20-3-2018 EL RETIRO PARQUE, MADRID - LESSER SPOTTED WOODPECKER (Dryobates minor)

The lesser spotted woodpecker (Dryobates minor) is a member of the woodpecker family Picidae. It was formerly assigned to the genus Dendrocopos (sometimes incorrectly spelt as Dendrocopus). Some taxonomic authorities continue to list the species there.

The range of the lesser spotted woodpecker is the Palearctic region, but several subspecies are recognised.

Its habits are very similar to those of the great spotted woodpecker, and it has the same stumpy appearance, almost triangular, when bounding from tree to tree. Its note is a repeated "keek", loud for so small a bird, and its vibrating rattle can with experience be distinguished from that of the larger species. This substitute for a song may be heard at all times, but most frequently when courtship begins early in the year.

Its insect food is similar to that of the great spotted woodpecker. When hunting for wood-boring larvae it chips away at the rotten wood, and the litter at the foot of a tree is often the first indication that insects are attacking upper branches. From autumn to spring it hunts mainly on wood-living insect larvae, frequently from thin dead branches in living trees. Through the breeding season, surface-living insects from the foliage and bark of trees make up an increased amount of the diet. Nestlings are mainly fed with surface-living insects, such as aphids and larval insects. At night it roosts in old holes.

 

27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE SUGARBIRD (Promerops cafer)

The Cape sugarbird, a native to the Fynbos biome of South Africa, presents a striking figure with its grey-brown plumage. Males are particularly notable for their elongated tail feathers and a distinctive yellow patch beneath their tails. They range in size, with males measuring from 34 to 44 centimeters in length, while the more modestly adorned females span 25 to 29 centimeters.

When observing the Cape sugarbird, look for the male's remarkably long tail and the yellow spot under the tail. Females are identified by their shorter tails and bills, and lighter breast coloration. Both sexes can be recognized by the unique frrt-frrt sound produced by their wings in flight, a trait evolved to attract mates.

The Cape sugarbird thrives within the Fynbos, a fire-driven ecosystem dominated by flowering proteas and ericas. It favors areas that have not recently experienced burns and can be found visiting gardens during the summer months.

This species is endemic to the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, where it is widespread throughout the Fynbos region. It is less common in areas that have been recently affected by fire.

The Cape sugarbird exhibits a preference for mature Protea stands during the breeding season, where males establish territories and perform vocal displays to attract females.

The flight of the Cape sugarbird is accompanied by a distinctive frrt-frrt sound, which is part of its courtship behavior.

Winter marks the breeding season for the Cape sugarbird, coinciding with abundant food supplies. Males become territorial and engage in vocal displays within Protea bushes to attract mates.

Specializing in nectar from Proteaceae, the Cape sugarbird uses its long, sharp beak and brush-tipped tongue to feed. While nectar forms the bulk of its diet, it also consumes spiders and insects. Adaptations such as sharp claws help it navigate the strong winds of the Cape while feeding on protea heads.

The Cape sugarbird is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, thanks to its large population and extensive range within its native habitat.

27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF LAKE, SOUTH AFRICA - THREE BANDED PLOVER (Charadrias tricollaris)

The Three-banded Plover, or Charadrius tricollaris, is a small wader, measuring 18 cm in length, with a distinctive elongated profile characterized by its long wings and very long tail. This bird is easily recognized in flight by its white front and the white side of the tail and rump. The adult's upperparts are a medium brown, while the underparts are predominantly white, featuring two black breast bands separated by a white band, which are the hallmark of this species. The head boasts a striking pattern with a black crown and white supercilia extending from the white forehead to meet at the back of the neck. The face is grey, transitioning to brown on the neck, and the orbital ring is a vivid orange-red. The bill is mostly black with a rosy red base.

When identifying the Three-banded Plover, look for the unique combination of the two black breast bands and the white band in between. The long wings and tail are also key features, setting it apart from most other small plovers. The thin white bar above the wings and the dark smudge over the primary coverts below are visible in flight. The Malagasy subspecies can be distinguished by a grey band between the bill and the white forehead, and grey sides of the head.

This species is typically found along inland rivers, pools, lakes, and pans, where it frequents exposed shores.

The Three-banded Plover is resident and generally sedentary across much of East Africa, southern Africa, and Madagascar.

Often seen as solitary individuals, the Three-banded Plover may also gather in small flocks. It hunts primarily by sight, searching for insects, worms, and other invertebrates.

The call of the Three-banded Plover is a sharp, whistled "weeet-weet."

Breeding involves a simple nest, which is a bare scrape on shingle. Egg laying varies by region, occurring from March to June in the tropics, but predominantly from July to October in southern Africa.

The Forbes's Plover is a larger and darker-plumaged species that replaces the Three-banded Plover in West Africa and the moist tropics. The Forbes's Plover can be differentiated by its brown forehead and the absence of a white wingbar.

The diet consists of insects, worms, and other small invertebrates, which the Three-banded Plover hunts by sight.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Three-banded Plover as Least Concern, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

27-3-2018 FERNKLOOF, SOUTH AFRICA - ORANGE BREASTED SUNBIRD (MALE) (Antohobaphes violacea)

The orange-breasted sunbird, Anthobaphes violacea, is a small, nectar-feeding bird endemic to the fynbos biome of southwestern South Africa. It is the sole representative of its genus, Anthobaphes, within the family Nectariniidae. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the male is a vibrant mix of orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, particularly on the head and neck, while the female is dressed in more subdued olive green tones.

Males can be identified by their metallic green head, throat, and mantle, violet upper breast, and bright orange lower breast, which fades into yellow on the belly. Their long, decurved bills are adapted for nectar feeding, with the male's bill being notably longer than the female's. Females and juveniles are less conspicuous, with olive-greenish grey upperparts and paler underparts.

The orange-breasted sunbird is a denizen of the fynbos, a unique heathland habitat. It is particularly associated with ericas and proteas, which provide much of its nectar diet.

This species is confined to the Western Cape of South Africa, where it is a common breeder within its range.

The orange-breasted sunbird is known for its territorial nature, especially during breeding season when males vigorously defend their territories. Outside of breeding, they can be quite gregarious, forming flocks that may number up to a hundred individuals.

The sunbird's call is a distinctive twangy, weak ssharaynk or sskrang, which it often repeats.

Breeding occurs from February to November, peaking in May through August. The female primarily constructs the nest, an oval structure made of rootlets, fine twigs, and grass, bound with spider webs and lined with brown protea fluff. The nest features a side top entrance. Two eggs are typically laid, incubated by the female, and both parents contribute to feeding the chicks with a diet rich in insects and spiders.

While nectar from ericas and proteas forms the bulk of its diet, the orange-breasted sunbird also consumes small insects and spiders, which it sometimes catches in flight.

27-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - AFRICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus maquini)

The African oystercatcher or African black oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini), is a large charismatic wader resident to the mainland coasts and offshore islands of southern Africa. This near-threatened oystercatcher has a population of over 6,000 adults, which breed between November and April. The scientific name moquini commemorates the French naturalist Alfred Moquin-Tandon who discovered and named this species before Bonaparte.

The African oystercatcher is native to the mainland coasts and offshore islands of Southern Africa sometimes occurring as a vagrant in Angola and Mozambique. Its breeding range extends from Lüderitz, Namibia to Mazeppa Bay, Eastern Cape, South Africa. There are estimated to be over 6,000 adult birds in total.

Typically sedentary African oystercatchers rarely leave their territories, which include a nesting site and feeding grounds. These will usually be located on or near rocky shores where they can feed.

26-3-2018 CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - RED WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus morio)

The Red-winged Starling, Onychognathus morio, is a striking bird native to eastern Africa, with a range extending from Ethiopia to South Africa's Cape. This species exhibits sexual dimorphism; the male is predominantly iridescent black with chestnut flight feathers, while the female sports an ash-grey head and upper breast. Juveniles resemble males but have a duller sheen and brown eyes. The Ethiopian subspecies, O. m. rupellii, is characterized by a longer tail and intergrades with the nominate form.

When observing the Red-winged Starling, look for the male's glossy black plumage contrasted by chestnut flight feathers, especially visible in flight. Females can be identified by their streaky grey head plumage. The bird's dark, almost black eyes distinguish it from the similar Pale-winged Starling, which has bright red or orange eyes. The robust structure of the Red-winged Starling is adapted to support its weight while feeding on nectar from sturdy flowers.

This adaptable bird occupies a variety of habitats, including forests, savannahs, grasslands, wetlands, fynbos, farmlands, and urban areas. Its preference for cliffs and mountainous regions for nesting has translated well to the urban environment, where tall buildings mimic its natural nesting sites.

The Red-winged Starling is found along eastern Africa, from Ethiopia down to the Cape, Kwa-Zulu Natal, and Gauteng in South Africa. Its adaptability has allowed it to thrive in both natural and urban settings.

This starling is known for its territorial and aggressive nature during the nesting season, boldly defending its nest against intruders, including humans. Outside of breeding times, it is highly sociable, forming large flocks with its conspecifics.

The Red-winged Starling communicates with a variety of whistled calls, with the most common being a contact call described as "cher-leeeoo."

Nesting on rocky cliffs and outcrops, the Red-winged Starling constructs a grass and twig nest with a mud base on ledges. It typically lays two to four blue, red-brown spotted eggs. The female incubates these for about two weeks, and the chicks fledge in another three to four weeks. This species often produces two broods per season and may be parasitized by the Great Spotted Cuckoo.

The Pale-winged Starling is the most similar species, distinguishable by its whitish primaries edged with orange and its bright eye color.

An omnivorous generalist, the Red-winged Starling feeds on a variety of seeds, berries, nectar, and invertebrates. It also consumes fruit from both wild and cultivated sources and will scavenge carrion and human food scraps. In rural settings, it may perch on large mammals to forage for insects and ectoparasites.

The IUCN lists the Red-winged Starling as Least Concern. While not endangered, it can be considered a nuisance in some areas due to its habit of raiding orchards and aggressive behavior near its nesting sites.

24-3-2018 BOTANICAL GARDENS, CAPE TOWN - TALL SILVER SUGARBUSH (Protea roupelliae ssp roupelliae)

Protea (/ˈproʊtiːə/ is a genus of South African flowering plants, also called sugarbushes (Afrikaans: suikerbos). It is the type genus of the Proteaceae family.

About 92% of the species occur only in the Cape Floristic Region, a narrow belt of mountainous coastal land from Clanwilliam to Grahamstown, South Africa. Most protea species are found south of the Limpopo River. Protea madiensis grows in Afromontane enclaves across tropical Africa, from Guinea to Sudan, Mozambique, and Angola. Protea afra ranges from the Cape region to Uganda and Kenya, including in the chaparral zone of Mount Kenya National Park. The extraordinary richness and diversity of species characteristic of the Cape flora are thought to be caused in part by the diverse landscape, where populations can become isolated from each other and in time develop into separate species.

The family Proteaceae to which Protea species belong is an ancient one among angiosperms. Evidence from pollen fossils suggests Proteaceae ancestors grew in Gondwana, in the Upper Cretaceous, 75–80 million years ago. The Proteaceae are divided into two subfamilies: the Proteoideae, best represented in southern Africa, and the Grevilleoideae, concentrated in Australia and South America and the other smaller segments of Gondwana that are now part of eastern Asia. Africa shares only one genus with Madagascar, whereas South America and Australia share many common genera – this indicates they separated from Africa before they separated from each other.

Proteas usually flower during spring. Protea flowers have large heads made of small florets packed on a woody receptacle, each floret is reddish or pinkish in color and measures between 28.4 and 53.8 millimeters. The carpel in the flower's center is cream colored. The ovary is protected by the receptacle, and thus is not seen when looking at the flower, but the anthers are present at the top of the flower, which can then easily transfer the pollen to the vectors.

Proteas are pollinated by birds, insects, and wind. All the florets open big enough for small and medium beetles to land and feed on their nectar before flying to other heads pollinating them in the process. Some protea flower species, like the king protea flower, are self-pollinating flowers. Other protea species, however, such as P. cordata, P. decurrens, and P. scabra are self-incompatible, and thus rely on cross-pollination for successive seed sets. Some Protea species exhibit both self-pollination and cross-pollination as a method of reproduction. Cross-pollination is preferred, though, as a method of reproduction because it provides genetic diversity in the population. When cultivating proteas, breeders use hand pollination as a controlled method to transfer pollen from one flower to another.

24-3-2018 BOTANICAL GARDENS, CAPE TOWN - CAPE SPURFOWL (Pternistis capensis)

The Cape spurfowl, or Cape francolin, is a robust gamebird of the pheasant family, Phasianidae, and is the largest francolin native to southern Africa. It is a bird that, from afar, appears uniformly dark save for its striking red legs. Upon closer inspection, one can appreciate its finely vermiculated grey and white plumage, with a plainer crown and nape. The male is distinguishable by his two leg spurs, while the female may have a single, shorter spur.

Adult Cape spurfowls measure between 40–42 cm in length. Males are heftier, weighing in at 600–915 grams, while females are lighter at 435–659 grams. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller leg coloration and more pronounced vermiculations. The species is unlikely to be confused with others within its range due to its size and distinctive leg coloration.

This species thrives in the strandveld, renosterveld, and fynbos regions of the Western Cape, favoring areas near water. It is also found in the succulent karoo and along riverbanks in the Nama karoo.

Endemic to southern Africa, the Cape spurfowl is predominantly found in the Western Cape province of South Africa and extends locally northward to southern Namibia. It has been introduced to Robben Island, where it enjoys a parasite-free environment.

The Cape spurfowl is a ground-dwelling bird that prefers scrubby open areas. It is most vocal during the breeding season in spring and early summer. When disturbed, it tends to run rather than fly, though it is capable of strong flight from a young age. This species can become quite tame in areas with limited disturbance, often feeding in gardens or alongside farmyard chickens.

The call of the Cape spurfowl is a distinctive and loud "cackalac-cackalac-cackalac," particularly resonant during the breeding season.

Breeding occurs in spring and early summer. The nest is a simple grass-lined scrape under a bush, where typically six to eight eggs are laid. Occasionally, two females may share a nest.

The Cape spurfowl's closest relative is the Natal spurfowl, which shares a similar vermiculated plumage but is distinguishable by range and specific markings.

This adaptable bird forages in a variety of altered habitats, including parks, croplands, orchards, vineyards, and areas with invasive rooikrans.

The Cape spurfowl is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not currently threatened. Its adaptability to altered environments has likely contributed to its stable status.

26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE GULL (JUVENILE) (larus dominicanus ssp vetula)

The Cape gull differs from other forms of kelp gulls by its darker iris and larger body and bill size. The Southern African population is estimated to include 11,000 breeding pairs, and is expanding.

The kelp gull is referred to as the Cape gull in South Africa. There is currently a movement to have the gull that lives on the South African shoreline renamed to Cape gull, as it is so similar to the kelp gull, but they are not identical species.

The Cape gull is largely sedentary, and large colonies tend to stick to a favoured beach or coastal area. They frequently converge at popular feeding sites, and have been known to attack prey en masse.

This black and white gull is a common visitor to the beaches of the country. Its back and the tops of its wings are black; while the belly, head and tail are white. There are also white tips on the wings, called mirrors. The legs are a green-tinged yellow, which goes a brighter hue of yellow during the breeding season; and the bill is yellow with a vivid red spot on the underside.

Juveniles have a mottled-grey plumage, duller colouring on their legs, and a black bill. They take about three years to mature. The Cape gull has a shorter bill and a more angular head, and is differentiated by its pristine white tail and its dark-coloured eye.

Size

Range mass: 0.6 – 1.3kg

Range length: 54 – 65cm

Range wingspan: 128 – 142cm.

Gulls are, in general, flexible diners; happy to take whatever is available. Naturally, they tend to favour fish, worms, molluscs, smaller birds, and even small mammals and vermin. They have been seen picking up shellfish, soaring up, and dropping them from a dizzying height to break the exoskeleton.

They will prey on young and sick animals (including beached whales and dolphins, or even cattle), or those small enough to grasp and kill. They are often seen eating fast-food and rubbish that has been left behind by bathers on the beaches. They are omnivores, so they will also eat berries and fruit, where available.

Cape gulls live along the coastline of various countries and islands in the Southern Hemisphere, as well as in harbours, bays and estuaries. There are rarely found more than a few kilometres away from the sea.

In southern Africa, Cape or kelp gulls can be found in particularly large colonies between Cape Cross (western Namibia), through to the Great Fish River in the Eastern Cape. There are also non-breeding birds in Angola, Mozambique and Luanda.

The Cape gull is largely sedentary, and large colonies tend to stick to a favoured beach or coastal area. They frequently converge at popular feeding sites, and have been known to attack prey en masse. This is the case when they peck out the eyes of seal pups and then attack the blinded pups in a group, leaving little chance of escape. Breeding colonies are made up of hundreds of pairs, and are gregarious and social all year around.

This gull variety uses a grating, harsh “ki-och” to communicate with others of its kind.

The kelp gull's breeding season is between September and January, when it will pair with its lifelong partner and lay between two and three eggs in it shallow nest. The nest is a simple large hollow in the ground or on the rocks, which has been lined with feathers and leaves to keep it warm and comfortable for the chicks. Both of the parents incubate the eggs and, once the chicks hatch, they are both responsible for feeding them.

At about seven weeks old, the chicks are ready to fledge. They will reach sexual maturity at between three and four years of age.

Incubation

24 to 30 days.

Life Expectancy

Up to 20 years.

26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis ssp capensis)

The Cape wagtail, or Wells's wagtail, is a modestly adorned bird with a relatively short tail. Its upperparts are an unassuming olive grey, while the face is similarly hued, accented by a tan supercilium and dark lores. The underparts are a soft creamy white, occasionally showing a subtle pinkish tinge on the lower breast and belly. A dusky breast band is present, and the flanks share the olive-grey of the breast. The wings are a brownish black with pale feather edging, and the tail is predominantly blackish, save for the white outer feathers. Juveniles resemble adults but are a touch browner above and have a more yellowish hue below.

Look for the iconic black triangle on the chest, a key feature for identification. There is no sexual dimorphism in plumage, so males and females appear alike.

The Cape wagtail is a versatile species, inhabiting areas near water such as riverbanks, as well as rocky coastlines, farms, villages, cultivated lands, parks, gardens, and urban centres. In East Africa, it is typically found at altitudes above 2,000 meters.

This bird is widespread in eastern and southern Africa, ranging from Uganda and Kenya, through Zambia and Angola, and down to the Western Cape and the Cape of Good Hope.

The species is mostly resident and territorial, but some may migrate altitudinally or form flocks outside the breeding season.

Cape wagtails are monogamous and may remain with their breeding partner across multiple seasons. They are solitary nesters, constructing nests in a variety of natural and artificial recesses. Breeding can occur year-round, with a peak from mid-winter to early summer. Clutches typically consist of one to five eggs, incubated by both parents for about two weeks. Chicks are fed by both parents and fledge in about two to three weeks, with full independence reached approximately one to two months post-fledging.

The Cape wagtail's diet consists mainly of invertebrates, which it hunts on the ground or in shallow water. It is known to feed on a variety of prey, including insects, fiddler crabs, sandhoppers, snails, ticks, tadpoles, small fish, and even small chameleons. It is also known to consume carrion and occasionally human food.

The Cape wagtail is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating that it is not currently at significant risk of widespread decline.

26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN FISCAL SHRIKE (lanius collaris)

The Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris), is a striking bird of the shrike family, prevalent throughout much of southern Africa. It is colloquially referred to as the 'jackie hangman' or 'butcher bird', a nod to its unique habit of impaling its prey on acacia thorns, a larder for future feasting. This bird was once considered conspecific with the Northern Fiscal, Lanius humeralis, under the collective title of the Common Fiscal.

Adult Southern Fiscals measure between 21 to 23 centimeters in length. They exhibit a bold dichromatic plumage with crisp white underparts contrasting sharply against their sleek black upperparts. A distinctive white "V" marks their back, and their long black tail is adorned with white outer feathers and white tips. Both sexes possess a black bill, eyes, and legs, with the female distinguished by her rufous lower flanks.

The Southern Fiscal is an adaptable species, inhabiting a variety of environments from grasslands adorned with fences suitable for perching, to acacia thornveld and even woodlands. It tends to avoid overly dense areas that would hinder its hunting prowess.

This bird's range extends across southern and eastern parts of the African continent, including parts of Angola, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique, Zambia, Botswana, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

A solitary hunter, the Southern Fiscal typically perches in exposed locations or atop shrubs, from where it preys on insects and small rodents. Its territorial range is influenced by the availability of perching sites, with an increase in artificial perches leading to a reduction in territory size. The bird's hunting strategies and physiology adapt to seasonal variations, with changes in body temperature, metabolic rate, and hunting methods observed in response to different environmental conditions.

The Southern Fiscal's vocal repertoire includes a mix of shrike-like sounds, ranging from harsh alarm calls to more melodious songs. While its song may sound sweet, it is generally used for territorial defense or pair bonding.

The Southern Fiscal's diet consists primarily of insects and small rodents. It has been noted as a significant predator of the plain tiger butterfly in eastern Africa. Seasonal changes influence its foraging behavior, with the bird adjusting its hunting times, attack rates, and prey size in response to the availability of food.

26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN AMETHYST SUNBIRD (FEMALE) (Chalcomitra amethystina ssp. amethystina)

The amethyst sunbird, also called the black sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina), is a species of passerine bird in the family Nectariniidae. It is native to the Afrotropics, mostly south of the equator. They are commonly found in well-watered habitats, and undertake seasonal movements to visit flowering woodlands. The demise of some woodlands have impacted their numbers locally, but their range has also expanded along with the spread of wooded gardens.

Though mostly found singly or in pairs, larger numbers may concentrate at favourite flowering trees, where they act aggressively towards other sunbird species. The complex song is a loud, sustained twittering. Food includes emergent termites, spiders and nectar. In courtship a male will hop about a branch near a female, drop one wing, then the other, and finally both wings. The wings will then be fluttered and displayed. A responsive female may lower her head, and assume a rigid posture.

Breeding pairs of amethyst sunbird are widely spaced, and the female builds the nest. Favoured trees include exotic eucalypts and pines, and are often close to buildings or human activity. Nests are attached to a drooping branch, below the canopy, or hidden by foliage. Nests are built from fine grass stems, which are bound together with cobwebs. The nest is often decorated with lichens, or other debris. Two speckled eggs are laid, but successive clutches may be raised from the same nest in a single season. Nests are parasitized by green-backed honeybird and Klaas's cuckoo.

25-3-2018 CENTRAL PARK, CAPE TOWN - AFRICAN MONARCH BUTTERFLY (Danaus chrysippus ssp orientis)

26-3-2018 HERMANUS, SOUTH AFRICA - KELP GULL (Larus dominicanus)

https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/4388-Larus-dominicanus

 

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE TOWN - ZEBRA FINCH (Taeniopygia guttata)

The zebra finch is a small songbird from Australia known for its cheerful and social nature. Zebra finch care is not difficult, even for a beginner, making the birds popular as pets. They're relatively hardy birds, able to tolerate changes in their environment.

The zebra finch bird is soft gray, with red eyes, "tear drop" markings (small black lines running straight down under each eye), and bright orange legs and beak. The male zebra finch has a deeper reddish-orange beak, while the female's beak tends to have a lighter orange color.

The male zebra finch has black "mustache" markings, which are thin black lines running along both sides of their beak. The area between the mustache and tear-drop markings is usually white. On the outside of the tear-drop markings, the typical male finch sports rusty-orange cheeks. They have a "bib" of tiny black stripes from their beak down to their chest. Their tail has bolder black and white stripes. On their sides, they have chestnut-brown feathers with white spots.

Female zebra finches are almost entirely gray and don't sing like the males. When they're young, all zebra finches look like females, except their beaks are black instead of orange. Their adult colors appear when they're around 2 to 3 months old. Both males and females are quite small even as adults, reaching a length of about 4 inches and weighing less than a half-ounce on average.

Zebra finches are diurnal, so they're active during the day and sleep at night. In the wild, they live together in flocks of about 100 birds. During breeding, the large flock splits into groups of around 50 finches. The birds in this smaller group will allow each other to visit their nesting site but will drive away birds from other groups. They know each member by their song, which is unique to each individual male.

As they grow up, male zebra finches listen to the songs of the birds around them. They use bits of music from their relatives and other sounds they hear in the environment to create a complex song of their own. The males use songs along with a courtship dance to woo the females. Zebra finches are monogamous — they'll only mate with one partner and bond for life with their chosen mate.

25-3-2018 TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE TOWN - BLACK LEGGED NEPHILA (Nephila fenestrata)

Trichonephilia fenestrata is a species of nephilid spider known from Africa. It was first described by Tamerlan Thorell in 1859 as Nephila fenestrata, and was later moved to Trichonephila when it was elevated to genus status by Kuntner in 2019. Three subspecies are known from different parts of Africa. Males of this species often autotomize their legs as a counter-adaptation to the sexual cannibalism of females.

The female, with a body length of 20-30mm, is almost entirely black and the first, second and fourth pairs of legs have a brush of bristles on the tibia. The third pair of legs is the shortest with no brush. The abdomen is elongated (long oval) and is cream to yellow with the caudal section (towards the tail end) black or blue with speckles infusing forward into the yellow. There is a huge variation of abdominal patterns with the amount of black or blue on the abdomen. The key feature to identify this species is the black legs and window pattern ventrally.

Nephila fenestrata, the Black-legged nephila, occurs over most of South Africa, excluding the arid central and western regions, and is the only species of Nephila to occur in the Western Cape. Since 2002 this species has crossed over the Hottentots Holland mountain range and is now the most commonly seen orb-web spider on the Cape Peninsula. It can be seen from January till the end of June or even to the end of August, usually in forested areas or near areas with trees allowing for suspension of their large orb-webs. In Kirstenbosch and Newlands Forest one can easily see 30 or more of these spiders on a walk.

23-3-2018 BOULDER BAY, CAPE TOWN - AFRICAN PENGUIN (Spheniscus demersus)

The African penguin (Spheniscus demersus) is a species of penguin that lives in southern African waters. Like all extant penguins, it is flightless and adapted for a marine habitat. Once extremely numerous, the African penguin is declining rapidly due to a combination of several threats and is classified as endangered. It is a charismatic species and is popular with tourists.

The African penguin is a small to medium-sized penguin with black-and-white plumage, serving the animal as a perfect camouflage to protect it from predators. Due to the black feathers on their back, they merge with the environment, remaining unseen to those looking down from above. Meanwhile, the white coloration on the front part of their body allows them to be unspotted by aquatic predators, looking up from below. The penguins have a horseshoe-shaped, white-colored stripe on their face, stretching from around their eyes to their chest as well on the chin, towards the bill. Young penguins possess gray-blue feathers, which darken as they grow up.

African penguins are found along the coast of South Africa and Namibia. They do not migrate and live in colonies on 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay, near Port Elizabeth, South Africa. African penguins spend most of their lives at sea and come ashore to breed and molt.

African penguins are both diurnal and crepuscular. By day, the birds hide in their burrows, escaping the sun. At twilight and dawn, they come out to forage. African penguins are highly social animals. Grooming is a common activity in these animals. They groom each other in order to clean the plumage, rearrange the feathers and take off parasites. In addition, grooming reinforces the social bond between a pair. During their courtship rituals, the birds are extremely noisy, emitting loud calls, which are quite similar to these of donkeys. In order to clean and cool themselves, they frequently take baths, making their bathing spots at a distance of just a few meters from the seashore.

These birds are monogamous, mating once in a lifetime. They can use the same breeding sites for many years. African penguins breed all year round with the peak period, occurring in February. Usually, the female digs a burrow or simply uses a hollow under a rock or bush, where she lays 2 eggs, after which both the male and the female incubate the eggs for up to 40 days. During the first month after hatching out, the chicks are fed and cared by both parents. Then they join crèches or groups of other chicks, where they find protection from predators. The chicks stay with their parents, until the age of 3-5 months, after which they leave the colony and start living independently. Male penguins become reproductively mature at 5 years old while females start to breed when they are 4 years old.

Commercial fishing negatively affects the population of the species, reducing prey items and leading to food shortages. Meanwhile, the African penguins compete with Cape Fur Seals for breeding areas as well as prey items. On the other hand, the penguins are threatened by their natural predators. For example, they are prey species for seals, while their eggs and chicks are a source of food for other predators in the area. In addition, these birds currently suffer from oil pollution.

The African penguin, known scientifically as Spheniscus demersus and colloquially as the Cape penguin or South African penguin, is a flightless bird distinguished by its streamlined body and flippers adapted for life in the water. Adults typically weigh between 2.2 and 3.5 kilograms and stand 60 to 70 centimeters tall. Notable for the pink patches of skin above their eyes and a stark black facial mask, their upper parts are a contrasting black against the white underparts, which are adorned with spots and a distinctive black band.

To identify the African penguin, look for the unique pink gland above their eyes, which becomes more vibrant as they regulate their temperature. Their black and white plumage is a classic example of countershading, providing camouflage from predators. Each penguin has a unique pattern of black spots on the chest, akin to human fingerprints. Males are generally larger with longer beaks than females.

These penguins are found along the coastlines of southern Africa, with colonies established on various islands and some mainland sites. They prefer nesting in burrows or under vegetation to protect against predators and the hot sun.

The African penguin is endemic to the southwestern coast of Africa, breeding on 24 islands between Namibia and Algoa Bay, South Africa. Notably, they have also established colonies on the mainland near Cape Town.

African penguins are monogamous and known for their loud, donkey-like calls. They are pursuit divers, hunting for fish and squid, and can travel up to 20 kilometers from shore. They are social birds, breeding in colonies and often forming crèches for their young.

The African penguin's vocalizations are varied and serve multiple functions, from mate recognition to territorial defense. Their most famous call is a loud braying, which has earned them the nickname "jackass penguin."

Breeding occurs throughout the year, with peaks varying by location. Nests are made in burrows or under cover to protect from the heat. Two eggs are laid, and both parents share incubation duties. Chicks join crèches after about a month, and parents continue to forage at sea to feed them.

The African penguin is similar in appearance to the Humboldt, Magellanic, and Galápagos penguins, with which it shares the genus Spheniscus. However, it can be distinguished by its unique chest markings and the single black band across the chest.

Their diet consists mainly of pelagic fish like sardines and anchovies, as well as squid and small crustaceans. They are known to consume up to 540 grams of prey daily, which can increase when feeding older chicks.

The African penguin is classified as Endangered, with a rapid decline in population due to several threats, including oil spills, historical exploitation for their eggs, competition with fisheries, and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts are underway, including habitat protection, pollution mitigation, and captive breeding programs.