22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHERN WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum simum)

The white rhinoceros, also known as the white rhino or square-lipped rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum), is the largest extant species of rhinoceros and the most social of all rhino species, characterized by its wide mouth adapted for grazing. The species includes two subspecies with dramatically different conservation outlooks: the southern white rhinoceros, with an estimated 17,464 individuals in the wild as of the end of 2023, and the northern white rhinoceros.

The northern subspecies is critically endangered and on the brink of extinction; its last known male, Sudan, died in March 2018, leaving behind only a very small number of females in captivity. Both subspecies have faced significant threats, primarily from poaching for their horns and habitat loss, which contribute to the species' overall conservation status of Near Threatened. White rhinoceros can run up to 40 mph (64 km/h) for very short bursts. They can maintain speeds of around 30–31 mph (48–50 km/h) for a good amount of time, and they have good stamina.

Southern white rhinos are the most abundant of the five rhino species, listed as "Near Threatened" rather than extinct, with around 18,000 living in protected, primarily South African, savannah habitats. They are massive, social grazers weighing up to 5,000 lbs, easily identified by their wide, square mouths used for eating grass. 

Key Southern White Rhino Facts:

Appearance: Despite their name, they are grey in color, not white. The name comes from a misinterpretation of the Afrikaans word wyd (wide), referring to their broad, square upper lip, which is perfectly adapted for grazing.

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Size & Speed: These are the largest of all rhino species. Males can weigh up to 5,000–6,000 lbs (2.3–2.7 tonnes) and reach 12–13 ft in length. Despite their bulk, they can run at speeds of up to to 30 to 35 mph.

Habitat & Range: They live in the grasslands and savannahs of Southern Africa, particularly in South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.

Behavior: They are the most social of all rhino species, with females often seen in groups with their calves. They are notoriously fond of wallowing in mud to protect their skin from insects and the sun.

Horns: They have two horns made of keratin (the same substance as human hair and fingernails), with the front horn being longer. They use these for defense and for guiding their young.

Diet: They are grazers, which means they feed exclusively on grass, unlike black rhinos, which are browsers that eat shrubs and trees.

Threats & Conservation: While they have made a significant comeback from the brink of extinction in the early 20th century, they are still threatened by poaching for their horns.

Predators: Adult white rhinos have no natural predators, though calves can be targeted by lions, hyenas, and crocodiles.

21-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SOUTHEAST AFRICAN CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus)

The Southeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) is the nominate cheetah subspecies native to East and Southern Africa. The Southern African cheetah lives mainly in the lowland areas and deserts of the Kalahari, the savannahs of Okavango Delta, and the grasslands of the Transvaal region in South Africa. In Namibia, cheetahs are mostly found in farmlands. In India, four cheetahs of the subspecies are living in Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh after having been introduced there.

The cheetah is a medium-sized cat. An adult male cheetah's total size can measure from 168 to 213 cm (66 to 84 in) and 162 to 200 cm (64 to 79 in) for females. Adult cheetahs are 70 to 90 cm (28 to 35 in) tall at the shoulder. Males are slightly taller than females and have slightly bigger heads with wider incisors and longer mandibles. 

The Southeast African cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus) is the most populous subspecies, with over 6,000 in the wild, primarily in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Known as the fastest land animal, they reach speeds up to 112 km/h, featuring a slender build, golden fur with dense spots, and thick tear marks. They are vulnerable due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict.Key Facts About the Southeast African CheetahAppearance: They have light yellow to golden-yellow fur that is slightly thicker than other subspecies. They have prominent black tear marks under their eyes that act as anti-glare mechanisms for daytime hunting.

Physical Traits: They weigh between 47 and 145 lbs (males are generally larger) and are built for speed with a flexible spine, deep chest, and non-retractable claws that act as cleats for traction.Habitat: They prefer open woodlands, savannahs, scrub forests, and mountainous areas where they can hunt.Diet & Hunting: They are carnivores that hunt during the day to avoid competition with lions and hyenas, targeting small antelopes like impala, springbok, and steenbok.

Population: Namibia boasts the largest population, estimated at over 3,500 individuals.Social Life: Females are solitary, while males often form long-term coalitions with siblings or other males.Reproduction: Cubs are born in litters of 3–5 and have a silver-grey fur mantle on their backs to help them hide. Only about 5% of cubs survive to adulthood due to predation.Conservation Status: Currently listed as Vulnerable.

10-4-2026 SEQUIA DEL COMUNAT, ALBUFERA - LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta)

The Little Egret, Egretta garzetta, is a dainty heron adorned in pure white plumage. It is characterized by a slender black beak, long black legs, and, notably in the western race, yellow feet. This elegant bird is a sight to behold with its graceful neck and poised stance.

Adult Little Egrets measure between 55–65 cm in length with a wingspan of 88–106 cm, and weigh 350–550 g. Their plumage is predominantly white, though some may exhibit bluish-grey coloration. Breeding adults boast ornate nape plumes reaching about 150 mm, along with distinctive feathers on the breast and elongated scapulars. The bill and lores are black, with greenish-grey skin at the base of the lower mandible and around the eye, which houses a yellow iris. Legs are black with contrasting yellow feet, though juveniles may have greenish-black legs and duller feet. The subspecies E. g. nigripes is distinguished by yellow skin between the bill and eye, and blackish feet.

The Little Egret frequents a variety of wetland habitats, from the shores of lakes and rivers to marshes and coastal regions. It is often found in open environments, such as mangroves, swamps, mudflats, and sandy beaches, as well as human-altered landscapes like rice fields.

The species has a broad breeding distribution across warm temperate to tropical regions of Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Northern populations are migratory, wintering in Africa and southern Asia, while others remain as permanent residents in warmer areas.

10-4-2026 RACO DE OLLA, ALBUFERA - COMMON SHELDUCK (MALE) (Tadorna tadorna)

The common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna, is a waterfowl species that graces the Euro-Siberian region with its presence. It is a medium-sized bird, akin to a small, short-necked goose, and is quite the sight with its white plumage contrasted by chestnut patches and a black underbelly. The head and neck are a dark, iridescent green, and the bill is a reddish-pink, with the male sporting a conspicuous knob on the forehead during the breeding season. Pink feet complete the ensemble, making this bird a striking figure in its habitat.

To identify the common shelduck, look for the distinctive reddish-pink bill and pink feet. The male, especially in breeding plumage, has a bright red bill with a prominent knob. The female is slightly smaller and has white facial markings. Both sexes have a white body with chestnut patches, a black belly, and a dark green head and neck. In flight, the green and chestnut secondary feathers become visible, contrasting with the predominantly white underwings.

The common shelduck is found in a variety of wetland habitats, including temperate lakes and rivers, as well as estuaries and tidal mudflats in winter. It has a particular fondness for salt marshes and estuaries and is known to breed in rabbit burrows, tree holes, and even haystacks.

This species is widespread across temperate Eurasia. It breeds in temperate regions and migrates to subtropical areas for wintering. Some populations remain resident in the westernmost parts of Europe, while others undertake movements to moulting grounds like the Wadden Sea.

10-4-2026 EL PALMAR, ALBUFERA - BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica)

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) is a migratory passerine bird, recognized as the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive bird with blue upperparts and a long, deeply forked tail, known for its graceful flight and agile maneuvers. The adult male of the nominate subspecies is 17–19 cm in length, including elongated outer tail feathers, and has a wingspan of 32–34.5 cm. It is adorned with a rufous forehead, chin, and throat, which are set apart from the off-white underparts by a broad dark blue breast band. The outer tail feathers are elongated, contributing to the iconic "swallow tail."

The barn swallow can be identified by its steel blue upperparts, a rufous face, and a dark blue breast band that separates the rufous from the off-white underparts. The deeply forked tail is a key characteristic, with a line of white spots across the upper tail's outer end. Females resemble males but have shorter tail streamers and less glossy blue coloring. Juveniles are browner with paler rufous faces and whiter underparts, lacking the adult's long tail streamers.

The barn swallow favors open country with low vegetation, such as pastures, meadows, and farmland, often near water. It avoids heavily wooded or steep areas and densely built-up locations. The species typically nests in man-made structures like barns and stables, or under bridges and wharves.

This bird has a vast global range, breeding across the Northern Hemisphere and wintering in much of the Southern Hemisphere. Its distribution spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

10-4-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - DOUBLE STRIPED PUG MOTH (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata)

The double-striped pug (Gymnoscelis rufifasciata) is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is a widespread and common species, being found throughout the Palearctic region, including the Near East and North Africa.

This is a variable species but always easy to recognize due to the two prominent dark fascia across each forewing which give the species its common name. The forewing ground colour ranges from light to dark reddish brown. The crosslines are distinct. The inner margin of the pale white sub-marginal line bears black marks. The hindwings are pale grey with darker fringes, darker lines and a small black discal spot. There is a dark band across the basal segments of the abdomen. The wingspan is 15–19 mm.

22-2-2026 MADIKWE GAME RESERVE, S AFRICA - SPOTTED THICK NEE (Burhinus capensis)

The Spotted Thick-knee, also known as the Spotted Dikkop or Cape Thick-knee, is a bird of notable stature, reaching up to 45.5 cm in height. It is adorned with brown-and-white speckled plumage that blends seamlessly into the grasslands and savannas it calls home. The bird's head is large and round, crowned with a prominent yellow eye, while its short, stout beak is well-suited to its diet. In flight or when displaying its characteristic wings-raised stance, it reveals a striking contrast in its plumage. Its legs are long and yellow, and the tibiotarsal joint is notably expanded, a feature that has given rise to its common name.

To identify the Spotted Thick-knee, look for its long yellow legs and the distinctive thickening at the knee joint. Its camouflage plumage can make it challenging to spot, but the bird's large, round head and prominent yellow eyes are key distinguishing features. When it takes to the air or assumes its unique pose with wings aloft, the contrasting patterns of its plumage become quite apparent.

This species thrives in the grasslands and savannas, where its mottled plumage provides excellent camouflage against the backdrop of these ecosystems.

The Spotted Thick-knee is native to sub-Saharan Africa, with a range that spans from Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania in the west, across to Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, and down to South Africa in the east and south. It is also found in south Yemen.

1-3-2026 STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA - RED WINGED STARLING (FEMALE) (Onychognathus morio)

Like other starlings, the red-winged starling is an omnivore, taking a wide range of seeds, berries, nectar from plants such as Aloe and Schotia brachypetala, and invertebrates, such as the beetle species Pachnoda sinuata. They may take nestlings and adults of certain bird species, such as the African palm swift. It will also scavenge on carrion and human food scrap.

The red-winged starling will obviously only perch on plant structures that will be able to support its weight; therefore when taking nectar it will choose certain species with strong, robust racemes with easily accessible flowers, such as that of Aloe ferox and Aloe marlothii, and not Aloe arborescens. Large flowers that can support the bird's weight, such as that of Strelitzia nicolai and certain Protea species, are also chosen.

9-4-2026 MONTE CORONA, VALENCIA - SPECKLED FOOTMAN MOTH (Coscinia cribraria)

Coscinia cribraria, the speckled footman, is a species of moth belonging to the subfamily Arctiinae within the large family Erebidae. This moth has a widespread distribution in the Palearctic.

Coscinia cribraria has a forewing which has a background colour of dirty white marked with black streaks along the wings and crossbands made up of dark dots, both of which vary in extent. The subspecies arenaria has an almost pure white forewing. The speckled footman has a wingspan of between 30 and 35 mm (1.2 and 1.4 in).

Coscinia cribraria has a wide Palearctic distribution being found from Northwestern Africa Iberia and southern Great Britain east to China and Mongolia. In Europe, north of the Alps, the speckled footman is typically found on sandy heaths and open sandy pine forests. To the south of the Alps, it inhabits on dry mountain meadows with stony or rocky areas and around the Mediterranean this species can be found in habitats like maquis and in open forests.

3-3-2026 WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA - CAPE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax capensis)

The Cape cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis), also known as the Cape shag, is a member of the cormorant family. It is endemic to the southwestern coast of Africa, and classified as "Endangered" by the IUCN. The Cape cormorant is most closely related to the great cormorant and Japanese cormorant.

The Cape cormorant is a blue-black bird with a glossy shine. The entire body follows the same coloration. There is little to no sexual dimorphism, with both males and females measuring 61–64 cm and weighing 1.1-1.3 kg, along with a similar plumage. The beak is dark grey-black, and a deep yellow-orange gular pouch can be observed. The eyes are turquoise with a greenish eye-ring around them.

Both non-breeding and immature adults have duller plumage, with a brown throat for immature adults. Juveniles are browner than immature adults, with grey eyes and a black, white, or speckled gular pouch.

Males and females have a wingspan of around 260 mm. For breeding adults, the wings are bottle green.

13-3-2026 ATLANTIC OCEAN, OFF GUINEA - NORTHERN GANNET (JUVENILE) (Morus bassanus)

The Northern gannet (Morus bassanus) is a seabird, the largest species of the gannet family, Sulidae. It is native to the coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean, breeding in Western Europe and Northeastern North America. It is the largest seabird in the northern Atlantic. The sexes are similar in appearance. The adult northern gannet has a mainly white streamlined body with a long neck, and long and slender wings. It is 87–100 cm (34+1⁄2–39+1⁄2 in) long with a 170–180 cm (67–71 in) wingspan. The head and nape have a buff tinge that is more prominent in breeding season, and the wings are edged with dark brown-black feathers. The long, pointed bill is blue-grey, contrasting with black, bare skin around the mouth and eyes. Juveniles are mostly grey-brown, becoming increasingly white in the five years it takes them to reach maturity.

18-2-2026 PRAT DE LLOBREGAT, BARCELONA - MONK PARAKEET (Myiopsitta monachus)

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), also known as the monk parrot or Quaker parrot, is a species of true parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is a small to medium, bright-green parrot with a greyish breast and greenish-yellow abdomen. Its average lifespan is approximately 15 years. It originates from the temperate to subtropical areas of South America. Self-sustaining feral populations occur in many places, mainly in areas of similar climate in North America and Europe.

The nominate subspecies of this parrot is 29 cm (11 in) long on average, with a 48-centimetre (19 in) wingspan, and weighs 100 g (3.5 oz). Females tend to be 10–20% smaller, but can only be reliably sexed by DNA or feather testing. Monk parakeets display very subtle sexual dimorphism in the colouration of their crown and wing coverts, but this is not noticeable to the human eye. It has bright-green upperparts. The forehead and breast are pale grey with darker scalloping and the rest of the underparts are very light-green to yellow. The remiges are dark blue, and the tail is long and tapering. The bill is orange. The call is a loud and throaty chape(-yee) or quak quaki quak-wi quarr, and screeches skveet.

The monk parrot is a gregarious species which often breeds colonially, building a single large nest with separate entrances for each pair. It is not uncommon, however, for pairs or individuals to nest outside of colonies, especially during the breeding season. In the wild, the colonies can become quite large, with pairs occupying separate "apartments" in composite nests that can reach the size of a small automobile.[citation needed] These nests can attract many other tenants, including some which cohabit with the monk parakeets. These tenants include many other birds, such as pigeons, sparrows, American kestrels, and yellow-billed teal, but mammals like red squirrels may also occupy a nest.

Their 1–11 white eggs are incubated continuously by the female, during which time the male will provide her with food. Unusually for a parrot, monk parakeet pairs occasionally have helper individuals, often grown offspring, which assist with feeding the young (see kin selection).[citation needed]

Monk parakeets have an average lifespan in their natural environment of 6 years. However, birds in captivity can reach 10 – 20 years.

19-3-2026 SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFFE, CANARIAS - GOLDEN BARREL CACTUS (Kroenleinia grusonii)

Kroenleinia grusonii, popularly known as the golden barrel cactus, golden ball, "mother-in-law's cushion" or "mother-in-law's chair", is a species of barrel cactus which is endemic to east-central Mexico.

Growing as a large, roughly spherical-globular and generally solitary (although basal shoots may sprout from adult specimens), K. grusonii may eventually reach over 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height, after many years, with a diameter of 40 to 80 centimeters (around 2–3 feet across). The lifespan of a single generation is estimated at 10–30 years. Younger plants do not look similar to mature specimens, with more green tissue visible and lighter-colored spines.

Kroenleinia grusonii is widely cultivated by specialty plant nurseries as an ornamental plant, for planting in containers, desert habitat gardens, rock gardens, and in conservatories. A white-spined and a short-spined form, as well as a teal-blue cultivar ('Blue barrel'), are also in-cultivation.

The golden barrel is among the most popular cacti in collections and in landscaping, and has increasingly become popular as an architectural accent plant in contemporary garden designs.

7-4-2026 JALON, ALICANTE - SPECKLED WOOD BUTTERFLY (Pararge aegeria)

The speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) is a butterfly found in and on the borders of woodland areas throughout much of the Palearctic realm. The species is subdivided into multiple subspecies, including Pararge aegeria aegeria, Pararge aegeria tircis, Pararge aegeria oblita, and Pararge aegeria insula. The color of this butterfly varies between subspecies. The existence of these subspecies is due to variation in morphology down a gradient corresponding to a geographic cline. 

The background of the wings ranges from brown to orange, and the spots are either pale yellow, white, cream, or a tawny orange. The speckled wood feeds on a variety of grass species. The males of this species exhibit two types of mate locating behaviors: territorial defense and patrolling. The proportion of males exhibiting these two strategies changes based on ecological conditions. The monandrous female must choose which type of male can help her reproduce successfully. Her decision is heavily influenced by environmental conditions.

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.