4-4-2018 PHINDA FOREST LODGE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTHEAST AFRICAN CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus jubatus)

The Southeast African cheetah was one of the most widespread animals. These two cheetahs were photographed at southwestern South Africa between 1906 and 1918.

The Southeast African cheetah usually lives on grasslands, savannahs, scrub forests, and arid environments such as deserts and semidesert steppes. These cheetahs can be found in open fields, where they chase and hunt herbivorous mammals such as antelopes at a very high speed. In South Africa, the cheetah also prefers woodlands (in Kruger National Park), shrublands, high mountains, mountainous grasslands, and montane areas where favorable prey are mostly available.

The Southeast African cheetah is currently the most common subspecies and was widespread everywhere in southern to central Africa, ranging from South Africa to the southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (Katanga Province) and southern Tanzania. Its range is now greatly reduced, where it occurs in an area of 1,223,388 km2 (472,353 sq mi), 22% of its original range.

In the past, less than 10,000 cheetahs were hunted in Namibian farmlands. Previously estimated at mere 2,000 individuals since the 1990s, as of 2015, over 3,500 cheetahs live in Namibia today. The country maintains the largest population of wild cheetahs worldwide. About 90–95% of the cheetahs live on Namibian farmlands; others live in the Kalahari Basin, the coastal deserts of Namib and Kaokoveld, and the central to northeastern region of the country. Although Namibian cheetahs are mostly found outside of protected areas, they also live in Naankuse Wildlife Sanctuary, Namib-Naukluft National Park, and Bwabwata National Park. The cheetahs are rather uncommon in Etosha National Park and in Palmwag.

With an approximate population of 2,000 cheetahs as of 2016, Botswana has the second-largest population of cheetahs. They are mostly found in arid habitats of the Central Kalahari, Mokolodi Nature Reserve, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (known as Gemsbok National Park in Botswana) in the south, and in the southwest and also in the northern region of the country that holds the largest prey base, such as in Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Moremi Game Reserve. Khutse Game Reserve is also known to contain high abundance of suitable prey base for cheetahs, such as springboks, gemsboks, and wildebeests. Cheetahs are rarely found in the eastern Botswana and at the Zimbabwean border.

In South Africa, cheetahs live in the Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, and Northern Cape Provinces. After conservation efforts throughout the years, cheetahs have been reintroduced in the eastern, western, and southern parts, and recently in the Free State province of the country. Over 90% of the cheetah population is found outside protected areas such as game reserves and in farmlands. More than 412 cheetahs are in Kruger National Park, subpopulations of 300 to 350 in parks and reserves, and 400 to 500 free-roaming on farmlands in the Limpopo and North West Province, although the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park is the stronghold for cheetahs. Kruger and Kalahari Gemsbok National Parks hold the largest populations; they are home to roughly 42% of South Africa's cheetahs. Cheetahs had not always been common in South Africa. As of now, the country contains the third-largest population of cheetahs after years of conservation actions and reintroductions into the wild. In 2016, it is estimated about 1,500 adult cheetahs live in the wild.

The population of cheetahs has been dramatically decreased in Zimbabwe, from about a thousand to 400, as of 2007. Currently, the Zimbabwean population is estimated at 165 individuals. Prior the population decline, cheetahs were more widespread in Zimbabwe, and its population had excellent growth rate, in which over 1,500 individuals thrived. Back in 1973, an estimated 400 cheetahs lived in Zimbabwe and had increased to 470 in 1987. Afterwards in 1991, a total population of 1,391 cheetahs was found by the Zimbabwe Department of Parks and Wildlife Management, whilst in 1996, a population of 728 cheetahs lived on commercial farmlands alone. In 1999, a minimum total population of 1,520 was estimated, in which over 1,200 of these cheetahs lived on commercial farmlands, while 320 were found in national parks. A year later, several reports questioned whether the Zimbabwean cheetahs were stable or decreasing, but it was increasing at the time. However, cheetahs are known to be highly threatened in farmlands in which between 1999 and 2007, 80% of the population of Zimbabwean cheetahs living in private farmlands fell into massive decline due to human-cheetah conflict, reduced from over a thousand to less than 400 as of 2007. About 100 cheetahs were killed by livestock farmers in Zimbabwe's lowveld per year. Following years later, about 150 to 170 adult cheetahs are found there, and the human-cheetah conflict is no longer a major threat to the species. Most of the Zimbabwean cheetahs live in protected areas today. Cheetahs are mainly found in the southern to central regions. Isolated populations are found in northwestern Zimbabwe, such as Victoria Falls, Matetsi, and Kazuma Pan, also near the Mozambican border. Hwange National Park, the largest reserve with an area of 14,650 km2 (5,660 sq mi), is the main stronghold for the Zimbabwean cheetahs. Cheetahs also live in Matobo National Park. The cheetahs of the Zambezi Valley are nearly extinct, as only three individuals remain in Matusadona National Park and 9 in the Mana Pools National Park. Twenty-nine remain in the Zimbabwean lowveld, most of which live in Gonarezhou National Park, private reserves (Bubye, Save, Malilangwe, Nuanetsi), and at the Chilojo Cliffs.

5-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SPOTTED HYENA (Crocuta crocuta)

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

The spotted hyena is the most social of the Carnivora in that it has the largest group sizes and most complex social behaviours. Its social organisation is unlike that of any other carnivore, bearing closer resemblance to that of cercopithecine primates (baboons and macaques) with respect to group size, hierarchical structure, and frequency of social interaction among both kin and unrelated group-mates. The social system of the spotted hyena is openly competitive, with access to kills, mating opportunities and the time of dispersal for males depending on the ability to dominate other clan-members and form ally networks. Females provide only for their own cubs rather than assist each other, and males display no paternal care. However, the spotted hyena is also very cooperative with their clan-mates; often hunting, eating, and resting together, and making use of their numeracy and communication skills to fight off a common enemy. Spotted hyena society is matriarchal; females are larger than males and dominate them.

The spotted hyena is a highly successful animal, being the most common large carnivore in Africa. Its success is due in part to its adaptability and opportunism; it is primarily a hunter but may also scavenge, with the capacity to eat and digest skin, bone and other animal waste. In functional terms, the spotted hyena makes the most efficient use of animal matter of all African carnivores. The spotted hyena displays greater plasticity in its hunting and foraging behaviour than other African carnivores; it hunts alone, in small parties of 2–5 individuals, or in large groups. During a hunt, spotted hyenas often run through ungulate herds to select an individual to attack. Once selected, their prey is chased over a long distance, often several kilometres, at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour (37 mph).

The spotted hyena has a long history of interaction with humanity; depictions of the species exist from the Upper Paleolithic period, with carvings and paintings from the Lascaux and Chauvet Caves. The species has a largely negative reputation in both Western culture and African folklore. In the former, the species is mostly regarded as ugly and cowardly, while in the latter, it is viewed as greedy, gluttonous, stupid, and foolish, yet powerful and potentially dangerous. The majority of Western perceptions on the species can be found in the writings of Aristotle and Pliny the Elder, though in relatively unjudgmental form. Explicit, negative judgments occur in the Physiologus, where the animal is depicted as a hermaphrodite and grave-robber. The IUCN's hyena specialist group identifies the spotted hyena's negative reputation as detrimental to the species' continued survival, both in captivity and the wild.

Spotted hyenas are social animals that live in large communities (referred to as "clans") which can consist of at most 80 individuals. Group-size varies geographically; in the Serengeti, where prey is migratory, clans are smaller than those in the Ngorongoro Crater, where prey is sedentary. Spotted hyena clans are more compact and unified than wolf packs, but are not as closely knit as those of African wild dogs.

Females usually dominate males, including in cases where low-ranking females generally dominate over high-ranking males, but they will also occasionally co-dominate with a male. There have also been cases in which a clan has been led by a male rather than a female. Cubs take the rank directly below their mothers at birth. So when the matriarch passes away (or, in rare instances, disperses into another clan, their youngest female cub will take over as matriarch. It is typical for females to remain with their natal clan, thus large clans usually contain several matrilines, whereas males typically disperse from their natal clan at the age of 2½ years. When a male co-dominates with a female or is otherwise able to lead, this is because the male was born to the matriarch of the clan and has taken the rank directly below his mother.

The clan is a fission–fusion society, in which clan-members do not often remain together, but may forage in small groups. High-ranking hyenas maintain their position through aggression directed against lower-ranking clan-members. Spotted hyena hierarchy is nepotistic; the offspring of dominant females automatically outrank adult females subordinate to their mother. However, rank in spotted hyena cubs is greatly dependent on the presence of the mother; low-ranking adults may act aggressively toward higher-ranking cubs when the mother is absent. Although individual spotted hyenas only care for their own young, and males take no part in raising their young, cubs are able to identify relatives as distantly related as great-aunts. Also, males associate more closely with their own daughters rather than unrelated cubs, and the latter favor their fathers by acting less aggressively toward them.

The spotted hyena is a non-seasonal breeder, though a birth peak does occur during the wet season. Females are polyestrous, with an estrus period lasting two weeks. Like many feliform species, the spotted hyena is promiscuous, and no enduring pair bonds are formed. Members of both sexes may copulate with several mates over the course of several years.[56] Males will show submissive behaviour when approaching females in heat, even if the male outweighs his partner. Females usually favour younger males born or joined into the clan after they were born. Older females show a similar preference, with the addition of preferring males with whom they have had long and friendly prior relationships. Passive males tend to have greater success in courting females than aggressive ones. Copulation in spotted hyenas is a relatively short affair, lasting 4–12 minutes, and typically only occurs at night with no other hyenas present. The mating process is complicated, as the male's penis enters and exits the female's reproductive tract through her pseudo-penis rather than directly through the vagina, which is blocked by the false scrotum and testes. These unusual traits make mating more laborious for the male than in other mammals, and also make forced copulation physically impossible. The female retracts her clitoris before the male's penis enters it by sliding beneath it, an operation facilitated by the penis's upward angle. The hyenas then adopt a typical mammalian mating posture and usually lick their genitals for several minutes after mating. Copulation may be repeated multiple times during a period of several hours.

The length of the gestation period tends to vary greatly, but the average length is 110 days. In the final stages of pregnancy, dominant females provide their developing offspring with higher androgen levels than lower-ranking mothers do. The higher androgen levels – the result of high concentrations of ovarian androstenedione – are thought to be responsible for the extreme masculinization of female behavior and morphology. This has the effect of rendering the cubs of dominant females more aggressive and sexually active than those of lower ranking hyenas; high ranking male cubs will attempt to mount females earlier than lower ranking males.] The average litter consists of two cubs, with three occasionally being reported. Males take no part in the raising of young. Giving birth is difficult for female hyenas, as the females give birth through their narrow clitoris, and spotted hyena cubs are the largest carnivoran young relative to their mothers' weight. During parturition, the clitoris ruptures to facilitate the passage of the young, and may take weeks to heal.

Territory size is highly variable, ranging from less than 40 km2 in the Ngorongoro Crater to over 1,000 km2 in the Kalahari. Home ranges are defended through vocal displays, scent marking and boundary patrols. Clans mark their territories by either pasting or pawing in special latrines located on clan range boundaries. Spotted hyenas use scent gland secretions to distinguish between members of their own clan and members of neighboring clans. Within the same clan, differences in scent gland compositions can help individuals differentiate the reproductive states and sex of their members. One study analyzed the scent gland secretions of several hyenas belonging to three different clans and discovered a high degree of similarity in fatty acid composition among members of the same clans, while hyenas of different clans had more dissimilar scent gland secretions. Further studies have proposed a symbiotic relationship between spotted hyenas and their scent gland bacteria, where the differences in fatty acids can be attributed to fermentation by different microbes. Clan boundaries are usually respected; hyenas chasing prey have been observed to stop dead in their tracks once their prey crosses into another clan's range. Hyenas will however ignore clan boundaries in times of food shortage. Males are more likely to enter another clan's territory than females are, as they are less attached to their natal group and will leave it when in search of a mate. Hyenas travelling in another clan's home range typically exhibit bodily postures associated with fear, particularly when meeting other hyenas. An intruder can be accepted into another clan after a long period of time if it persists in wandering into the clan's territory, dens or kills.

The clan's social life revolves around a communal den. While some clans may use particular den sites for years, others may use several different dens within a year or several den sites simultaneously. Spotted hyena dens can have more than a dozen entrances, and are mostly located on flat ground. The tunnels are usually oval in section, being wider than they are high, and narrow down from an entrance width of ½–1 metre (1.6–7.7 ft) to as small as 25 cm (9.8 in). In the rocky areas of East Africa and Congo, spotted hyenas use caves as dens, while those in the Serengeti use kopjes as resting areas in daylight hours. Dens have large bare patches around their entrances, where hyenas move or lie down on. Because of their size, adult hyenas are incapable of using the full extent of their burrows, as most tunnels are dug by cubs or smaller animals. The structure of the den, consisting of small underground channels, is likely an effective anti-predator device which protects cubs from predation during the absence of the mother. Spotted hyenas rarely dig their own dens, having been observed for the most part to use the abandoned burrows of warthogs, springhares and jackals. Faeces are usually deposited 20 metres (66 feet) away from the den, though they urinate wherever they happen to be. Dens are used mostly by several females at once, and it is not uncommon to see up to 20 cubs at a single site. The general form of a spotted hyena den is tunnel-shaped, with a spacious end chamber used for sleeping or breeding. This chamber measures up to 2 metres (6.6 feet) in width, the height being rather less. Females generally give birth at the communal den or a private birth den. The latter is primarily used by low status females to maintain continual access to their cubs, as well as ensure that they become acquainted with their cubs before transferral to the communal den.

5-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - WHITE BREASTED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo ssp. Lucidus)

The White-breasted Cormorant, Phalacrocorax lucidus, is a striking bird, akin to the Great Cormorant in stature and habit. Adults boast a distinctive white neck and breast, which becomes more pronounced with age. This large bird measures between 80 to 100 centimeters in length, presenting a grand silhouette against the African skies.

Upon observing the White-breasted Cormorant, one is immediately drawn to its white breast and throat, a feature that sets it apart from its relatives. As the bird matures, the white plumage extends, enhancing its contrast with the darker feathers. During breeding, a dark gular skin becomes visible, a telltale sign of its reproductive state.

This species is the sole representative of the great cormorant lineage in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a geographical range that spans from the Cape Verde Islands to Guinea-Bissau, along the west coast, and from Angola to the Cape of Good Hope, extending northwards to Mozambique on the east. It is also found inland, more frequently in eastern and southern Africa, and around the Red Sea, where it is sometimes referred to as the Red Sea White-breasted Cormorant.

The White-breasted Cormorant is a freshwater bird, often seen in the company of the Reed Cormorant and the African Darter. However, it distinguishes itself ecologically through its fishing habits and the size of its prey. It is known to interbreed with dark-breasted forms in central Africa, showcasing a degree of adaptability and genetic fluidity.

Breeding adults can be identified by their white flank spots, a characteristic that becomes more visible during this period. The bird's breeding behavior is marked by the darkening of the gular skin, a visual cue for those observing these magnificent creatures.

The White-breasted Cormorant is sometimes confused with the smaller and markedly different Black-faced Cormorant, Phalacrocorax fuscescens, of southern Australia, which also bears the name White-breasted Cormorant. However, the two can be distinguished by size and geographic distribution.

The White-breasted Cormorant feeds on a variety of fish, which it skillfully captures in its freshwater habitats.

The conservation status of the White-breasted Cormorant is not explicitly mentioned, but given its wide distribution and adaptability, one might assume it is not currently at critical risk. However, as with all wildlife, monitoring is essential to ensure its continued survival amidst changing environmental conditions.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE,SOUTH AFRICA - MALACHITE KINGFISHER (FEMALE) (Corythornis cristatus)

The Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus) is a diminutive and vibrant river kingfisher, with a length of approximately 13 cm. It boasts a striking metallic blue on its upper parts and a rufous underbelly, with a distinctive black and blue crest adorning its head. The bird's bill transitions from black in its youth to a reddish-orange hue in adulthood, and it stands on bright red legs. Both sexes appear similar, though juveniles present a more subdued version of the adult's plumage.

When identifying the Malachite Kingfisher, look for its short crest and the contrast between the rufous face and underparts against the bright blue upper parts. The white throat patch and the red bill and legs are also key features. The bird's rapid, low flight over water, with wings a blur, is characteristic.

This species is commonly found amongst reeds and aquatic vegetation adjacent to slow-moving waters or ponds. It thrives in a variety of wetland habitats across Sub-Saharan Africa.

The Malachite Kingfisher is widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa, with its range extending from Senegal to South Africa. It is largely sedentary, with movements influenced by seasonal changes in climate.

The Malachite Kingfisher is known for its rapid flight, often skimming low over the surface of the water. It typically perches close to the water's edge, ready to dive for its prey.

The vocalizations of the Malachite Kingfisher include a variety of high-pitched, piercing calls, often heard during its undulating flight or when perched.

Nesting occurs in tunnels excavated within sandy banks, often positioned above water. Both parents partake in burrow construction, which tends to slope upward before reaching the nesting chamber. The species may lay three to six round, white eggs per clutch, with up to four clutches per breeding season. The eggs rest on a bed of fish bones and regurgitated pellets.

The Malachite Kingfisher is an adept hunter, often seen perched before plunging into the water to catch fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans. It may beat larger prey on a branch before consumption, while smaller catches are swallowed whole.

The IUCN Red List classifies the Malachite Kingfisher as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its extensive range.

4-4-2018 PHINDA GAME RESERVE,SOUTH AFRICA - LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis)

The Little Grebe, or Tachybaptus ruficollis, known colloquially as the dabchick, is the smallest European member of the grebe family. This diminutive water bird measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters in length and is a common sight in open bodies of water across its range.

In the summer, the adult Little Grebe is a sight to behold with its dark upper parts and a striking rufous coloration on the neck, cheeks, and flanks, complemented by a bright yellow gape. Outside of the breeding season, the plumage turns to a more subdued brownish-grey. Juveniles can be identified by their yellow bills tipped with black and streaked cheeks. In winter, the species is recognizable by its buff plumage, darker back and cap, and distinctive rear end.

The Little Grebe, or Tachybaptus ruficollis, known colloquially as the dabchick, is the smallest European member of the grebe family. This diminutive water bird measures a mere 23 to 29 centimeters in length and is a common sight in open bodies of water across its range.

In the summer, the adult Little Grebe is a sight to behold with its dark upper parts and a striking rufous coloration on the neck, cheeks, and flanks, complemented by a bright yellow gape. Outside of the breeding season, the plumage turns to a more subdued brownish-grey. Juveniles can be identified by their yellow bills tipped with black and streaked cheeks. In winter, the species is recognizable by its buff plumage, darker back and cap, and distinctive rear end.

The Little Grebe favors heavily vegetated areas of freshwater lakes for breeding. It is adept at using this dense vegetation as a cover.

This bird has a broad range, breeding across Europe, much of Asia down to New Guinea, and most of Africa. In winter, many individuals move to open or coastal waters, and it becomes migratory in regions where waters freeze.

An excellent swimmer and diver, the Little Grebe hunts for fish and aquatic invertebrates underwater. It nests at the water's edge, covering its eggs with weeds when leaving the nest to evade predators. The young are capable swimmers soon after hatching and are often seen riding on the backs of adults.

The breeding call of the Little Grebe is a distinctive trilled weet-weet-weet or wee-wee-wee, reminiscent of a horse's whinny.

Breeding occurs in small colonies. The Little Grebe lays four to seven eggs, and the chicks are precocial, swimming shortly after hatching. In India, the species breeds during the monsoon season.

The Little Grebe could be confused with other grebe species, but its small size and distinctive breeding plumage make it unique.

Its diet consists primarily of fish and aquatic invertebrates, which it hunts proficiently underwater.

The IUCN lists the Little Grebe as Least Concern, indicating a stable population across its wide range.

1-4-2018 PHINDA RESERVE, SOUTH AFRICA - SOUTH AFRICAN HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius ssp. capensis)

The hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) (/ˌhɪpəˈpɒtəməs/; pl.: hippopotamuses; often shortened to hippo (pl.: hippos), further qualified as the common hippopotamus, Nile hippopotamus and river hippopotamus, is a large semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae, the other being the pygmy hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis or Hexaprotodon liberiensis). Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "river horse" (ἱπποπόταμος).

After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. It is also the largest extant land artiodactyl. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippopotamids are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they diverged about 55 million years ago. Hippos are recognisable for their barrel-shaped torsos, wide-opening mouths with large canine tusks, nearly hairless bodies, pillar-like legs, and large size: adults average 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) for bulls (males) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for cows (females). Despite its stocky shape and short legs, it is capable of running 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances.

Hippos inhabit rivers, lakes, and mangrove swamps. Territorial bulls each preside over a stretch of water and a group of five to thirty cows and calves. Mating and birth both occur in the water. During the day, hippos remain cool by staying in water or mud, emerging at dusk to graze on grasses. While hippos rest near each other in the water, grazing is a solitary activity and hippos typically do not display territorial behaviour on land. Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in the world due to their aggressive and unpredictable nature. They are threatened by habitat loss and poaching for their meat and ivory (canine teeth).

1-4-2018 PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - FORK TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis)

The fork-tailed drongo, also known as the common drongo or African drongo, is a member of the Dicruridae family. It is a small bird with a distinctive fork-shaped tail, red-brownish eyes, and an entirely black plumage that exhibits a blue-green iridescence in certain lights. Both sexes are similar in appearance, with the underside of the bird being uniformly black, contrasting with the glossy black-blue upper body.

When identifying the fork-tailed drongo, look for its robust black beak, red eyes, and the deeply forked black tail. Juveniles can be distinguished by their dark brown tone, less pronounced tail fork, and lack of glossy shine on the lower body. During flight, the darker remiges of the D. a. adsimilis subspecies are particularly noticeable.

The fork-tailed drongo inhabits wooded habitats, including woodlands and savannas, and is tolerant of arid climates. It can be found at elevations up to 2200 meters.

This species is widespread across Africa south of the Sahara, with four recognized subspecies varying in range and physical characteristics. It was once thought to range into Asia, but the Asian species is now classified as the black drongo (D. macrocercus).

The fork-tailed drongo is known for its aggressive and fearless nature, often attacking larger animals to protect its nest. It is also a skilled kleptoparasite, using deceptive mimicry of other birds' alarm calls to steal food. These birds are solitary hunters and spend a significant portion of their day feeding

The vocalizations of the fork-tailed drongo are diverse, including sharp calls, whistles, and squeaks. They are known to mimic the calls of other bird species and even the sounds of other animals, such as cats and meerkats.

Breeding seasons vary by region, with the bird nesting close to wetlands, forests, and farms. The female lays one to four eggs, which hatch in 15 to 18 days. The species is monogamous and aggressively defends its nest from various predators.

The fork-tailed drongo can be confused with other drongo species, but its deeply forked tail and specific vocalizations are distinguishing features.

The diet of the fork-tailed drongo is primarily insectivorous, including butterflies, termites, and grasshoppers. They also consume small fish, other birds, nectar, and plants when available. They are known to follow large mammals to catch insects disturbed by their movement.

The IUCN Red List classifies the fork-tailed drongo as a least-concern species due to its extensive range and stable population. However, it faces threats from pesticide use and habitat destruction..

1-4-2018 PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

The Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiaca, is a striking bird, native to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Nile Valley. It is a member of the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, geese, and swans. This species is unique in its appearance, resembling a goose more than a duck when in flight, with a heavy and robust stature. Adults typically measure between 63 to 73 centimeters in height.

Both sexes of the Egyptian goose display identical plumage, though males are generally larger. Plumage tones can vary from grey to brown, not necessarily indicative of age or sex. Mature birds boast a significant white patch on their wings, concealed by wing coverts when at rest but prominently displayed when the bird is agitated or in flight.

The Egyptian goose favors open or semi-open environments, often found near freshwater sources. Its habitat ranges from lowlands to high altitudes, such as the Ethiopian Highlands, up to 4,000 meters above sea level. It avoids dense forests and deserts.

This species is widespread and common in its native range, though numbers have dwindled in the northern Nile Valley. Historically found in southeastern Europe and parts of the Middle East, its presence in these areas has diminished.

The Egyptian goose is largely terrestrial, capable of perching on trees and buildings. It is known for its aggressive territorial behavior, especially during breeding season, and is not hesitant to engage in aerial combat with intruders. The species is monogamous, with both parents caring for their offspring.

The male's call is a subdued, hoarse quack, becoming louder and more rapid when agitated, resembling a steam engine. The female's quack is raucous and frequently heard, particularly when defending her young.

Nesting occurs in a variety of locations, with a preference for holes in mature trees. Both parents incubate the eggs, and the young are capable of foraging for themselves shortly after hatching.

Egyptian geese primarily consume seeds, leaves, grasses, and plant stems. They may also eat small animals such as locusts and worms. Goslings initially feed on small aquatic invertebrates before transitioning to grazing.

1-4-2018 PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA - HARTLAUB'S TURACO (Tauraco hartlaubi)

Hartlaub's turaco (Tauraco hartlaubi ) is a species of bird in the family Musophagidae. It is found in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The common name and Latin binomial commemorate the German physician and ornithologist Gustav Hartlaub.

A beautiful green turaco with dark blue wings, tail, and crown. Note the white markings on the head: a white spot in front of the eye and a white line below the eye. Like all turacos, shows large crimson wing patches in flight. Found in montane forests, lush woodlands, and gardens. Acts like a typical turaco, bouncing through the trees and flying occasionally with short bursts of wingbeats and long glides. Similar overall to other turacos, but separated from most by the dark blue crown, and from Purple-crested Turaco by the white facial markings. Call is a gruff, accelerating series of “kow” notes.

Distribution is Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda.

Diet is Fruits and berries (some of which are extremely poisonous to humans) sometimes caterpillars, moths and beetles.

Habitat:  Montane evergreen forest , well-timbered suburban gardens  

Incubation: 16-18 days, 1-2 eggs

Social structure: forage in groups of up to 20 birds, monogamous pairs during breeding season 

Weight: max 270g, Dimensions:  max 43 cm

Estimated population in the wild: Unknown, fairly common.

IUCN Status: Least Concern

Threats:  There are no major threats for this species.

Their vivid plumage is a product of two unique copper pigments, unknown in any other bird family, or in any other animal group.

Turacos are poor flyers but are expert climbers, skipping nimbly from branch to branch, and moving from tree to tree by gliding or with a few fast wing beats.

24-4-2018 JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - RED HEADED FINCH (MALE) (Erythrocephala ssp dissita)

The red-headed finch, also known as the paradise finch, is a striking member of the estrildid finch family. Males are adorned with vibrant red heads and chests, presenting a bold contrast to their otherwise brown and white plumage. Females, while sharing the same overall pattern, are rendered in a more subdued palette.

To identify the red-headed finch, look for the male's unmistakable red head and chest. Both sexes possess a robust build and a heavy beak, reminiscent of the Lonchura genus, though they are more closely related to the Pytilias, such as the Melba finch. Their resemblance to the cut-throat finch is notable, as they are the only two species within the genus Amadina.

These finches are typically found in dry savannahs, where they forage on the ground.

The red-headed finch has a broad range across the African continent, with sightings confirmed in Angola, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. The species enjoys a vast global extent of occurrence, estimated at 1,600,000 km².

Red-headed finches are often observed in small flocks. They exhibit a sociable nature, feeding in the company of other species and frequently visiting waterholes to drink.

The species is known for its distinctive double-noted 'chuck-chuck' call, which can be heard across the savannah.

The red-headed finch is currently classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.

In the vast expanses of Africa's dry savannahs, the red-headed finch continues to thrive, a small yet vibrant testament to the resilience of nature.

18-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori)

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) stands as the largest flying bird native to Africa, a member of the bustard family Otididae. Males are particularly hefty, possibly the heaviest living animal capable of flight. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with males significantly outweighing females. Their plumage is cryptically colored, blending into their savanna habitats with a mottled pattern of grey, brown, black, and white.

Adult kori bustards are distinguished by their large size, heavy build, and a distinctive black crest on their heads. Their eyes are ringed with white, and they possess a black collar at the base of the hind-neck that extends onto the sides of the breast. The legs are long and yellowish, and the bill is light greenish horn-colored. Juveniles resemble females but are browner with more spotting on the mantle.

Kori bustards favor open grassy areas with sandy soil, short grass, and occasional trees or bushes for cover. They are found in plains, arid plateaus, grasslands, lightly wooded savannas, and semi-deserts, avoiding densely wooded areas.

This species is widespread across southern Africa, with populations extending from Botswana and Namibia to South Africa, Mozambique, and parts of East Africa, including Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Kori bustards are primarily terrestrial, spending much of their time foraging on foot. They exhibit cautious behavior, often fleeing on foot before resorting to flight. They are known for their slow, deliberate walk and can be solitary or found in groups, especially around abundant food sources.

The kori bustard is generally quiet but can produce a deep, booming mating call, a loud growling bark when alarmed, and a snapping bill sound during close encounters.

Breeding is influenced by rainfall, with males engaging in lek mating, displaying at regular sites to attract females. Females lay eggs on the ground in shallow hollows, often near trees or shrubs, and raise the young without male assistance.

The kori bustard can be confused with other large bustards like Denham's and Ludwig's bustards but can be differentiated by its greyer appearance and lack of white upperwing markings in flight.

An opportunistic omnivore, the kori bustard's diet includes insects, small vertebrates, and plant material. They forage by walking slowly and picking at the ground, often following herds of ungulates to catch prey disturbed by their movement.

The kori bustard is classified as Near Threatened due to habitat destruction, hunting, and collisions with power lines. While they can be locally common in protected areas, their populations are generally scarce outside these regions.

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - ZEBRA WHITE BUTTERFLY (Pinacopteryx eriphia ssp eriphia)

Pinacopteryx eriphia ssp. eriphia, also known as the Zebra White, is a subspecies of butterfly found in Africa, specifically in South Africa, Rhodesia, Botswana, Mozambique, Malawi, and southern Tanzania, according to the iNaturalist page for this subspecies. It is part of the Pieridae family, commonly known as whites, yellows, and sulphurs. The Zebra White is characterized by its black and white striped wings, resembling a zebra pattern. 

 

Classification: Pinacopteryx eriphia is the only species in the genus Pinacopteryx. The eriphia part refers to the species name, and ssp. eriphia indicates the specific subspecies being discussed. 

Distribution: This subspecies is found in southern Africa, with specific locations including:

South Africa 

Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) 

Botswana 

Mozambique 

Malawi 

Southern Tanzania 

Appearance: The Zebra White is known for its striking black and white striped pattern on its wings. 

Size: The wingspan ranges from 40-55 mm in males and 42-47 mm in females. 

Flight Period: This butterfly is known to fly year-round. 

Larval Food Plants: The larvae of Pinacopteryx eriphia feed on plants like Maerua cafra, Boscia species, Capparis oleoides, and Maerua triphylla. 

22-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - SADDLE BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)

The Saddle-billed Stork, known scientifically as Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis, is a magnificent and large wading bird belonging to the stork family, Ciconiidae. It stands tall, reaching heights of 145 to 150 cm (4 ft 9 in to 4 ft 11 in), with a wingspan stretching an impressive 2.4 to 2.7 m (7 ft 10 in to 8 ft 10 in). The male of the species is typically larger and heavier than the female, with weights ranging from 5.1 to 7.52 kg (11.2 to 16.6 lb).

Distinguishing between the sexes is straightforward; the female boasts golden yellow irises, while the male has brown irises complemented by dangling yellow wattles. Both sexes share a striking plumage, with iridescent black covering the head, neck, back, wings, and tail, and the rest of the body along with primary flight feathers being white. The juvenile birds wear a more subdued brownish-grey attire. The stork's bill is a vivid red adorned with a black band and a distinctive yellow frontal shield, the namesake "saddle." Their legs and feet are black with pink hocks, and a bare red patch of skin can be found on the chest, which intensifies in color during the breeding season.

Saddle-billed Storks have a preference for protected areas abundant in open water, such as national parks and protected swamps, which provide safer environments for both the birds and ornithologists.

This species is a resident breeder in sub-Saharan Africa, with its range extending from Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in the east, down to South Africa, and also found in The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, and Chad in West Africa.

In flight, the Saddle-billed Stork is a sight to behold, with its neck outstretched and its large bill drooping below the belly. They are generally silent, save for the bill-clattering sounds made at their nests. The species is known for its solitary nesting habits and lifelong pair bonds, often seen in pairs even outside the breeding season.

The Saddle-billed Stork builds large, deep stick nests in trees, where it lays one to five white eggs, with incubation lasting 30–35 days. After hatching, the chicks fledge in another 70–100 days, often staying within the parents' territory until the next breeding season.

These storks are adept hunters, stabbing their bills into water, mud, and vegetation to catch a variety of prey. They primarily feed on aquatic creatures like lungfish and catfish, which can weigh up to 1.3 kg (2.9 lb). They also consume frogs, snails, small mammals, birds, snakes, and various insects.

The Saddle-billed Stork is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, although it is considered endangered in South Africa.

The Saddle-billed Stork is closely related to the Black-necked Stork, the only other member of the genus Ephippiorhynchus, which is widespread across Asia and Australia.

23-4-2018 OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA - AFRICAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus auratus)

The African golden oriole, known scientifically as Oriolus auratus, is a vibrant member of the oriole family. This passerine bird is a permanent resident in the verdant landscapes of Africa, south of the formidable Sahara desert.

The male African golden oriole is a vision of black and yellow, predominantly cloaked in yellow with stark black flight feathers and central tail feathers. A notable feature is the abundance of gold in the wings, setting it apart from its Eurasian cousin. The female, in contrast, is garbed in a more subdued green, with contrasting wings and a distinctive black eye region.

This species favors the thick bush and other densely wooded areas, where it can often be found flitting among the tree canopies.

The African golden oriole graces a wide range of territories, from Senegal and Gambia to western Ethiopia and southern Somalia, and from Angola to central Mozambique.

Orioles are known for their elusive nature. Even the brightly colored male can be surprisingly difficult to spot as it blends into the yellow and green leaves of the canopy. Their flight is robust and purposeful, akin to that of a thrush, with occasional shallow dips when covering longer distances.

The African golden oriole's call may remind one of a jay's screech, but its song is a delightful, fluting "fee-ooo fee-ooo," a sound that, once heard, is not easily forgotten.

The species constructs a unique hanging basket-shaped nest within a tree, where it typically lays two eggs.

While similar in appearance to the New World orioles, the African golden oriole is not closely related to these icterids. It is also distinct from the Eurasian golden oriole, which shares its wintering grounds in Africa.

A diet of insects and fruit sustains the African golden oriole, with figs being a particular delicacy. These birds spend much of their time foraging in the tree canopies.

The IUCN Red List categorizes the African golden oriole as Least Concern, indicating a stable population without immediate threats to its survival.