So we would like to share the excitement with you, and look a bit closer at some of our favourite African birds!
Initially we planned to choose 5 of our favourites, but there are so many beautiful and amazing birds – so we only managed to limit it down to 8 this time. Surely, we will get back at a different time with some more…
Click on the pictures to see the birds more clearly – we promise it is worth taking a closer look!
Kori Bustard
The bird is found on open grassy areas throughout southern Africa. It feeds mainly on insects, grass and seeds, but can also snap a chameleon, a small snake or even a small rodent if the opportunity will have it.
If you want to see one, it is useful to know that it is most active in the early morning and in the late afternoon to evening. We met this guy one late afternoon in Namibia, where it is quite commonly found in protected areas. Outside protected areas it is more uncommon, and the species is considered near threatened. This is mainly due to habitat destruction – as we mentioned, it is a very shy bird – and does tend to avoid areas where we humans have taken over.
African Hoopoe
When you find yourself in the southern parts of Africa and hear: “Hoop-oop” or “Hoop-oop-oop”, then you can be fairly sure that you are hearing one.
The pictures were taken at our Zimbabwe offices, which this Hoopoe also had choose to call its home (under our roof). As you can see, the Hoopoe feeds on insects and larvae, which it digs up from the ground using that practical long beak.
Grey Crowned crane
The Grey Crowned Crane and the similar Black Crowned Crane are the only cranes left which still can make nests in trees, as they have a long hind toe, which they can use to grasp branches. It lives in areas of dry savannah south of the Sahara, but is mostly found nesting in wetter habitats, like marshes and grassy flatlands near rivers and lakes. Here they find some of their favourite foods in addition to plants and seeds; insects, frogs, worms, snakes and small fish.
Southern Masked Weaver
On the picture you see a male, while the female has a brighter, dull green-yellow color and is missing the black face and the red eyes.
Another superpower is the ability to lay eggs in a variation of colors – and use the color for identification! When a cuckoo comes and adds an ‘unsuspected’ egg to the nest, the Weaver will sort it out based on its color and get rid of it.
The Southern Masked Weaver is widespread on the savanna, grassland, woodland, wetlands and semi-desert areas as well as suburban areas across southern Africa. You pretty much cannot miss these…
Crested Barbet
You may find him bouncing around in forests, savannah, suburban areas and woodlands across southern Africa. They bounce on the ground and from branch to branch looking for food, but also as they don’t fly very easily and only do that for short distances. The Crested Barbet’s colorful feathered suit makes it easy to identify, but his speckled appearance also provides good camouflage in the bush.
They roost in holes in trees and are extremely territorial, which can cause them to get quite aggressive towards other birds. Some have even seen them attack snakes and rats, but mostly they feed on insects, fruits and other birds’ eggs.
Kingfishers
Although they are named ‘-fishers’, they are not necessarily always found close to water or fishing…
Take these two southern African species for example;
We came across this one in Matopos National Park, Zimbabwe. This Kingfisher finds its habitat in woodland, scrub and even cultivated areas, up to altitudes of 2,000 meters.
It often builds its nest in steep river banks. Even if it is often found close to water, this species is not aquatic, but rather feeds on insects and small lizards.
With an average length of 21 cm, you need a good camera lens to catch the details of his beautiful coat.
This 23cm long Kingfisher we spotted on the Caprivi Strip in Namibia.
Commonly found in wooded habitats, especially where acacias grow, but also in human habitations, this Kingfisher builds his nest in tree holes excavated by other birds. He actually prefers drier areas and can be found far from water.
Yellow-Billed Hornbill
You will find him, often sitting in a tree, on open and dry savannas or in woodlands across southern Africa. However, when he flies, he does so powerfully with heavy beats of his wings!
They like to snack on berries, fruits, nuts, termites, beetles, larvae, grasshoppers and caterpillars, but as you see in our picture taken in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe, they might also catch centipedes, scorpions or even small mammals!
African Comb Duck a.k.a. Knob-billed Duck
The African Comb Duck is found across southern Africa, but also across southern Asia. It is one of the largest ducks, with its up to 70 cm length and a wingspan that can reach 140 cm!
The picture shows a male – that is easy to see, as only males have the large black knob on their bill. The males are also much larger than the females. We have not been able to figure out if that knob on the bill has a function, apart from looking cool in mating seasons in combination with that shiny green and purple feather coat of course…
They reside in freshwater swamps and enjoy grazing on vegetation, but may also snap a fish or two. If you want to see one, visit Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe – this is where we met this guy.
It is also useful to know that there are camps, lodges and operators specialising on birding /Ornithology with special game drive cars and expert knowledge. Want to see some southern African birds with your own eyes? Tell us your wishes, and we can plan you a birding safari with the possibility to see these and many more birds, and of course other exciting animals…
Find our contact form for your tailor made adventure here or get in touch with us at enquiries@thesafarisource.com for your adventure!
Happy birding!
All images © The Safari Source
Exception: the Flag of Uganda, which is under the Creative Commons CC0 license (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Uganda#/media/File:Flag_of_Uganda.svg)
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