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Annotated Bird Species List,
SOUTH AFRICA 17 NOVEMBER - 20 DECEMBER 2002. (Main report)
Some of Graemes Photos from South Africa can be viewed at www.worldbirder.com
This list follows the taxonomy set out in the 3rd edition of the Sasol Birds of Southern Africa
The key (E) denotes species endemic to and (eN) nearly endemic to southern Africa.
28 African (Jackass) Penguin (Spheniscus
demersus) (E)
Easily seen at the Boulders Beach colony near Simon's Town.
30 Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps
cristatus)
Seen only at the marsh at Wakkerstroom and on ponds in the surrounding area.
30 Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
West Coast National Park and in ponds around Wakkerstroom
30 Little Grebe (Dabchick) (Tachybaptus
ruficollis)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
54 Cape Gannet (Morus capensis)
(E)
At West Coast NP, Kommetjieand False Bay.
56 Whitebreasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
lucidus)
At Kommetjie, West Coast National Park, Paarl and around Underberg - common.
56 Bank Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
neglectus) (E)
Only at Kommetjie.
56 Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
capensis) (E)
Several seen around the Cape peninsula - Kommetjie, Simon's Town, Cape of Good
Hope NR..
56 Reed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus)
Common in suitable habitat.
56 Crowned Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
coronatus) (E)
Several seen around the Cape peninsula - Kommetjie, Simon's Town, Cape of Good
Hope NR..
56 African Darter (Anhinga rufa)
Common in suitable habitat.
58 Great (Eastern) White Pelican (Pelecanus
onocrotalus)
10 birds at West Coast NP were the only record.
58 Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens)
Seen in good numbers on Nsumo Pan at Mkuzi and a few at the river mouth at St
Lucia.
60 Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
A few birds seen on each visit to Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi.
60 Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Described as common, we saw only a few singles at Kgalagadi TP , St Lucia NP
and Kruger NP.
60 Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Common in suitable habitat.
60 Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala)
Common in suitable habitat.
62 Great (White) Egret (Egretta alba)
Only noted in the wetlands around Underberg and Wakkerstroom.
62 Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Only at St Lucia NP and at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi.
62 Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Common in suitable habitat.
62 (Common) Squacco Heron (Ardeola
ralloides)
Two birds at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi were the only record.
64 Black Heron (Egret) (Egretta ardesiaca)
Seen from the Matambeni Bird Hide on the Leatba River in the Kruger.
66 Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax
nycticorax)
A few birds aeen at Paarl.
66 Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus)
Seen at Paarl and on most river edges in the Kruger.
66 Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii)
One observed at length from the bridge over the Luvuhu River at Pafuri in the
Kruger.
66 Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
One bird seen at Nsumo Pan in Mkuzi.
68 Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
A couple of birds seen in wetlands between Underberg and the Sani Pass.
68 White Stork (Ciconia ciconia)
A few birds seen in the grasslands around Underberg.
68 Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
A few birds seen at St Lucia NP and subsequently in good numbers at Nsumo Pan,
Mkuzi.
70 Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
Seen daily in small numbers at Mkuzi and Kruger.
70 Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus
senegalensis)
Seen first at Mkuzi and then several more of these elegant birds in the north
of the Kruger.
70 African Openbill (Openbilled Stork) (Anastomus
lamelligerus)
Several at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi and in the northern Kruger around Punda Maria.
70 Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
Only at Mkuzi where a few singles or pairs were seen.
72 Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus
ruber)
Seen in numbers at West Coast NP and in ponds near Milnerton on the outskirts
of Cape Town..
72 African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)
Good numbers at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi and on the Letaba River at Kruger .
72 Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)
Not as common as we had anticipated seen only on a couple of occasions at Mkuzi
and Kruger.
74 Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
Ubiquitous - seen and heard everywhere.
74 Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvis)
(E)
A few birds seen in grasslands just over the border in Lesotho, surprisingly
none seen at Wakkerstroom.
74 Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Afew around Milnerton and Paarl in the Western Cape and at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi.
74 African Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis
aethiopicus)
Common, seen regularly throughout the trip.
76 Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus
gambensis)
Common - seen regularly throughout the trip.
76 Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Common - seen regularly throughout the trip.
76 South African Shelduck (Tadorna
cana)
First seen on the large pond just south of Katbakkiesand then near Swellendam
and at Wakkerstroom.
76 Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)
A few seen at the small lake by Klopperfontein north of Punda Maria in the Kruger.
78 White-faced Duck (Dendrocygna
viduata)
Fairly common throughout seen at Paarl, Oribi Gorge, Mkuzi and the Kruger.
78 African Pygmy-goose (Nettapus
auritus)
A few birds seen on Pan, Mkuzi.
78 Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma)
A few birds at Paarl were the only record.
78 Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa)
First seen at Paarl and subsequently at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
80 Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)
Common in suitable habitat.
80 African Black Duck (Anas sparsa)
A couple of birds seen at Paarl - the only record.
80 Cape Shoveler (Anas smithii)
Several seen at Paarl - the only record.
82 Cape Teal (Anas capensis)
Once again seen only at Paarl.
82 Red-billed Teal (Anas erythrorhyncha)
Seen at Pan, Mkuzi and at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
82 Hottentot Teal (Anas hottentota)
Seen at Pan, Mkuzi and at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
86 Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus)
Seen in good numbers in Kgalagadi TP, particularly between Twee Rivieren and
Nossob and in smaller numbers in Kruger.
86 Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres)
(E)
5 or 6 of these threatened birds seen at the regular site at Potberg. Possibly
a few of this species mixed in with a large flock of 140+ White-backed and Lappet-faced
Vultures in Kgalagadi TP between Twee Rivieren and Nossob on 26/11
86 (African) White-backed Vulture (Gyps
africanus)
Numerous in the Kgalagadi TP.
92 African Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus
vocifer)
Seen regularly at St Lucia, Mkuzi and Kruger.
92 Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)
Several of these magnificent raptors seen daily in Kgalagadi TP and singles
daily in Kruger.
94 Brown Snake-Eagle (Circaetus cinereus)
One or two birds seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP and once at Mkuzi.
94 Black-chested (Black-breasted) Snake-Eagle
(Circaetus pectoralis)
Seen daily in Kgalagadi TP.
96 Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
A single bird at Mkuzi was the only record.
96 Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina)
A single bird at Mkuzi was the only record.
96 Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
Relatively common at Kgalagadi with several birds seen daily; singles also
seen 3 out of 5 days at Kruger.
100 Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)
Singles seen daily at Kgalagadi TP allowing very close approach.
100 African Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus
coronatus)
A magnificent pair on the nest at the "traditional site" at Km7.5 at Oribi Gorge.
102 Longcrested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
First seen on the road to Benvie Farm and subsequently at St Lucia and Mkuzi.
102 African Hawk-Eagle (Hieraaetus
faciatus)
Only seen once north of Letaba in the Kruger.
102 Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
Seen on a couple of occasions in the Tanqua Karoo and in Kgalagadi TP.
104 Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus)
Seen regularly throughout the trip except in Mkuzi and Kruger.
106 Wahlberg's Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi)
Single birds seen on three dates, one in Kgalagadi TP and two in Kruger.
106 Forest Buzzard (Buteo trizonatus)
(E)
Two birds seen over the forest at Constantia Greenbelts.
106 Steppe Buzzard (Buteo vulpinis)
Seen regularly throughout.
106 African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene) (Polyboroides
typus)
First seen around Oribi Gorge and subsequently over the Luvuvhu River in the
north of the Kruger.
108 African Marsh-Harrier (Circus ranivorus)
First seen at West Coast NP and then in the grasslands around Underberg.
108 Black Harrier (Circus maurus)
(E)
Single at Cape of Good Hope Reserve on our first day in SA.; 3 more the following
day at West Coaast NP and one at Eierkop.
108 Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
Single at Wakkerstroom was the only record.
112 Southern Pale Chanting-Goshawk (Melierax
canorus) (E)
Common throughout the Tanqua Karoo and the Kgalagadi TP.
112 Dark Chanting-Goshawk (Melierax
metabates)
Seen on a couple of occasions in the north of the Kruger.
112 Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
A couple identified in the Kruger.
112 Yellow-billed Kite(Milvus aegyptius)
Common in suitable habitat
112 Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
Common in suitable habitat.
116 Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorquatus)
This diminutive species finally tracked down on a thorn tree in the Kgalagadi
TP.
118 Gabar Goshawk (Melierax gabar)
Seen on two dates in the Kgalagadi TP.
118 Shikra (Little Banded Goshawk) (Accipiter
badius)
Only seen once at Mkuzi.
118 Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus)
Single birds seen on successive days near Punda Maria in the Kruger.
120 Black Sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus)
A single bird seen in a wooded gorge in the hills above Wakkerstroom.
120 African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro)
One perched in trees at the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri in the
Kruger.
120 Rufous-chested (Red-breasted) Sparrowhawk (Accipiter
rufiventris)
A single bird seen along the motorway just outside Cape Town.
122 Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
Several birds seen in Kgalagadi TP.
122 Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha)
Two birds seen very well perched and in flight over the cliffs at the Strydom
Tunnel.
122 Red-necked Falcon (Falco chicquera)
Several single birds seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP.
126 Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor)
Somewhat to our surprise a pair showed very well at St Lucia.
128 Amur (Eastern Red-footed) Falcon (Falco
amurensis)
Several birds seen perched on wires around Underberg with a further 15-20 birds
seen between Wakkerstroom and Volksrust.
128 Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
Several birds seen around Kimberley.
128 Rock Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus
rupicolus) (nE)
Seen in the farmlands around De Hoop and at Wakkerstroom
128 Greater Kestrel (Falco rupicoloides
First seen in the northern part of the Tanqua Karoo, then several birds daily in the Kgalagadi TP and on the road to Dipvlei.
136 Swainson's Francolin (Spurfowl) (Pternistes
swainsonii) (nE)
Common around Wakkerstroom and in the northern Kruger.
136 Cape Francolin (Pternistes capensis)
(E)
Easily seen at Cape of Good Hope NP, Darling Road Loops and at De Hoop.
136 Natal Francolin (Pternistes natalensis)
(nE)
Common in the Kruger.
138 Gray-winged Francolin (Scleroptila
africanus) (E)
Much less confiding than Cape Francolin these birds were seen at Darling Road
Looops and at DeHoop.
142 Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
Common in suitable habitat.
142 Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani)
Common at St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.
142 Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Common around De Hoop and in the Kgalagadi TP and in much smaller numbers in
the Kruger.
144 Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Two birds flushed near the waterfall at Umgeni NR.
146 African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis)
A pair on the Luvuvhu River during a guided morning walk from Punda Maria.
146 Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata)
Common in suitable habitat.
146 Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Common in suitable habitat.
148 African Purple Swamphen (Purple Gallinule)
(Porphyrio madagascariensis)
Only at the marsh at Wakkerstroom where several birds were seeen.
148 Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostris)
Seen first at Paarl, then the marsh at Wakkerstroom and finally on the Letaba
River in the Kruger.
148 African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
Only seen in the northern part of the Kruger.
150 African Rail (Rallus caerulescens)
A couple of birds on successive days at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
152 Red-chested Flufftail (Sarothura rufa)
(H)
Heard calling in the marsh at Wakkerstroom but could not tape it out.
152 Buff-spotted Flufftail (Sarothura elegans)
Great views of this secretive species after hours of looking over 2 nights in
Robin Guy's garden in Underberg. It has a wonderful haunting, mournful call.
154 Grey (Southern) Crowned Crane (Balearica
regulorum)
Small parties of these elegant birds seen in fields and grassland around Underberg,
Benvie Farm, Oribi Gorge and Wakkerstroom.
154 Wattled Crane (Grus carunculatus)
Scope views of three of these elegant but endangered cranes in the grasslands
around Underberg.
154 Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradisea)
(E)
Common in the farmlands across the Cape usually in pairs, although we saw a
flock of 73 of these beautiful birds near De Hoop.
154 Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
Common in the Kgalagadi TP.
156 Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori)
2 or 3 single birds seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP.
156 Denham's (Stanley's) Bustard (Neotis
denhami)
Seen daily in small numbers in the farmlands around De Hoop.
156 Ludwig's Bustard (Neotis ludwigii)
(nE)
A pair in fields just south of Kammieskroon.
158 Karoo Korhaan (Eupodotis vigorsii)
(E)
A pair in a stony field north of De Hoop and a few other pairs/singles in the
Tanqua Karoo.
158 Blue Korhaan (Eupodotis caerulascens)
(E)
A group of 5 birds in the hills above Wakkerstroom.
160 Black-bellied Bustard (Korhaan) (Eupodotis
melanogaster)
The same bird on the same knoll daily at Mkuzi plus a couple of other singles
also at Mkuzi.
160 Red-crested Korhaan (Eupodotis ruficrista)
Only seen on the Benfontein Farm near Kimberley.
160 Northern Black Korhaan (Eupodotis
afraoides) (nE)
Several birds seen in the Kgalagadi TP.
160 Southern Black Korhaan (Eupodotis afra)
(E)
Seen only at West Coast National Park.
162 African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus
moquini) (E)
Fairly common along the coast of the western Cape at West Coast NP, Kommetjie
162 Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus
himantopus)
Common in marsh and wetland areas.
162 Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
15-20 birds on the beach at Cape of Good Hope NP.
164 Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius
hiaticula)
At West Coast NP, Yzerfontein, Strusbaii, Mkuzi.
164 Three-banded Plover (Charadrius
tricollaris)
Common in suitable habitat.
164 Kittlitz's Plover (Charadrius pecuarius)
A few at Yzerefontein and West Coast NP.
166 Chestnut-banded Plover (Charadrius
pallidus)
Only seen at the salt pans at Yzerfontein where a few birds proved tough to
track down.
166 White-fronted Plover (Charadrius
marginatus)
A few birds seen only at Kommetjie and De Hoop.
168 Crowned Lapwing (Plover) (Vanellus
coronatus)
Comon in suitable habitat.
168 Senegal Lapwing (Lesser Black-winged Plover)
(Vanellus lugubris)
A few birds seen just outside Orpen Camp in the Kruger.
170 White-crowned Lapwing (Plover) (Vanellus
albiceps)
Several birds seen on the Luvuvhu River in the north of the Kruger.
170 African Wattled Lapwing (Plover) (Vanellus
senegallus)
Seen in small numbers around the edges of the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
170 Blacksmith Lapwing (Plover) (Vanellus
armatus)
Common in suitable habitat.
174 Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
A few at West Coast NP.
174 Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
A couple of birds in marshy area at the edge of the Letaba River in the Kruger.
175 Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
Common in sutable habitat West Coast NP and Yzerfontein.
178 Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
Common in sutable habitat West Coast NP and Yzerfontein.
180 Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Fairly common in suitable habitat e.g Paarl and Pan in Mkuzi.
180 Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Common in suitable habitat.
182 Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Seen in wetlands around Underberg and at Mkuzi.
182 Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Common in suitable habitat.
184 Common Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
Several seen at West Coast NP.
186 African (Ethiopian) Snipe (Gallinago
nigripennis)
Several at the marsh in Wakkerstroom and on the Letaba River in the Kruger.
186 Greater Painted-snipe (Rostratula
benghalensis)
A pair watched at length from the Matembeni Bird Hide on the Letaba River in
the Kruger.
186 Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres)
A few on the coast at Yzerfontein.
190 Collared (Red-winged) Pratincole (Glareola
pratincola)
Common at Pan, Mkuzi NP and in the Kruger.
202 Spotted Thick-knee (Dikkop) (Burhinus
capensis)
Several birds seen at De Hoop.
202 Water Thick-knee (Dikkop) (Burhinus
vermiculatus)
First seen at Paarl then Oribi Gorge and St Lucia NP, fairly common.
202 Burchell's Courser (Cursorius rufus)
Three birds seen late in the afternoon around Km 10-11 on the P2250 to Bo-Wadrif
in the Tanqua Karoo.
202 Double-banded Courser (Rhinoptilus
africanus)
After unsuccessfully scouring the Kgalagadi TP a pair of these coursers finally
tracked down at Merrick Game Farm near Kimberley where they are apparently fairly
common.
206 Cape (Kelp) Gull (Larus vetula)
Common at coastal sites in the Western Cape.
206 Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)
Seen at Strusbaii and St Lucis NP.
208 Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrocephalus)
Only seen once at Paarl.
208 Hartlaub's Gull (Larus hartlaubii)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.
210 Swift Tern (Sterna bergii)
Common at sites along the coast.
210 Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.
212 Common Tern (Sterna hirundo)
A few at Kommetjie and Boulders Beach in Simon's Town.
214 Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
A few birds seen around False Bay and at Strusbaii.
214 Damara Tern (Sterna balaenarum)
(E)
Two or three of these endemics seen at Strusbaii.
216 White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus)
Seen at Paarl and Mkuzi.
216 Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus )
A few seen over the wetlands around Underberg.
218 Namaqua Sandgrouse (Pterocles namaqua)
(nE)
Common in the Tanqua Karoo where we saw a flock of 150+ at a watertrough, and
easily seen around waterholes in the Kgalagadi TP.
218 Burchell's Sandgrouse (Pterocles burchelli)
(nE)
A much wanted bird; 6 scoped up at Rooipoots waterhole in the Kgalagadi TP which
seems to be a reliable spot - although we only saw them once.
220 Speckled (Rock) Pigeon (Columba
guinea)
Common in suitable habitat.
220 African Olive Pigeon (Rameron Pigeon) (Columba
arquatrix)
One of the first birds seen on the trip at Jankershoek NR near Stellenbosch.
Also seen at Donnybrook Forest and Benvie Farm.
220 Lemon (Cinnamon) Dove (Aplopelia larvata)
These shy doves proved more confiding at Oribi Gorge where we saw several at
the roadside both mornings. Also at Igwalagwala Trail in St Lucia.
220 Rock Dove (Columba livia)
Common in suitable habitat.
222 African Mourning Dove (Streptopelia
decipiens)
Only seen once at Letaba Camp in the Kruger.
222 Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata)
Seen only at De Hoop andthe surrounding farmlands.
222 Cape Turtle Dove (Streptopelia
capicola)
Common in suitable habitat.
222 Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)
We only recorded this common bird in the Kruger NP.
224 African Green-Pigeon (Treron calva)
Several birds seen along the road to Cape Vidal at St Lucia NP.
224 Emerald-spotted (Green-spotted) Wood-Dove
(Turtur chalcospilos)
Locally common in Mkuzi.
224 Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria)
Fairly common in Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.
224 Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)
Fairly common in suitable habitat.
226 Cape Parrot (Poicephalus robustas)
(E)
Fantastic scope views of a pair of these endangered birds as they came from
their overnight roost to the nest to feed their young.
226 Brown-headed Parrot (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus)
Single perched birds seen in the Fig Forest, Mkuzi and from the bridge over
the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri in the Kruger.
230 Knysna Turaco (Lourie) (Tauraco
corythaix) (E)
Seen first in Donnybrook Forest and then several each day in Oribi Gorge.
230 Livingstone's Turaco (Lourie) (Tauraco
livingstonii)
Locally common along the Igwalagwala trail in St Lucia.
230 Purple-crested Turaco (Lourie) (Musophaga
porphyreolopha)
Seen daily in Mkuzi but nowhere else.
230 Gray Go-away-bird (Lourie) (Corythaixoides
concolor)
Seen daily at Mkuzi with odd singles in the Kruger.
232 African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis)
Single bird seen in wooded gully in the hills above Wakkerstroom.
232 Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius)
Common in suitable habitat and heard calling constantly. A pair seen well in
Constantia
234 Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus)
One of the first birds of the trip seen at the entrance to Jankershoek NR in
Stellenbosch.
234 Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus)
Seen briefly at Benfontein Farm near Kimberley and another single near Wakkerstroom.
234 Great Spotted Cuckoo (Clamator
glandarius)
Seen once on the Klopperfontein Loop in the northern Kruger.
236 Diederik Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius)
Several seen around Wakerstroom and the odd single in the northern Kruger.
236 African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx
cupreus)(H)
We heard this bird calling continuously early in the morning at Benvie Farm
but sadly could not see it despite extensive searching.
238 Burchell's Coucal (Centropus burchelli)
(nE)
Seen regularly at Oribi Gorge, Mkuzi and in the Kruger.
240 Verreaux's (Giant)Eagle-Owl (Bubo
lacteus)
Some great views of this much wanted bird at a daytime roost in the Kgalagadi
TP , in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi and finally on the night drive from Punda Maria
in the Kruger.
240 Pel's Fishing-Owl (Scotopelia peli)
Possibly the bird of the trip. Fantastic views of this huge marmalade coloured
owl at its daytime roost high in the riverine trees along the Luvuvhu River
near Punda Maria.
240 Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus)
Seen regularly throughout; particularly in the Tanqua Karoo and the Kgalagadi
TP but the best view was one on a nest in West Coast NP.
242 African Wood-Owl (Strix woodfordii)
Seen only once, spotlit in the trees on the way to the rivermouth at St Lucia.
242 Marsh Owl (Asio capensis)
Excellent views of 2 birds which drifted over our heads just before dusk at
the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
242 Pennant-winged Nightjar (Macrodipteryx
vexillaria)
An unexpected bonus for the trip. There is a regular spot for these elegant
nightjars on a rocky hillside near Punda Maria and others I know who have been
there have seen up to 5 pennant-winged males. We saw several females and one
magical male as it flew around our heads with its pennants fluttering.
242 Southern White-faced Scops Owl (Ptilopsus
granti)
We found 3 birds roosting in the trees at Nossob Camp on our first night there.
We then found probably the same birds the following night in a different stand
of trees.
242 African Barred Owlet (Glaucidium
capense)
We had difficulty with this allegedly common bird until we manged to tape one
in on the edge of the camp at Letaba which then gave great spotlit views.
242 Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium
perlatum)
Seen twice,both in the daytime.The first in the Kgalagadi TP where one was being
mobbed in a roadside tree and another in a less than well disguised daytime
roost in a bare tree in the northern Kruger.
244 Freckled Nightjar (Caprimulgus
tristigma)
A couple of birds seen and heard on the night drive at Punda Maria in the Kruger
NP.
244 Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)
Several birds calling at dusk on the night drive from Punad Maria.
244 Rufous-cheeked Nightjar (Caprimulgus
rufigena)
Several birds seen in the camp at Nossob in the Kgalagadi TP where we had one
calling from the sandy ground about 3 metres from us.
244 Square-tailed (Mozambique) Nightjar (Caprimulgus
fossii)
A couple of birds at dusk in the open areas along the road to the camp gate
from the HQ at Mkuzi. One bird sat on the road in the headlights giving great
views.
244 Swamp (Natal) Nightjar (Caprimulgus natalensis)
3 birds flying and calling in response to the tape at the old airfield accessed
by the track at the end of the parking area by the entrance gate to St Lucia
NP. The birds were seen at close quarters well before dusk.
248 Bradfield's Swift (Apus bradfieldi)
A couple of these birds seen in the company of dozens of other swifts at the
Big Hole in Kimberley.
248 Common Swift (Apus apus)
A few seen around Kimberley.
248 African Black Swift (Apus barbatus)
A few birds seen at Mkuzi.
248 Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba)
Several seen at Harold Porter Botanical Garden.
250 Mottled Spinetail (Tlacanthura ussheri)
A single bird from the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri. The bird flew
over several times clearly showing white patches on its undertail coverts.
250 Little Swift (Apus affinis)
A few birds seen at De Hoop and over the surrounding farmland.
250 Horus Swift (Apus horus)
A colony along the roadside in Lesotho.
250 White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer)
Common in the Western Cape.
250 African Palm-Swift (Cypsiurus parvus)
Only seen once with a few birds overhead in the Kruger.
252 Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina)
Singles seen daily at Oribi Gorge and also in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.
252 African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis)
Stunning views of this much wanted species which responded brilliantly to tape
in the early morning between KM 7-Km 8 in Oribi Gorge. Once started the bird
performed its weird circular round the branch display flight for about 10 minutes
and then promptly disappeared. Another seen perched low in the undergrowth in
the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.
252 Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius
indicus)
Several seen north of Nossob Camp in the Kgalagadi TP and on one day at Mkuzi.
252 Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus)
Common in suitable habitat.
252 White-backed Mousebird (Colius
colius)
Fairly common in the southern parts of the Kgalagadi TP.
254 Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima)
First at Jankershoek NR, then on a stream near Underberg, finally on the Luvuvhu
River in the Kruger.
254 Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
Common in suitable habitat.
254 Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata)
One on a low sapling at the edge of the Luvuvhu River fronm the bridge near
Punda Maria.
254 African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta)
A pair were always seen fishing in what little remained of the waterhole
at the Kubube Hide in Mkuzi.
256 Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis)
Seen regularly at Mkuzi and the Kruger.
256 Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon
albiventris)
Fairly common and seen daily at St Lucia NP, also at Mkuzi and on three dates
in the Kruger.
258 European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
A few birds on only 2 dates, one in Mkuzi and the other in the Kruger.
258 Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops
persicus)
Several birds daily at St Lucia NP on the road to Cape Vidal.
258 White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops
bullockoides)
First seen just outside the park gates at Mkuze and then almost daily in the
Kruger.
260 Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops
nubicoides)
Two birds at Klopperfontein water hole and then 20 others just upstream from
the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri in the Kruger.
260 Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (Merops
hirundineus)
Seen daily in small numbers, usually singles or pairs, in the Kgalagadi TP.
260 Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus)
Only seen twice with a small flock in St Lucia NP and at Mkuzi.
262 Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias
caudata)
Common in the Kgalagadi TP and the Kruger.
262 European Roller (Coracias garrulus)
Only seen once, in the Kruger at Letaba.
262 Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus
glaucurus)
Singles seen daily in Mkuzi and once in the Kruger.
264 Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
Another candidate for bird of the trip with a family party of three adults and
one juvenile bird watched at close quarters for an hour just outside the camp
at Letaba in the Kruger.
264 Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinitor)
Fairly comon in suitable habitat. Seen daily in small parties in Oribi Gorge
and at Mkuzi.
266 Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus)
Fairly common in suitable habitat. Seen daily in small numbers in Oribi Gorge
and at Mkuzi.
266 African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus)
A few birds seen in the north of the Kruger near Punda Maria.
266 Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus
leucomelas)
Seen only once in the Kgalagadi TP wher a pair perched and flew around the road
south of Kaspersdraai.
266 Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus)
Several seen in the north of the Kruger near Punda Maria.
268 Green (Red-billed) Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus
purpureus)
First seen nesting in the same tree as the Crowned Eagle in Oribi Gorge, twice
in Mkuzi and once in the Kruger.
268 Common (Greater) Scimitarbill (Rhinopomastus
cyanomelas)
Only once at Kaspersdraai in the Kgalagadi TP.
268 African Hoopoe (Upupa africana)
Seen regularly at sites in the Western Cape, then at Oribi Gorge and odd singles
in Kruger.
270 Scaly-throated Honeyguide (Indicator
variegatus)
A single bird at close quarters perched just outside the HQ in Mkuzi.
270 Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor)
Single at Oribi Gorge.
270 Brown-backed Honeybird (Sharp-billed Honeyguide)
(Prodotiscus regulus)
Two singles seen around Underberg.
272 Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus)
Seen regularly at Oribi Gorge, the Fig Forest in Mkizi, the Igwalagwala trail
in St Lucia and once in the northern Kruger.
272 White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis)
Several birds seen at St Lucia and Mkuzi.
272 Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii)
Once along the River Walk in Mkuzi and once in the northern Kruger.
274 Acacia Pied Barbet (Tricholaema
leucomelas)
Seen at Darling Road Loops, West Coast NP, and Aardvark Kloof in Namaqualand
274 Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Golden-rumped Tinker
Barbet) (Pogoniulus bilineatus)
Seen only once in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.
274 Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Tinker Barbet) (Pogoniulus
pusillus)
Seen only once in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.
276 Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes
olivaceus) (E)
Several birds seen in Lesotho.
276 Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollus)
Seen only once with a pair of birds taped in at Umgeni NR.
276 Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus)
Seen just twice, once at Oribi Gorge and in a wooded area near Wakkerstroom.
276 Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos
fuscescens)
Not uncommon, seen at Nossonb camp in the Kgalagadi TP, Oribi Gorge and several
times at Mkuzi.
278 Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera
abingoni)
One at Mkuzi and another single in the Kruger near Pafuri.
278 Knysna Woodpecker (Campethera notata)
(E)
A single bird taped in, allowing excellent views at Potberg.
280 Eastern Clapper Lark (Mirafra fasciolata)
(nE)
A couple of birds seen in the Aoub River bed in the Kgalagadi TP.
280 Cape Clapper Lark (Mirafra apiata)
(E)
A couple of birds displaying on the Darling Road Loops.
280 Agulhas Clapper Lark (Mirafra marjoriae)
Several seen in the farmlands around De Hoop.
282 Karoo Lark (Certhilauda albescens)
(E)
Several birds seen in the Tanqua Karoo.
282 Red Lark (Certhilauda burra) (E)
After hours of searching we finally found one bird in the Koa Dunes between
Dipvlei and Pofadder.
284 Sabota Lark (Mirafra sabota)
(nE)
A couple seen at water troughs on the roads south of Pofadder.
284 Fawn-colored Lark (Mirafra africanoides)
Seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP.
284 Large-billed (Southern Thick-billed) Lark
(Galerida magnirostris) (E)
Common in the farmlands around De Hoop.
284 Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana)
Seen twice, once at Umgeni NR and near Wakkerstroom.
284 Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea)
Common in the farmlands around De Hoop and in the Tanqua Karoo.
286 Cape Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda
curvirostris) (E)
A couple of birds seen at West Coast NP.
286 Agulhas Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda
brevirostris) (E)
In the farmlands around De Hoop.
286 Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda
subcoronata) (E)
Only seen once at Aardvark Kloof.
286 Eastern Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda
semitorquata) (E)
Seen at Wakkerstroom at the same site as Yellow-breasted Pipit
288 Rudd's Lark (Heteromirafra ruddi)
(E)
2-3 birds in fields above Wakkerstroom.
288 Botha's Lark (Spizocorys fringillaris)
(E)
2-3 birds in fields above Wakkerstroom.
288 Pink-billed Lark (Spizocorys conirostris)
(nE)
Two birds on the southerly dune road between the Nossob and Aoub Rivers in the
Kgalagadi TP.
288 Stark's Lark (Eremalauda starki)
(nE)
Seen once near Aggenys.
290 Gray-backed Sparrow-Lark (Finch-Lark)
(Eremopterix verticalis) (nE)
Abundant at watertroughs in the Tanqua Karoo.
290 Spike-heeled Lark (Chersomanes
albofasciata)
Seen in the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.
292 Red-breasted Swallow (Hirundo semirufa)
Seen regularly in Kruger NP.
292 Mosque Swallow (Hirundo senegalensis)
Several seen in the north of the Kruger.
292 South African Cliff Swallow (Hirundo
spilodera) (E)
Seen first at Underberg and then over the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
292 Greater Striped-Swallow (Hirundo
cucullata) (E)
Common in suitable habitat.
292 Lesser Striped-Swallow (Hirundo
abyssinica)
A few seen at Oribi Gorge and in the Kruger.
294 Barn (European) Swallow (Hirundo
rustica)
Common in suitable habitat.
294 Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii)
A few birds in the Kruger.
294 White-throated Swallow (Hirundo
albigularis)
Common in suitable habitat.
294 Pearl-breasted Swallow (Hirundo
dimidiata)
Several seen at Bontebok NP.
296 Black Saw-Wing (Swallow) (Psalidoprocne
holomelaena)
Seen first at Harold Porter Botanical Garden and then at Underberg and Umgeni
NR.
296 Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea)
6 of these elegant and endangered birds seen at Robin Guy's site on private
land near Underberg
296 Common House Martin (Delichon urbica)
A few in the Kruger.
298 Banded Martin (Riparia cincta)
At West Coast NP and De Hoop.
298 Brown-throated Martin (Riparia paludicola)
Common in suitable habitat.
298 Rock Martin (Hirundo fuligula)
Only identified in the Sani Pass.
300 Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Common in suitable habitat.
300 Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii)
Seen daily in Oribi Gorge and once in the Kruger.
300 Black Cuckoo-shrike (Campephaga
flava)
In the grounds of the hotel at Oribi Gorge and then once at Mkuzi.
300 Grey Cuckoo-shrike (Coracina caesia)
Only seen once, in Oribi Gorge.
302 Eurasian (European) Golden Oriole (Oriolus
oriolus)
Only seen once, in the Kruger near Paunda Maria
302 Black-headead (Eastern) Oriole (Orliolus
larvatus)
Seen at Benvie Farm, Oribi Gorge and once in the north of the Kruger.
304 White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis)
Seen daily at De Hoop and in surrounding farmlands and in the Tanqua Karoo.
304 Pied Crow (Corvus albus)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.
304 Cape (Black) Crow (Corvus capensis)
Seen in and around Wakerstroom.
304 House Crow (Corvus splendens)
Several in Cape Town near the airport.
306 (Southern) Grey Tit (Parus afer)
(E)
Only seen once in woodland near the foot of the Sani Pass.
306 Southern Black-Tit (Parus niger)
Seen a couple of times in Mkuzi and once in the Kruger.
308 Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides
jardineii)
Seen on a couple of occasions in the Kruger.
310 Cape Bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis)
(E)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.
310 Dark-capped (Black-eyed) Bulbul (Pycnonotus
tricolor)
Common in Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.
310 Terrestrial Brownbul (Phyllastrephus
terrestris)
Seen daily at Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.
310 Bush Blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus)
(E)
Seen first in a wooded area at the base of the Sani pass and then in a wooded
gully above Wakkerstroom.
312 Sombre Greenbul (Bulbul) (Andropadus
importunus)
Seen daily at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia and Mkuzi.
312 (African) Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Bulbul) (Chlorocichla
flaviventris)
Seen daily at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia and Mkuzi.
312 Eastern (Yellow-spotted) Nicator (Nicator
gularis)
Heard regularly at Mkuzi but very skulking but we finally had good views near
the Kumasinga Hide.
314 Orange Ground Thrush (Zoothera gurneyi)
Poor views in Xumeni Forest at Donnybrook were surpassed by prolonged views
of 2 birds feeding in the gardens of Benvie Farm.
314 Karoo Thrush (Turdus smithi)
Seen a couple of times in the Tanqua Karoo along the road to Calvinia.
314 Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
Seen at Benvie Farm and in Oribi Gorge.
314 Kurrichane Thrush (Turdus libonyanus)
Recorded in Mkuzi and in the Kruger.
314 Groundscraper Thrush (Psophocichla
litsipsirupa)
Only seen once in the camp at Letaba in the Kruger.
316 Cape Rock-Thrush (Monticola rupestris)
(E)
Seen at Rooi Els and in the Sani Pass.
316 Sentinel Rock Thrush (Monticola explorator)
(E)
Several birds at the top of the Sani Pass and in Lesotho.
316 Cape Rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus)
(E)
It took a long time to show at Rooi Els but when it did appear it walked along
the path right by us almost walking over Chris Lodge's boots.
316 Drakensberg (Orange-breasted) Rockjumper (Chaetops
aurantius) (E)
Several birds seen at the top of the Sani Pass just over the border in Lesotho.
318 Familiar Chat (Cercomela familiaris)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.
318 Sicklewing Chat (Cercomela sinuata)
(E)
A few birds in the Tanqua Karoo and several at the top of the Sani Pass.
318 Karoo Chat (Cercomela schlegelii)
(nE)
Common in the Tanqua Karoo.
318 Tractrac Chat (Cercomela tractrac)
Several along the road to Calvinia in the Tanqua Karoo.
318 Mountain Wheatear (Chat) (Oenanthe monticola)
A few in the Tanqua Karoo and in the hills above Wakkerstroom.
320 Capped Wheatear (Oenanthe pileata)
Seen in West Coat NP, Darling Road Loops ,De Hoop and the surrounding
farmlands
320 African (Common) Stonechat (Saxicola
torquata)
Seen at De Hoop, around Underberg and Wakkerstroom.
322 Buff-streaked Chat (Oenanthe bifasciata)
(E)
Several birds seen on the road up to the Sani Pass.
322 (Southern) Anteating Chat (Myrmecocichla
formicivora)
Seen regularly in the Tanqua Karoo.
324 Chorister Robin-Chat (Robin) (Cossypha
dichroa) (E)
This somewhat retiring species seen at Donnybrook Forest, Benvie Farm and Oribi
Gorge.
324 Red-capped Robin Chat (Natal Robin) (Cossypha
natalensis)
Seen at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.
324 Cape Robin-Chat (Robin) (Cossypha
caffra)
Common in suitable habit in the Western Cape and around Underberg.
324 (African) White-throated Robin-Chat (Robin)
(Cosypha humeralis) (E)
Single birds seen daily around the HQ at Mkuzi.
326 Brown Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas
signata) (E)
Seen at St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.
326 (Eastern) Bearded Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas
quadrivirgata)
Common in Mkuzi.
326 White-browed Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas
leucophrys)
Seen on a couple of occasions in Mkuzi and once in the northern Kgalagadi TP.
326 Kalahari Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas
paena) (nE)
Common in the Kgalagadi TP.
326 Karoo Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas
coryphaeus) (E)
Fairly common in the Western Cape and seen regularly in the Tanqua Karoo.
328 White-starred (Starred) Robin (Pogonocichla
stellata)
Great views of a pair feeding in the gardens of Benvie Farm and on the road
edge at Oribi Gorge.
330 Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus
ruficapilla)
Several seen in Oribi Gorge.
330 Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
Common in suitable habitat in Mkuzi and the Kruger.
332 Yellow-bellied Eremomela (Eremomela
icteropygialis)
Seen at Aardvark Kloof.
332 Cape Penduline-Tit (Anthoscopus
minutus) (E)
Seen at Aardvark Kloof.
334 Knysna Warbler (Bradypterus sylvaticus)
(E)
We tried on 2 successive mornings at Constantia, heard the bird on both occasions
but never saw it.
334 Barratt's Warbler (Bradypterus barratti)
(E)
A single bird seen at the Sani Pass.
334 Victorin's Warbler (Bradypterus
victorini) (E)
Excellent views of a bird taped in at Harold Porter Botanical Garden.
334 Broad-tailed Warbler (Schoenicola brevirostris)
A couple of birds seen at the Sani Pass
334 (African Sedge) Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus
baboecala)
Seen only once in the reeds surrounding the ponds at Milnerton.
336 (Cape Reed) Lesser Swamp Warbler (Acrocephalus
gracilirostris)
Also seen at Milnerton.
336 African (Marsh) Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus)
Seen at Paarl and in the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
340 Cape Grassbird (Sphenoeacus afer)
(E)
Seen at Cape of Good Hope NP and at Wakkerstroom.
340 Green-backed Camaroptera (Bleating Warbler)
(Camaroptera brachyura)
Heard often and seen at Oribi Gorge and daily at Mkuzi.
342 Fairy Flycatcher (Stenostira scita)
(E)
Seen several times along the road through the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.
342 Layard's Titbabbler (Parisoma layardi)
(E)
Seen several times along the road through the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.
342 Chestnut-vented Titbabbler (Parisoma
subcaeruleum)
Seen in West Coat NP and along the road through the Tanqua Karoo.
342 Long-billed Crombec (Sylvietta
rufescens)
Seen in West Coast NP and along the road through the Tanqua Karoo.
344 Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida)
Seen regularly in Mkuzi and the Kruger.
344 Rudd's Apalis (Apalis ruddi) (E)
Seen regularly at St Lucia NP and in Mkuzi.
344 Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica)
Seen first at Jankershoek, then West Coast NP and De Hoop.
346 Zitting (Fantailed) Cisticola (Cisticola
juncidis)
Fairly common in suitable habitat.
346 Wing-snapping (Ayers) Cisticola (Cisticola
ayeresii)
Seen in the hills above Wakkerstroom.
346 Neddicky (Cisticola fulvicapillus)
Fairly common in suitable habitat.
348 Grey-backed (Red-headed) Cisticola (Cisticola
subruficapillus) (nE)
Seen in the Western Cape at West Coat NP and along the road through the Tanqua
Karoo near Eierkop.
348 Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais)
Several birds seen in the Umgeni Valley.
348 Croaking Cisticola (Cisticola natalensis)
Seen at Umgeni Valley and in the Kruger near Olifants
348 Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chinianus)
Only identified at St Lucia and in Mkuzi.
348 Lazy Cisticola (Cisticola aberrans
Several at Oribi Gorge.
350 Levaillant's (Tinkling) Cisticola (Cisticola
tinniens)
Seen around Underberg and Wakkerstroom.
352 Namaqua Warbler (Phragmacia substriata)
(E)
Several seen at Karoopoort.
352 Rufous-eared Warbler (Malcorus
pectoralis) (E)
A small number seen along the road through the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark
Kloof.
352 Drakensberg Prinia (Prinia hypoxantha)
(E)
Seen only in the Sani Pass.
352 Karoo (Spotted) Prinia (Prinia
maculosa) (E)
Fairly common in the Western Cape.
352 Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava)
Seen once in Oribi Gorge and in the northern Kruger.
352 Black-chested Prinia (Prinia flavicans)
Ony seen once, in the Kgalagadi TP north of Nossob Camp.
354 African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa
adusta)
Seen in Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.
354 Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
Seen only in the Kruger.
354 Ashy (Blue-grey) Flycatcher (Musicapa
caerulescens)
Seen only at Mkuzi near the Kumasinga Hide.
354 Grey Tit Flycatcher (Fantailed Flycatcher) (Myioparus
plumbeus)
A couple of birds seen in the Fig Forest in Mkuzi.
354 Fiscal Flycatcher (Sigelus silens)
(E)
Common in the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.
356 Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher (Trochocercus
cyanomelas)
Seen first on the Igwalagwala trail in St Lucia and in the Fig Forest in Mkuzi.
356 African Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone
viridis)
Fairly common in suitable habitat.
358 Cape White-eye (Zosterops pallidus)
(E)
Common in suitable habitat.
360 Pririt Batis (Batis pririt)
(nE)
Seen in woodland at the foot of the Sani Pass.
360 Cape Batis (Batis capensis)
(E)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.
360 Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor)
First seen in the Fig Forest in Mkuzi and then a couple of times in the Kruger.
360 Black-throated Wattle-eye (Wattled-eye Flycatcher)
(Platysteira peltata)
Great views of 2 separate birds in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.
362 Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis)
Common in suitable habitat in the western Cape.
362 African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla
aguimp)
Seen daily in Oribi Gorge.
362 Mountain (Long-tailed) Wagtail (Motacilla
clara)
Seen in Umgeni NR.
364 Mountain Pipit (Anthus hoeschi)
(E)
A couple of birds not far over the border in Lesotho.
366 African (Grassveld) Pipit (Anthus
cinnamomeus)
Common in suitable habitat.
366 Buffy Pipit (Anthus vaalensis)
A single bird at Benfontein Farm near Kimberley.
370 Yellow-breasted Pipit (Anthus chloris)
(E)
A couple of birds in the hills above Wakkerstroom.
370 Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx crocies)
Seen on a couple of occasions along the road to Cape Vidal at St Lucia NP and
once at Mkuzi.
370 Cape (Orange-throated) Longclaw (Macronyx
capensis) (E)
At Yzerfontein, West Coast NP and the Darling Road Loops in the Western Cape.
372 Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus)
(nE)
Seen at Nossob Camp in the Kgalagadi TP.
372 Magpie (African Long-tailed) Shrike (Corvinella
melanoleuca)
Seen regularly in the Kruger.
372 Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio)
Seen only once in the Kgalagadi TP.
372 Common Fiscal (Fiscal Shrike) (Lanius
collaris)
Common in suitable habitat.
374 Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus)
(E)
Seen regularly throughout the Western Cape.
374 Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus)
Seen twice in the Kruger at Punda Maria and near Pafuri.
374 Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senigala)
Seen regularly at Mkuzi.
374 Brown-crowned (Three-streaked) Tchagra
(Tchagra australis)
Seen on a couple of occasions in the Kruger.
374 Southern Tchagra (Tchagra tchagra)
(E)
Once in Oribi Gorge .
376 Grey-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti)
Seen at the Phalaborwa Gate as we left Kruger NP on our last day.
376 Bokmakierie (Telophorus zeylonus)
(E)
Common in the Western Cape.
376 Gorgeous Bushshrike (Telophorus quadricolor)
Great views of this vocal but elusive bird at the Kumasinga Hide in Mkuzi NP.
376 Orange-fronted Bushshrike (Telophorus
sulfureopectus)
Seen on succesive days at the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Punda Maria
in the Kruger.
378 White-crested (White) Helmetshrike (Prionops
plumatus)
Seen only once, a small flock in Mkuzi NP.
378 Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus
cubla)
Seen regularly, Benvie Farm, Mkuzi and the Kruger.
380 Cape Glossy-Starling (Lamprotornis
nitens)
Regularly seen at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.
380 Violet-backed (Plum-coloured) Starling
(Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
This striking starling was fairly common in Mkuzi and the Kruger.
380 Black-bellied Starling (Lamprotornis
corruscus)
Seen on 2 dates only, in Mkuzi.
382 Pale-winged Starling (Onychognathus
nabouroup) (nE)
Seen several times in the Tanqua Karoo and Aardvark Kloof.
382 Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus
morio)
Fairly common in the Western Cape.
384 Common (Indian) Myna (Acridotheris tristis)
Seen around Wakkerstroom.
384 Common (European) Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Common in the Western Cape.
384 Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea)
Seen only once in Mkuzi.
384 (African) Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor)
(E)
Common in suitable habitat.
384 Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)
Fairly common, seen in Mkuzi and the Kruger.
384 Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus)
Much less common seen on just two occasions in the Kruger.
386 Gurney's Sugarbird (Promerops guernei)
(E)
Seen at the top of the Sani Pass and in Lesotho.
386 Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer)
(E)
Seen at West Coast National Park and Rooi Els and the Kgalagadi TP
386 Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa)
This gorgeous sunbird seen at Cape of Good Hope NP, Eierkop in the Tanqua Karoo
and in the Sani Pass.
386 Orange-breasted Sunbird (Anthobaphes
violacea) (E)
Cape of Good Hope NP, Paarl and Aardvark Kloof.
388 Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Chalcomitra
senegalensis)
Scope views from the road to Cape Vidal in St Lucia NP.
388 Amethyst (African Black) Sunbird (Chalcomitra
amethystina)
Seen only at Oribi Gorge.
388 Grey Sunbird (Cyanomitra veroxii)
Oribi Gorge and St Lucia NP.
388 Eastern Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea)
Also in Oribi Gorge.
390 Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris)
Common at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.
390 White-bellied Sunbird (Cinnyris
talatala)
Seen at Oribi Gorge and Muzi.
392 Greater Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris
afra) (E)
Seen only at Umgeni NR.
392 Southern (Lesser) Double-collared Sunbird
(Cinnyris chalybea) (E)
This apparently common species only seen twice, West Coast NP and Oribi Gorge.
392 Mariqua Sunbird (Cinnyris mariquensis)
Seen only once in Mkuzi NP.
392 Purple-banded Sunbird (Cinnyris bifasciata)
Seen once only, at St Lucia.
394 House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Common in suitable habitat.
394 Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus)
(nE)
Common in Western Cape, De Hoop and in Kgalagadi TP.
394 (African) Yellow-throated Petronia (Sparrow)
(Petronia supercilliarus)
Seen regularly in Mkuzi and the Kruger.
394 Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer
diffusus)
Common in the Kgalagadi TP and in the Kruger.
396 White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser
mahali)
Seen regularly in the Kgalagadi.
396 Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons)
Seen on the Igwalgwala trail in St Lucia and at Mkuzi.
396 Dark-backed (Forest) Weaver (Ploceus
bicolor)
Fairly common in Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi NP. Also in Xumeni Forest at Donnybrook.
396 Sociable Weaver (Philetairus socius)
(E)
Huge communal nests easily seen around Pofadder and in the Kgalagadi TP.
398 Village (Spotted-backed) Weaver (Ploceus
cucullatus)
Seen at Umgeni NR and daily in Oribi Gorge.
398 Southern Masked-Weaver (Ploceus
velatus)
Common in suitable habitat.
398 Lesser Masked-Weaver (Ploceus intermedius)
Seen only once in Mkuzi.
398 Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis)
Seen in St. Lucia and Mkuzi.
398 Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps)
A couple seen in the north of the Kruger.
400 Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)
(E)
Seen regularly in the Western Cape and the Kgalagadi.
400 Yellow Weaver (Ploceus subaureus)
Seen on two dates in Mkuzi.
402 Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea)
Seen at the Koa Dunes and regularly in the Kruger.
402 Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes
orix)
Common in suitable habitat.
402 Yellow-crowned (Golden) Bishop (Euplectes
afer)
A few birds around Wakkerstroom.
404 Long-tailed Widowbird (Widow) (Euplectes
progne)
Seen around Underberg and Wakkerstroom.
404 Red-collared Widowbird (Widow) (Euplectes
ardens)
Seen around Underberg and at Umgeni NR.
404 Fan-tailed Widowbird (Red-shouldered Widow)
(Euplectes axillaris)
Seen at Mkuzi.
404 Yellow Bishop (Yellow-rumped Widow) (Euplectes
capensis)
Common in suitable habitat.
406 Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)
Fairly common seen at Paarl, De Hoop and the Kgalagadi TP.
406 Shaft-tailed Whydah (Vidua regia)
Seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP.
406 Long-tailed (Eastern) Paradise-Whydah
(Vidua paradisaea)
Seen only once in the Kruger.
408 Dusky Indigo Bird (Black Widowfinch) (Vidua
funerea)
Only seen once in a wooded gully above Wakerstroom.
408 Cuckoo Finch (Anomalospiza imberbis)
Single bird identified on a fence in fields above Wakkerstroom.
410 Red-billed Firefinch (Legonosticta senegala)
Several on successive days below the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri
in the northern Kruger.
410 Swee Waxbill (Estrilda melanotis)
(E)
Several birds seen at Harold Porter Botanical Garden and at Bontebok NP.
412 Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild)
Seen regularly in small numbers throughout the trip
412 Grey Waxbill (Estrilda perreini)
Only once in scrub at the side of the road to Cape Vidal in St. Lucia NP.
412 Blue Waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis)
Seen regularly in the Kruger.
414 Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata)
Seen on a couple of dates at Oribi Gorge.
414 Red-backed Mannikin (Lonchura nigriceps)
Seen only once in the casuarina trees at the camp site at Cape Vidal at St Lucia
NP.
414 Red-headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala)
Only once, a single bird at Melkvlei, in the Kgalagadi TP.
414 Scaly-feathered Finch (Sporopipes squamifrons)
(E)
Abundant in the Kgalagadi.
416 African Quailfinch (Ortygospiza
atricollis)
A stroke of good fortune at one of the random stops on the drive round Bontebok
NP where a small flock of these birds were hanging around a damp area of short
grass affording great scope views.
416 Orange-breasted Waxbill (Amandava subflava)
Several in a mixed flock in fields above Wakkerstroom.
420 Yellow Canary (Serinus flaviventris)
(E)
Common throughout the Western Cape and the Kgalagadi TP.
420 Yellow-fronted (Yellow-eyed) Canary (Serinus
mozambicus)
Seen at Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.
420 Forest Canary (Serinus scotops)
(E)
Seen in wooded areas around Underberg and at Oribi Gorge.
420 Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis)
Seen at Darling Farmlands, De Hoop and in surrounding farmlands and around Underberg.
422 Protea Seedeater (Canary) (Serinus leucopterus)
(E)
Claire Spottiswoode had given us a new site for this bird at Dassieshook NR
just outside Robertson. We arrived very late but the first bird to show was
the Protea Seedeater which perched right in front of us and then flew off never
to be seen again.
422 Black-headed Canary (Alario alario)
(E)
Seen at Aardvark Kloof
422 Drakensberg Siskin (Pseudochloroptila
symonsi) (E)
A couple of birds seen at the top of the Sani Pass and over the border in Lesotho.
422 Cape Siskin (Pseudochloroptila
totta) (E)
A pair seen at Rooi Els.
424 White-throated Canary (Serinus
albogularis) (nE)
Seen at West Coast NP and Aardvaark Kloof.
424 Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
A single female in Tokai Forest just outside Cape Town.
424 Cinnamon-breasted (Rock) Bunting (Emberiza
tahapisi)
Seen only once in the Kruger near Olifants.
424 Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza
flaviventris)
This spectacular bunting seen on a couple of dates at Mkuzi and at Wakkerstroom.
424 Lark-like Bunting (Emberiza impetuani)
(nE)
Abundant.
424 Cape Bunting (Emberiza capensis)
Seen at Cape of Good Hope NR,West Coast NP and in the Tanqua Karoo.
Mammal species list
1. Chacma Baboon (Papio ursinus) Kgalagadi
TP.
2. Vervet Monkey ( Cercopithecus aethiops) Kruger NP.
3. Cape Hare ( Lepus capensis) Kgalagadi TP.
4. Scrub Hare ( Lepus saxitalis) Kruger NP.
5. Spring Hare ( Pedetes capensis) Kgalagadi TP & Kruger
NP.
6. Ground Squirrel ( Xerus inauris)Kgalagadi TP.
7. Honey Badger ( Mellivora capensis) Kgalagadi TP.
8. Striped Polecat (Ictonyx striatus) Dipvlei Farm.
9. Banded Mongoose ( Mungos mungo) St Lucia NP.
10. Dwarf Mongoose ( Helogate parvula) Kruger NP.
11. Suricate { Meercat} ( Suricata suricatta) Kgalagadi TP
12. Rock Dassie ( Procavia capensis) West Coast NP
13 . Cape Fox ( Vulpes chama) Kgalagadi TP
14. Bat-eared Fox. ( Otocyon megalotis) Dipvlei Farm.
15. Black-backed Jackal ( Canis mesomelas) Kgalagadi TP, Kruger
NP
16. Brown Hyaena ( Hyaena brunnea) Kgalagadi TP
17. African Wid Cat (Felis lybica)
18. Small Spotted Genet ( Genetta genetta) Kgalagadi
TP.
19. Lion ( Panthera leo) Kgalagadi TP, Kruger NP.
20. Elephant ( Loxodona africana) Kruger NP.
21. Square-lipped {White} Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)
Kruger NP.
22 Hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibius) Mkuzi NP,
Kruger NP.
23. Warthog ( Phacochoerus aethiopicus) Kruger NP.
24. Bushpig ( Potamochoerus porcus) Kruger NP.
25. Cape Mountain Zebra ( Equus zebra ) De Hoop NR. Bontebok
NP
26. Burchell's Zebra ( Equus burchelli ) Kruger NP.
27. Giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis) Mkuzi NR, Kruger NP.
28. Buffalo ( Syncerus caffer) Kruger NP.
29. Blue Wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus) Kgalagadi TP, Kruger
NP.
30. Eland ( Taurotragus oryx) Kgalagadi TP,Kruger NP.
31. Kudu ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros) Kgalagadi TP, Kruger NP.
32. Nyala ( Tragelaphus angasii) Kruger NP.
33. Bushbuck ( Tragelaphus scriptus) Kruger NP.
34. Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) Kgalagadi TP.
35. Waterbuck ( Kobus ellipsiprymnus) Kruger NP.
36. Red Hartebeeste ( Alxelaphus buselaphus) Kgalagadi TP.
37. Bontebok ( Damaliscus dorcas dorcas) De Hoop NR, Bontebok
NP.
38. Impala ( Aepyceros melampus) Kruger NP
39. Springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis) West Coast NP, Kgalagadi
TP.
40. Suni ( Neotragus moschatus) Kruger NP.
41. Steenbok ( Raphicerus campestris) Kruger NP.
42. Red Duiker ( Cephalophus natalensis) Kruger NP.
43. Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) Kruger NP.
44. Southern Right Whale (Balaena glacialis) False Bay.
Reptile species list
Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
Seen at Melkvlei Picnic Site in the Kgalagadi TP. Just beyond the boundary
of this site the ground is full of holes. Despite watching very carefully for
the presence of puffadders while following a Red-headed Finch Graeme nevertheless
completely missed seeing this snake until being 2 steps away from it.
Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps)
Fortunately, at the time, we were not aware of the identification of the
long, thin green snake that took up residence in our kitchen area on our final
morning at Mkuzi. We watched it cautiously for about 20 minutes until it slid
off. Possibly another of this species seen in a tree on the Igwalagwala trail
in St Lucia.
Common Slug-eater (Duberria lutrix)
Seen crossing the road in West Coast NP.
Nile Crocodile ( Crocydylus niloticus)
Common at St Lucia, Mkuzi and in the Kruger. We found a hatchling high up on
the sand banks of the Luvuvhu River. The tiny, but very aggressive, crocodile
was less than a day old but had no chance of reaching the water. The guides
gently picked it up and were nearly bitten for their troubleand placed it in
the shallows where after a moment to consider the new surroundings it swam off.
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