Wednesday, 4 May 2022
Tuesday, 3 May 2022
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Monday, 2 May 2022
Sunday, 1 May 2022
16-4-2022 MANDINA LODGE, GAMBIA - AFRICAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus auratus)
The African golden oriole (Oriolus auratus), or African oriole, is a member of the oriole family of passerine birds which is a resident breeder in Africa south of the Sahara desert.
It is a bird of thick bush and other well-wooded areas. The hanging basket-shaped nest is built in a tree, and contains two eggs. The food is insects and fruit, especially figs, found in the tree canopies where the orioles spend much of their time.
The male is striking in the typical oriole black and yellow plumage, although the plumage is predominantly yellow, with solid black only in the flight feathers and tail centre. There is a great deal of gold in the wings, which is a distinction from the Eurasian golden oriole, which winters in Africa.
The female is a drabber green bird, distinguished from the European species by more contrasting wings and black around the eye. Orioles are shy, and even the male is remarkably difficult to see in the dappled yellow and green leaves of the canopy.
The flight is somewhat like a thrush, strong and direct with some shallow dips over longer distances.
The call is a screech like a jay, but the song is a beautiful fluting fee-ooo fee-ooo, unmistakable once heard.
Wednesday, 27 April 2022
Tuesday, 12 April 2022
18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - AFRICAN GREY HORNBILL (Lophoceros nasutus)
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The African grey hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) is a member of the hornbill family of mainly tropical near-passerine birds found in the Old World. It is a widespread resident breeder in much of sub-Saharan Africa and the southwest of the Arabian Peninsula. The African grey hornbill has escaped or been deliberately released into Florida, USA, but there is no evidence that the population is breeding and may only persist due to continuing releases or escapes.
18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWE - RAINBOW SKINK (Trachylepis margaritifera)
The Rainbow Skink, or Five-lined Skink, is an active lizard occurring in rocky terrain in savanna habitats from Kwazulu-Natal, through the Lowveld and Limpopo Valley to as far north as Kenya. They feed primarily on insects and other invertebrates. Males are territorial. Females lay one, perhaps two, clutches of 6-10 eggs in summer, with the baby skinks emerging around two months later.
Females, adolescents and immature males exhibit the distinct lines and brilliant blue tails associated with this species, while the adult males have an olive base-colouration speckled with tiny white spots. Adults may grow to 20cm in length, including the tail. The IUCN lists the Rainbow Skink as being of least concern.
The Rainbow Skink (trachylepis margaritifera) is found in southern Africa, from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa to southern Malawi. Some isolated populations occur in central to southeastern Tanzania and southern Kenya.
18-5-2019 BUMI HILLS, ZIMBABWEE - YELLOW BELLIED GREENBUL (Chlorocichla flaviventris)
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The Yellow-bellied Greenbul, with its scientific name Chlorocichla flaviventris, is a charming songbird belonging to the bulbul family, Pycnonotidae. This species exhibits a delightful contrast of colors with its yellow underparts and greenish upper body, making it a visual treat for birdwatchers.
When trying to identify the Yellow-bellied Greenbul, look for its distinctive yellow belly which gives this bird its name. The greenish hue of its feathers blends seamlessly with the foliage, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.
The Yellow-bellied Greenbul thrives in a variety of environments, including subtropical or tropical dry forests, moist lowland forests, and the dry savanna. These diverse habitats provide the bird with ample opportunities for foraging and nesting.
This species is widely distributed across eastern, southern, and west-central Africa. Its presence is a testament to the adaptability of the species across a range of African landscapes.
Observing the Yellow-bellied Greenbul in its natural setting, one might note its active foraging behavior and the agility with which it moves through the understory, a behavior typical of many bulbul species.
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The vocalizations of the Yellow-bellied Greenbul are characteristic of its family, contributing to the rich tapestry of sounds that one might experience in the African forests and savannas.
Information on the breeding habits of the Yellow-bellied Greenbul is essential for understanding its life cycle and ensuring the protection of its nesting sites.
The Yellow-bellied Greenbul may be confused with other bulbuls, but its unique coloration and distribution help to distinguish it from its relatives. Careful observation and familiarity with its characteristics can aid in proper identification.
The diet of the Yellow-bellied Greenbul is not specified, but as with many bulbuls, it likely includes a variety of insects and fruits, which are abundant in its habitats.
The IUCN Red List classifies the Yellow-bellied Greenbul as Least Concern, indicating that, for now, this species does not face immediate threats to its survival. However, continued monitoring is essential to ensure that it remains a thriving member of the avian community.
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