This Blog contains Wildlife and Bird Photos from Walks, Safaris, Birding Trips and Vacations. Most of the pictures have been taken with my Nikon P900 and P950X cameras. If you click on the label underneath the picture it will link to all of the photos taken for that species. Just click on any image for a large picture.
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Sunday, 6 May 2018
28-3-2018 OUDTSCHOON, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN FISCAL SHRIKE (Lanius collaris)
The Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris), is a striking bird of the shrike family, prevalent throughout much of southern Africa. It is colloquially referred to as the 'jackie hangman' or 'butcher bird', a nod to its unique habit of impaling its prey on acacia thorns, a larder for future feasting. This bird was once considered conspecific with the Northern Fiscal, Lanius humeralis, under the collective title of the Common Fiscal.
Adult Southern Fiscals measure between 21 to 23 centimeters in length. They exhibit a bold dichromatic plumage with crisp white underparts contrasting sharply against their sleek black upperparts. A distinctive white "V" marks their back, and their long black tail is adorned with white outer feathers and white tips. Both sexes possess a black bill, eyes, and legs, with the female distinguished by her rufous lower flanks.
The Southern Fiscal is an adaptable species, inhabiting a variety of environments from grasslands adorned with fences suitable for perching, to acacia thornveld and even woodlands. It tends to avoid overly dense areas that would hinder its hunting prowess.
This bird's range extends across southern and eastern parts of the African continent, including parts of Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
A solitary hunter, the Southern Fiscal typically perches in exposed locations or atop shrubs, from where it preys on insects and small rodents. Its territorial range is influenced by the availability of perching sites, with an increase in artificial perches leading to a reduction in territory size. The bird's hunting strategies and physiology adapt to seasonal variations, with changes in body temperature, metabolic rate, and hunting methods observed in response to different environmental conditions.
The Southern Fiscal's vocal repertoire includes a mix of shrike-like sounds, ranging from harsh alarm calls to more melodious songs. While its song may sound sweet, it is generally used for territorial defense or pair bonding.
The Southern Fiscal's diet consists primarily of insects and small rodents. It has been noted as a significant predator of the plain tiger butterfly in eastern Africa. Seasonal changes influence its foraging behavior, with the bird adjusting its hunting times, attack rates, and prey size in response to the availability of food.
The IUCN Red List classifies the Southern Fiscal as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.
28-3-2018 OUDTSCHOON, SOUTH AFRICA - FISCAL FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis silens)
The Fiscal Flycatcher, Sigelus silens, is a small, strikingly patterned bird, part of the Old World flycatcher family. It is the sole representative of its genus, easily recognized by its black and white plumage. The male exhibits a bold contrast with a black upper body and a pristine white underbelly, complemented by white wing patches and lateral tail feathers. The female, however, sports a more subdued brown upper body, akin to an immature fiscal shrike, rather than the male's stark black.
When identifying the Fiscal Flycatcher, look for a bird measuring 17–20 cm in length. The male is predominantly black with white underparts, wing patches, and tail sides. The female is distinguishable by her brown upper parts. They can be mistaken for fiscal shrikes, but unlike shrikes, they lack heavy, hooked bills and white shoulder patches, and their tails are shorter and adorned with white.
This species thrives in a variety of environments, including subtropical open woodlands, dry savannas, shrublands, and even suburban gardens, adapting well to human-altered landscapes.
The Fiscal Flycatcher is a resident breeder across several southern African countries, including Botswana, South Africa, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Swaziland, with occasional sightings reported in Namibia.
These birds are known for their open-cup nests, constructed from thin stems and plant material, and lined with plant down. Nests are strategically placed in dense bushes or thickets within trees, a nesting habit reminiscent of the fiscal shrike.
27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)
Grey Herons are unmistakeable – tall, with long legs, a long beak and grey, black and white feathering. They can stand with their neck stretched out, looking for food, or hunched down with their neck bent over their chest.
The Grey Heron is a distinctive species with grey, black, and white plumage. It is often seen along rivers or lake margins, or standing in flooded fields.
In flight their large size, impressive wingspan, long legs, and folded neck give them an unmistakable silhouette. Largely silent away from colonies, flight is sometimes accompanied by a harsh ‘kraank’ call.
Grey Herons gather to nest in treetop sites called heronries, some of which have been occupied for many decades. These have been monitored in the UK since 1928 through the Heronries Census. Overall the UK's breeding population has increased, with numbers peaking in the early 2000, but with some more recent declines.
27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE SUGARBIRD (Promerops cafer)
The Cape sugarbird, a native to the Fynbos biome of South Africa, presents a striking figure with its grey-brown plumage. Males are particularly notable for their elongated tail feathers and a distinctive yellow patch beneath their tails. They range in size, with males measuring from 34 to 44 centimeters in length, while the more modestly adorned females span 25 to 29 centimeters.
When observing the Cape sugarbird, look for the male's remarkably long tail and the yellow spot under the tail. Females are identified by their shorter tails and bills, and lighter breast coloration. Both sexes can be recognized by the unique frrt-frrt sound produced by their wings in flight, a trait evolved to attract mates.
The Cape sugarbird thrives within the Fynbos, a fire-driven ecosystem dominated by flowering proteas and ericas. It favors areas that have not recently experienced burns and can be found visiting gardens during the summer months.
This species is endemic to the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, where it is widespread throughout the Fynbos region. It is less common in areas that have been recently affected by fire.
24-3-2018 BOTANICAL GARDENS, CAPE TOWN - CAPE SPURFOWL (Pternistis capensis)
The Cape spurfowl, or Cape francolin, is a robust gamebird of the pheasant family, Phasianidae, and is the largest francolin native to southern Africa. It is a bird that, from afar, appears uniformly dark save for its striking red legs. Upon closer inspection, one can appreciate its finely vermiculated grey and white plumage, with a plainer crown and nape. The male is distinguishable by his two leg spurs, while the female may have a single, shorter spur.
Adult Cape spurfowls measure between 40–42 cm in length. Males are heftier, weighing in at 600–915 grams, while females are lighter at 435–659 grams. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller leg coloration and more pronounced vermiculations. The species is unlikely to be confused with others within its range due to its size and distinctive leg coloration.
This species thrives in the strandveld, renosterveld, and fynbos regions of the Western Cape, favoring areas near water. It is also found in the succulent karoo and along riverbanks in the Nama karoo.
26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE ROBIN CHAT (cossypha caffra)
The Cape robin-chat (Dessonornis caffer) is a small passerine bird of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It has a disjunct range from South Sudan to South Africa.
The locally familiar and confiding species has colonized and benefited from a range of man-altered habitats, including city suburbs and farmstead woodlots. It is an accomplished songster like other robin-chats, but is rather less colourful than most, and frequents either drier settings or higher altitudes. It forages in the proximity of cover, in the open or in fairly well-lit environments. Its distribution resembles that of the karoo–olive complex of thrushes, but it prefers the bracken-briar fringes of Afromontane forest, and does not enter far into forest proper. It is altitudinally segregated from the red-capped robin-chat, and is less of a skulker.
The Cape robin-chat occurs from South Sudan (mainly Imatong Mts, above 1,600 m) southwards to Uganda, the DRC (1,800 m – 3,475 m), Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia (above 1,800 m), Malawi (where common above 1,500 m), Zimbabwe, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini and Lesotho. It is a mainly resident breeder in eastern and southern Africa, though some adults and juveniles may migrate more than 100 km to lower, warmer regions in winter. In their winter refuges, they may coexist with several other species of robin. Some are however year-round residents even at high altitudes. A five-year tenure of a breeding territory by the same pair is commonplace, and the maximum recorded life span is over 16 years.
26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE GULL (larus dominicanus ssp vetula)
The Cape gull differs from other forms of kelp gulls by its darker iris and larger body and bill size. The Southern African population is estimated to include 11,000 breeding pairs, and is expanding.
The kelp gull is referred to as the Cape gull in South Africa. There is currently a movement to have the gull that lives on the South African shoreline renamed to Cape gull, as it is so similar to the kelp gull, but they are not identical species.
The Cape gull is largely sedentary, and large colonies tend to stick to a favoured beach or coastal area. They frequently converge at popular feeding sites, and have been known to attack prey en masse.
This black and white gull is a common visitor to the beaches of the country. Its back and the tops of its wings are black; while the belly, head and tail are white. There are also white tips on the wings, called mirrors. The legs are a green-tinged yellow, which goes a brighter hue of yellow during the breeding season; and the bill is yellow with a vivid red spot on the underside.
Juveniles have a mottled-grey plumage, duller colouring on their legs, and a black bill. They take about three years to mature. The Cape gull has a shorter bill and a more angular head, and is differentiated by its pristine white tail and its dark-coloured eye.
26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE BULBUL (Pycnonotus capensis)
The Cape bulbul, Pycnonotus capensis, is a passerine bird of modest size, measuring 19–21 cm in length. It presents a predominantly dull, blackish-brown plumage, with a distinctive white eye-ring and vibrant yellow undertail coverts. A small crest adorns its head, and both the bill and the legs are a stark black, complementing the dark brown iris. The sexes are similar in plumage, making them indistinguishable in the field.
To identify the Cape bulbul, look for its darker plumage compared to other South African bulbuls. The white eye-ring is a key feature in adults, while juveniles can be recognized by their dark belly even before the eye-ring develops. The species' small crest and the contrast between the yellow undertail coverts and the dark body are also helpful markers.
The Cape bulbul is an endemic resident that favors coastal bush, open forest, gardens, and the unique fynbos vegetation of western and southern South Africa.
This bird is found exclusively in the aforementioned regions of South Africa, where it has adapted to a variety of local environments.
A common and conspicuous presence, the Cape bulbul is often observed perched atop bushes. It is an active and vocal species, typically encountered in pairs or small groups. These birds are known for their foraging habits, seeking out fruit, nectar, and insects to sustain themselves.
26-3-2018 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - RED WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus morio)
eastern Africa, with a range extending from Ethiopia to South Africa's Cape. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the male is predominantly iridescent black with chestnut flight feathers, while the female sports an ash-grey head and upper breast. Juveniles resemble males but have a duller sheen and brown eyes. The Ethiopian subspecies, O. m. rupellii, is characterized by a longer tail and intergrades with the nominate form.
When observing the Red-winged Starling, look for the male's glossy black plumage contrasted by chestnut flight feathers, especially visible in flight. Females can be identified by their streaky grey head plumage. The bird's dark, almost black eyes distinguish it from the similar Pale-winged Starling, which has bright red or orange eyes. The robust structure of the Red-winged Starling is adapted to support its weight while feeding on nectar from sturdy flowers.
The Red-winged Starling, Onychognathus morio, is a striking bird native to
This adaptable bird occupies a variety of habitats, including forests, savannahs, grasslands, wetlands, fynbos, farmlands, and urban areas. Its preference for cliffs and mountainous regions for nesting has translated well to the urban environment, where tall buildings mimic its natural nesting sites.
The Red-winged Starling is found along eastern Africa, from Ethiopia down to the Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Gauteng in South Africa. Its adaptability has allowed it to thrive in both natural and urban settings.
This starling is known for its territorial and aggressive nature during the nesting season, boldly defending its nest against intruders, including humans. Outside of breeding times, it is highly sociable, forming large flocks with its conspecifics.
The Red-winged Starling communicates with a variety of whistled calls, with the most common being a contact call described as "cher-leeeoo."
27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - FOREST CAPE BATIS (Batis capensis ssp. capensis)
The Cape batis, a member of the wattle-eye family, is a small and stout bird, endemic to the Afromontane forests of southern Africa. It presents a striking pattern, with the adult male showcasing a grey crown, a distinct black eye mask, and a white throat. Its back is brown, complemented by a black rump and tail, and rufous wings. The underparts are white, set off by a broad black breast band and rufous flanks. The female and juvenile are similar but with a narrower, rufous breast band and a small rufous patch on the throat.
When identifying the Cape batis, look for the male's black eye mask and breast band, which contrast with its white throat and underparts. The rufous wings and flanks are key features distinguishing it from other Batis species in the region. Females and juveniles have a rufous, rather than black, breast band and a rufous throat patch.
This bird favors cool coastal forests, moist evergreen mountain forests, and wooded gorges, where it can be found flitting about in the understory.
The Cape batis is native to South Africa, Eswatini, the Matobos and Eastern Highlands of Zimbabwe, and adjacent Mozambique. It is a resident species, meaning it does not typically migrate.
The Cape batis is a territorial bird, with both sexes known to defend their area with vigor. They are not shy in the presence of larger birds, animals, or humans, often perching conspicuously and voicing their displeasure. They employ a hunting strategy that includes flycatching and ground foraging, similar to shrikes. Their nests are small and neatly constructed cups situated low in trees or bushes.
The bird's song is a distinctive triple whistle, rendered as "cherra-warra-warra" or "foo-foo-foo," a sound that once heard, is not easily forgotten.
Saturday, 5 May 2018
25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE TOWN - BLUE CRANE (Anthropoides paradiseus)
The blue crane (Grus paradisea), also known as the Stanley crane or paradise crane, stands as a symbol of elegance in the avian world. This species, while tall and ground-dwelling, is relatively small for a crane, measuring between 100 to 120 cm in height, with a wingspan stretching from 180 to 200 cm. The blue crane tips the scales at a modest 3.6 to 6.2 kg. Its plumage is primarily a pale blue-gray, darkening towards the upper head, neck, and nape. A lighter, sometimes whitish hue graces the area from the crown to the lores. The bill presents an ochre to greyish color, occasionally with a pinkish cast. Notably, it boasts elongated wingtip feathers that elegantly trail to the ground. The primaries are a stark black to slate grey, with dark coverts and similarly shaded secondaries. This crane is distinguished by its relatively large head and slender neck. Juveniles share a resemblance to adults but are marked by a lighter tinge and lack the mature long wing plumes.
When observing the blue crane, look for its distinctive pale blue-gray coloration and the long wingtip feathers that sweep the ground. The bird's large head and thin neck set it apart from other cranes. Juveniles can be identified by their lighter color and the absence of elongated wing plumes.
The blue crane favors the dry grassy uplands, often found in pastured grasses of hills, valleys, and plains dotted with occasional trees. During nesting season, they show a preference for areas that provide access to both upland and wetland environments, though their feeding habits are almost exclusively in dry regions.
This crane is an altitudinal migrant, typically nesting in grasslands at elevations of 1,300 to 2,000 meters and descending to lower altitudes during winter. The blue crane has a restricted distribution, primarily found in eastern and southern South Africa, with a smaller, isolated population in the Etosha Pan of northern Namibia.
The blue crane exhibits partial sociability, becoming less so during breeding season. A strict hierarchy exists within groups, with larger adult males asserting dominance. While they share their range with other crane species, their interactions remain a mystery. Notably aggressive during nesting season, they will defend their territory against a variety of intruders, including humans.
The blue crane's breeding season is marked by a distinct seasonality, with eggs laid between October and March. Courtship involves a captivating dance where the male flings objects into the air and leaps skyward. After selecting a mate, the pair will engage in this dance before mating. Typically, two eggs are laid, incubated by both parents, with the male often taking the night shift. Chicks are precocial, walking within two days and swimming shortly after. They fledge at 3 to 5 months of age but remain under parental care until the following breeding season.
The blue crane forages primarily on the ground, consuming a diet dominated by grasses and sedges. Insects, particularly large grasshoppers, also feature in their diet, along with small animals like crabs, snails, frogs, lizards, and snakes, which are especially important for feeding their young.
The blue crane is currently classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. A sudden population decline began around 1980, with significant losses in several regions. The species faces threats from habitat conversion, human population growth, and both accidental and deliberate poisoning. Conservation efforts include legal protection, research, habitat management, and education, with the support of private landowners being crucial.
25-3-2018 CENTRAL GARDENS, CAPE TOWN - HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash)
The Hadada Ibis, Bostrychia hagedash, is a medium-sized bird native to the diverse landscapes of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is characterized by its stout legs and distinctive down-curved bill. The adult Hadada Ibis typically measures around 76 cm in length and weighs approximately 1.2 kg. Both sexes share similar plumage, which is primarily grey to partly brown, with a striking iridescent sheen of green or purple on the wing coverts.
When observing the Hadada Ibis, look for the narrow white stripe across its cheeks, often referred to as the "moustache," though it does not extend to the mouth corners. During the breeding season, the bird sports a red culmen on the upper mandible's basal half and similarly colored upper toe surfaces. Its powerful and broad wings facilitate quick take-offs and agile flight through dense foliage.
The Hadada Ibis thrives in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, savannas, wetlands, and increasingly in urban environments such as parks, school fields, and residential gardens. It prefers areas with moist and soft soils, which are conducive to its foraging habits.
This species is widespread across Sub-Saharan Africa, with its range extending from Sudan to South Africa. The Hadada Ibis has seen a notable range expansion in southern Africa, attributed to increased tree cover and irrigation in human-altered landscapes.
The Hadada Ibis is known for its social roosting behavior, often in groups atop trees. It is a diurnal bird, vocalizing loudly during morning and evening flights. Its diet consists of insects, millipedes, earthworms, and other small invertebrates, which it hunts using its long, scimitar-like bill to probe the soil. The Hadada Ibis is also appreciated in urban settings for its role in controlling pests on lawns and greens.
The Hadada Ibis is renowned for its loud "haa-haa-haa-de-dah" call, which is particularly prominent during flight or when startled. This call has earned the species its onomatopoeic name. While roosting, a single loud "haaaa" can be heard, and a low growl, akin to a young puppy's, serves as a contact call when foraging.
Monogamous by nature, Hadada Ibises maintain pair bonds year-round. Breeding is timed with the rainy season, with nests constructed as twig platforms in large trees. Both parents incubate the typical clutch of three to four eggs for about 26 days, and the fledglings leave the nest after approximately 33 days.
Hadada Ibises primarily feed on soil invertebrates, which they detect using sensory pits around their bill tips. They are also known to consume snails and small reptiles, providing a natural pest control service in both natural and urban settings.
The IUCN Red List classifies the Hadada Ibis as Least Concern due to its extensive and common presence throughout its large range. The species has adapted well to human-modified environments, contributing to its stable population status.
24-4-2018 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN FISCAL SHRIKE (lanius collaris)
The Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris), is a striking bird of the shrike family, prevalent throughout much of southern Africa. It is colloquially referred to as the 'jackie hangman' or 'butcher bird', a nod to its unique habit of impaling its prey on acacia thorns, a larder for future feasting. This bird was once considered conspecific with the Northern Fiscal, Lanius humeralis, under the collective title of the Common Fiscal.
Adult Southern Fiscals measure between 21 to 23 centimeters in length. They exhibit a bold dichromatic plumage with crisp white underparts contrasting sharply against their sleek black upperparts. A distinctive white "V" marks their back, and their long black tail is adorned with white outer feathers and white tips. Both sexes possess a black bill, eyes, and legs, with the female distinguished by her rufous lower flanks.
The Southern Fiscal is an adaptable species, inhabiting a variety of environments from grasslands adorned with fences suitable for perching, to acacia thornveld and even woodlands. It tends to avoid overly dense areas that would hinder its hunting prowess.
This bird's range extends across southern and eastern parts of the African continent, including parts of Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.
A solitary hunter, the Southern Fiscal typically perches in exposed locations or atop shrubs, from where it preys on insects and small rodents. Its territorial range is influenced by the availability of perching sites, with an increase in artificial perches leading to a reduction in territory size. The bird's hunting strategies and physiology adapt to seasonal variations, with changes in body temperature, metabolic rate, and hunting methods observed in response to different environmental conditions.
The Southern Fiscal's vocal repertoire includes a mix of shrike-like sounds, ranging from harsh alarm calls to more melodious songs. While its song may sound sweet, it is generally used for territorial defense or pair bonding.
The Southern Fiscal's diet consists primarily of insects and small rodents. It has been noted as a significant predator of the plain tiger butterfly in eastern Africa. Seasonal changes influence its foraging behavior, with the bird adjusting its hunting times, attack rates, and prey size in response to the availability of food.
The IUCN Red List classifies the Southern Fiscal as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face any significant threats to its survival.
24-4-2018 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis)
The Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) is a small, graceful pigeon with a long tail, known for its gentle, unassuming presence across a vast range. Exhibiting a pinkish-brown underside with a lilac-tinged head and neck, this dove carries an air of delicate beauty. The species is recognized by its pinkish head and underparts, transitioning to buff on the lower abdomen. Adults boast a distinctive chequered rufous and grey patch on the neck, composed of split feathers, while the upper parts are brownish with a bluish-grey wing band.
When observing the Laughing Dove, look for its slim profile, about 25 cm in length, and the graduated tail with white-tipped outer feathers. Both sexes appear similar, making field identification by gender challenging. Juveniles can be identified by the absence of the chequered neck markings. The red legs are another characteristic feature to note.
This species thrives in dry scrub and semi-desert regions, often seen in pairs as they forage on the ground. It has adapted well to human habitation, becoming quite tame in areas where people are present.
The Laughing Dove has a broad range that includes Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Western Australia. It is a resident breeder in these areas, with some populations showing sedentary behavior, while others may exhibit local movements.
Typically seen in pairs or small groups, the Laughing Dove is not known to form large flocks. It displays a quick and direct flight pattern, with regular beats and occasional sharp wing flicks. The species is fairly terrestrial and can often be observed foraging on the ground.
The species is named for its call, a low rolling "croo-doo-doo-doo-doo" with a rising and falling amplitude, reminiscent of a chuckle.
The Laughing Dove's breeding behavior includes courtship displays with head bobbing and "displacement-preening." Nesting is a joint effort, with males gathering twigs and females arranging them. They typically lay two eggs, which are incubated for about 13 to 15 days. The young fledge after approximately two weeks.
The Laughing Dove is closely related to the Spotted Dove (Spilopelia chinensis), which can be distinguished by its white and black chequered necklace.
Laughing Doves primarily feed on fallen seeds, particularly those of grasses, as well as other vegetable matter and small ground insects like termites and beetles.
The IUCN Red List categorizes the Laughing Dove as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats at present.
24-4-2018 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - HOUSE SPARROW (FEMALE) (Passer domesticus)
The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. It is a small bird that has a typical length of 16 cm (6.3 in) and a mass of 24–39.5 g (0.85–1.39 oz). Females and young birds are coloured pale brown and grey, and males have brighter black, white, and brown markings. One of about 25 species in the genus Passer, the house sparrow is native to most of Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and a large part of Asia. Its intentional or accidental introductions to many regions, including parts of Australasia, Africa, and the Americas, make it the most widely distributed wild bird.
The house sparrow is strongly associated with human habitation, and can live in urban or rural settings. Though found in widely varied habitats and climates, it typically avoids extensive woodlands, grasslands, polar regions, and hot, dry deserts far away from human development. For sustenance, the house sparrow routinely feeds at home and public bird feeding stations, but naturally feeds on the seeds of grains, flowering plants and weeds. However, it is an opportunistic, omnivorous eater, and commonly catches insects, their larvae, caterpillars, invertebrates and many other natural foods.
24-4-2018 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - KALAHARI GO AWAY BIRD (Crinifer concolor ssp. bechuanae)
The grey go-away-bird, also known as the grey lourie, grey loerie, or kwêvoël, is a distinctive bird of the southern Afrotropics. With a smoky-grey plumage, a long tail, and a wispy crest that can be raised in excitement, this bird is a sight to behold. The strong, decurved beak is black, contrasting with the pink gape and tongue, and the plumage varies slightly in shade across different parts of the body.
Adults of both sexes are similar in appearance, measuring 47–51 cm from bill to tail tip and weighing between 200 to 300 grams. The crest, reaching 6 to 7 cm in length, is a key feature for identification. The darkest grey can be found on the chin and throat, while the area around the eyes and belly is paler. The breast plumage may have a slight olive wash, reminiscent of its relative, the bare-faced go-away-bird.
The grey go-away-bird is found in arid to moist, open savanna woodlands, particularly where Acacia trees abound. It is also a common sight in miombo woodlands, along watercourses, dry riparian forests, and in Acacia woodlands on alluvium. These birds are also comfortable in human-altered landscapes such as farms, gardens, and parks.
This species is native to a range of southern African countries, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Eswatini.
Despite their somewhat slow and laboured flight, grey go-away-birds are capable of covering considerable distances. They exhibit agility when navigating the treetops, running along limbs and hopping from branch to branch. They are sociable birds, often forming groups of up to 30 individuals that forage together in the canopy.
The grey go-away-bird is vocal, especially when disturbed, making loud and nasal "kweh" or "go-way" calls. The last syllable is typically a descending drawl, which is quite distinctive and memorable.
Breeding involves the construction of a flimsy nest platform made from thin, sometimes thorny sticks, resembling a substantial dove's nest. The nest, often containing three white eggs, is placed at the center of an isolated tree. Both parents share in all aspects of chick rearing, from incubation to feeding the down-covered chicks with regurgitated food.
Due to its unique combination of color, appearance, and habits, the grey go-away-bird is unlikely to be confused with other bird species within its range.
The diet of the grey go-away-bird is predominantly fruit-based, including wild figs, berries, flowers, buds, leaves, termites, and snails. They feed on a variety of plant genera and also consume fruit from exotic invasive species, playing a role in seed dispersal.
The grey go-away-bird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of decline in the wild.
24-4-2018 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE SPARROW (MALE) (Passer melanurus)
The Cape sparrow, or 'mossie' as it is affectionately known, is a medium-sized bird measuring 14–16 centimeters in length. It boasts a distinctive plumage with large pale head stripes present in both sexes. The male is particularly striking with bold black and white markings on its head and neck, while the female is somewhat duller with a grey head. The plumage across both sexes is a blend of grey, brown, and chestnut hues.
When identifying the Cape sparrow, look for the male's black head with a broad white mark curling from behind the eye to the throat, and a narrow black band connecting the black bib of the breast to the black of the head. The female, though less vivid, shares a similar pattern but with a grey head. Juveniles resemble females, but young males begin to show black head markings early on.
The Cape sparrow is found in semi-arid savannah, cultivated areas, and urban environments. It has adapted well to human settlements and agriculture, often seen in parks, gardens, and other open spaces within towns.
This species ranges from the central coast of Angola through Namibia, Botswana, southern Zimbabwe, and into eastern South Africa and Eswatini. It is less common in the driest parts of the Namib Desert and the wet forests of Limpopo and KwaZulu Natal.
Cape sparrows are highly social, forming large nomadic flocks when not breeding. They typically breed in colonies and exhibit a unique social behaviour in Johannesburg, where groups stand closely together in an unexplained ritual.
The calls of the Cape sparrow are more musical and mellow than those of the house sparrow. The basic call, used in flight and while perching socially, can be transcribed as 'chissip' or 'chirrup'. Males have a loud call to advertise nest ownership, written as 'tweeng' or 'twileeng', which can extend into a repetitive song.
Breeding usually occurs in colonies, with the nest constructed in a variety of sites including trees, bushes, cavities, or even disused nests of other species. Clutches typically contain three or four eggs, with both parents involved in the breeding process from nest building to feeding the young.
The Cape sparrow can be confused with the southern grey-headed sparrow and the house sparrow, but it is distinguished by its unique head markings and the male's distinctive plumage.
Primarily seed-eaters, Cape sparrows forage in trees and on the ground, favoring larger seeds of cereals and wild grasses. They also consume buds, soft fruits, and insects, particularly when feeding nestlings.
The Cape sparrow is common throughout most of its range and is not significantly threatened by human activities. It is currently assessed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
24-3-2018 WATERFRONT, CAPE TOWN - CAPE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax capensis)
The Cape cormorant, or Cape shag, is a sleek seabird with a predominantly glossy black plumage. During the breeding season, it exhibits a purplish sheen and sprouts a few delicate white plumes on its head, neck, and cloacal regions. This bird is distinguished by its deep orangey-yellow gular skin and the rare characteristic of feathered lores, setting it apart from its cormorant kin.
Adult Cape cormorants are identifiable by their size, with a wingspan ranging from 240 to 280 millimeters and a weight between 800 and 1600 grams. There is minimal difference between the sexes. Observers should look for the bird's striking gular skin and the feathered area around the base of the beak, as well as the white plumes present during the breeding season.
This species is endemic to the southwestern coasts of Africa, favoring the coastal areas for both breeding and foraging.
The Cape cormorant breeds along the coast from Namibia to the southern Western Cape. Outside the breeding season, its range extends northward to the mouth of the Congo and eastward along the South African coast up to Mozambique.
Cape cormorants are gregarious birds, often seen foraging in flocks. They are adept at capturing schooling fish from mid-water, displaying a preference for smaller prey compared to the sympatric bank cormorant.
The Cape cormorant breeds along the southwestern African coast, with a historical breeding population in Namibia once estimated at over 1 million individuals in the 1970s.
The Cape cormorant may be confused with the sympatric bank cormorant, but can be differentiated by its smaller prey size and the feathered lores.
The diet of the Cape cormorant consists mainly of small schooling fish such as pilchards, anchovies, and sand eels. They are skilled hunters, diving and swimming to catch their prey in mid-water.
The IUCN has classified the Cape cormorant as "Endangered." The species has experienced a very rapid decline in population over the last three generations, signaling a pressing need for conservation efforts.
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