gularis)

The western reef heron (Egretta gularis), also called the western reef egret, is a medium-sized heron found in southern Europe, Africa and parts of Asia. It has a mainly coastal distribution and occurs in several plumage forms: a slaty-grey plumage which can only be confused with the rather uncommon dark morph of the little egret (Egretta garzetta); a white form which can look very similar to the little egret, although the reef heron's bill tends to be paler and larger; and a black form with a white throat, E. g. gularis, found in West Africa.

There are also differences in size, structure and foraging behaviour. There have been suggestions that the species hybridizes with the little egret, and based on this, some authors treat schistacea and gularis as subspecies of Egretta garzetta. Works that consider the western reef heron as a valid species include the nominate gularis and schistacea as subspecies.

14-3-2026 CALYPSO BAR, THE GAMBIA - SPUR WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus spinosus)

The spur-winged lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) is a, noisy, medium-large wader found in Africa and the Mediterranean. Known for its striking black-white-brown plumage, it uses sharp, hidden wing spurs to aggressively defend its ground-nesting territory. These birds are often found near water and are active day and night. 

Key Facts

Scientific Name and Meaning: Vanellus spinosus. Vanellus comes from the Latin for "little fan" (a name for lapwings), and spinosus refers to the spur on the wing. 

Habitat: They prefer wet areas near lakes, coastal marshes, cultivated fields, and open areas. 

Eggs and Breeding: Females lay 2-4 brown-speckled, camouflaged eggs in a simple, small hole (scrape) on the ground. 

Gestation Period: Eggs are incubated by both parents for approximately 21-28 days. 

 Appearance: They stand about 12 inches tall, featuring a black crown, white cheeks/sides of neck, and light brown wings. 

14-3-2026 CALYPSO BAR, THE GAMBIA - SENEGALESE GRASSHOPPER (Oedaleus senegalensis)

The Senegalese grasshopper (Oedaleus senegalensis) is a medium-sized grasshopper species found in the Sahel region of Africa, the Canary Islands, Cape Verde Islands, and West Asia. Although not called a locust in English, this species shows gregarious behaviour and some morphological change (phase polymorphism) on crowding. In many parts of the Sahel, this species may cause greater year-on-year crop damage than better-known locusts, attacking crops such as the pearl millet.

14-3-2026 CALYPSO BAR, THE GAMBIA - PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis)

The pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a striking water kingfisher, known for its black and white plumage and distinctive crest. It is a medium-sized bird, approximately 25 cm in length, with a white face featuring a black mask and a white supercilium. The male is characterized by a double band across the breast, while the female sports a single, often broken, breast band.

When identifying the pied kingfisher, look for its unique black and white barred pattern and prominent crest. The male's double breast band and the female's single broken band are key differentiators between the sexes. The subspecies vary slightly in size and coloration, with some having larger bills or reduced white in their plumage.

This kingfisher is commonly found perched along the edges of clear lakes and rivers, where it can easily spot and dive for fish.

The pied kingfisher is widely distributed across sub-Saharan Africa and southern Asia, from Turkey to India and China. It is a resident species, with most populations not engaging in long migrations.

14-3-2026 CALYPSO BAR, THE GAMBIA - WEST AFRICAN CROCODILE (Crocodylus suchus)

The West African crocodile, desert crocodile, or sacred crocodile (Crocodylus suchus) is a species of crocodile related to — and often confused with — the larger and more aggressive Nile crocodile (C. niloticus).

The muzzle is short and thick. The distance between the eyes and the tip of the muzzle is 1.5 to 2 times longer than the width of the muzzle at the level of the front edge of the eyes (1.2 to 1.5 times in case of juveniles). The coloration is generally brown to olive. Juveniles are paler, with black bandings, especially on the tail. Like all other species of crocodiles, the West African crocodile's eyes reflect light at night allowing it to be spotted easily through a flashlight. It is found to be active day and night. It can stay submerged underwater for more than 30 minutes, and can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h (19 mph) in short bursts. On land, it is often observed basking motionless in the sun, often with its mouth agape.

Compared to the Nile crocodile, which can grow over 5 m (16 ft 5 in) in length, the West African crocodile is smaller. It typically grows between 2 and 3 m (6 ft 7 in and 9 ft 10 in) in length, with an occasional male growing over 4 m (13 ft 1 in) in rare cases. Adults weigh between 90 and 250 kg (200 and 550 lb), with particularly large male specimens exceeding 300 kg (660 lb) in weight.

The West African crocodile inhabits much of West and Central Africa, ranging east to South Sudan and Uganda, and south to Democratic Republic of the Congo (in all three countries it may come into contact with Nile crocodiles). Other countries where it is found include Mauritania, Benin, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad, Sierra Leone, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Gabon, Togo, Ivory Coast and Republic of Congo. As late as the 1920s, museums continued to obtain West African crocodile specimens from the southern Nile, but today the species has disappeared from this river.

In Mauritania it has adapted to the arid desert environment of the Sahara–Sahel by staying in caves or burrows in a state of aestivation during the driest periods, leading to the alternative common name desert crocodile. When it rains, these desert crocodiles gather at gueltas. In much of its range, the West African crocodile may come into contact with other crocodile species and there appears to be a level of habitat segregation between them. The Nile crocodile typically prefers large seasonal rivers in savannah or grassland, while the West African crocodile generally prefers lagoons and wetlands in forested regions, at least where the two species may come into contact. 

The details of this probable segregations remains to be confirmed for certain. In a study of habitat use by the three crocodile species in Liberia (West African, slender-snouted and dwarf), it was found that the West African crocodile typically occupied larger, more open waterways consisting of river basins and mangrove swamps, and was the species most tolerant of brackish waters. In comparison, the slender-snouted crocodile typically occupies rivers within forest interiors, while dwarf crocodiles are distributed in smaller rivers (mainly tributaries), streams and brooks also within forested areas.

14-3-2026 CALYPSO BAR, THE GAMBIA - BLACK CASQUED HORNBILL (Ceratogymna atrata)

The black-casqued hornbill (Ceratogymna atrata), or black-casqued wattled hornbill, is a species of hornbill in the family Bucerotidae. It is found fairly commonly across sub-Saharan Africa, being known from Sierra Leone and Liberia in Western Africa (as well as most of the West African nations along the Gulf of Guinea), south to Angola and east to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and western Uganda. They are currently considered of near threatened, and their population is declining.

The black-casqued hornbill is a large, mostly black bird with bare-skinned blue wattles and skin around their eyes. Adult birds are typically between 60 and 70 cm (24 and 28 in) long, and can be distinguished from the similar yellow-casqued hornbill by the white scales found in their plumage. They are readily identifiable as a member of the hornbill family by the eponymous casque structure that the birds develop on their beaks as they mature.

14-3-2026 CAPE POINT BANJUL, THE GAMBIA - RED BILLED FIREFINCH (MALE) (Lagonosticta senegala)

The red-billed firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala), or Senegal firefinch, is a small (10 cm) seed-eating bird found throughout Sub-Saharan African savanna and human settlements. It is identified by its small pinkish-red bill, yellow-green eye ring, and brownish undertail. Males are largely scarlet-pink, while females are brown with small pink patches on their face and rump. 

Key Facts about Red-billed Firefinches

Habitat & Behavior: These birds are highly social (gregarious) and often seen in pairs or small flocks foraging on the ground for grass seeds. They often inhabit cultivated areas, savannahs, and areas around human homes. 

Appearance: Males are largely red (scarlet plumage) with brown wings, while females have brown upperparts with pink on their tails and faces, and a small patch of red behind the eye. Both sexes have pink, yellow-ringed eyes. 

14-3-2026 CAPE POINT BANJUL, THE GAMBIA - RED BILLED FIREFINCH (FEMALE) (Lagonosticta senegala)

The red-billed firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala), or Senegal firefinch, is a small (10 cm) seed-eating bird found throughout Sub-Saharan African savanna and human settlements. It is identified by its small pinkish-red bill, yellow-green eye ring, and brownish undertail. Males are largely scarlet-pink, while females are brown with small pink patches on their face and rump. 

Key Facts about Red-billed Firefinches

Habitat & Behavior: These birds are highly social (gregarious) and often seen in pairs or small flocks foraging on the ground for grass seeds. They often inhabit cultivated areas, savannahs, and areas around human homes. 

Appearance: Males are largely red (scarlet plumage) with brown wings, while females have brown upperparts with pink on their tails and faces, and a small patch of red behind the eye. Both sexes have pink, yellow-ringed eyes. 

14-3-2026 CAPE POINT BANJUL, THE GAMBIA - COMMON BULBUL (Pycnonotus barbatus)

The common bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) is a member of the bulbul family of passerine birds. It is widespread throughout most of Africa except for the very arid areas, and has recently begun breeding in southernmost Spain. Ten subspecies are recognised based on the geographical variation in plumage. Some of these were formerly considered as separate species: Dodson's bulbul, the Somali bulbul and the dark-capped bulbul.

The common bulbul is 18–20 cm (7.1–7.9 in) in length, with a long tail. The sexes are similar in plumage but the male is on average larger. It has a dark brown head and brown upperparts. The underparts are dull grey. The bill is fairly short and thin, with a slightly downwards curving upper mandible. The bill, legs, and feet are black and the eye is dark brown with a dark eye-ring, which is not readily visible. Subspecies P. b. dodsoni, P. b. spurius, P. b. tricolor and P. b. layardi have yellow undertail coverts. The call is a loud doctor-quick doctor-quick be-quick be-quick.

14-3-2026 CAPE POINT BANJUL, THE GAMBIA - FORK TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis)

The fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis), also called the common drongo or African drongo, is a small bird found from the Sahel to South Africa that lives in wooded habitats, particularly woodlands and savannas. They are part of the family Dicruridae and have four recognized subspecies, D. a adsimilis, D. a. apivorus, D. a. fugax and D. a. jubaensis. Like other drongos, the fork-tailed is mostly insectivorous; its diet mainly consists of butterflies, termites, and grasshoppers.

Physically, this species is characterized with a narrow fork-shaped tail, red-brownish eyes, and black plumage throughout all of its body.

The fork-tailed drongo is known for its ability to deceptively mimic other bird alarm calls in order for a certain animal to flee the scene so it can steal their food (kleptoparasitism). They are also notorious for displaying an aggressive and fearless behaviour by attacking and chasing off much larger animals, including birds of prey, when their nest or young are threatened. Due to its extensive range and stable population, the fork-tailed drongo is classified by the IUCN Red List as a least-concern species.

 

The fork-tailed drongo is a common and widespread resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara. These insect-eating birds are usually found in open woodland, savanna and forest edge and are tolerant of arid climates. Its range was formerly considered to include Asia, but the Asian species is now called the black drongo (D. macrocercus). The bird can be found at heights as high as 2200 meters.

The bird has a robust black beak and red eyes. Young birds are born without feathers, with reddish skin, an orange mouth, yellow gape flanges, brown eyes and a black beak. Adolescent birds are dark brown with a few buff-colored feather tips, less defined tail fork, brown or grey eyes, and a pale-colored mouth. They look similar to adults but lack shine on the lower body and have pale feathers on certain parts. Both males and females have black bodies with a blue-green sheen on certain areas. The belly and lower body are entirely black in contrast to the glossy black-blue upper body. The long tail is deeply forked and black. The tail measures around 115–126 mm in length and 19–23 mm in depth. They have short legs and a wingspan of 134 mm. These birds have a bill depth of 0,4 mm and a bill length of 2.8 mm.

After breeding, adult birds undergo a full molt, typically occurring from December to March in Southern Africa and varying months in other regions. Young birds retain their immature plumage until the next breeding season. The post-juvenile molt is a partial process that begins before the growth of new wing and tail feathers after the nesting period. Leucism has been spotted in the fork-tailed drongo.

14-3-2026 CAPE POINT BANJUL, THE GAMBIA - SPUR WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus spinosus)

The spur-winged lapwing (Vanellus spinosus) is a, noisy, medium-large wader found in Africa and the Mediterranean. Known for its striking black-white-brown plumage, it uses sharp, hidden wing spurs to aggressively defend its ground-nesting territory. These birds are often found near water and are active day and night. 

Key Facts

Scientific Name and Meaning: Vanellus spinosus. Vanellus comes from the Latin for "little fan" (a name for lapwings), and spinosus refers to the spur on the wing. 

Habitat: They prefer wet areas near lakes, coastal marshes, cultivated fields, and open areas. 

Eggs and Breeding: Females lay 2-4 brown-speckled, camouflaged eggs in a simple, small hole (scrape) on the ground. 

Gestation Period: Eggs are incubated by both parents for approximately 21-28 days. 

 Appearance: They stand about 12 inches tall, featuring a black crown, white cheeks/sides of neck, and light brown wings. 

14-3-2026 KOTU CREEK, THE GAMBIA - NORTHERN GREY HEADED SPARROW (Passer griseus)

The northern grey-headed sparrow (Passer griseus), also known as the grey-headed sparrow, is a species of bird in the sparrow family Passeridae, which is resident in much of tropical Africa. It occurs in a wide range of open habitats, including open woodlands and human habitation, often occupying the same niche as the house sparrow does in Eurasia.

The adult northern grey-headed sparrow has a pale grey head with a white moustache stripe, pale brown upperparts, whitish underparts and chestnut wings with a small white shoulder patch. The sexes are similar, but young birds are slightly duller and lack the white wing patch. There are three subspecies, differing in plumage tone, especially with regard to the darkness of the head.

This sparrow is mainly resident in its range, but there is some seasonal movement, and flocks of up to 50 birds form outside the breeding season. It builds a cup nest in trees, thatch, or old nests of other birds; 2–4 eggs are laid.

This species feeds principally on seeds and grain, like other sparrows, but will readily take insects including termites, especially when feeding young.[

The calls include cheeps and chirps, and the typical sparrow churrg alarm call.