17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - BLUE CHEEKED BEE-EATER (Merops persicus)

The blue-cheeked bee-eater, Merops persicus, is a near passerine bird belonging to the bee-eater family, Meropidae. This slender and richly coloured species is predominantly green, with distinctive blue cheeks framed by a black eye stripe. A yellow and brown throat complements its striking face, and a black beak punctuates its elegant profile. Adults can reach a length of 31 cm (12 inches), with elongated central tail feathers adding an extra 7 cm (2.8 inches). Both sexes are similar in appearance, though females have slightly shorter tail streamers.

When identifying the blue-cheeked bee-eater, look for its vibrant green plumage and the characteristic blue on the sides of its face. The black eye stripe and contrasting yellow and brown throat are also key features. In flight, observe for the long central tail feathers that trail behind.

This bird favors sub-tropical semi-desert regions dotted with sparse trees, such as acacias, for breeding. During the winter, it can be found in open woodlands or grasslands.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater breeds across Northern Africa and the Middle East, from eastern Turkey to Kazakhstan and India. It is a highly migratory species, wintering in tropical Africa, with some populations residing year-round in the Sahel. Occasionally, this bird appears as a rare vagrant north of its usual range, particularly in Italy and Greece.

This species may choose to nest solitarily or in small, loose colonies of up to ten individuals. It is also known to share colonies with European bee-eaters. The blue-cheeked bee-eater excavates long tunnels in sandy banks or embankments to lay its eggs, which range from four to eight in number, typically six or seven. Both parents tend to the eggs, with the female incubating them at night. The incubation period lasts between 23 to 26 days.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater's call is distinctive, sounding 'flatter' and less 'fluty' than that of the European bee-eater.

Nesting sites are often located in sandy banks, embankments, or low cliffs, and occasionally on the shores of the Caspian Sea. The nests consist of tunnels ranging from 1 to 3 meters in length.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater is closely related to the blue-tailed bee-eater, M. philippinus of East Asia, and the olive bee-eater of Africa, with which it has been considered conspecific in the past.

While bee-eaters are known to feed on flying insects, particularly bees, wasps, and hornets, the blue-cheeked bee-eater shows a preference for dragonflies. It typically hunts from an open perch, often using telephone wires when available.

The blue-cheeked bee-eater is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that it is not at immediate risk of population decline.

16-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - YELLOW BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis)

The Yellow-billed Stork, Mycteria ibis, is a striking wader of the African continent. This medium-sized stork, with a height ranging from 90 to 105 cm, is adorned with a predominantly white plumage contrasted by a short black tail with a green and purple sheen. Its namesake yellow bill is slightly curved at the end, distinguishing it from other storks.

During the breeding season, the Yellow-billed Stork's plumage is tinged pink on the upperwings and back, and its legs turn a vivid pink. The male is generally larger with a longer bill compared to the female. Juveniles can be identified by their greyish-brown coloration, dull yellowish bill, and brown legs.

This species favors wetlands, shallow lakes, and mudflats, typically in water depths of 10-40 cm, avoiding heavily forested areas and deep waters unsuitable for their feeding techniques.

The Yellow-billed Stork is found across Eastern Africa, from Senegal and Somalia to South Africa, and in parts of Madagascar. It exhibits local migratory movements influenced by rainfall patterns.

These storks are known for their high-stepped stalking gait and impressive flight aerobatics. They are generally non-vocal but may emit hissing screams during social displays in the breeding season.

The species is mostly silent, but during the breeding season, it engages in bill clattering and a distinctive "woofing" wing beat. Nestlings produce a loud, monotonous braying call to solicit food from adults.

Breeding is triggered by heavy rainfall and subsequent flooding, which increases prey availability. Courtship involves a series of displays and rituals leading to pair formation. Both parents share incubation duties, and hatching is asynchronous, leading to size disparities among chicks.

The Yellow-billed Stork can be confused with other storks, but its yellow bill and breeding plumage are distinctive.

The diet consists mainly of small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic organisms. They feed by touch, using a snap-bill reflex to capture prey and a foot-stirring technique to flush out hidden prey.

The Yellow-billed Stork is classified as Least Concern due to its large range and population size, despite local threats such as habitat reduction and poaching.

This bird has been featured on postage stamps in various African countries, highlighting its cultural significance.

Despite a decreasing population trend, the Yellow-billed Stork is not considered vulnerable due to its large population and extensive range.

1-4-2018 BIRDS OF EDEN, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHERN KNYSNA TURACO (Tauraco corythaix ssp corythaix)

The Knysna turaco (Tauraco corythaix), or, in South Africa, Knysna loerie, is a large turaco, one of a group of African musophagidae birds. It is a resident breeder in the mature evergreen forests of southern and eastern South Africa, and Eswatini. It was formerly sometimes considered to be a subspecies of the green turaco of West Africa. The Livingstone's and Schalow's turacos were once considered subspecies.

This species lays two eggs in a shallow platform nest made from sticks and placed in a tree or clump of creepers.

Within its range, this is an unmistakable bird, although often inconspicuous in the treetops. It is 40–42 cm long, including a long tail. The small but thick orange-red bill and a white line just under the eye contrast with the mainly green plumage. It has a tall green crest, which is tipped with white. The eye is brown and the eye-ring deep red. In flight, Knysna turaco shows conspicuous crimson primary flight feathers. Sexes are similar, but juvenile birds have a shorter crest without the white tips.

The Knysna turaco is usually seen flying between forest trees, or hopping along branches. It feeds on fruit, insects and earthworms. It has a loud kow-kow-kow-kow call.

This bird family is known as Loeries in South Africa, but the international name is Turaco. Turacos (the 10 species of the Tauraco and the 2 of the Musophaga) are the only birds to possess true red and green colour. The color human eyes see in most birds’ plumage is a reflection produced by the feather structure.

The turaco's red pigment (turacin) and green pigment (turacoverdin) both contain copper. In fact, a glass of water, if stirred with a red turaco feather, will turn pink. [citation needed] In museum species, the pigments deepen with age because the copper begins to oxidize. [citation needed] These birds maintain their colours throughout the year. The Knysna Loerie is thought to use its red wing feathers to escape predators. Indeed, when it flies, the predators tend to focus on the most visible colour and follow the red patch. As the Loerie lands and folds its wings, the red feathers of the wings become invisible and the Loerie has a chance of escaping unseen. 

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - BLACK COLLARED BARBET ( Lybius corquatus)

The Black-collared Barbet, Lybius torquatus, is a plump and vividly marked bird, native to the diverse landscapes of sub-Saharan Africa. It is easily recognized by its robust size, typically ranging from 20 to 25 centimeters in length, and its large head adorned with a heavy, bristle-fringed bill characteristic of its genus. The species is named for its striking black collar and head, which contrast with the fiery red plumage surrounding its eyes and beak. Notably, the Black-collared Barbet exhibits morphological variability, with some individuals replacing the red head with a black one. Despite this variation, the species is sexually monomorphic, showing no discernible difference between males and females in either morphology or behavior.

When identifying the Black-collared Barbet, look for the distinctive black collar and head, as well as the intense red coloration around the eyes and beak. The bird's larger size sets it apart from other barbets. Its plumage may vary, with some individuals displaying a black head instead of the typical red. Both sexes appear identical, making sex differentiation in the field a challenge.

The Black-collared Barbet thrives in a variety of habitats across sub-Saharan Africa, including woodlands and savannas, where it can be found inspecting trees and utilizing nest holes for roosting.

This species has a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, from Angola to Kenya, and southward to South Africa, encompassing countries such as Botswana, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Black-collared Barbet is a gregarious bird, often seen acting in unison with others of its kind to repel intruders. They are known to roost together in groups, sometimes numbering up to 15 individuals in a single nest hole. Their flight is characterized by a direct path and a loud whirring of wings.

The vocal repertoire of the Black-collared Barbet is dominated by its antiphonal duets, often described as "too-puddly" or "too-doodle" calls. These duets are synchronized, with one bird singing a note followed by its partner, creating a seamless auditory experience. The birds engage in a greeting ceremony that includes wing-flicking and bowing to each other. In addition to its duets, the barbet produces a variety of calls, including a snarling warning and a loud buzzing.

The breeding season for the Black-collared Barbet occurs from December to February, during which time they may engage in more elaborate wing and flight displays as part of their mating rituals.

The diet of the Black-collared Barbet is predominantly frugivorous, with a preference for a variety of fruits and vegetables. They are known to visit plantations in search of food, consuming fruits whole and later regurgitating the seeds. Although less frequently, they may also feed on insects, centipedes, lizards, frogs, and geckos.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - DICKINSON'S KESTREL (Falco dickinsonii)

The Dickinson's kestrel, or Falco dickinsoni, is a bird of prey from the falcon family Falconidae, named in honor of John Dickinson, an English physician and missionary. This species, also known as the white-rumped kestrel, is a relatively small and robust kestrel with a distinctive large, square head. Adults measure between 27 to 30 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 61 to 68 centimeters, and weigh from 167 to 246 grams. The females are marginally larger and heavier than the males. Their plumage is predominantly dark grey, with a paler head and rump. The tail features grey with narrow black bars and a broad subterminal band, while the underside of the flight feathers are barred. The cere and feet are a striking yellow, with bare yellow skin encircling the eye. The bill is dark grey, and the eyes are a deep brown. Juvenile birds present a grey-brown coloration with barred flanks, lacking the paler head and rump of adults, and have a greenish cere and eye-ring.

When identifying Dickinson's kestrel, look for the pale head and rump contrasting with the darker grey body. The yellow cere and feet, as well as the yellow skin around the eye, are key features. In flight, observe the barred underside of the wings and the broad subterminal band on the tail.

This kestrel favors savanna and open woodland habitats, particularly those that are swampy and near water. It has a strong association with miombo woodland and is often seen around palm trees, such as Hyphaene and Borassus species, as well as baobab trees. It can also be found in coconut plantations in certain regions.

The Dickinson's kestrel's range extends across much of Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, with its presence also noted in northeastern South Africa, northern Botswana, northeast Namibia, eastern Angola, southern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and parts of Tanzania. It is an occasional visitor to Kenya, with a total range of about 3.4 million square kilometers.

This kestrel typically hunts from a perch rather than by hovering. It preys on large insects like grasshoppers, as well as lizards, amphibians, and occasionally birds, bats, rodents, and snakes. It is known to be attracted to grass fires, seizing the opportunity to capture insects and other prey in flight.

The Dickinson's kestrel is usually silent but emits a high-pitched alarm and contact call. At the nest, a soft, mewing call is used to attract the young for feeding.

The breeding season varies by region, occurring from July to October in Tanzania and from September to December further south. The nest is a simple scrape, often located in the crown of a dead palm or in a baobab hole, and sometimes in an old Hamerkop nest. It is placed 2 to 18 meters above the ground. The female lays one to four cream-colored eggs with reddish-brown markings and incubates them for at least 30 days. The fledging period for the young is approximately 33 to 35 days.

The diet of Dickinson's kestrel is predominantly composed of large insects, with grasshoppers being a staple. It also consumes a variety of other prey including lizards, amphibians, and occasionally birds, bats, rodents, and snakes.

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - BROWN SNAKE EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus)

The Brown Snake Eagle, with its scientific name Circaetus cinereus, is a robust bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family. It is characterized by its predominantly dark brown plumage, which may exhibit a purplish sheen under certain lighting conditions. The wings are similarly colored, save for the contrasting whitish-grey unmarked flight feathers. A relatively short tail displays brown and grayish cream bars, visible during flight.

This medium-sized eagle is distinguished by its large head and bare legs, setting it apart from other brownish eagles in Africa. Juveniles resemble adults but may show sparse white feather bases, with southern individuals displaying more pronounced white speckling. The species can be confused with a juvenile Bateleur in poor light, but the Bateleur has more varied coloration, brown eyes, a shorter tail, and shorter legs.

The Brown Snake Eagle inhabits open woods and wooded savanna, often favoring areas with gulleys or wooded hillocks that interrupt flat terrain. It shows a preference for more densely wooded areas compared to related snake eagles and can be found from sea level up to elevations of 2,000 meters.

Widely distributed across Africa, this species is found from southeastern Mauritania and Senegal to Guinea, Sierra Leone, and across to southern Chad, Sudan, South Sudan, and into southern Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, and the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its range extends down through southern Africa to parts of Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and northeastern and eastern South Africa.

The Brown Snake Eagle is a solitary bird, with breeding pairs rarely seen together. It exhibits territorial display flights, which can escalate to erratic butterfly-like movements and, in intense situations, talon interlocking and cartwheeling. This species is not migratory but may exhibit nomadic tendencies.

Its vocalizations include a hoarse, guttural "hok-hok-hok-hok," often used in territorial displays, and a softer "kwee-oo" likely serving as a contact call at the nest.

Breeding occurs from November to July in the northern part of its range and mainly from December to July in Zimbabwe and February to October in Kenya. Nests are relatively small and placed in flat-topped trees or on electric pylons. A single egg is laid and incubated primarily by the female for about 50 days. The juvenile remains in the nest for 60-100 days before fledging.

The Brown Snake Eagle may be confused with the juvenile Bateleur or other medium-sized brown eagles, but its large head, bare legs, and specific tail barring help differentiate it.

This eagle preys predominantly on snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, using its thick-skinned legs as protection against bites. It hunts from perches or hillocks, often decapitating large snakes before bringing them to the nest. Alternate prey includes monitor lizards, toads, francolins, guineafowl, chickens, rats, and possibly other mammals.

The Brown Snake Eagle is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, with a broad range and a presence over 23.3 thousand square kilometers. Although it may be naturally scarce and potentially declining, it does not currently require immediate conservation attention.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - ZAMBESI CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii ssp. nobilis)

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - MONARD'S DROPWING DRAGONFLY (MALE) (Trithemis monardi)

Trithemis monardi is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is found in Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, subtropical or tropical moist shrubland, rivers, swamps, freshwater marshes, and intermittent freshwater marshes.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - RED BILLED SPURFOWL (Pternistis adspersus)

The Red-billed Spurfowl, or Pternistis adspersus, presents a striking figure with its barred underparts and a distinctive yellow eye-ring. This bird, also known as the Red-billed Francolin, is a member of the Phasianidae family. Exhibiting sexual dimorphism, the males are notably larger, reaching lengths of 38 cm and weights between 340-635 grams, while the females are slightly smaller at 33 cm in length and weighing 340-549 grams.

When observing the Red-billed Spurfowl, look for the characteristic barred pattern on the underparts, which sets it apart from similar species such as the Natal Spurfowl. The yellow eye-ring is a conspicuous feature to aid identification. Males are larger than females, which can be a helpful distinction in the field.

The Red-billed Spurfowl is native to Southern Africa, where it frequents a variety of habitats.

This species is widely distributed across Southern Africa, with its range encompassing Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The Red-billed Spurfowl is known for its terrestrial habits, often seen foraging on the ground.

The Natal Spurfowl is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by the lack of barred underparts which are present in the Red-billed Spurfowl.

The IUCN Red List has classified the Red-billed Spurfowl as Least Concern, indicating that the species does not currently face a significant risk of extinction.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SPOTTED JOKER (Byblia ilithyia)

Byblia anvatara, the common joker, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Wingspan: 38–43 mm in males and 40–45 mm in females. Its flight period is year round.

Larvae feed on Tragia glabrata and Dalechampia capensis.

Subspecies

Listed alphabetically:

B. a. acheloia (Wallengren, 1857) – Yemen, south-western Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, eastern Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, northern Namibia, Eswatini, South Africa: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape

B. a. anvatara (Boisduval, 1833) – Madagascar, Comoros

B. a. boydi Dixey, 1898 – Socotra

B. a. crameri Aurivillius, 1894 – eastern Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria: south and the Cross River loop, Cameroon to Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania: north-west to the Kagera Region

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - WAVE MOTH (Genus Problepsis)

Problepsis is a genus of moths in the family Geometridae.

Palpi thick scaled and reaching just beyond the frons. Hindleg of male small, tibia dilated with a fold containing a tuft of long hair, where the first joint of tarsus dilated and large. Forewings with vein 3 from, or from before angle of cell. Vein 5 from somewhat above middle of discocellulars. Veins 7, 8, 9 and 10 stalked from before upper angle, and vein 11 anastomosing (fusing) slightly with them to form the areole. Hindwings from, or from before, angle of cell. Vein 5 from somewhat above middle of discocellulars and vein 6 from before upper angle.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN GREEN PIGEON (Treron calvus)

The African green pigeon, Treron calvus, is a charming bird with a predominantly grayish-green to yellowish-green plumage. Adults boast distinctive maroon patches atop their wings, while juveniles display a more olive hue. Their thighs are a striking yellow, and they have red feet and bills, the latter tipped with white, adding a dash of contrast to their colorful appearance.

To identify the African green pigeon, look for its greenish plumage which blends seamlessly with the foliage. The maroon wing patches in adults are a key feature, along with their yellow thighs. The red bill with a white tip is also distinctive. Juveniles may be recognized by their more olive-toned feathers.

These pigeons are arboreal, favoring the canopies of riparian forests, woodlands, and savannas. They are particularly associated with fruiting trees, such as various wild fig species and the ornamental Chinese banyan, which provide their primary food source.

The African green pigeon has a wide range across Sub-Saharan Africa, with around 17 accepted races. Their distribution spans from Angola to South Africa and includes many countries in between, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and Tanzania.

These pigeons exhibit parrot-like climbing abilities, allowing them to deftly maneuver through tree canopies in search of fruit. While they primarily forage above ground, they may occasionally descend to the ground. Their diet includes fruits from trees like the Saffron, Jacket plum, Buffalo thorn, Water berry, and Jackalberry, and they may also consume exotic fruits like Loquats and Mulberries or even carrion on rare occasions.

The call of the African green pigeon is a melodious series of flowing whistles, which can be phonetically rendered as 'thweeeloo, thweeeoo,' adding a musical backdrop to their habitat.

Breeding can occur at any time of the year, though it is most common in the summer months. Nests are constructed in tree forks, providing a good view of the surroundings. The male collects sticks while the female arranges them into a rather flimsy platform. Typically, 1-2 eggs are laid, hatching after 13-14 days, with chicks fledging at about 12 days of age.

Diet and FeedingThe African green pigeon's diet consists mainly of fruits from various indigenous and exotic trees. They have adapted to a life in the trees, rarely needing to forage on the ground.

The IUCN Red List currently classifies the African green pigeon as Least Concern, indicating that, at present, the species does not face any significant threats that would warrant concern for its overall population.

21-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SUNDOWNER MOTH (Sphingomorphia chlorea)

Sphingomorpha chlorea, the sundowner moth, is a species of moth in the family Erebidae that is native to Africa and southern Asia. The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1777. It is a fruit-piercing moth and a notorious pest in orchards. The fruit is pierced while performing a vertical and rhythmic movement of the head.

The adults are attracted to fermented fruit and alcoholic drinks. Its larval food plants include Acacia karoo, Thespesia garckeana, Newtonia buchananii, Sclerocarya birrea, Acacia xanthophloea, Acacia hirtella, Sclerocarya afra, Burkea africana, Acacia tortilis, Citrus, Malus pumila, Pisum sativum, Thespesia.

Its wingspan is about 60–84 mm. Head ochreous white, the basal joint of palpi dark brown. Thorax dark brown above with a broad ochreous-white stripe on vertex. Abdomen dark brown above, with a series of dorsal ochreous-white spots. Forewings reddish-brown with dark stria. There is a pale patch at base of inner margin and an indistinct antemedial angulate line. An irregularly waved medial line with pale outer edge and sometimes tinged with purple and rufous. Some vinous patches beyond it. Reniform is a narrow lunule with a vinous dash beyond it. There is a crenulate postmedial line found with medial black lunules on it and one towards inner margin, and joined by a crenulate line from near apex. A marginal black specks series also present. Hindwings are fuscous brown where the base and a diffused medial irregular band are pale. An ochreous patch with black striæ on it at center of outer margin. Cilia pale. Ventral side pale with fuscous submarginal band towards inner margin of each wing.

14-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, NAMIBIA - SOUTHERN RED BISHOP (Euplectes orix)

The Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) is a vibrant, small passerine bird, a member of the weaver family Ploceidae. It is known for its striking sexual dimorphism, with breeding males adorned in a fiery red and black plumage, while females and non-breeding males display a more subdued, streaky brown appearance.

Breeding males are unmistakable with their rich red and black coloration. They have a black face, throat, and belly, with the rest of the body a brilliant red, except for the brown wings and tail. Females and non-breeding males are paler and streaked brown, with the females being slightly smaller in size. The species is characterized by a thick conical bill, ideal for seed consumption.

The Southern Red Bishop thrives in wetlands and grasslands within Africa south of the Equator. It has a preference for areas near water, such as reeds and sedges, and can also be found in agricultural landscapes like sugar cane fields.

This species is widely distributed across the southern and eastern regions of Africa, ranging from South Africa to Angola, and extending to parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Uganda, Nigeria, and Kenya. It avoids arid zones such as the Namib Desert and Kalahari.

The Southern Red Bishop is a sociable bird, often seen in flocks and nesting in colonies. It is polygynous, with males courting multiple females by constructing several nests and performing elaborate display flights. Its diet consists mainly of seeds, supplemented by insects.

The male's song is a distinctive buzzing sound, while the species also emits various twittering calls and a nasal contact call, facilitating communication within flocks.

During the breeding season, males exhibit their prowess by building multiple nests to attract females and engaging in fluffed-up feather displays. The nests are typically woven among reeds using grasses and other plant materials. Females lay two to four eggs per clutch.

The Northern Red Bishop (Euplectes franciscanus) is similar in appearance but can be distinguished by its red throat and longer tail-coverts in males. The females and non-breeding males of both species are nearly identical.

The Southern Red Bishop feeds predominantly on seeds, with a partiality for grass seeds. It also consumes insects, particularly during the breeding season when additional protein is beneficial.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Southern Red Bishop as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without significant threats to its survival at present.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - ANGOLAN REED FROG (Hyperolius parallelus)

Hyperolius parallelus, also known as the Angolan reed frog (being treated as Hyperolius angolensis by many authors), is a species of frog in the family Hyperoliidae. It is found in Southern and Central Africa. It is part of the so-called Hyperolius viridiflavus species complex and has a complex history of taxonomic treatments.

In samples from Central Africa, adult males measure 30–38 mm (1.2–1.5 in) in snout–vent length. The tympanum is not visible. The head and snout are short. The syntypes were dorsally dark brown with three white, parallel bands; nevertheless, the dorsal pattern is variable.

Hyperolius parallelus is found in southern Republic of the Congo and Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, northern Namibia and Botswana, and western Zambia; the exact limits of its range are not clear and might extend into Gabon and Zimbabwe. It occurs in savanna, grassland and bush land, as well as many human-modified habitats such as cultivated land, towns, and gardens; it is associated in with emergent vegetation at the margins of swamps, rivers and lakes. Reproduction takes place in both temporary and permanent bodies of water and the eggs are laid directly into the water.

This widespread and extremely abundant species is not facing any significant threats; it readily colonizes newly created waterbodies. It probably is present in many protected areas.

18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN VEINED WHITE BUTTERFLY (Belenois gidica ssp. abyssinica)

Belenois gidica, the African veined white or pointed caper, is a butterfly in the family Pieridae. It is found in the Afrotropical realm.

The wingspan is 40–55 millimetres (1.6–2.2 in) in males and 40–53 mm (1.6–2.1 in) in females. Its flight period is year-round.

The larvae feed on Boscia, Capparis, and Maerua species.

18-4-2018 CHOBE NAT PARK, BOTSWANA - COMMON JOKER BUTTERFLY (Byblia anvatura ssp acheloia)

Byblia anvatara, the common joker, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, found in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Wingspan: 38–43 mm in males and 40–45 mm in females. Its flight period is year round.

Larvae feed on Tragia glabrata and Dalechampia capensis.

Subspecies

Listed alphabetically:

B. a. acheloia (Wallengren, 1857) – Yemen, south-western Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, eastern Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, northern Namibia, Eswatini, South Africa: Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape

B. a. anvatara (Boisduval, 1833) – Madagascar, Comoros

B. a. boydi Dixey, 1898 – Socotra

B. a. crameri Aurivillius, 1894 – eastern Senegal, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria: south and the Cross River loop, Cameroon to Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Tanzania: north-west to the Kagera Region.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana)

Savanna elephants live in a rather complex social hierarchy. These animals gather into family units, consisting of about 10 females and their offspring. Reaching maturity, male calves usually leave the family unit, forming bachelor herds or living solitarily. As a general rule, males socialize with these family groups only when mating. Meanwhile, several family herds may gather together, making up a 'clan'. Each clan is dominated by a female matriarch and can consist of as many as several hundred elephants. African bush elephants are very careful and protective animals. Allomothering is a common practice in this species: females can raise calves of other females of their herd. They protect and care for the calves of the herd, while all adults are sleeping. If a calf strays too far, these allomothers are responsible for retrieving the baby. These active animals are constantly on the move. These elephants forage during the daytime hours, wandering the home range of their herd. Savanna elephants freely communicate with conspecifics both verbally and non-verbally.

Savanna elephants have a polygynous mating system, where males are constantly in search of breeding females. They breed throughout the year with peak periods, occurring during the rainy seasons. When mating, males usually stay less than a few weeks with each female and her herd. The gestation period lasts as long as 2 years, yielding a single baby (rarely - twins), which is nursed for about 2 years. The calf then continues to live under the protection of the entire herd until 6 years old, when the young elephant is able to live independently. Males of this species are reproductively mature after 20 years old, whereas females are mature after 10-11 years, being most reproductive at 25-45 years old.

17-4-2018 CHOBE RIVER, BOTSWANA - MAINLAND AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa ssp. rufa)

The African darter (Anhinga rufa ), sometimes called the snakebird, is a water bird of sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq.

The male is mainly glossy black with white streaking, but females and immature birds are browner. The African darter differs in appearance from the American darter most recognisably by its thin white lateral neck stripe against a rufous background colour. The pointed bill should prevent confusion with cormorants.

It is an 80 cm (31 in) long cormorant-like fish-eating species with a very long neck, like other anhingas.

The African darter is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa wherever large bodies of water occur; overall the species remains widespread and common.

The only non-African subspecies, the Levant darter (Anhinga rufa chantrei ), occurred at Lake Amik (Amik Gölü) in south-central Turkey, in Hula valley lake and marshes in northern Israel and in the Mesopotamian Marshes of the lower Euphrat and Tigris rivers in southern Iraq. The Turkish population disappeared during the 1930s and the Israeli population during Hula drainage in the 1950s. In spite of 110 birds being counted in Khuzestan in 1990 alone, the subspecies was feared extinct as a result of oil spillages in southern Iraq during the Gulf War and the drainage of the Mesopotamian Marshes that followed it. However, a small but threatened population was documented in the Hawizeh Marshes in 2007, along with other waters birds like little grebe, pygmy cormorant, marbled teal and sacred ibis. The drainage of the marshes was interrupted and reversed after the Iraq War.

This species builds a stick nest in a tree and lays 3–6 eggs. It often nests with herons, egrets and cormorants.

It often swims with only the neck above water, hence the common name snakebird. This, too, is a habit shared with the other anhingas.

Unlike many other waterbirds the feathers of the African darter do not contain any oil and are therefore not waterproof. Because of this, the bird is less positively buoyant and its diving capabilities are enhanced. After diving for fish, the feathers can become waterlogged. In order to be able to fly and maintain heat insulation, it needs to dry its feathers. Thus the African darter is often seen sitting along the waterside spreading its wings and drying its feathers in the wind and the sun along with cormorants which may share its habitat.