26-9-2019 CATARROJA, VALENCIA - GREY HERON (Ardea cinerea)

The Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) is a statuesque wading bird belonging to the family Ardeidae. It is a familiar sight in both rural and urban settings, often seen standing stoically along the water's edge. An adult Grey Heron is a large bird, reaching up to 100 cm in height, with a wingspan between 155 to 195 cm. It weighs between 1 to 2 kg. The plumage is predominantly ashy-grey above, with a greyish-white underbelly and some black on the flanks. A striking feature is the white head and neck adorned with a broad black stripe that extends from the eye to the black crest. The beak is pinkish-yellow, long, and sharply pointed, while the legs are a brown hue.

When identifying the Grey Heron, look for the white head with the black supercilium and crest, the long grey neck, and the ashy-grey wings and back. The underparts are lighter, and the legs are long and brown. Juveniles can be distinguished by their duller grey neck and smaller crest. The beak is a useful indicator of age, being brighter in breeding adults.

Grey Herons are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of watery habitats including lakes, rivers, ponds, marshes, and coastal environments. They require shallow waters for foraging or areas with shelving margins where they can wade.

Native to temperate Europe and Asia, as well as parts of Africa, the Grey Heron has a broad range. Northern populations may migrate southwards in autumn, while others remain resident year-round. Vagrant sightings have occurred in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and parts of North America.

The Grey Heron exhibits a slow, deliberate flight with its neck retracted in an S-shape. It is known for its solitary foraging habits, often standing motionless or stalking prey through shallow waters. It is also a communal rooster, often found in trees or cliffs at night.

The primary call of the Grey Heron is a loud croaking "fraaank." At breeding colonies, a variety of guttural and raucous noises can be heard, including greeting calls between mates and alarm calls when predators are nearby.

Breeding takes place in colonies, or heronries, typically in high trees near water. Nests are reused and added to each year. The breeding season sees a clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs laid, which both parents incubate. Chicks fledge at 7-8 weeks old.

Grey Herons are apex predators within their ecosystem, feeding on a variety of aquatic creatures such as fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and insects. They have also been known to consume small mammals and juvenile birds.

26-6-2019 BONAIRE, VALENCIA - EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster)

The European bee-eater, Merops apiaster, is a bird of arresting beauty and grace. Its plumage is a kaleidoscope of warm hues, with brown and yellow adorning its upper parts, while the wings boast a vibrant green. The beak, a stark black, contrasts sharply with the bird's colorful attire. This slender avian can reach a length of 27–29 cm, including the elongated central tail feathers that add to its elegance. Both sexes are similar in appearance, though the female may sport greener shoulder feathers compared to the male's gold.

When identifying the European bee-eater, look for its distinctive coloration and sleek profile. The non-breeding plumage is more subdued, with a blue-green back and the absence of elongated central tail feathers. Juveniles resemble non-breeding adults but exhibit less variation in feather colors. During the moulting period, adults transition to breeding plumage, which is completed before their winter migration to Africa.

These birds favor open country in warmer climates, often found in proximity to sandy banks and river shores where they can nest and forage with ease.

The European bee-eater breeds across southern and central Europe, parts of northern and southern Africa, and western Asia. While the southern African population remains resident year-round, others migrate to tropical Africa for the winter. Occasionally, they are seen north of their typical range, with sporadic breeding in northern Europe.

Gregarious by nature, European bee-eaters nest colonially in sandy banks, with communal tendencies extending to feeding and roosting. Courtship involves the male presenting the female with large prey items, a gesture of both affection and sustenance.

The call of the European bee-eater is a melodious and liquid "prreee" or "prruup," a sound as mellow as the bird's demeanor.

Breeding season sees these birds tunneling into sandy banks to lay their spherical white eggs, with both parents sharing the duties of incubation and care. The eggs hatch after about three weeks, and the young are raised with communal diligence.

While the European bee-eater is distinctive, it may be confused with other bee-eater species. However, its unique coloration and tail feathers generally set it apart.

True to their name, European bee-eaters feast primarily on bees, wasps, and hornets. They exhibit remarkable skill in catching these insects mid-flight and have a unique method of removing the sting before consumption. Their diet is predominantly composed of Hymenoptera, particularly the European honey bee.

The IUCN lists the European bee-eater as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival. However, their interactions with bee populations and apiaries are of interest to conservationists and apiculturists alike.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis ssp 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.

20-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa)

The African darter, Anhinga rufa, is a striking waterbird known for its sinuous neck, which has earned it the nickname "snakebird." This species measures approximately 80 cm in length, with males displaying a glossy black plumage adorned with white streaking. Females and immature birds present a more subdued brown coloration.

Distinguishable from its relatives by a slender white stripe running down its neck set against a rufous backdrop, the African darter's pointed bill sets it apart from cormorants. Males are predominantly black with white streaks, while females and juveniles are browner.

The African darter frequents large bodies of water across sub-Saharan Africa, favoring environments where it can perch and dive with ease.

This bird is widespread and common throughout sub-Saharan Africa. A non-African subspecies, the Levant darter, was historically found in Turkey, Israel, and southern Iraq, but populations have faced significant declines due to habitat destruction and other environmental pressures.

The African darter is often seen swimming with just its neck above water, resembling a snake, a behavior it shares with other anhingas. It is an adept diver, hunting for fish, which it spears with its sharp bill. Due to its non-waterproof feathers, after diving, it must dry its wings by spreading them out in the sun and wind, a sight often observed alongside cormorants.

This species constructs stick nests in trees, where it lays a clutch of 3 to 6 eggs. It is known to nest communally with herons, egrets, and cormorants.

The African darter is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of widespread decline.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - SCARLET CHESTED SUNBIRD (MALE) (Chalcomitra senegalensis)

The Scarlet-chested Sunbird is a medium-sized bird found in sub-Saharan Africa, easily identified by the male's striking scarlet chest and iridescent green crown and throat. It feeds on nectar and insects, using its long, curved bill to extract food from flowers, and can often be seen hovering while it forages. Females are duller, dark gray-brown with streaked underparts. Both sexes are known for the male's loud "tjip" and "teeeuw" calls. 

Appearance and size

Male: Glossy velvet-black with a bright scarlet chest, iridescent green crown, throat, and sometimes a green "moustache" stripe below the eyes.

Female: Dark gray-brown with a heavily streaked or mottled underparts; lacks the bright chest and iridescent green head of the male.

Size: About 13–15 cm (5.1–5.9 in) long. Males weigh between 7.5 and 17.2 grams, while females weigh slightly less. 

Diet and foraging

Primary diet: Nectar from flowering plants, such as aloes.

Supplemental diet: Insects and spiders.

Foraging behavior: Often hovers or perches to feed, using its long, decurved bill to reach into flowers. 

Habitat and range

Habitat: A variety of dry and moist savanna, parkland, and gardens.

Range: Sub-Saharan Africa.

Elevation: Can be found at elevations of up to 2,400 meters (7,900 ft). 

Nesting and reproduction

Nest builder: The female builds the nest, a bulky dome-shaped structure made from materials like grass, spider web, and leaves.

Nest placement: Nests are suspended from branches, sometimes near wasp nests for added protection.

Eggs: Lays 1-3 eggs, which are incubated by the female for about 13-15 days.

Chicks: Both parents feed the chicks. Young birds will leave the nest after about 15-20 days. 

Calls

Male calls: A loud series of "tjip" and "teeeuw" notes. 

18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN SCARLET CHESTED SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Chalcomitra senegalensis)

The scarlet-chested sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis) is a species of bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is found in many areas of Sub-Saharan Africa, and from South Sudan to South Africa.

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

The scarlet-chested sunbird is similar to Hunter's sunbird in appearance, with adult males having a characteristic red–scarlet coloured breast and an iridescent green patch on top of its head. The female is dark brown with no supercilium. It inhabits woodland and gardens, at elevations of up to 2,400 metres (7,900 ft). The bird is around 13–15 centimetres (5.1–5.9 in) in length, with males having a weight of 7.5–17.2 grams (0.26–0.61 oz) and females weighing 6.8–15.3 grams (0.24–0.54 oz).

In 1760, the French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson included a description of the scarlet-chested sunbird in his Ornithologie based on a specimen collected in Senegal. He used the French name Le grimpereau violet du Sénégal and the Latin Certhia Senegalensis Violacea. Although Brisson coined Latin names, these do not conform to the binomial system and are not recognised by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature. When the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus updated his Systema Naturae for the twelfth edition in 1766, he added 240 species that had been previously described by Brisson. One of these was the scarlet-chested sunbird. Linnaeus included a brief description, coined the binomial name Certhia senegalensis and cited Brisson's work.[6] This species is now placed in the genus Chalcomitra that was introduced by the German naturalist Ludwig Reichenbach in 1853. Six subspecies are recognised. 

The Southern Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis) is a species found across sub-Saharan Africa that is known for its vibrant scarlet chest and iridescent green head in males. It has a diet of nectar and insects, which it forages for in open savanna, parkland, and gardens. Its habitat preference for areas with both open woodlands and well-wooded gardens makes it a common sight in many human-modified landscapes, such as parks and gardens.  

19-5-2019 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.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - GOLIATH HERON (JUVENILE) (Ardea goliath)

The Goliath heron, known also as the giant heron, stands as the largest extant heron on Earth. With a statuesque height ranging from 120 to 152 cm and a wingspan stretching between 185 to 230 cm, this bird is a formidable presence in its aquatic realm. Weighing in at 4 to 5 kg, it is a sight to behold, with a slate gray and chestnut plumage that is both striking and elegant.

The adult Goliath heron is adorned with a chestnut head and crest, a white chin, throat, and upper breast marked with black streaks, and a buff lower breast and belly also with black streaks. Its back and upper wings are slate-grey, accented by a chestnut shoulder patch visible when the wings are folded. The under-wing presents a paler chestnut hue. Its bill is a formidable weapon, the upper mandible jet black, while the lores and orbital areas are a yellow tinged with green. The eyes are a piercing yellow, and the legs and feet are a stark black. In flight, the Goliath heron carries its legs trailing behind, a characteristic that distinguishes it from its heron kin.

The Goliath heron is a creature of the water, favoring lakes, swamps, mangrove wetlands, and sometimes river deltas. It is most at home in shallow waters, though it can be observed near deeper waters with dense vegetation. Its preference for pristine wetlands means it is often found far from human disturbance, from sea level up to elevations of 2,100 meters.

This majestic bird graces the landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa, with smaller, declining populations in Southwest and South Asia.

A solitary and territorial bird, the Goliath heron is a diurnal feeder, often seen standing motionless in the shallows, waiting to spear fish with its powerful bill. It may also use its bill as a lure to attract fish. Despite its size, it is vulnerable to kleptoparasitism, with other birds such as African fish eagles known to steal its catch.

The Goliath heron's call is a deep and resonant "kowoork," which can be heard up to 2 km away. It also emits a sharper "arrk" when disturbed, and a "huh-huh" during a crouched posture. With its neck extended, a "krooo" may be heard, and duetting at nest sites has been reported but not confirmed.

Breeding season aligns with the onset of the rainy season, with nests built on islands or vegetation islands. The nests are large but flimsy, and the pale blue eggs are incubated for 24 to 30 days. Fledglings leave the nest at around five weeks and are tended to by parents for up to 80 days.

The Goliath heron may be confused with the purple heron due to some plumage similarities, but the latter is significantly smaller.

The Goliath heron's diet consists almost entirely of fish, specializing in large specimens averaging 500 to 600 grams. It may also consume other small animals such as frogs, prawns, and occasionally carrion.

The Goliath heron is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, for now, this species is not at immediate risk of decline.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus)

The Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus, is a wading bird of the family Threskiornithidae, known for its striking, sickle-shaped bill. This mid-sized ibis measures 48–66 cm in length, with a wingspan of 80–105 cm. Breeding adults boast reddish-brown bodies and iridescent bottle-green wings, while non-breeders and juveniles display a more subdued coloration. The species is characterized by a brownish bill, dark facial skin with blue-gray to cobalt blue borders, and red-brown legs. In flight, the ibis extends its neck and exhibits a graceful V formation.

The Glossy Ibis favors freshwater or brackish wetlands with tall, dense emergent vegetation such as reeds, papyrus, or rushes, and low trees or bushes. It can also be found in lagoons, floodplains, wet meadows, swamps, reservoirs, sewage ponds, rice paddies, and irrigated farmland. Coastal habitats like estuaries and salt marshes are less common for this species.

This ibis is the most widespread of its kind, breeding in warm regions across Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. It is migratory, with European birds wintering in Africa and North American birds migrating southward. The species has been expanding its range, with increasing numbers in Europe and successful breeding in Britain as of 2022.

19-5-2019 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.

Essentially arboreal animals, they also spend a great deal of time on the ground, foraging for food. When disturbed, Smith's bush squirrels always seek the refuge of trees. At night, territorial family groups nest together in holes in trees. Offspring become sexually mature between six and nine months old, when they are forcibly evicted by the breeding pair. The males are mainly responsible for territorial defense, although females also chase intruders when they care for dependent pups. To promote group cohesion, a common scent is shared by mutual grooming, which is an important facet of the social fibre of this species. 

Smith's bush squirrels are diligent in their grooming and a mother tree squirrel holds her offspring down with her fore legs while grooming it with licks, nibbles, and scratches with her claws.

A conspicuous feature of their behaviour when under threat is 'mobbing': all the members of the colony make harsh clicking sounds while they flick their tails, building up momentum and gradually getting louder. In some areas, they are solitary, or are found in small family groups; a lone tree squirrel relies on its wits when in danger and always keeps a branch or the trunk of a tree between it and the enemy. Smith's bush squirrels are always alert, and when alarmed, run away with great speed, making for the nearest tree where they lie motionless, flattened against a branch.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - SCRUB HARE (Lepus saxatilis)

The Cape scrub hare (Lepus saxatilis) (Afrikaans: ribbokhaas) is a species of hare found in South Africa and Namibia. Although it is listed as a least concern species, the population has been declining and is expected to decline by 20% over the next 100 years, according to a 2004 report.

Similar to the African savanna hare, the Cape scrub hare is a grizzled gray coarse-furred hare. Its undersides are gray, and the inside of the limbs, the chin, and chest are white. Fur becomes sparse along the ears, which are black at the tips. Its tail is black on top and white below, and measures 13 to 15 centimetres (5.1 to 5.9 in) in length. An off-white ring encircles the Cape scrub hare's eyes. Cape scrub hares are typically larger than African savanna hares, and adults weigh from 3.2 to 4 kilograms (7.1 to 8.8 lb), with females being generally heavier than males.

The Cape scrub hare is endemic to southern Africa, and lives in southwestern Namibia and the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces of South Africa. Its presence in Namibia and absence in southeastern parts of Africa is based on taxonomic restrictions imposed on the species in 2018.

Cape scrub hares are solitary and herbivorous. They are sometimes found in pairs'

The Cape scrub hare is a herbivore and eats mostly green grasses, consuming their leaves, stems, and rhizomes. Green grass is preferred over dry grass.

Some ixodid ticks are known to affect Cape scrub hares.

As of 2019, the scrub hare is listed as a least-concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. It has a fairly restricted distribution. A 2004 study estimated that within the next 100 years, their population is estimated to decrease by 20%, but this rate of decline is not enough to consider the species as threatened.

19-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pasillas)

The Little Bee-eater, scientifically known as Merops pusillus, is a diminutive and vibrant member of the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This species is adorned with green upper parts and a yellow throat, complemented by a striking black gorget. The upper breast is a rich brown, which gently transitions to a buffish ochre on the belly. Their wings exhibit a blend of green and brown hues, while their beaks and legs are a stark black. Measuring a mere 15–17 cm in length, they hold the title of the smallest African bee-eater. Both males and females are similar in appearance.

These birds favor open country with an abundance of bushes, showing a preference for areas near water sources.

The Little Bee-eater is a resident of Sub-Saharan Africa. Their movements are seasonal, often dictated by the patterns of rainfall rather than long-distance migration.

Little Bee-eaters are known for their abundance and tame nature within their range. They are often seen perched low, sometimes just a meter above the ground. They roost communally, aligning themselves neatly on a tree branch.

18-5-2019 LAKE KARIBA, 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.

This striking lapwing is best identified by its long yellow wattles, white belly, and gray head split down the center by a broad white crown stripe. In flight, the distinctive wings are almost entirely white with black tips. It prefers breeding and foraging on large permanent rivers with extensive sand banks but will also wander to smaller streams and pans. It utters a loud “kriiip” call when alarmed or defending its territory. The similar Wattled Lapwing differs from White-headed Lapwing by having a dark belly and red-based wattles.

18-5-2019 LAKE KARIBA, ZIMBABWE - GREY HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus)

The grey-headed gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus), also known as the grey-hooded gull, is a small species of gull which breeds patchily in South America and Africa south of the Sahara. It is not truly migratory, but is dispersive, becoming more widespread in winter. This species has occurred as a rare vagrant to the United States, Italy, and Spain. As is the case with many gulls, it had traditionally been placed in the genus Larus. Recent evidence suggests the South American and African populations may represent two separate cryptic species.

The grey-headed gull is slightly larger than the black-headed gull at 42 cm length. The summer adult has a pale grey head, a grey body, slightly darker in tone than in black-headed gull, and red bill and legs. The black tips to the primary wing feathers have conspicuous white "mirrors". The underwing is dark grey with black wingtips. The grey hood is lost in winter, leaving just two dark smudges around and behind the eye. The eye is dark in immatures, but has a white iris in adults. The sexes are similar. It takes two years to reach maturity; first year birds have a black terminal tail band, and more dark areas in the wings. In flight, the wings are broader than those of black-headed gull. It is a noisy species, especially at colonies. The call is a raucous crow-like caw, caw.

It is locally abundant, breeding in large colonies in reedbeds and marshes; it lays two or three eggs in a nest, which can be on the ground or floating. Like most gulls, it is highly gregarious in winter, both when feeding and in evening roosts. Although it is predominantly coastal or estuarine, it is not a pelagic species, and is rarely seen at sea far from land. Flocks numbering hundreds or thousands can form when the feeding conditions are appropriate.

19-5-2019 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.

18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - MOULDY BEETLES (DIRTTOKS) (Genus Eurychora)

Mouldy beetles of the genus Eurychora are a group of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) found primarily in southern Africa and Namibia, where many species are endemic. 

Key facts about the Eurychora genus:

Classification: They belong to the family Tenebrionidae, commonly known as darkling beetles. Within this family, they are placed in the subfamily Pimeliinae and the tribe Adelostomini, which comprises over 30 genera mostly found in tropical Africa.

Common Name: The genus is commonly referred to as "Mouldy Beetles".

Habitat and Diet: While specific facts about Eurychora's diet are limited in the provided sources, other darkling beetles are generally ground-dwelling scavengers that feed on plant material, dead insects, and fungi/mold, suggesting a similar diet. The common name also implies a connection to mold.

Appearance: Like most darkling beetles, they are typically dull black or brown. Some species within the broader family in arid regions exhibit pale colors to reflect heat. The "mouldy" name may refer to a particular texture or coating, though this is not explicitly defined in the search results.

Diversity: The genus includes multiple species, such as Eurychora rotundipennis and Eurychora barclayi.

Physical Features: As with all beetles (Coleoptera), they have hardened forewings (elytra) that cover membranous hindwings and possess chewing mouthparts. 

18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - LILAC BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus)

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudatus) is a member of the roller family, Coraciidae, resplendent in a panoply of pastel hues. This African bird is a sight to behold, with its lilac throat and breast, olive crown to mantle, and cheeks of lilac-rufous. The species is further adorned with long, black tail streamers, which juveniles lack. Unofficially, it is considered the national bird of Kenya.

In the field, the lilac-breasted roller is almost unmistakable. Adults boast a lilac throat that deepens into a darker lilac breast, with an olive crown and mantle. The cheeks and ear coverts are a lilac-rufous. Juveniles and immatures can be identified by their lack of tail streamers and a throat and breast of rufous-tawny with broad diffuse buffy-white streaks. The species is not sexually dimorphic, though males may be slightly larger.

The lilac-breasted roller favors open woodland and savanna, typically avoiding treeless expanses. They are often seen perched high, surveying the landscape for prey.

This species is widely distributed across Southern and Eastern Africa and is a vagrant to the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is most abundant in Kenya and can be found from sea level to elevations of 2,000 meters or more.

17-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - WHITE BROWED SPARROW WEAVER (Plocepasser mahili)

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is a predominantly brown, sparrow-sized bird found throughout central and north-central southern Africa It is found in groups of two to eleven individuals consisting of one breeding pair and other non-reproductive individuals.

During his expedition to the interior of southern Africa in 1834–35, Andrew Smith collected specimens of the white-browed sparrow weaver at the Modder River, which he described in 1836, giving it the scientific name Plocepasser mahali.

Smith did not provide an explanation for the species epithet mahali, but is clear it is not a Latin name. Probably it is derived from the vernacular name for the bird in Setswana mogale or from the Sesotho word mohale, a brave or fierce person, which suggests the bird's name may refer to its angry scolding.

It ranges from 17 to 19 cm (6.7 to 7.5 in) in length and is characterized by a broad, white eyebrow stripe and white rump visible in flight. While the male white-browed sparrow-weaver sports a black bill, the female's bill is horn-colored (light gray); that of the juvenile is pinkish-brown. In Zimbabwe, the white-browed sparrow-weaver shows faint brown spotting across its white breast.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver may emit either a brief chik-chick or a loud, fluid, cheoop-preeoo-chop whistle.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver is found in greatest numbers in north-central southern Africa. While this species most densely populates dry regions with woodland or wooded grassland at northern South Africa, its range includes Botswana, northern and central Namibia, and western Zimbabwe. It is seen very often in South Luangwa National Park, Zambia and southern Malawi. Populations may be found as far north as Ethiopia. Populations are sedentary.

This species nests in colonies along thornveld and scrubby, dry riverbanks.

Breeding has been observed year round, but occurs mainly in warmer months. Year round, groups of the white-browed sparrow-weaver are active and nest-building. Groups of ten to sixty inverted-U-shaped nests of dry grass appear in the outside limbs of trees, although only several are used for breeding or roosting. While breeding nests have only one entrance, roosting nests have an entrance located at each of the two nest extremities. The construction of these nests shows cultural variations. Research has shown that, throughout a region, nests are located at the leeward side of a tree. This behavior preserves a greater number of intact nests for breeding and roosting. White-browed sparrow-weaver nests are sometimes used by other birds, such as the red-headed finch and ashy tit.

Different populations of this species vary in their ability to regulate their body temperature when there are changes in air temperature. White-browed sparrow-weavers from hotter and drier parts of the desert maintained higher body temperatures and let their bodies heat up comparatively more during the warmest part of the day compared to birds from a milder semi-desert site. This daily heterothermy means that desert birds do not need to use as much evaporative cooling and therefore can conserve body water. Within the population of semi-desert birds, there were also seasonal changes in daily heterothermy, with higher heterothermy during the dry season compared to the wet season. When air temperatures are very high, white-browed sparrow weavers also spend less time foraging in direct sunlight and more time in shaded areas.

The white-browed sparrow-weaver is becoming more abundant, expanding its range on southern, northern, and eastern fronts.

17-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - SOUTHERN RED BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus rufirostris)

The Southern red-billed hornbill, Tockus rufirostris, is a distinguished member of the Bucerotidae family, gracing the savannas and drier bushlands of southern Africa with its presence. This bird is characterized by its striking red bill and the streaks of blackish plumage that extend from its ear coverts down the side of its neck.

Upon observing this species, one will note the sexual dimorphism where males are generally larger with slightly longer bills. The male's lower mandible may exhibit varying degrees of black pigmentation. Both sexes boast a yellow iris surrounded by pale orbital skin, ranging from pink to greyish hues. The throat is a pristine white, and the wing coverts are adorned with conspicuous spots.

The Southern red-billed hornbill is a native inhabitant of the savannas and dryer bushlands, thriving in these open environments where it can forage and nest.

This hornbill's range extends from Malawi and Zambia to southern Angola, northeastern Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, eastern Eswatini, and northern South Africa, including Transvaal and northern KZN province. It is also found in the upper Zambezi valley of Mozambique, though it is mostly absent from the eastern lowlands.

A notable behavior of the Southern red-billed hornbill is its unique call, an accelerating series of notes that culminates in a crescendo of double notes. Unlike its congeners, this species does not engage in wing-raising displays.