24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN WARTHOG (Phacochoerus africanus ssp. sundevallii)

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) is a wild member of the pig family (Suidae) found in grassland, savanna, and woodland in sub-Saharan Africa. In the past, it was commonly treated as a subspecies of P. aethiopicus, but today that scientific name is restricted to the desert warthog of northern Kenya, Somalia, and eastern Ethiopia.

Common warthogs are not territorial, but instead occupy a home range. Common warthogs live in groups called sounders. Females live in sounders with their young and with other females. Females tend to stay in their natal groups, while males leave, but stay within the home range. Subadult males associate in bachelor groups, but males live alone when they become adults. Adult males only join sounders with estrous females. Warthogs have two facial glands: the tusk gland and the sebaceous gland. Common warthogs of both sexes begin to mark around six to seven months old. Males tend to mark more than females. They mark sleeping and feeding areas and waterholes. Common warthogs use tusk marking for courtship, for antagonistic behaviors, and to establish status.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - CRIMSON BREASTED GONOLEK (Laniarius atrococcineus)

The crimson-breasted shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus) or the crimson-breasted gonolek, ('gonolek' - supposedly imitative of its call), or the crimson-breasted boubou, is a southern African bird. It has black upper parts with a white flash on the wing, and bright scarlet underparts. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has rated it as a "least-concern species".

The species was first collected by William John Burchell in 1811 near the confluence of the Vaal and Orange Rivers. He named it atrococcineus meaning 'black/red', finding the striking colour combination quite remarkable. The generic name Laniarius was coined by the French ornithologist Louis Pierre Vieillot and was meant to call attention to the butcher-like habits of the group. In South West Africa its colours reminded Germans of their homeland flag and it therefore became the Reichsvogel ("Empire bird"). The species is closely related to two other bushshrikes, the yellow-crowned gonolek (Laniarius barbarus) and the black-headed gonolek (Laniarius erythrogaster) of East Africa, but DNA research has shown that it does not form a superspecies with the yellow-crowned gonolek (L. barbarus), the black-headed gonolek (L. erythrogaster) and the papyrus gonolek (L. mufumbiri), as previously thought.

The sexes have the same colouration and are indistinguishable from each other. The upper parts, including the wings and tail, are black, the wings having a broad white bar. The underparts are vivid scarlet. A yellow-breasted form is occasionally seen, and was at first thought to be a separate species. Young birds have a mottled and barred buff-brown appearance with a pale bill.

This shrike is extremely nimble and restless, its penetrating whistles often being the first sign of its presence, although it is not a shy species.

The crimson-breasted shrike is non-migratory and occurs in a broad swathe from southern Angola to the Free State province in South Africa and Northern Cape. Its preferred habitat is drier thornbush areas, in thickets and riparian scrub. It makes small seasonal migrations, preferring lower altitudes during cold periods.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTH AFRICAN GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. giraffa)

The South African giraffe or Cape giraffe (Giraffa giraffa or Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa) is a species or subspecies of giraffe found in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Eswatini and Mozambique. It has rounded or blotched spots, some with star-like extensions on a light tan background, running down to the hooves.

In 2016, the population was estimated at 31,500 individuals in the wild.

The IUCN currently recognizes only one species of giraffe with nine subspecies.The Cape giraffe, along with the whole species, were first known by the binomen Camelopardalis giraffa as described by German naturalist Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber in his publication Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen (The Mammals Illustrated from Nature with Descriptions) during his travel in the Cape of Good Hope in 1784. Dutch naturalist Pieter Boddaert also described it under the binomial name Giraffa giraffa whilst also identifying the nominate specimen of said species under the ternary name Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa in 1785.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN PARADISE WHYDAH (Vidua paradisaea)

The Eastern Paradise Whydah (Vidua paradisaea) is a small, sparrow-like finch found in East African savannas, known for its extreme breeding plumage and brood parasitism. Males develop 36cm-long black tail feathers—three times their body length—to attract mates and mimic the calls of their host species, the Green-winged Pytilia.

Key Facts about the Eastern Paradise Whydah

Breeding Appearance: During breeding season, males boast a black head/back, a bright yellow nape, a rusty-chestnut breast, and long, broad, black tail feathers.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN LION (MALE) (Panthera leo ssp. melanochaita)

The Southern lion (Panthera leo melanochaita) is a subspecies inhabiting Southern and East Africa, often characterized by large males with dark, extensive manes. As Africa's largest cat, they live in social prides, with females acting as primary hunters. They are classified as Vulnerable, facing threats from habitat loss and human conflict.Physical and Biological FactsAppearance: 

They are the largest of Africa's big cats, with males often weighing over 190kg (up to 225kg+ in some regions) and standing over 3 meters from nose to tail.Manes: Southern males often possess large, dark manes, though color varies from blond to black based on age and climate.Adaptability: They are found in diverse habitats, including savanna grasslands, open woodlands, and semi-arid deserts.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - 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.

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 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.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - GREY GO AWAY BIRD (Corythaixoides concolor),

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.

 

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - MARICO FLYCATCHER (Bradornis mariquensis)

The Marico Flycatcher (Bradornis mariquensis) is a small, 18 cm, near-endemic southern African bird known for its distinct pale-brown top and contrasting pure white underparts. These birds, found in arid acacia savanna, are often seen perched on outer branches or fences in small groups, feeding on insects like termites and beetles.

Key Facts about the Marico Flycatcher:

Habitat and Distribution: Found in dry savanna, Acacia thornveld, and Mopane woodlands in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Angola, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Appearance: They have brownish upper parts with a white underbody, distinguishing them from other brown flycatchers. Juveniles appear spotted above and streaked with white and brown below.

Behavior: They are known as "sit-and-wait" predators, perched prominently on the outer branches of bushes or fences, waiting to pounce on ground insects or catch them in the air.

Feeding: Their diet consists of termites, beetles, caterpillars, and flies.

Breeding: They build small, cup-shaped nests using dry grass and weeds, placed in the forks of acacia trees, with breeding occurring year-round.Call: Their call is described as a soft, monotonous sparrow-like "chew-week".

Status: Considered a common species throughout its range and is not considered threatened.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus)

The crowned lapwing (Vanellus coronatus), or crowned plover, is a bird of the lapwing subfamily that occurs contiguously from the Red Sea coast of Somalia to southern and southwestern Africa. It is an adaptable and numerous species, with bold and noisy habits. It is related to the more localized black-winged and Senegal lapwings, with which it shares some plumage characteristics.

The crowned lapwing is easily recognized by its combination of brown and white colours, with most tellingly, a black crown intersected by an annular white halo. Adults are noisy and conspicuous.

Males measure on average 3% larger than females. Juveniles are dull versions of adults, vermiculated on the wings and mantle, the legs yellowy rather than red and the bill lacking the red base.

Crowned lapwings prefer short, dry grassland which may be overgrazed or burnt, but avoid mountains. In higher-rainfall areas such as parts of Zambia and Zimbabwe, they occur mainly as dry-season visitors. In dry regions of northern Botswana, however, they are attracted in large numbers when good rainfall occurs. In southern Africa their highest concentrations are to be found in the dry central Kalahari region.

Although generally outnumbered by blacksmith lapwings, they are the most widespread and locally the most numerous lapwing species in their area of distribution. Their numbers have increased in the latter part of the 20th century after benefiting from a range of human activities. They live up to 20 years.

Crowned lapwings and the more localized black-winged lapwings sometimes associate and do not show mutual aggression, even within breeding territories. Different crowned lapwing males do however posture aggressively when nesting territories are established. The loser in an encounter assumes a special posture to signal his defeat.

Bare-part colours of males brighten in the breeding season. Different types of display flights lure the female to the defended territory. A female accepting the male and territory will follow the male during his display flight. Mates may be retained for life. Egg-laying is timed to precede the rainy season and most incubating is done by the female. The male assists only on hot days, when he either incubates or shades the nest.

Their diet consists of a variety of insects, but termites and ants form an important component. These insects are often extracted from the dung of large mammals. They feed mainly by surface pecking as opposed to digging.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH 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.

The lesser striped swallow is 15–10 cm long. It has dark blue upperparts with a red rump and a rufous-chestnut crown, nape and sides of the head. The underparts are white with dark streaking, and the upper wings and underwing flight feathers are blackish-brown. The underwing coverts are tawny. The blackish tail has very long outer feathers; these are slightly longer in the male than the female. Juveniles are duller and browner, with less contrast and shorter outer tail feathers. There are five or six subspecies differing in the extent of the underpart streaking.

The lesser striped swallow has heavier and darker underparts striping, a deeper red rump, and a brighter head colour than the larger greater striped swallow.

The species is endemic to Sub-Saharan Africa and is relatively sedentary. A single record is known for Oman, and, from May 2025, one in Kuwait, the first for the Western Palaearctic.

It feeds mainly on flying insects, but has been known to eat small fruits. The flight is erratic, and the call is a nasal zeh zeh zeh zeh zeh.

The lesser striped swallow builds a bowl-shaped mud nest with a tubular entrance on the underside of a suitable structure. The nest has a soft lining, and may be reused in later years. The nest may be built in a cave, under a rock overhang or a tree branch. This species has benefited from its willingness to use buildings, bridges, culverts and similar structures. Given the choice, it will select a high nest site.

The eggs are glossy white sometimes with a few brown spots; three eggs are a typical clutch. Incubation is by the female alone for 14–16 days to hatching. Both parents then feed the chicks. Fledging takes another 17–19 days, but the young birds will return to the nest to roost for a few days after their first flight.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - BURCHELL'S STARLING (Lamprotornis australis)

 Burchell's starling (Lamprotornis australis) or Burchell's glossy-starling is a species of starling in the family Sturnidae. The monogamous and presumably sedentary species is native to dry and mesic woodlands and savannah of southern Africa. The name of this bird commemorates the English naturalist William John Burchell.

This species is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is absent from miombo woodland, but is present in westerly gusu woodlands.

In the Kalahari they associate with camelthorn trees and also feed on their flowers. Their food includes flowers, fruit and small animals. They breed during the summer months.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii)

The crested barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii) ('trachys'=rough, 'phone'=voice, sound') is a sub-Saharan bird in the Lybiidae family. Its specific name commemorates François Levaillant, a famed French naturalist.

With its thick bill and very colourful plumage the crested barbet is unmistakable. This small bird has a speckled yellow and red face with a small black crest. The belly is yellow with red speckles, wings are black with white specks and it has a broad black band on its neck. Yellow head and body with black and white feathers, red markings on end of body, its colour blends well in the bush. They have a distinct trill.

The crested barbet feeds on insects, other birds' eggs and fruits and sometimes mice.

They nest in a hole in a tree or a log in a suburban garden. They are monogamous and territorial during breeding. Territory size varies according to their habitat. One to five eggs are laid at daily intervals between September and December. Incubation lasts between 13 and 17 days, beginning with the second or third egg and mainly by the female. The young hatch naked and blind. They are fed insects by both parents. Faecal material is removed regularly. They fledge after about 31 days. Up to five broods have been recorded in a breeding season.

It is found in forests, savannah, suburban gardens, woodland thickets and watercourses in Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN RED BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus rufirostris)

The southern red-billed hornbill (Tockus rufirostris) is a species of hornbill in the family Bucerotidae, which is native to the savannas and dryer bushlands of southern Africa. It is replaced by a near-relative, the Damara red-billed hornbill, in the arid woodlands of western Namibia. All five red-billed hornbills were formerly considered conspecific.

The sexes are similar, but males are larger and heavier. Males also have somewhat longer bills, with the lower mandible coloured black to a variable extent. It is distinguishable from other red-billed hornbills by the combination of yellow iris and pale orbital skin (pink to greyish), and the ample blackish plumage streaking from the ear coverts to the side of the neck.[citation needed] The throat is white, and the wing coverts clearly spotted.

The call consists of an accelerating series notes, kuk kuk kuk ... which ends in a crescendo of double notes, kuk-we kuk-we. Unlike other red-billed hornbills, Southern red-billed hornbills do not raise their wings in display.

It is found from Malawi and Zambia to southern Angola, northeastern Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, eastern Eswatini and northern South Africa (Transvaal and northern KZN province). It occurs in the upper Zambezi valley of Mozambique, but is mostly absent from the eastern lowlands.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN SAVANNA ELEPHANT (Loxodonta Africana)

 The African bush elephant (Loxodonta africana), also known as the African savanna elephant, is a species of elephant native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of three extant elephant species and, along with the African forest elephant, one of two extant species of African elephant. It is the largest living terrestrial animal, with fully grown bulls reaching an average shoulder height of 3.04–3.36 metres (10.0–11.0 ft) and a body mass of 5.2–6.9 tonnes (5.7–7.6 short tons); the largest recorded specimen had a shoulder height of 3.96 metres (13.0 ft) and an estimated body mass of 10.4 tonnes (11.5 short tons). The African bush elephant is characterised by its long prehensile trunk with two finger-like processes; a convex back; large ears which help reduce body heat; and sturdy tusks that are noticeably curved. The skin is grey with scanty hairs, and bending cracks which support thermoregulation by retaining water. 

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - EASTERN LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus meridionalis)

The Eastern Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus meridionalis) is a subspecies of the Little Bee-eater, recognized as the smallest African bee-eater species. These birds are renowned for their vibrant, colorful plumage and their specialized hunting techniques, often seen in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Physical Description

Size: They are very small, reaching a length of only 15–17 cm and weighing 11–18 grams. 

Appearance: They are predominantly green on their upper parts with a bright yellow throat, a distinct thin black collar (gorget), and a rich cinnamon/buff-orange belly. They have a black eye-stripe and a small blue stripe above the eye. 

Meridionalis Subspecies: This subspecies is characterized by having a thin, short blue supercilium (eyebrow) and a very narrow bluish-white line above the black gorget. 

Sexes: Males and females are alike in appearance.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTH AFRICAN SHELDUCK (MALE) (Tadorna cana)

The South African shelduck or Cape shelduck (Tadorna cana) is a species of shelduck, a group of large goose-like birds in the bird family Anatidae, which includes the swans, geese and ducks. This is a common species native to southern Africa.

This is a 64 cm (25 in) long bird which breeds mainly in Namibia and South Africa. In the austral winter, many birds move north-east from the breeding range to favoured moulting grounds, where sizable concentrations occur.This species is mainly associated with lakes and rivers in fairly open country, breeding in disused mammal holes, usually those of the aardvark. Pairs tend to be very nomadic when not in breeding season. 

6-4-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - RED EYED GRASS SNAKE (JUVENILE) (Natrix astreptophora)

Natrix astreptophora, the red-eyed grass snake or the Iberian grass snake, is a species of natricine snake found in the Iberian Peninsula, south of France, and some coastal areas in Maghreb, from Tangier to Tunisia. Long considered a subspecies of the European grass snake, Natrix natrix, the subspecies was split off from that taxon in 2016.

The red-eyed grass snake can be distinguished from all other grass snakes by its reddish irises and fewer ventral scales. The species is known to show erythrism.

There are three disjunct populations of the red-eyed grass snake. The European population in found in the Iberian Peninsula and Occitania in southwestern France. The population in the Maghreb is divided into two disjunct subpopulations, one in northern Morocco and one in northwestern Tunisia and northeastern Algeria.

The red-eyed grass snake typically preys on fish and amphibians, and also eats small mammals and juvenile birds.

Like some other grass snakes, red-eyed grass snakes are known to raise their forebody and flatten their necks in an imitation of cobra behaviour, even though their ranges do not overlap. This is a relict from the Pliocene to Pleistocene, when cobras were extant in Europe and inhabited the same areas as grass snakes.

Red-eyed grass snakes reach maturity at 5 years. Egg-laying takes place in July and August. Young females are thought to lay clutches of around ten eggs, like in the related barred grass snake, while older females can lay as many as 100 eggs. Red-eyed grass snakes have been recorded infrequently interbreeding with other Natrix grass snakes. They are known to interbreed very rarely with the barred grass snake where the ranges of the two species meet, although gene flow between these two species is almost negligible.[6] The red-eyed grass snake has also been recorded hybridizing with the more distantly related viperine water snake in Andalusia in southern Spain.

The red-eyed grass snake is listed as being of least concern in both the European and global IUCN Red Lists. It is rare in the North African part of its range, but is generally common in the European portion. Its population is currently decreasing, with a 2022 study finding that Spanish populations of snakes in the Natrix natrix complex had decreased by 49.1% from 1980 to 2017 and by 23.3% in the 18 year period preceding 2017. Although it is not threatened by any issues across its range, the snake faces localized threats from water pollution, persecution, and wildfires. As red-eyed grass snakes usually inhabit moist, shaded areas, they are absent from recently burned areas for up to one year after wildfires. In Iberia, red-eyed grass snakes are also more numerous in rivers with no invasive fish species; as invasive fish typically inhabit stretches of river with altered flow, this may reflect the impact of either the fish themselves or the habitat degradation that causes altered flow patterns.

The red-eyed grass snake is listed in Annex III of the Bern Convention and occurs in many protected areas. Measures that may benefit the species include building crossings under roads to reduce roadkill mortality, eliminating invasive fish, and restoring natural river hydrology.

6-4-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - ARABIAN PEA (Bituminaria bituminosa)

Bituminaria bituminosa, the Arabian pea or pitch trefoil, is a perennial Mediterranean herb species in the genus Bituminaria.

The pterocarpans bitucarpin A and B can be isolated from the aerial parts of B. bituminosa.

It has several potential uses: (i) forage crop, (ii) Phytostabilization of heavy metal contaminated or degraded soils, (iii) Synthesis of furanocoumarins (psoralen, angelicin, xanthotoxin and bergapten), compounds of broad pharmaceutical interest.

It is easily recognizable by the characteristic smell of bitumen from its leaves. This strong tar-like characteristic aroma appears to be the result of a combination of several substances such as phenolics, sulphurated compounds, sesquiterpenes and probably short-chain hydrocarbon. Total polyphenols content was < 2% and the condensed tannins was <0.8% in a dry weight basis.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SPOTTED HYENA (Crocuta crocuta)

The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), also known as the laughing hyena, is a hyena species, currently classed as the sole extant member of the genus Crocuta, native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN due to its widespread range and large numbers estimated between 27,000 and 47,000 individuals. The species is, however, experiencing declines outside of protected areas due to habitat loss and poaching. Populations of Crocuta, usually considered a subspecies of Crocuta crocuta, known as cave hyenas, roamed across Eurasia for at least one million years until the end of the Late Pleistocene. The spotted hyena is the largest extant member of the Hyaenidae, and is further physically distinguished from other species by its vaguely bear-like build, rounded ears, less prominent mane, spotted pelt, more dual-purposed dentition, fewer nipples, and pseudo-penis. It is the only placental mammalian species where females have a pseudo-penis and lack an external vaginal opening.

The social system of the spotted hyena is openly competitive, with access to kills, mating opportunities and the time of dispersal for males depending on the ability to dominate other clan-members and form ally networks. Females provide only for their own cubs rather than assist each other, and males display no paternal care. However, the spotted hyena is also very cooperative with their clan-mates; often hunting, eating, and resting together, and making use of their numeracy and communication skills to fight off a common enemy. Spotted hyena society is matriarchal; females are larger than males and dominate them.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - COMMON RED FACED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius indicus ssp. transvaalensis)

The Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus) is a common, highly social bird species found in southern and eastern Africa, known for its distinctive red facial skin, long tail, and mouse-like behavior of scurrying through branches. They are known for living in, and feeding in, small, tight-knit groups, making them a common sight in suburban gardens, orchards, and savanna habitats.

Physical AppearanceDistinctive Face: They are easily recognized by the bare, bright red skin around their eyes and the red base of their bill (with a black tip).Size and Color: Approximately \(34\text{ cm}\) (13 inches) long, with their long, stiff tail often making up half of their total length. They have pale cinnamon-colored heads and breasts, with blue-grey upperparts.Crest: They have a prominent crest on their head, which is absent in juveniles.Plumage: The feathers are soft and hair-like, giving them a rodent-like appearance.

Sexes: Male and female look similar.Behavior and EcologySocial Structure: Highly social, they are typically found in small parties of 3 to 10 individuals, although they can form larger groups of up to 15 or more.Movement: They move with a "mouse-like" motion, clambering through bushes and trees, often hanging upside down to reach food.Flight: Flight is typically fast, strong, and direct in a straight line from one area to another.Roosting/Torpor: To conserve energy, they huddle together in tight groups at night and can enter a state of shallow torpor (hibernation) to survive cold temperatures.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca)

 

The magpie shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus), also known as the African long-tailed shrike, is a species of bird in the family Laniidae. It is the only species placed in the genus Urolestes. It is native to the grasslands of eastern and southeastern Africa, where its natural habitats are dry savannah, moist savannah, and subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. It has a very wide range and is common in places, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed its conservation status as being of "least concern".

The magpie shrike is found in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It inhabits open savannah with scattered acacia trees, close-grazed turf and bare ground, in parts of southern and central Africa where precipitation mainly occurs between November and April. Arid areas are avoided but semi-arid areas may be favoured. It also occurs in woodland, particularly riparian areas, and in the Kruger National Park is found in river valleys with thorny mopane trees.

The magpie shrike is a gregarious species and usually occurs in noisy groups of about a dozen birds occupying a home range of several tens of hectares. It may associate with other birds such as the white-headed buffalo weaver (Dinemellia dinemelli). The birds nest cooperatively during the rainy season, and their breeding territory is about three hectares and defended from other groups. Displays in the breeding season include bowing, tail flicking, wing raising and whistling. The female sometimes calls from the nest and the male brings her food. The two birds may also perform duets.

This bird perches in an elevated position scanning the ground below for possible prey. Most prey is caught on the ground, but flying insects are sometimes caught in mid air. The diet consists of arthropods, insects, lizards, small mammals and fruit.

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN YELLOW BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas)

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. 

24-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - FAMILIAR CHAT (Oenanthe familiaris)

The familiar chat (Oenanthe familiaris) is a small passerine bird of the Old World flycatcher family Muscicapidae. It is a common resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara in rocky and mountainous habitat and around human habitation.

The familiar chat is a dumpy short-tailed bird 14–15 cm (5.5–5.9 in) long. The adult's upperparts are a dull brown with warmer brown ear coverts behind the eye. The underparts vary from off-white to pale grey-brown, and the rump and outer tail feathers are rufous with a dark brown tip. The central tail feathers are dark brown. The short straight bill and the legs and feet are black. The sexes are alike, but the juvenile is similar to the adult but has buff spots above and a scaly pattern on the breast.

The familiar chat has a soft "shek-shek" alarm call. The song is a warbling trill.

The familiar chat is monogamous. It breeds between December and March in most of west Africa, but between March and May in Nigeria and mainly between October and November in South Africa. It builds a thick cup-shaped nest of plant material lined with hair, wool and feathers. The nest is usually placed in a hole in the ground, but rock faces and buildings are also used. This species will use nest boxes or a disused sociable weaver nest. The clutch is 2-4 greenish-blue eggs decorated with reddish-brown speckling. The eggs hatch after 13–15 days. The nestlings are fed by both parents and fledge after 13–15 days. Usually only a single brood is raised each year.

4-4-2026 TAVERNES PLAYA, VALENCIA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) is a species of small heron in the family Ardeidae. It is a white bird with a slender black beak, long black legs and, in the western race, yellow feet. As an aquatic bird, it feeds in shallow water and on land, consuming a variety of small creatures. It breeds colonially, often with other species of water birds, making a platform nest of sticks in a tree, bush or reed bed. A clutch of three to five bluish-green eggs is laid and incubated by both parents for about three weeks. The young fledge at about six weeks of age.

Its breeding distribution is in wetlands in warm temperate to tropical parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. A successful colonist, its range has gradually expanded north, with stable and self-sustaining populations now present in the United Kingdom.

In warmer locations, most birds are permanent residents; northern populations, including many European birds, migrate to Africa and southern Asia to over-winter there. The birds may also wander north in late summer after the breeding season, and their tendency to disperse may have assisted in the recent expansion of the bird's range. At one time common in Western Europe, it was hunted extensively in the 19th century to provide plumes for the decoration of hats and became locally extinct in northwestern Europe and scarce in the south. Around 1950, conservation laws were introduced in southern Europe to protect the species and their numbers began to increase. By the beginning of the 21st century the bird was breeding again in France, the Netherlands, Ireland and Britain. Its range is continuing to expand westward, and the species has begun to colonise the New World; it was first seen in Barbados in 1954 and first bred there in 1994. The International Union for Conservation of Nature has assessed the bird's global conservation status as being of "least concern".

5-4-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - FALSE SOW THISTLE (Reichardia tingitana)

Reichardia tingitana is a species of plant in the family Asteraceae that is distributed primarily throughout Mediterranean and West Asia. It is known by the common name false sowthistle.

The leaves have an alternate arrangement and are entire with serrated margins. No stipule is present on the petiole.

An annual plant, its flowering period is from March to May. Like most angiosperms, its flowers are hermaphroditic. The petals are of a yellow color.

As a glycophyte, it is accustomed to growing in saline soils. Arid deserts and shrub-steppes are its most common habitats. It also grows well in sandy depressions in the Middle East.

In France, it is a naturalized species. Another country it has been introduced to is Australia, where it is commonly recognized as a minor weed. There its main habitats are urban sites, coastal dunes and alluvial plains.

It has been recorded in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and eastern Saudi Arabia. Common names for it in Arabia are huzan, mureer, and murar. Uses in folk medicine have been recorded in the Middle East, its leaves being used to treat ailments such as constipation, colic and inflamed eyes.