Wednesday, 1 December 2021
Tuesday, 30 November 2021
2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COMMON HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta ssp. umbretta)
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The hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), also called the umbrette, is a medium-sized bird. It is the only living species in the genus Scopus and the family Scopidae. The species and family was long thought to sit with the Ciconiiformes but is now placed with the Pelecaniformes, and its closest relatives are thought to be the pelicans and the shoebill. The shape of its head with a long bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, which has given this species its name after the Afrikaans word for hammerhead. It is a medium-sized waterbird with brown plumage. It is found in mainland Africa, Madagascar and Arabia, living in a wide variety of wetlands, including estuaries, lakesides, fish ponds, riverbanks, and rocky coasts. The hamerkop is a sedentary bird that often shows local movements.
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The hamerkop takes a wide range of prey, mostly fish and amphibians, but shrimps, insects and rodents are taken too. Prey is usually hunted in shallow water, either by sight or touch, but the species is adaptable and will take any prey it can. The species is renowned for its enormous nests, several of which are built during the breeding season. Unusually for a wading bird the nest has an internal nesting chamber where the eggs are laid. Both parents incubate the eggs, and raise the chicks.
The species is not globally threatened and is locally abundant in mainland Africa and Madagascar. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed it as being of least concern.
Monday, 29 November 2021
Sunday, 28 November 2021
2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - COMMON BULBUL (Pycnonotus barbatus)
The common bulbul, or Pycnonotus barbatus, is a passerine bird belonging to the bulbul family. It is characterized by a fairly short, thin bill with a slightly downward curve on the upper mandible. The plumage is similar for both sexes, featuring a dark brown head and upperparts. The bird's bill, legs, and feet are black, and it possesses a dark brown eye with an inconspicuous dark eye-ring. With a length of about 18 cm (7.1 in), the common bulbul has a notably long tail.
When identifying the common bulbul, look for its dark brown head and upperparts, and its long tail. The black bill, legs, and feet are also distinctive, as is the dark brown eye. The eye-ring may be difficult to discern. The bird's overall length and silhouette are key features to observe.
The common bulbul is adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including woodland, coastal bush, forest edges, riverine bush, montane scrub, and mixed farming areas. It also thrives in exotic thickets, gardens, and parks.
This species is a widespread resident breeder across much of Africa, and has even been found breeding as far north as southern Spain. Its range extends from Morocco to Tunisia, southern Mauritania to western Chad and northern Cameroon, central Nigeria to Gabon and southern Congo, eastern Chad to northern and central Sudan and eastern Egypt, and in southeastern Sudan, western, central, and eastern Ethiopia, and Eritrea.
2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - ZAMBESI CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii ssp. nobilis)
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The crested barbet, Trachyphonus vaillantii, is a small, vibrantly colored bird, easily recognized by its thick bill and speckled plumage. Its face is a mosaic of yellow and red, adorned with a modest black crest. The belly mirrors the face with yellow and red speckles, while the wings are black with white dots. A striking black band encircles its neck. The bird's overall yellow hue, peppered with black and white feathers and red at the body's end, provides excellent camouflage in its natural bush habitat. The crested barbet's call is a distinctive trill.
When identifying the crested barbet, look for its unique coloration and markings. The combination of a yellow and red speckled face, a small black crest, and a broad black neck band are key features. The bird's trilling call can also serve as an auditory clue to its presence.
The crested barbet thrives in a variety of environments, including forests, savannahs, suburban gardens, woodland thickets, and areas near watercourses.
Saturday, 27 November 2021
2-6-2019 LINYANTI CAMP, BOTSWANA - SOUTHERN LION (MALE) (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)
The Southern Lion (*Panthera leo melanochaita) is a subspecies covering East & Southern African lions, known for diverse manes (sandy to black, variable length), powerful hunting (mostly by females), social pride life, and being Vulnerable due to habitat loss and human conflict, with threats including poaching, though some protected populations thrive. They are big, meaty carnivores, using roars for communication, and rare white lions appear in this group.
Key Characteristics
Range & Classification: Includes lions from Southern & East Africa, distinct from West/Central African populations, covering areas like Kruger, Maasai Mara, and Zambia.
Appearance: Varies from light buff to dark brown fur; manes differ greatly in color and length; males develop heavier manes in cooler highlands.
White Lions: A rare genetic variation (leucism) occasionally seen in the Kruger/Timbavati area, not albinos.
Size: Males are large, with longer manes as they age, sometimes reaching knee length, notes Fandom.
Behavior & Diet
Social Structure: Live in prides with related females and dominant males, with young males eventually pushed out.
Hunting: Females do most hunting (90%), targeting wildebeest, zebra, antelope; they stalk and suffocate prey.
Vocalization: Roars can travel 8km; communicate with meows, grunts, growls, and body language.
Conservation Status & Threats
IUCN Status: Classified as Vulnerable due to significant population decline (around 33%).
Major Threats: Habitat loss, human-lion conflict (retaliatory killings), snaring, poaching, and prey depletion.
Conservation: While populations decline overall, some areas (Botswana, Namibia, South Africa) see increases due to focused conservation efforts.
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