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SPECIES LIST:
Bold-faced = southern African endemic or near-endemic
* = life bird
498 species (132 endemics or near-endemics) + 4 additional forms
7 introduced species
5 species heard but not (or only poorly) seen
1 disputed species
*African (Jackass) Penguin (Spheniscus demersus) - 1 on offshore rocks, Port Nolloth (1 Nov); major colony @ The Boulders, Simonstown, Cape Peninsula (3-4 Nov)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus) ñ 2, Strandfontein (8 Nov)
Black-necked (Eared) Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) ñ many @ Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov); Strandfontein (8 Nov)
Little Grebe (Dabchick) (Tachybaptus ruficollis) ñ widespread and common on virtually all fresh and brackish water (5,7-8,10-12,16-17,20-21 Nov)
*Shy Albatross (Diomedea cauta) ñ abundant off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
*Black-browed Albatross (Diomedea melanophris) ñ common off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
*Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (Diomedea chlororhynchos) ñ several off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov) [Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross was reportedly seen on this trip as well but we were not aware of the split at the time nor did we hear the call]
*Southern Giant Petrel (Macronetes giganteus) - several off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
*Northern Giant Petrel (Macronetes halli) ñ several off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
*Pintado Petrel (Daption capense) ñ very common off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
*White-chinned Petrel (Procellaria aequinoctialis) ñ abundant off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Great(er) Shearwater (Puffinus gravis) ñ abundant off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus) ñ abundant off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus) ñ 1 off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
*European Storm-petrel (Hydrobates pelagicus) ñ several off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Wilson's Storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) ñ common off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) ñ 1 bird flying into a pond, Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens) ñ several at St. Lucia estuary (11 Nov) and Mkhuze (13 Nov)
*Cape Gannet (Morus capensis) ñ a few, Port Nolloth (2 Nov); abundant off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Great (White-breasted) Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) ñ common in many wetland locations both at coast and inland
*Cape Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capensis) ñ common, Port Nolloth (1- 2 Nov) and Simonstown (False Bay) (3-4 Nov)
*Bank Cormorant (Phalacrocorax neglectus) ñ fairly common, Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov) and Simonstown (False Bay) (4 Nov)
*Reed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus) ñ common in coastal & inland wetland locations
*Crowned Cormorant (Phalacrocorax coronatus) ñ common, Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov); a few, Simonstown (False Bay) (4 Nov)
African Darter (Anhinga melanogaster) - many wetland locations in Western & Northern Cape (27 Oct,5-6,8 Nov); Natal (10,13 Nov)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea) ñ widespread throughout
Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala) - widespread throughout
Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) - 2, Richard's Bay (10 Nov); 1, St. Lucia (11 Nov); 1, Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) - 7, near De Hoop Vlei (27-28 Oct); common, Richard's Bay/St. Lucia (10-11 Nov); 2, Wakkerstroom (19 Nov); common, Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Great (White) Egret (Egretta [Ardea] alba) - fairly widespread and common in wetland locations
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) - widespread and fairly common in wetland locations
Intermediate (Yellowbilled) Egret (Egretta intermedia) - 1, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); 2, St. Lucia (11 Nov); several, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Black Egret (Egretta ardesiaca) - 1, Nylsvley (20 Nov) [seen by Roland]
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) - common and widespread thoughout
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides) - common, Richard's Bay, St. Lucia, Nylsvley
Green-backed (Striated) Heron (Butorides striatus) - Bonamanzi, 12 Nov [seen by Roland by our cabin at Dinizulu Camp]
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) - breeding colony @ Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); Strandfontein (8 Nov); common @ Nylsvley (20 Nov)
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) - 1 seen flying @ Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov)
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta) - 2, St. Lucia (10 Nov); individual birds @ Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) - 2, Wakkerstroom grassland (20 Nov)
*Abdim's Stork (Ciconia abdimii) - 5 birds flying, Eshowe (9 Nov)
Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) - fairly common, Eshowe, Natal reserves near coast (10-12,14 Nov)
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) - fairly common, St. Lucia (11 Nov); 1, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov); fairly common, Nylsvley (20 Nov)
Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus) - widespread and common in many wetland locations
*Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus) - 1, top of Sani Pass, Lesotho (16 Nov)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) ñ fairly common and widespread in wetlands
*Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash) ñ widespread and common throughout
African Spoonbill (Platalea alba) ñ 1 near Cape Town (27 Oct); 2 @ Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); 3, Richard's Bay/St. Lucia (10 Nov); 1 on pond near Ladysmith (18 Nov)
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber) ñ 16 @ Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); several, Berg River estuary (Laaiplek) (6 Nov); common @ Strandfontein (8 Nov)
*Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) ñ c. 100 @ Berg River estuary (Laaiplek) (6 Nov)
White-faced (Whistling) Duck (Dendrocygna viduata) ñ 2, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); common in Natal coastal areas (10-13 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Fulvous (Whistling) Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor) ñ 1 @ Richard's Bay (10 Nov)
*White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus) ñ 4, Strandfontein (8 Nov); common, Richard's Bay (10 Nov); 2, Mkhuze (12 Nov)
*Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus) ñ widespread and very common throughout
*South African Shelduck (Tadorna cana) ñ 5, between Brandvlei and Kenhardt (29 Oct); 1, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); 2, Strandfontein (8 Nov); 2, Mkhuze (18 Nov).
*Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata) ñ widespread and common in ponds and rivers
*African Black Duck (Anas sparsa) ñ 1, Helderberg Nature Reserve (5 Nov); 2, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov)
*Cape Teal (Anas capensis) ñ 14, between Brandvlei and Kenhardt (29 Oct); common, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); 2, Berg River estuary (6 Nov); common, Strandfontein (8 Nov)
*Hottentot Teal (Anas hottentota) ñ 8, Richard's Bay (10 Nov)
*Red-billed Teal (Anas erythrorhyncha) ñ common, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); 1, ponds @ Koeberg wheatfields (6 Nov); also Strandfontein (8 Nov), Richard's Bay (10 Nov) and Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
*Cape Shoveller (Anas smithii) ñ 2, De Hoop Vlei (27 Oct); 6 (female with young) between Brandvlei and Kenhardt (29 Oct); common, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); Strandfontein (8 Nov); Richard's Bay (10 Nov); near Underberg (17 Nov)
*Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma) ñ 4, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); common, Strandfontein (8 Nov); 2, Richard's Bay (10 Nov); 1, Nylsvley (20 Nov)
African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus) ñ 4, Richard's Bay (10 Nov)
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis) ñ widespread and common everywhere
*Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa) - many, Strandfontein (8 Nov)
*Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius) ñ 1, from hide, Mkhuze (12 Nov); 1, near Underberg (17 Nov)
Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) (Gypaetus barbatus) ñ 4 active at nest in Lesotho (16 Nov)
*Cape Vulture or Griffon (Gyps coprotheres) ñ 4, Lesotho (16 Nov)
African Whitebacked Vulture (Gyps africanus) ñ fairly common, Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (12-14 Nov)
*Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotus) ñ 1, Mkhuze (12 Nov); 1, Umfoloze-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
*Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus parasitus) ñ widespread and fairly common to common everywhere [This bird is regarded in South Africa and also by Sibley as a separate species from the Eurasian Black Kite; the two are lumped by Clements]
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus) ñ widespread in open areas throughout
*Verreaux's (Black) Eagle (Aquila verreauxii) ñ 1 perched on a rock by the road between Augrabies Nat'l Park and Pofadder (31 Oct); 1 flying between Leliefontein and Cape Town (3 Nov); 1, Sani Pass (16 Nov)
*Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) ñ 1 perched, Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Wahlberg's Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi) ñ 2 flying, St. Lucia area (11 Nov); several, Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov)
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) ñ fairly common in western areas; flying birds seen in N Cape (29-31 Oct) and W Cape (6-8 Nov)
Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis) ñ 2 near St. Lucia; also Bonamanzi (10-11 Nov) and near Creighton (17 Nov)
*Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) ñ singles, N Cape and near Cape Town (1,5 Nov); Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov)
Brown Snake-Eagle (Circaetus cinereus) ñ 1, Cape Vidal Road near St. Lucia (11 Nov)
*Black-Breasted Snake-Eagle (Circaetus gallicus pectoralis) ñ singles along Diamond Dune Road (2 Nov) and @ Mkhuze 13 Nov; [N.B.: this subspecies is sometimes split from the nominate as a good species]
Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) ñ 1 immature flying, Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis) ñ 1 adult perched, Mtunzini (15 Nov)
African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) ñ widespread on larger bodies of water (4 on Orange River @ Augrabies Nat'l Park, 30 Oct; 2, Richard's Bay, 10 Nov; 4, St. Lucia area, 11 Nov; 2, Mkhuze, 13 Nov; 2, Nylsvley, 21 Nov)
Common (Steppe) Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus) ñ widespread and fairly common throughout in open locations
*Forest Buzzard (Buteo tachardus) ñ 2, Paarl Mountain Park (8 Nov); 3 Underberg/Creighton area (17-18 Nov) [N.B.: This bird is regarded as a good species in S Africa and also by Sibley]
*Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus) ñ widespread and fairly common in many locations
Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter pusillus) ñ 1, St. Lucia (10 Nov) [seen by Roland]
*Black Goshawk or Sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus) ñ 1, De Hoop Vlei (27 Oct); 1, Eshowe (9 Nov); 1, St. Lucia (10 Nov); 1, Xumeni Forest (17 Nov); 1, Nylsvley (20 Nov)
African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro) ñ 2 males displaying, Villa Fig (6 Nov); 1 @ Eshowe (9 Nov); 1, Cape Parrot site near Creighton (18 Nov)
*Pale Chanting Goshawk (Melierax canorus) - common and widespread in the N & W Cape
*African Marsh-Harrier (Circus ranivorus) ñ 2, Richard's Bay/St. Lucia area (10 Nov); 1, fields near Creighton (17 Nov); 2, near Ladysmith (18 Nov)
Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus) ñ 1, south of Johannesburg (20 Nov) [seen by Roland]
*Black Harrier (Circus maurus) - 1 flying @ Akkerendam (29 Oct); 1, W Coast Nat'l Park (6 Nov); 1 Piketberg Mountain (7 Nov)
*African Gymnogene (Polyboroides typus) ñ 1 flying, Umfolozi- Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) ñ 1, Richard's Bay (10 Nov)
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) - 3, Augrabies Nat'l Park (31 Oct) [seen by Roland and John]
Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) ñ singles, Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov); 1, Lesotho (16 Nov)
Rock (Common) Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) ñ widespread and fairly common throughout but especially in N & W Cape
*Greater Kestrel (Falco rupicoloides) ñ family group of 7 on the road to Diepvlei between Pofadder & Springbok (31 Oct); also 4 between Springbok and Port Nolloth (1 Nov)
*Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) ñ large numbers coming into a roost at Volksrust near Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
*Pygmy Falcon (Polihierax semitorqatus) ñ 1, on a remote farm near Pofadder (31 Oct)
Crested Francolin (Francolinus saephana) - 2, Mkhuze (12 Nov) [seen by Roland & John]
*Grey-winged Francolin (Francolinus africanus) - 5, near Calvinia (28 Oct)
*Red-winged Francolin (Francolinus levaillantii) ñ 3, Underberg/Creighton area (17 Nov); 2, Blanerne Farm (19 Nov)
*Cape Spurfowl (Francolinus capensis) - fairly common in N & W Cape
*Natal Spurfowl (Francolinus natalensis) - 5 near Eshowe (9 Nov); a few, Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov); near highway turnoff north of Pretoria (21 Nov)
*Red-necked Spurfowl (Francolinus afer) ñ 1, near Creighton on road to Cape Parrots (18 Nov)
*Swainson's Spurfowl (Francolinus swainsonii) ñ fairly common from Ladysmith area to Nylsvley (18-21 Nov)
Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) ñ heard in many locations; flushed @ Spitzkop (30 Oct); many flushed on field near Creighton (17 Nov); 1, back of Blanerne Farm near Ladysmith (19 Nov); several flushed @ Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris) ñ widespread and common in most areas
*Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani) ñ several, Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*Common (Kurrichane) Buttonquail (Turnix sylvatica) ñ flushed, Spitzkop and Augrabies Nat'l Park (30-31 Oct); fields near Creighton (17 Nov)
*Wattled Crane (Grus carunculatus) ñ 3, Himeville (at foot of Sani Pass) (16 Nov)
*Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradisea) - common in wheatfields north of Cape Town, near Bredasdorp and Malmesbury (road to Calvinia) (27-28 Oct,3,6-7 Nov)
*Grey (Southern) Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) ñ 2, Himeville (16 Nov); 6, near Underberg (17 Nov); 3, Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostris) ñ several in the eastern Natal area (9-11 Nov); several, Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Purple Swamphen (African Purple Gallinule) (Porphyrio porphyrio madagascariensis) ñ 1, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); 4, Strandfontein (8 Nov); several near Wakkerstroom & Nylsvley (19-21 Nov)
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) ñ widespread and common in all wetland areas
*Lesser Moorhen (Gallinula angulata) ñ 1 seen dropping into marsh @ Nylsvley (20 Nov) [seen by Eric]
*Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata) ñ widespread and fairly common to common in all wet areas
*Stanley's or Denham's Bustard (Neotis denhami stanleyi) ñ several in display near De Hoop Vlei (27-28 Oct) [this is the South African subspecies of a widespread species and a possible split]
*Ludwig's Bustard (Neotis ludwigii) - N Cape (28,31 Oct,1 Nov)
*Southern White-bellied Korhaan (Eupodotis cafra) ñ 3 in Ladysmith area (18 Nov)
*Blue Korhaan (Eupodotis caerulescens) ñ 4 near Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
*Karoo Korhaan (Eupodotis vigorsii) - 2 between Diepvlei and the Red Lark site (1 Nov)
*(Southern) Red-crested Korhaan (Eupodotis ruficrista) ñ 1, night drive @ Nylsvley (20 Nov)
*Black-bellied Korhaan (Eupodotis melanogaster) ñ several in eastern Natal (12-14 Nov); Creighton (17 Nov), Blanerne Farm, performing its beautiful soaring display (18 Nov)
*Southern Black Korhaan (Eupodotis afra) - 1, near De Hoop Vlei (27 Oct); total of 3 in W Cape (6-7 Nov)
*Northern (White-winged) Black Korhaan (Eupodotis afroides) - total of 4 near Red Lark site, N Cape (31 Oct,1 Nov)
African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus) ñ fairly common in wetlands of Natal (10-12 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Greater Painted Snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) ñ 1, Nylsvley (20 Nov) [seen by Roland]
*African Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus moquini) ñ 14+ @ Pt Nolloth (1 Nov); many in Cape Town area (3-5 Nov)
Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula) ñ 1, De Hoop Vlei (28 Nov); common, W Coast Nat'l Park and Berg River estuary (6 Nov)
White-fronted Plover (Charadrius marginatus) ñ common, Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov); 2, Simonstown (4 Nov); common, W Coast Nat'l Park (6 Nov)
*Kittlitz's Plover (Charadrius pecuarius) ñ widespread in or near wet areas (27,29 Oct,5,6,18 Nov)
*Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris) ñ common & widespread in wet areas
Lesser Sand-Plover (Mongolian Plover) (Charadrius mongolus) ñ 1, Geelbek blind, West Coast Nat'l Park (6 Nov) [seen by Roland]
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola) - 1, Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov); common, W Coast Nat'l Park (6 Nov); also St. Lucia (11 Nov)
*Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus) ñ common and widespread
*Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus) - common and very widespread
Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus) ñ 2, Underberg (16 Nov); several, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres) ñ Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov); also Berg River estuary (6 Nov)
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) ñ Port Nolloth (1 Nov); Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); St. Lucia (11 Nov); Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola) - a few, De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct); 2, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); several, Richard's Bay/St. Lucia (11 Nov); Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis) - common, W Coast Nat'l Park and Berg River Estuary (6 Nov); St. Lucia (11 Nov); Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) - widespread in wet areas
Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) - common in N & W Cape coastal and wet areas
Little Stint (Calidris minuta) ñ fairly widespread in N & W Cape and in Richard's Bay/St. Lucia area
Sanderling (Calidris alba) - common at Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov)
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax) ñ fairly numerous in N & W Cape wet areas and at Nylsvley
*African (Ethiopian) Snipe (Gallinago nigripennis) - a few, marshes in Underberg (16 Nov); 2, Wakkerstroom (19 Nov); 3, Nylsvley (20 Nov)
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica) - 1, Port Nolloth (1 Nov); 1, Berg River estuary (6 Nov)
Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata) ñ 1, Berg River estuary (6 Nov)
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus) - many, Port Nolloth (1 Nov); 2, Berg River estuary (6 Nov)
(Pied) Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) ñ Akkerendam (28 Oct); Paarl Sewage Works, Berg River estuary and Strandfontein (5,6,8 Nov)
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) ñ fairly widespread in wet areas
*Spotted Thick-Knee (Dikkop) (Burhinus capensis) ñ near De Hoop Vlei (27 Oct); Diepvlei area (31 Oct); several on night drive @ Mkhuze (12 Nov); near Ladysmith (19 Nov); Nylsvley (20 Nov)
*Water Thick-Knee (Dikkop) (Burhinus vermiculatus) - 5, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); Bonamanzi (11 Nov); Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
*Double-banded Courser (Rhinoptilus africanus) ñ 1, Spitzkop (30 Oct)
Arctic Skua (Parasitic Jaeger) (Stercorarius parasiticus) ñ 1, Port Nolloth (2 Nov); 15 off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Pomarine Skua (Jaeger) (Stercorarius pomarinus) ñ 3 or 4 off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
*Subantarctic Skua (Catharacta Antarctica lonnbergi) - a dozen off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) - common in coastal areas (27-28 Oct,1-8 Nov) [Possible split as African or Cape Gull in which case it will be an armchair lifer]
Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrocephalus) ñ 2, De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct); fairly common in Atlantic areas (1,2,5 Nov); also singles near Johannesburg (20-21 Nov)
*Hartlaub's Gull (Larus hartlaubi) ñ common in Atlantic coastal and Cape Town areas (1-8 Nov)
Sabine's Gull (Larus sabini) - common (c. 50) off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Caspian Tern (Sterna [Hydroprogne] caspia) ñ singles at Paarl Sewage Works and Berg River estuary (5-6 Nov); also Richard's Bay (10 Nov) and St. Lucia (11 Nov)
*Swift or Greater Crested Tern (Sterna bergii) ñ all coastal areas (Port Nolloth, Simonstown, Berg River, Strandfontein, St. Lucia) (1-11 Nov)
Sandwich Tern (Sterna sandvicensis) ñ all coastal areas (1-11 Nov)
Common Tern (Sterna hirundo) - all coastal areas (1-11 Nov)
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) - a few @ Simonstown and off Cape of Good Hope (3-4 Nov)
*Damara Tern (Sterna balaenarum) ñ 2 on beach, Port Nolloth (1 Nov)
Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus) ñ between Aurora & Karoopoort (7 Nov); several, Richard's Bay (10 Nov); south of Johannesburg (20 Nov)
White-winged Tern (Chlidonias leucopterus) - Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); Strandfontein (8 Nov); Richard's Bay (10 Nov); Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Namaqua Sandgrouse (Pterocles namaqua) ñ seen in some numbers in N. Cape including Akkerendam and Kenhardt (29 Oct), Spitzkop and Diepvlei area (30 Oct,1 Nov)
Speckled (Rock) Pigeon (Columba guinea) - very common and widespread everywhere except northeastern Natal
*African Olive- (Rameron) Pigeon (Columba arquatrix) ñ small numbers in Cape Town (Kirstenbosch Gardens) (8 Nov); Eshowe (10 Nov); forests near Underberg and Creighton (17-18 Nov)
E. Bronze-naped (Delegorgue's) Pigeon (Columba delegorguei) ñ Ntumeni Forest near Eshowe (10 Nov); seen flying [seen perched by Roland]
Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata) ñ this and the next two species were the most common and widespread species in S Africa; this species missing only from the northeastern corner of the country
*Ring-necked (Cape Turtle) Dove (Streptopelia capicola) ñ very common and widespread
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) ñ very common and widespread
Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis) ñ common in N Cape (28 Oct-2 Nov) and W Cape (6-8 Nov), Mkhuze (13 Nov)
*Emeraldspotted (Greenspotted) Dove (Turtur chalcospilos) ñ seen near St. Lucia and @ Bonamanzi, Mkhuze & Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (11-14 Nov)
*Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria) - singles in forests @ Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*Lemon (Cinnamon) Dove (Aplopelia larvata) ñ 1 bird in wooded corner of Kirstenbosch Gardens, Cape Town (8 Nov)
African Green Pigeon (Treron calva) - 2 @ Ntumeni forest (10 Nov); several, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Brown-necked (Cape) Parrot (Poicephalus robustus robustus) ñ 2 @ forest near Creighton (18 Nov); endemic subspecies but "may be a separate species" (Sibley) [If elevated to species status, it will, of course, be a lifer]
*Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) ñ flock of 14, road to Pofadder near Namibian border (31 Oct)
Knysna Turaco (Lourie) (Tauraco corythaix) - heard calling and seen flying at Cape Parrot site near Creighton (18 Nov) [seen perched by Roland]
*Purple-crested Turaco (Lourie) (Tauraco porphyreolophus) ñ well seen @ Eshowe, seen or heard at Natal game parks (9-15 Nov)
*Grey Go-away Bird (Corythaixoides concolor) - 1, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov); common @ Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius) ñ De Hel Reserve, Constantia (Cape Town) (6 Nov); seen and heard in many Natal locations (10-18 Nov); Nylsvley (20-21 Nov); this is the cuckoo which says, "It WILL rain."
*Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus) - 1 or 2 seen in forests near Creighton (17-18 Nov); heard in several places (when the Red-chested Cuckoo sings "It WILL rain," the Black Cuckoo replies, "There's no raiiiiiin")
*Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus) ñ seen and heard in forested areas throughout Natal (9-18 Nov)
Klaas's Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas) ñ seen and heard in coastal Natal forests (11-14 Nov)
*Diederik Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius) - 1, De Eiland Resort, Upington (30 Oct); widely seen and heard in Natal (10-18 Nov); also Ladysmith & Nylsvley (19-21 Nov)
*Yellowbill (Green Coucal) (Ceuthmochares aereus) ñ single birds well seen at St. Lucia and Bonamanzi (10-11 Nov)
*Burchell's Coucal (Centropus burchelli) - heard in Constantia and on Cape Vidal Road near St. Lucia (8,11 Nov); seen and heard at Mkhuze (13 Nov) and Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*African Grass Owl (Tyto capensis) - night drive @ Nylsvley (20 Nov)
*African Wood Owl (Strix woodfordii) - night drive in Bonamanzi and also heard @ Mkhuze (11,13 Nov)
*Marsh Owl (Asio capensis) ñ 1, entrance to Diepvlei (31 Oct); 4 @ Nylsvley (eve of 20 Nov)
*Cape Eagle Owl (Bubo capensis) ñ 2 on road to Diepvlei (31 Oct)
*Spotted Eagle Owl (Bubo africanus) ñ most commonly seen owl of trip; 1 @ farm near De Hoop Vlei (27 Oct); Diepvlei where it nests (31 Oct,1 Nov); 3 on night drive @ Mkhuze (12 Nov); 2 outside the Gemmell's farm house in Creighton (eve of 17 Nov)
*Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis) ñ 3 seen on night drive, Mkhuze (12 Nov) (other nightjars flushed on night drives but not ID'd)
*African Black Swift (Apus barbatus) - a few seen in N & W Cape (28 Oct,2,3,5 Nov); 3, Sani Pass area (16 Nov); near Underberg (17 Nov); Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
*White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer) ñ one of the most commonly seen birds; seen almost every day, generally with Little Swift
*Horus Swift (Apus horus) - colony nesting in bank near Underberg (17 Nov); also seen in Wakkerstroom area and Nylsvley (19,21 Nov)
Little Swift (Apus affinis) - almost as common and widespread as White-rumped Swift with which it often flies; recorded most days in most locations
Alpine Swift (Apus melba) - fairly common in N & W Cape; a few seen in Natal
African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus) - De Eiland Resort, Upington (30 Oct); a few also at St. Lucia and Bonamanzi (10-12 Nov); Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) - De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct); Natal coastal areas (10-12 Nov); Underberg & Creighton areas (16-17 Nov)
*White-backed Mousebird (Colius colius) - common in N & W Cape (29 Oct-3 Nov,7,8 Nov)
*Red-faced Mousebird (Colius indicus) - Natal game reserves (12-14 Nov)
*Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina) - Eshowe Forest (9-10 Nov); Xumeni Forest near Creighton (17 Nov)
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) - 9, Berg River estuary (6 Nov); smaller numbers @ Eshowe and Richard's Bay (9-10 Nov), Mkhuze (13 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Giant Kingfisher (Ceryle [Megaceryle] maxima) - singles near Eshowe and Underberg (9,16 Nov)
*Half-collared Kingfisher (Alcedo semitorquata) - 2 seen flying near Bredasdorp (27 Oct)
Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata) - singles seen in widely scattered wet areas (5,10,12,14-15,19-20 Nov)
African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta) - 2, Mkhuze (13 Nov); 1, Ongoye Forest (15 Nov)
Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) - 2, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris) - game parks in northern Natal (9,11,13-14 Nov)
Striped Kingfisher (Halcyon chelicuti) - game parks in northern Natal (12-14 Nov)
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) - most common and widespread bee-eater; seen in N & W Cape, Natal (once at Mkhuze) and at Nylsvley (28 Oct,2,6-8,13,20-21 Nov)
Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus) - fairly common in Natal game parks (11-14 Nov)
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater (Merops hirundineus) - 3, De Eiland Resort, Upington (30 Oct); 1, near Pofadder (31 Oct)
*Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudata) - the only relatively common roller; small numbers seen at Mkhuze and Nylsvley (12-13,20-21 Nov)
Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) - singles seen at Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov)
*African Hoopoe (Upupa africana or U. epops africana) - 2, De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct); common, De Eiland Resort, Upington (30 Oct); common, Natal (12-16 Nov) [now split from Eurasian Hoopoe by most authorities but not by Clements]
Green (Red-billed) Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus) - 2, Mkhuze (13 Nov); 4, between Wakkerstroom & Johannesburg (20 Nov)
*Common Scimitarbill (Scimitarbilled Woodhoopoe) (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas) - 1 on Pygmy Falcon farm between Augrabies Nat'l Park and Pofadder (31 Oct); 2, Mkhuze (13 Nov); Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov)
*Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator) - fairly common, Eshowe (9-10,15 Nov) and Mkhuze (13 Nov)
African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus) - 2, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus erythrorhynchus) - 3, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus flavirostris) - a few, Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus) - 2, Eshowe (9,15 Nov); Mkhuze (13 Nov); 2, Cape Parrot site (18 Nov)
*Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus) - small numbers seen in Eshowe, Natal game parks and Nylsvley (10,13-15,21 Nov)
*(Acacia) Pied Barbet (Tricholaema [Lybius] leucomelas) - Augrabies Nat'l Park (nesting in a tree hole right by the restaurant at park headquarters; 31 Oct); 3, Goegap (2-3 Nov); 1, Katbakkies (7 Nov)
*White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis) - Eshowe and coastal game parks (9-13 Nov)
*Green (Woodward's) Barbet (Cryptolybia [Stactolaema] woodwardii or w. olivacea) - 1, Ongoye Forest (15 Nov) [Woodward's Barbet is either an isolated population of the Green Barbet (as per Clements) or a separate species (as per Sibley)]
*Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus) - one or two seen but most often heard in the more northerly Natal game parks (12-14 Nov)
*Yellow- (Golden-) rumped Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus bilineatus) - fairly common (the most commonly-heard tinkerbird), Eshowe to Bonamanzi (9-11 Nov)
*Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii) - Mkhuze (12-13 Nov); Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator) - Augrabies Nat'l Park (31 Oct; slightly out of range); also heard @ Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor) - De Eiland Resort, Upington (30 Oct)
*Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes olivaceus) - small group in Lesotho (16 Nov)
*Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni) - singles in the Natal game parks (12-14 Nov)
*Knysna Woodpecker (Campethera notata) - 2 in a narrow defile in De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct)
*Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens) - the most common woodpecker seen; Natal game parks (12-14 Nov); also Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Olive Woodpecker (Mesopicos griseocephalus) - 1 bird coming to peanut butter smeared on tree bark by Robin Guy in his garden in Underberg (16-17 Nov)
*Redthroated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis) - 3 birds seen in Underberg area and on the way up the Sani Pass (16 Nov)
*Melodious Lark (Mirafra cheniana) - grasslands near Ladysmith (18 Nov)
*Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana) - Mkhuze (13-14 Nov), Ladysmith area (18-19 Nov) and Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Clapper Lark (Mirafra apiata) - one @ Goegap (2 Nov; M. a. adendorffi); fairly common in display @ Tierkloof area (7-8 Nov; M. a. apiata) [possible future split here]
Flappet Lark (Mirafra rufocinnamomea) ñ Bonamanzi (11 Nov)
*Fawn-coloured Lark (Mirafra africanoides) - common, Spitzkop (30 Oct)
*Large-billed Sabota or Bradfield's Lark (Mirafra naevia) - between Brandvlei and Kenhardt (29 Oct); Red Lark road area (1 Nov) [N.B.: the two Sabota larks are split by Sibley but not by Clements]
*Sabota Lark (Mirafra sabota) - Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov); 2, Nylsvley (21 Nov) [N.B.: this is the small-billed nominate form]
*Cape Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda curvirostris) - 5-6, Diamond Dune road north from Port Nolloth (2 Nov); Koeberg wheatfields (6 Nov) [N.B.: the long-billed lark group has been split into six species of which four occur in S Africa]
*Agulhas Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda brevirostris) - De Hoop Vlei near Knysna Woodpecker site (28 Oct)
*Eastern Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda semitorquata) - 2, Wakkerstroom grasslands (19 Nov)
*Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda subcoronata) - Akkerendam (29 Oct); near Kenhardt (30 Oct)
*Karoo Lark (Certhilauda albescens) - a single male displaying at Akkerendam (29 Oct); dune scrub north of Port Nolloth (2 Nov); Tierkloof (8 Nov)
*Barlow's Lark (Certhilauda barlowi) - several, Diamond Dune road north of Port Nolloth (2 Nov)
*Red Lark (Certhilauda burra) - several, Red Lark site near Diepvlei (1 Nov) [Globally Threatened]
*Spike-heeled Lark (Chersomanes albofasciata) - common in N Cape (29 Oct-1 Nov); W Cape (Tierkloof area; 7-8 Nov); also @ Wakkerstroom grasslands where nest found (20 Nov)
*Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea) - most widespread lark; seen at widely scattered locations from Bredasdorp (27 Oct), Diamond Dune road north of Port Nolloth (2 Nov), Koeberg wheatfields (6 Nov) and Wakkerstroom grasslands (19-20 Nov)
*Pink-billed Lark (Calandrella connirostris) - 1, Red Lark site (1 Nov)
*Botha's Lark (Calandrella fringillaris) ñ 1, Wakkerstroom grasslands (20 Nov) [Globally Threatened and Endangered]
*Stark's Lark (Calandrella starki) ñ 1, road near Diepvlei (1 Nov)
*Large- (Thick-) billed Lark (Galerida magnirostris) ñ several @ Bredasdorp (27 Oct); Koeberg wheatfields & Tienie Verster (Darling) Flower Reserve (6 Nov); 4 near the summit of the Sani Pass in Lesotho (16 Nov)
*Grey-backed Sparrow- (Finch-) Lark (Eremopterix verticalis) ñ good-sized flocks moving through the Orange River area from Spitzkop and Aggenys area to Red Lark road (30 Oct-1 Nov); 1 male, Koeberg wheatfields (6 Nov)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) ñ common and very widespread
*White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis) - small numbers in N & W Cape (28-31 Oct,4-8 Nov); also in Natal and north to Nylsvley (9,17-20 Nov)
*Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea) - 2, grassland near Creighton (17 Nov) (while this species is not endemic, it is localized and threatened by habitat loss) [Globally Threatened]
Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii) - Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
*Pearl-breasted Swallow (Hirundo dimidiata) ñ one or two, near De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct)
*Red-breasted Swallow (Hirundo semirufa) ñ Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov); Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Greater Striped Swallow (Hirundo cucullata) ñ common and widespread in all parts of the country
*Lesser Striped Swallow (Hirundo abyssinica) - quite common in Eshowe and Natal parks; also Nylsvley (9-10,12-14,21 Nov)
*South African Cliff Swallow (Hirundo spilodera) - colonies between Brandvlei and Kenhardt (29 Oct), Ladysmith (18 Nov) and Wakkerstroom (20 Nov)
*Rock Martin (Hirundo fuligula) ñ common and widespread particularly in western areas (29 Oct-8 Nov); also seen in Sani Pass area (16 Nov)
*Plain (Brown-throated) Martin (Riparia paludicola) ñ mostly in eastern areas of N & W Cape (27 Oct-8 Nov); also Bonamanzi (a brown morph) and near Ladysmith (11,18 Nov)
*Banded Martin (Riparia cincta) ñ Underberg, Creighton, Ladysmith, Wakkerstroom (16-17,19-20 Nov)
*Black Saw-wing (Psalidoprocne holomelas) - Cape of Good Hope, Helderberg Nature Reserve, Paarl Mountain Park, Eshowe, Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (4-5,8-9,11-12 Nov)
*Black Cuckooshrike (Campephaga flava) - 1, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
*Grey Cuckooshrike (Coracina caesia) - Dlinza Forest (10 Nov); Ongoye Forest (15 Nov); forests around Underberg/Creighton area (17-18 Nov)
Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) ñ fairly common and very widespread in open and savannah areas from De Hoop Vlei and Cape Town areas to all parts of KwaZulu/Natal and Nylsvley (27-28 Oct,5,9-21 Nov)
*Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii) ñ Dlinza Forest (9-10 Nov)
*Eastern Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus) ñ Eshowe (9-10 Nov), Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov); Creighton (18 Nov; displaying, singing treetop bird seen from the Cape Parrot ridge)
*Cape (Black) Crow (Corvus capensis) ñ common in N & W Cape (27-29 Oct,1-3 Nov) and in Underberg, Creighton & Ladysmith areas (16-19 Nov)
Pied Crow (Corvus albus) ñ most widespread corvid; seen everywhere except the Pofadder/Aggenys area, the big Natal game parks and the Wakkerstroom area
*White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis) ñ Akkerendam (29 Oct); Cape Town & W Cape area (4-5,9 Nov), Lesotho (16 Nov)
*Southern Grey Tit (Parus afer) ñ Goegap (2 Nov); Paarl Mountain Park (8 Nov); Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov); Lesotho (16 Nov)
*Ashy Tit (Parus cinerascens) ñ by park headquarters, Augrabies Nat'l Park (31 Oct)
*Southern Black Tit (Parus niger) ñ Mkhuze, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe, Underberg (12-16 Nov)
*Cape Penduline Tit (Anthoscopus minutus) ñ near Kenhardt (29 Oct); Spitzkop, Augrabies Nat'l Park and near Pofadder (30-31 Oct); Goegap (2 Nov)
*Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii) ñ group of 9 @ Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Bush Blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus) - foot of Sani Pass; Xumeni Forest, Underberg/Creighton area (16-17 Nov) [now generally regarded as a babbler and not a bulbul]
*Cape (White-eyed) Bulbul (Pycnonotus capensis) ñ fairly common, several locations in N & W Cape (27-28 Oct,2-8 Nov)
*African Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans) ñ common, Spitzkop, Augrabies Nat'l Park (30-31 Oct) and Goegap (2-3 Nov)
Black-eyed (Common or Garden) Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) ñ common, all areas of KwaZulu/Natal (9-18 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Terrestrial Brownbul (Bulbul) (Phyllastrephus terrestris) ñ fairly common, forest areas from Eshowe to Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (10-11,13 Nov)
*Yellowstreaked Greenbul (Bulbul) (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus) - 3, Ongoye Forest (15 Nov)
*Sombre Greenbul (Bulbul) (Phyllastrephus debilis) ñ fairly common and widespread (by sound) from De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct) and Cape Town area (6 Nov) to Eshowe and Mkhuze (9,13 Nov); also Ongoye Forest and Underberg/Creighton area (15,17 Nov)
*Yellowbellied Greenbul (Bulbul) (Chlorocichla flaviventris) ñ fairly common in Natal coastal forests and parks (10-13 Nov)
*Eastern (Yellowspotted) Nicator (Nicator gularis) - although more often heard than seen, 3 were well seen in Bonamanzi (11 Nov); also heard and seen in Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov)
*Kurrichane Thrush (Turdus libonyana) - Bonamanzi (11-12 Nov)
*Southern Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus) ñ most widespread thrush; two forms: "Namaqua Thrush," T.o. smithi, fairly common at De Eiland Resort, Upington (30 Oct); more widespread form, T.o. olivaceus, @ several N & W Cape locations, Eshowe, Creighton/Underberg/Ladysmith (2-8,10,16-18 Nov) [formerly regarded as two species and a possible future resplit]
*Spotted Ground-Thrush (Zoothera guttata) ñ 1 @ Eshowe (10 Nov) [Globally Threatened and Endangered]
*Groundscraper Thrush (Turdus [Zoothera] litsitsirupa) - 2, Blanerne Farm (19 Nov); 1, Nylsvley (21 Nov) [Clements doesn't like either Turdus or Zoothera for this species and puts it in Psophocichla instead]
*Cape Rock-Thrush (Monticola rupestris) - 4, Rooi Els, False Bay, near Cape Town (5 Nov); several, Sani Pass (16 Nov)
*Sentinel Rock-Thrush (Monticola explorator) ñ several, top of Sani Pass in Lesotho (16 Nov)
*Mountain Wheatear (Chat) (Oenanthe monticola) - widespread in N Cape from Akkerendam to Augrabies Nat'l Park to Goegap (29,31 Oct,1-2,7-8 Nov); Lesotho and Wakkerstroom (16,19 Nov)
*Capped Wheatear (Oenanthe pileata) ñ common roadside bird in dry areas, N & W Cape (27-29 Oct,1-3 Nov)
*Buff-streaked Chat (Oenanthe bifasciata) ñ several, Sani Pass in Lesotho (16 Nov); rocky gorge near Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
*Familiar Chat (Cercomela familiaris) ñ common, N & W Cape (27-31 Oct,2-5,8 Nov)
*Tractrac Chat (Cercomela tractrac) - 2, Akkerendam and near Kenhardt (both 29 Oct)
*Sickle-winged Chat (Cercomela sinuata) - 5, Akkerendam (29 Oct); 4, top of Sani Pass in Lesotho (16 Nov)
*Karoo Chat (Cercomela schlegelii) ñ singles, Akkerendam (29 Oct); Goegap (2 Nov); several, Karoopoort Picnic Area, Tierkloof and Katbakkies area (7-8 Nov)
*Southern Ant-eating Chat (Myrmecocichla cinnamomeiventris) - common and widespread roadside bird in open areas (28 Oct-3,7-8 Nov); 4, Ladysmith (19 Nov)
*African [Common] Stonechat (Saxicola torquata) - widespread and fairly common: Cape dunes (27,28 Oct); dunes near Port Nolloth (1-2 Nov); W Coast Nat'l Park and between Aurora and Karoopoort Pass (6-7 Nov); Eshowe and Mtunzini area (9-10 Nov); Sani Pass, Underberg, Creighton, Ladysmith & Wakkerstroom areas (16-21 Nov). [African Stonechat is a split from the Common or European Stonechat (S. rubicola) which has been split in three (Siberian Stonechat, maura, is the third). Just to confuse things, Clements accepts African Stonechat but calls it axillaris, lists Common or European Stonechat as torquata instead of rubicola, and omits maura altogether)].
*Chorister Robinchat (Cossypha dichroa) ñ Eshowe Forest (9-10 Nov), Xumeni Forest (18 Nov)
*White-browed (Heuglin's) Robinchat (Cossypha heuglini) - 1 near Eshowe (10 Nov), 1 heard Mkhuze (13 Nov)
*Red-capped (Natal) Robinchat (Cossypha natalensis) ñ St. Lucia and Bonamanzi (11-12 Nov)
*Cape Robinchat (Cossypha caffra) - the commonest and most widespread of the Cossypha robinchats: N & W Cape (28-31 Oct,5-8 Nov); also the Guy, Gemmell and Blanerne farms in Underberg, Creighton and Ladymith (15-19 Nov)
*White-throated Robinchat (Cossypha humeralis) ñ 2, Mkhuze (12 Nov); 1, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
*White-starred (Starred) Robin (Pogonocichla stellata) - 2, Cape Parrot site near Creighton (18 Nov)
*Cape Rockjumper (Chaetops frenatus) ñ 4, Sir Lowry's Pass and 3, Rooi Els near Cape Town (both 5 Nov)
*Orange-Breasted Rockjumper (Chaetops aurantius) ñ several, Sani Pass (16 Nov)
*Whitebrowed Scrubrobin (Erythropygia leucophrys) - Bonamanzi, Mkhuze, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (12-14 Nov); Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Karoo Scrubrobin (Erythropygia coryphaeus) ñ fairly common and widespread in suitable territory in the N & W Cape (27,29,31 Oct-5,7-8 Nov)
*Kalahari Scrubrobin (Erythropygia paena) ñ 4, Spitzkop (30 Oct)
*Brown Scrubrobin (Erythropygia signata) ñ singles in Dlinza Forest and St. Lucia (10-11 Nov)
*(Eastern) Bearded Scrubrobin (Erythropygia quadrivirgata) ñ a few @ Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*Chestnut-vented Titbabbler (Parisoma subcaeruleum) - 2, Augrabies Nat'l Park (31 Oct); 1, Karoopoort Picnic Area (8 Nov)
*Layard's Titbabbler (Parisoma layardi) ñ Karoopoort Picnic Area (7-8 Nov)
*African Reed- (Marsh) Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus) ñ Augrabies Nat'l Park (30-31 Oct); Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); between Aurora & Karoopoort Pass (7 Nov); Underberg (17 Nov); Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
*Lesser Swamp- (Cape Reed) Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) - heard @ Bredasdorp (27 Oct); 3, Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov); heard @ Strandfontein & Richard's Bay (8,10 Nov)
*African Yellow-Warbler (Chloropeta natalensis) ñ opposite Horus Swift site near Underberg (17 Nov); scrub at base of Cape Parrot site near Creighton (18 Nov)
*Little Rush (African Sedge) Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala) ñ 1, De Hoop Vlei (Knysna Woodpecker site) (28 Oct); heard Paarl Sewage Works and near Eshowe (5,9 Nov); seen, Underberg area (17 Nov)
*Barratt's Warbler (Bradypterus barratti) ñ heard on way up to Sani Pass but couldn't be flushed out (16 Nov); seen, Xumeni Forest (17 Nov)
*Knysna Warbler (Bradypterus sylvaticus) - De Hel in overhead tree! (6 Nov) [Globally Threatened]
*Victorin's Warbler (Bradypterus victorini) ñ several near Sir Lowry's Pass (5 Nov)
*Broad-tailed Warbler (Schoenicola brevirostris) - 1, on way back from Sani Pass (16 Nov)
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) ñ 2 in song, Ntumeni Forest (10 Nov); Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler (Phylloscopus [Seicercus] ruficapillus) ñ 1, Xumeni Forest (17 Nov); 1, Cape Parrot site (18 Nov)
*Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica) ñ De Hoop Vlei (Knysna Woodpecker spot) (28 Oct); Paarl Mountain Park (8 Nov)
Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida) - near St. Lucia (11 Nov); Mkhuze (13 Nov); Ongoye Forest (15 Nov)
*Rudd's Apalis (Apalis ruddi) ñ 2 near St. Lucia (11 Nov)
*Long-billed Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens) ñ 1, Goegap; several, pass up from Kamieskroon to Leliefontein on way back to Simonstown (2-3 Nov); Mkhuze, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov); Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Yellow-bellied Eremomela (Eremomela icteropygialis) ñ several locations in N Cape between Brandvlei and Pofadder (29-31 Oct)
*Karoo Eremomela (Eremomela gregalis) ñ 4, Goegap (2 Nov)
(*)Greenbacked (Grey-backed) Camaroptera (Bleating Warbler) (Camaroptera brachyura) ñ fairly common, NE Natal reserves and forests (11-15,17-18 Nov) [If this is a separate species from the next, then it is a life bird.]
[Greybacked Camaroptera (Bleating Warbler) (Camaroptera brevicaudata) ñ 2 @ Nylsvley (21 Nov). [The taxonomy of these camaropteras is complex and the names are confusing. Sibley lists brachyura and brevicaudata as both occurring in South Africa as subspecies of brachyura. Clements also lists brevicaudata as a subspecies but does not give South Africa as part of its range. These two groups have been alternately split and lumped; they will be split again in the new edition of Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa]
*Cinnamon-breasted Warbler (Euryptila subcinnamomea) - heard in several N Cape locations; finally seen out in the open at Katbakkies (7 Nov)
*Grassbird (Sphenoeacus afer) ñ fairly common, W Cape (4-7 Nov); singles, Creighton area (16,18 Nov)
Fan-tailed (Zitting) Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) - common, Bredasdorp and De Hoop Vlei (27-28 Oct); 3, Koeberg wheatfields/Darling Flower Reserve (6 Nov); common, grasslands from Underberg to Wakkerstroom and Nylsvley (17-21 Nov)
*Cloud Cisticola (streaked form) (Cisticola textrix textrix) - Tienie Verster Flower Reserve near Cape Town (6 Nov) [This is the Cape subspecies which is streaked on the breast and may be a good species. Sibley calls textrix the "Tink-tink Cisticola" (just thought you'd like to know)]
[Cloud Cisticola (Cisticola textrix major) ñ singles seen and/or heard in grasslands near Creighton and Ladysmith (17-18 Nov)]
*Ayres' or Wing-snapping Cisticola (Cisticola ayresii) ñ grasslands near Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
*Pale-crowned Cisticola (Cisticola brunnescens) - grasslands near Wakkerstroom in the driving rain (20 Nov)
*Grey-backed Cisticola (Cisticola subruficapilla) ñ quite common in fynbos and karoo in N & W Cape (28-29 Oct,2-7 Nov)
*Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais) ñ 2, top of Sani Pass (16 Nov)
*Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chiniana) - quite common in scrub and bushveld from Eshowe to Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (10-14 Nov); also Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Winding (Blackbacked) Cisticola (Cisticola galactotes) - 2, fields near Eshowe (9 Nov)
*Levaillant's Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens) - quite common and widespread in Cape Town area (5-8 Nov) and Underberg to Wakkerstroom (16-19 Nov); seen feeding young on nest by a pond @ Helderberg Nature Reserve in the Cape Town area
*Croaking Cisticola (Cisticola natalensis) - a few in Natal game parks (11,14 Nov); Nylsvley (20 Nov)
*Neddicky (Cisticola fulvicapilla) ñ grayish southern or W Cape form: 3 near Sir Lowry's Pass (5 Nov); northern form: singles @ Mkhuze and Ongoye Forest (12,15 Nov); Nylsvley (20 Nov)
Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava) - common, Natal and north (9,11-12,14-15,21 Nov)
*Black-chested Prinia (Prinia flavicans) - N Cape (Spitzkop to Diepvlei) 30 Oct-1 Nov
*Karoo (Spotted) Prinia (Prinia [maculosa] maculosa) - common and widespread in N & W Cape (27-29 Oct,2-8 Nov) [This and the next species are split by both Sibley and Clements]
*Drakensberg (Spotted) Prinia (Prinia [maculosa] hypoxantha) - Robin Guy's garden in Underberg (16 Nov); Cape Parrot site near Creighton (18 Nov)
*Namaqua Warbler (Phragmacia substriata) - singing birds at Augrabies Nat'l Park (30-31 Oct)
*Rufous-eared Warbler (Malcorus pectoralis) - common, Brandvlei, Kenhardt and Spitzkop (29-30 Oct)
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) - fairly common migrant in eastern areas: Eshowe (9 Nov), Natal game parks (12-14 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta) - 2, Paarl Mountain Park (8 Nov) and Xumeni Forest (17 Nov)
*Ashy (Bluegrey) Flycatcher (Muscicapa caerulescens) - 3, opposite the administration buildings @ Bonamanzi (11 Nov)
*Grey (Fantailed) Flycatcher (Tit-Flycatcher) (Myioparus plumbeus) - singles, Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (12-14 Nov)
*Southern Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina) - small numbers @ Eshowe, St. Lucia area, Natal game parks and Nylsvley (9-10,12-14,20 Nov)
*Marico (Mariqua) Flycatcher (Melaenornis mariquensis) - 3, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Pale (Pallid, Mousecolored) Flycatcher (Melaenornis pallidus) - a few in the Natal game parks (12-14 Nov)
*Chat Flycatcher (Melaenornis infuscatus) - common roadside bird in the Karoo (29-31 Oct,1 Nov)
*Fiscal Flycatcher (Melaenornis silens) - pair @ the entrance to De Hoop Vlei (27-28 Oct); singles in Cape Town area (30 Oct,5-6,8 Nov)
*Cape Batis (Batis capensis) - 2, De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct); singles in Cape Town area (5-6,8 Nov), Eshowe and Underberg (9-10,16 Nov) [N.B.: In Harris' "Shrikes & Bushshrikes," batises and wattle-eyes are put in with the shrikes rather than with the flycatchers]
*Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor) - fairly common, Bonamanzi (including a pair on nest) and Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*Pririt Batis (Batis pririt) - De Eiland Resort, Upington, and Augrabies Nat'l Park (30-31 Oct)
*Woodward's Batis (Batis fratrum) - 1 male in St. Lucia area (11 Nov)
*Fairy Flycatcher (Stenostira scita) - 3, Karoopoort Picnic Area (8 Nov); flock in Lammergeier canyon, Lesotho (16 Nov)
[African] Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) - small numbers near Cape Town, Eshowe and Underberg (in forested areas) (5-6,8-10,17-18 Nov)
*African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp) - fairly common, Eshowe and Natal game parks (10-12,14 Nov)
*Mountain (Long-tailed) Wagtail (Motacilla clara) - 2, near Eshowe (9 Nov)
*Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis) - widespread and common in N & W Cape, Richard's Bay and Underberg/Creighton area (27 Oct-11 Nov,15-19 Nov)
*African (Grassveld, Richard's) Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus) - common in widely scattered grasslands including N & W Cape (27-29 Oct,2,6-7 Nov) and grasslands from Underberg area to Ladysmith and Wakkerstroom (17-20 Nov) [N.B.: This species is a split from Richard's Pipit complex]
*Mountain Pipit (Anthus hoeschi) - 2, top of Sani Pass (16 Nov); not to be confused with Yellow-tufted or Rock Pipit (see below)
Plain-backed Pipit (Anthus leucophrys) ñ 2, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Buffy Pipit (Anthus vaalensis) - 2, Spitzkop (30 Oct)
*Yellow-tufted (Rock) Pipit (Anthus crenatus) - 1, located with great difficulty in Lammergeier canyon, Lesotho (16 Nov)
*Bushveld Pipit (Anthus caffer) - 1, Mkhuze (12 Nov)
*Yellow-breasted Pipit (Anthus chlorus) - two birds flushed from grasslands near Wakkerstroom in driving rain (19 Nov) [Globally Threatened]
*Cape (Orangethroated) Longclaw (Macronyx capensis) - 2 seen in wheatfields near Cape Town en route to Bredasdorp (27 Oct); 3, Koeberg wheatfields (6 Nov); fairly common in grasslands from Underberg and Creighton to Wakkerstroom (17-20 Nov)
*Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croccus) - several near Eshowe; 1, Bonamanzi (10-11 Nov); 1, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov); several near Ongoye forest (15 Nov)
Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor) - 1 near highway turnoff north of Pretoria (last new bird of trip) (21 Nov)
*Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris) - very common and widespread in open or semi-open areas nearly everywhere; seen on all but 2 or 3 days of the trip; missed only in some of the Natal game parks
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) - fairly common migrant: Richard's Bay (10 Nov); Natal game parks (13-15 Nov); Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Magpie (Longtailed) Shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus) - seen from highway to Nylsvley and in Nylsvley itself (20-21 Nov)
*Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus) - De Hoop Vlei (on the ground @ the Knysna Woodpecker site; 28 Oct); Simonstown penguin colony (3-4 Nov); Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (12 Nov); Blanerne farm (19 Nov)
*Crimson-breasted Shrike (Boubou or Gonolek) (Laniarius atrococcineux) - 1, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Black-backed [Southern] Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla) - Eshowe, coastal forests, Natal game parks (9-15 Nov) and Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Southern Tchagra (Tchagra tchagra) - 2, De Hoop Vlei (near site of Agulhas Long-billed Lark) (28 Oct)
*Brown-crowned (Three-streaked) Tchagra (Tchagra australis) - 1, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegala) - several @ Umfolozi- Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
*Bokmakierie (Malaconotus zeylonus) - fairly common and widespread in N & W Cape (28-29,31 Oct,1-4,6-8 Nov); also Underberg and Creighton (16-17 Nov)
*Orange-breasted Bushshrike (Malaconotus [Chlorophoneus] sulfureopectus) - 1, Bonamanzi (12 Nov); 2, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
*Olive Bushshrike (Malaconotus [Chlorophoneus] olivaceus) - 3, Eshowe Forest ("rusty" or "buff" form) (9 Nov); 1 heard, Xumeni Forest (17 Nov)
*Grey-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti) - 2 seen in the open from a hide @ Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13 Nov)
White Helmetshrike (Prionops plumus poliocephalus) - 8 in thorn savannah @ Mkhuze (13 Nov)
*African Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor) - common in N & W Cape (27- 29 Oct,3,6-8 Nov); Underberg to Ladysmith and Wakkerstroom (17-20 Nov)
*Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea) - flock, De Eiland Resort (30 Oct); flock, near Aggenys (31 Oct); colony, Koeberg wheatfields (6 Nov); a few, Mkhuze (13 Nov)
*Violet-backed (Plum-coloured) Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) - small numbers in Natal game parks (12-14 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Burchell's [Glossy] Starling (Lamprotornis australis) - Nylsvley (21 Nov) [a near-endemic, extending only marginally into Angola and Zambia]
*Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis nitens) - fairly common to common and widespread: De Eiland Resort (30 Oct); Goegap (2-3 Nov); Eshowe (9 Nov); Natal game parks (12-14 Nov); Underberg to Wakkerstroom and Nylsvley (19-21 Nov)
*Black-bellied [Glossy] Starling (Lamprotornis corruscus) - small numbers, Eshowe, St. Lucia and Natal game parks (10-15 Nov)
*Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio) - common and widespread from N & W Cape (27-28 Oct,3-7 Nov), Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov) and Underberg/Creighton area to Wakkerstroom and Nylsvley (16-17,19-21 Nov)
*Pale-winged Starling (Onychoghathus nabouroup) - small numbers, Augrabies Falls Nat'l Park and area (30-31 Oct); Goegap and Katbakkies area (2-3,7 Nov)
*Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) - Natal game parks (on giraffes and zebras) (12-14 Nov)
*Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer) - common in W Cape (5-8 Nov)
*Gurney's Sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi) - 2, lower Sani Pass Road (16 Nov); 1, Cape Parrot site (18 Nov)
*[Yellow-tufted] Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa) - singles, Sir Lowry's Pass, De Hoop Vlei and Goegap (27,28 Oct,2 Nov); fairly common in fynbos and karoo in W Cape (5,7-8 Nov), fairly common, Underberg to Wakkerstroom (16-19 Nov)
*Orange-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia violacea) - fairly common, Sir Lowry's Pass, De Hoop Vlei (27,28 Oct); Old Wagon Road, Rooi Els, Piketburg Mountains and Kirstenbosch Nature Reserve (5,7-8 Nov)
*Marico (Mariqua) Sunbird (Nectarinia mariquensis) - 2, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Purple-banded Sunbird (Nectarinia bifasciatus) - fairly common, Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*Neergaard's Sunbird (Nectarinia neergaardi) - singles, Mkhuze (12- 13 Nov)
*Southern (Lesser) Double-collared Sunbird (Nectarinia chalybea) - small numbers, N & W Cape (28-29 Oct,5,7-8 Nov) and Creighton (17-18 Nov)
*Greater Double-collared Sunbird (Nectarinia afra) - a few, Eshowe and road to Sani Pass (9-10,16 Nov)
*White-bellied Sunbird (Nectarinia talatala) - a few, Mkhuze, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov) and Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Dusky Sunbird (Nectarinia fusca) - Augrabies Nat'l Park (31 Oct) and Goegap (2-3 Nov)
*Mouse-coloured (Grey) Sunbird (Nectarinia veroxii) - 2, Bonamanzi (11 Nov) and Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*Eastern Olive Sunbird (Nectarinia olivacea) - fairly common in coastal forests: Dlinza Forest (9-10,15 Nov), Mtunzini (10 Nov) and St. Lucia (11 Nov)
Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia senegalensis) - fairly common, Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*Amethyst (Black) Sunbird (Nectarinia amethystina) - fairly common, Eshowe (9-10 Nov); a few, Underberg area, Cape Parrot site (16-18 Nov)
Collared Sunbird (Anthreptes collaris) - fairly common Eshowe to Natal game parks (9-12,14 Nov); Cape Parrot site near Creighton (18 Nov)
*Cape White-eye (Zosterops pallidus capensis) - common, W Cape (3-8 Nov) [N.B.: The following two forms may be good species.]
[Pale White-eye (Zosterops pallidus pallidus) ñ common and very tame, Augrabies Nat'l Park (30-31 Oct)]
[Green-backed White-eye (Zosterops pallidus virens) ñ Eshowe, St. Lucia, Bonamanzi (9-11,15 Nov) and Creighton area (17-18 Nov)]
Yellow White-eye (Zosterops senegalensis) ñ 2, Bonamanzi (11 Nov)
*White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali) ñ common, Pygmy Falcon farm, Pofadder (31 Oct) and Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Sociable Weaver (Philetarius socius) ñ common from Kenhardt to Pofadder/Aggenys (near the Namibia border) with huge nests in evidence in even small trees and on telephone poles (29-31 Oct)
*Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus) - common and widespread in the N & W Cape (27-31 Oct, 1-3,6-8 Nov), also Underberg, Creighton to Ladysmith (16-18 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer diffusus) ñ fairly common to common, Augrabies Nat'l Pak (30-31 Oct) and Robin Guy's garden in Underberg (16-17 Nov)
*Yellow-throated Petronia (Sparrow) (Petronia superciliaris) ñ small numbers, Eshowe, Natal game parks (9,12-14 Nov)
*Scaly-feathered Finch (Sporopipes squamifrons) ñ common, Spitzkop, Red Lark road near Diepvlei (30-31 Oct,1 Nov); also Mkhuze (13 Nov) and Nylsvley (20 Nov)
*Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons) ñ 2, Eshowe (9 Nov); 2, Mkhuze (13 Nov)
*Forest [Dark-backed] Weaver (Ploceus bicolor) ñ a few, Eshowe and Natal game parks (9-11,14 Nov)
*Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis) ñ a few, Bonamanzi, Umfolozi- Hluhluwe (11,14 Nov)
Village (Spottedbacked) Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus) ñ common in (although not restricted to) Natal coastal areas (10-14 Nov)
*Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis) ñ common, W Cape (27-28 Oct,5-8 Nov) and Underberg to Wakkerstroom (16-19 Nov)
*Southern [African] Masked-Weaver (Ploceus velatus) ñ common and widespread, N & W Cape (28-31 Oct,2-3,5-8 Nov), St. Lucia & Bonamanzi (11-12 Nov), Blanerne Farm, Wakkerstroom and Nylsvley (19-21 Nov)
*Lesser Masked-Weaver (Ploceus intermedius) ñ gas station between Bonamanzi and Mkhuze (12-13 Nov)
*African [Eastern Yellow] Golden-Weaver (Ploceus subaureus) ñ a few near Eshowe (the reservoir on the farm where the car was sprayed for foot-and-mouth disease) (9 Nov); Richard's Bay (10 Nov)
*Southern Brown-throated Weaver (Ploceus xanthopterus) ñ a few, Richard's Bay (10 Nov)
*Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps) ñ 2 and 1 @ Nylsvley (20- 21 Nov)
*Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea) ñ a few, Pofadder area, Red Lark road (30-31 Oct); also Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov); Creighton area (Gemmell farm) (17-18 Nov) [supposedly in flocks of millions of birds but we only saw small flocks]
*Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix) ñ common and widespread in wet areas throughout [Note that Euplectes species are called Bishops, Widows, Widowbirds or even Whydahs]
*Yellow-crowned (Golden) Bishop (Euplectes afer) ñ fairly common near Ladysmith and Wakkerstroom (18,20 Nov)
*Yellow (Yellow-rumped) Bishop [Widow or Widowbird] (Euplectes capensis) ñ fairly common, De Hoop Vlei (27-28 Oct), Leliefontein (3 Nov), Cape Town area (5-6 Nov), Underberg and Creighton areas (16,18 Nov)
*Red-shouldered Widow [Widowbird] (Euplectes axillaris) ñ uncommon to fairly common in fields, Eshowe area, St. Lucia area, between Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe, near Ongoye Forest and from Underberg to Wakkerstroom (9-11,14-20 Nov)
*White-winged Widow [Widowbird] (Euplectes albonotatus) ñ 4, between Mkhuze village and Mkhuze (12 Nov)
*Red-collared Widow [Widowbird] (Euplectes ardens) ñ fairly common, Eshowe area, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe and Underberg/Creighton area (9,14-15,17-18 Nov)
*Long-tailed Widow [Widowbird] (Euplectes progne) ñ fairly common in fields, Underberg to Wakkerstroom and Nylsvley (16-21 Nov)
*Green-winged Pytilia (Melba Finch) (Pytilia melba) ñ 1 or 2, Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov)
*Blue-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta rubricata) ñ a few @ Mkhuze and Ongoye forest (13,15 Nov)
*Blue Waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis) ñ fairly common, Natal game parks (12-14 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Violet-eared Waxbill (Uraeginthus granatinus) ñ 3, road to Nylsvley (20 Nov)
*Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) ñ most common and widespread waxbill, N & W Cape, Eshowe area, Natal game parks, Underberg to Wakkerstroom and Nylsvley (31 Oct,1-3,6-7,9,11,13,16-21 Nov)
*Black-faced (-cheeked) Waxbill (Estrilda erythronotus) ñ small flock off highway north of Pretoria; another flock in Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
*Black-tailed (Grey) Waxbill (Estrilda perreini) ñ 2, Bonamanzi (12 Nov)
*Swee Waxbill (Estrilda melanotis) ñ Paarl Mountain Park (9 Nov); Eshowe, Underberg/Creighton area (16 17 Nov)
*[African] Quail-Finch (Ortypospiza atricollis) ñ small flock, Blanerne Farm (19 Nov)
*Zebra (Orange-breasted) Waxbill (Amandava subflava) ñ numbers, Buttonquail field near Creighton (17 Nov)
*Red-headed Finch (Amandina erythrocephala) ñ a few, Spitzkop and Pygmy Falcon farm (30-31 Oct)
Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata) ñ some numbers, Eshowe to Natal game parks (10-11,13,15 Nov); Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Red-backed Mannikin (Lonchura bicolor) ñ common in Dlinza Forest at hide (9-10,15 Nov); also small flock @ Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Pin-tailed Whydah [Widow] (Vidua macroura) ñ fairly common and widespread from N & W Cape to Eshowe area and Underberg to Wakkerstroom (27,30 Oct,6,9-10,14-20 Nov)
*Eastern [Long-tailed] Paradise Whydah [Widow] (Vidua paradisaea) ñ male & female off highway north of Pretoria (20 Nov)
*Variable Indigobird (Black Widowfinch) (Vidua funerea) ñ a few in Malcolm Gemmell's garden (17 Nov)
Yellow-fronted (-eyed) Canary (Serinus mozambicus) ñ fairly common, Eshowe, Natal coastal areas and game parks (9-14 Nov); Creighton area (18 Nov) and Nylsvley (20 Nov)
*Black-throated Canary (Serinus atrogularis) ñ 2, between Calvinia and Brandvlei (29 Oct); fairly common, Goegap (2-3 Nov)
*Lemon-breasted Canary (Serinus citrinipectus) ñ 3, Bonamanzi (12 Nov)
*Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis) ñ common and widespread N & W Cape (27,29 Oct,3-8 Nov), Underberg to Nylsvley (15-21 Nov)
*Forest Canary (Serinus scotops) - several, Xumeni Forest near Creighton (17 Nov)
*Cape Siskin (Serinus totta) - 2 near Sir Lowry's Pass (Cape Rockjumper site); 1, Rooi Els (both 5 Nov)
*Drakensberg Siskin (Serinus symonsi) - 6 including nesting pair, Sani Pass (16 Nov)
*Black-headed Canary (Serinus alario alario) ñ flock of the black- headed race in Goegap (2-3 Nov); flock @ Kamieskroon (3 Nov)
*Bully [Brimstone] Canary (Serinus sulphuratus) ñ 3, Paarl Mountain Park (8 Nov), 1, edge of Ongoye Forest (15 Nov)
*Yellow Canary (Serinus flaviventris) - fairly common N & W Cape (27-31 Oct,2-3,6-8 Nov) and Lesotho (16 Nov)
*White-throated Canary (Serinus albogularis) - quite common, N & W Cape (31 Oct,1-2,7-8 Nov) and Underberg area (16 Nov)
*Protea Canary (Serinus leucopterus) ñ 3, Piketberg Mountain (7 Nov)
*Streaky-headed Canary (Serinus gularis) ñ Underberg area and Nylsvley (16-17,21 Nov)
*Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris) ñ a few, Natal game parks and Nylsvley (12-14,21 Nov)
*Cape Bunting (Emberiza capensis) ñ N & W Cape, Sani Pass/Lesotho, Wakkerstroom area (28-29 Oct,2-8,16,19 Nov)
*Cinnamon-Breasted (Rock) Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi) ñ 1, Ladysmith (Melodious Lark site) (18 Nov); 3, Nylsvley (21 Nov)
*Lark-like Bunting (Emberiza impetuani) ñ fairly common, Akkerendam and Red Lark road area (29 Oct,1 Nov)
Established Introductions (7 species):
Common Ostrich (Struthio camelus) ñ widespread and common but the S African birds are apparently all introduced or descended from introduced stock [N.B.: John McAllister argues that the birds in the game reserves are re-established in original habitat and, since they are well re-established and breeding freely, they are wild birds and should be counted.]
Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove) (Columba livia) - widespread and common almost everywhere; introduced from The Netherlands in 1652
House Crow (Corvus splendens) - seen from road in Cape Town and Durban; may have arrived by ship (does this mean they can be counted?)
European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - very common and widespread in N & W Cape; less common in Natal but overlapping with the following
Common [Indian] Myna (Acridotheres tristis) - very common around Natal but also seen in Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov) and at Wakkerstroom (19 Nov)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus indicus) ñ common around human habitation; as its scientific name indicates, this is the Indian subspecies which was introduced from India to Durban in the nineteenth century
European Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) ñ De Hel near Cape Town (6 Nov)
Disputed (1 species):
*Southern Banded Snake-Eagle (Circaetus fasciolatus) - 1 called on road near St. Lucia, but disputed; another bird flying over Dinizulu Camp, Bonamanzi, just before the storm was seen only by John and Hamish (both 11 Nov)
Heard but not seen or only poorly seen (5 species):
Black-rumped Buttonquail (Turnix hottentotta) - heard in a field near Ladysmith (Melodious Lark site) (18 Nov)
Buff-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura elegans) ñ heard in Xumeni Forest (17 Nov)
Livingstone's Turaco (Lourie) (Tauraco livingstonii) ñ heard and seen flying @ St. Lucia (11 Nov)
Rufous-cheeked Nightjar (Caprimulgus rufigena) - heard at Tierkloof (7 Nov)
Gorgeous [Four-coloured] Bushshrike (Malaconotus quadricolor) - alas, only heard @ Mkhuze and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (13-14 Nov)
OTHER ANIMALS:
Mammals (singles except where otherwise indicated):
52 species (not including one heard and two dead animals)
Cape Rock Elephant-Shrew - Goegap (2 Nov)
Chacma Baboon - heard @ Goegap (2 Nov), numbers in Natal game parks (11,14-15 Nov)
Vervet Monkey - many in various locations: Eshowe, Natal game parks and Nylsvley (9-15, 21 Nov)
Samango Monkey - heard only, Ongoye Forest (15 Nov)
Thick-tailed Bushbaby - during night drive in Mkhuze (12 Nov)
Cape Hare - N & W Cape (28-31 Oct) [closely related to the next species]
Scrub Hare - Tierkloof (8 Nov); night drive @ Mkhuze (12 Nov); Blanerne Farm (19-20 Nov)
Smith's Red Rock Rabbit - Goegap (3 Nov)
Ground Squirrel - a few, Augrabies Nat'l Park and Diepvlei (30-31 Oct)
Zululand Red Squirrel - St. Lucia (11 Nov) [usually considered a subspecies of the more widely distributed Red Squirrel]
Porcupine - dead animal on the road between Calvinia and Brandvlei (29 Oct)
Sloggett's Rat - fairly common, top of Sani Pass (16 Nov)
Hairy-footed Gerbil - colony @ Goegap (2 Nov) (near-endemic; otherwise recorded only in the southeastern corner of Angola)
Bat-eared Fox - crossing a wheat field near Caledon (27 Oct); also Diepvlei (31 Oct)
Black-backed Jackal - loping along side of road in Tierkloof area (7 Nov)
Cape Clawless Otter - Paarl Sewage Works (5 Nov)
Banded Mongoose - fairly common, Natal game parks (12-15 Nov)
Small Grey Mongoose - fairly common, N & W Cape (29-31 Oct,5 Nov)
Yellow Mongoose - common, N & W Cape (27 Oct-1 Nov); Wakkerstroom (20 Nov)
Small-spotted Genet - night drive @ Mkhuze (12 Nov)
Spotted Hyaena - Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
Aardvark (Anteater) - dead animal near Tierkloof (8 Nov)
Elephant - very large bull @ Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
Rock Hyrax (Dassie) - very common, several rocky locations, N & W Cape, Sani Pass and Wakkerstroom (29-31 Oct,5-8,16,19 Nov)
Cape Mountain Zebra - a few, De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct)
Burchell's Zebra - common, Spitzkop (30 Oct), Natal game parks and Nylsvley area (11-14,21 Nov)
White or Square-lipped Rhinoceros - fairly common, Natal game parks (12-14 Nov)
Warthog - common, Natal game parks (11-14 Nov)
Hippopotamus - groups in water, from the hide near Cape Vidal (St. Lucia) and Mkhuze (11,13 Nov)
Giraffe - fairly common, Natal game parks (12-14 Nov) and Nylsvley area (20-21 Nov)
Buffalo - three herds, Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
Eland - De Hoop Vlei, across the water from the Knysna Woodpecker site (28 Oct)
Greater Kudu - fairly common, Natal game parks (12-14 Nov)
Nyala - common, Natal game parks (11-14 Nov)
Roan Antelope - common, Nylsvley (20-21 Nov) [this is the local subspecies]
Gemsbok - a few, N Cape karoo including Spitzkop (30-31 Oct)
Waterbuck - a few, St. Lucia (Cape Vidal road) and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (11,14 Nov)
Reedbuck - small numbers, St. Lucia (Cape Vidal road) and Nylsvley (11,20 Nov)
Grey Rhebok - a few, W Cape and Lesotho (27-28 Oct,7,16 Nov)
Blue Wildebeest (Gnu) - fairly common, Spitzkop (30 Oct); Natal game parks (11-14 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Bontebok - De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct)
Blesbok - Spitzkop (30 Oct)
Red Hartebeest - Spitzkop (30 Oct)
Tsessebe - common, Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Impala - common, Natal game parks and Nylsvley (11-14,20 Nov)
Springbok - common, N Cape (29-31 Oct,1-3 Nov)
Klipspringer - a few, N & W Cape (27,31 Oct;2,5 Nov)
Steenbok - common, N & W Cape (27-29,31 Oct;1-3,6 Nov)
Oribi - Creighton area (17 Nov)
Cape Grysbok - Akkerendam (29 Oct) [Eric only]
Red Duiker - Bonamanzi area (11 Nov)
Common Duiker - near Bredasdorp (27 Oct); Mkhuze (12 Nov) and Nylsvley (20-21 Nov)
Bryde's Whale - 3, False Bay (4 Nov)
Common Dolphin - two dozen around pelagic boat, off Cape of Good Hope (4 Nov)
Cape Fur Seal - common in Simonstown penguin colony and in Cape waters (3-4 Nov)
Reptiles and Amphibians:
Angulate Tortoise - De Hoop Vlei (28 Oct), Akkerendam (29 Oct) and W Cape (7 Nov)
Leopard Tortoise - Helderberg Nature Reserve (5 Nov) and Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Bell's Hinged Tortoise - Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Natal Hinged Tortoise - Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Terrapin sp - Mkhuze (13 Nov)
Cape Red-tailed Rock Lizard - Augrabies Nat'l Park (31 Oct)
Namaqua Pigmy Chaemeleon - Port Nolloth (1 Nov)
Nile or Water Monitor - St. Lucia (11 Nov), Bonamanzi (11 Nov) and Mkhuze (13-14 Nov)
Rock Monitor - Nylsvley (21 Nov)
Nile Crocodile - Lake St. Lucia (11 Nov) and Umfolozi-Hluhluwe (14 Nov)
Mozambique Cobra - almost run over by our vehicle @ Mkhuze (12 Nov)
Platanna Frog (Xenopus laevus) or Northern Platanna (X. muelleri) - swimming pool, Dinizulu Camp, Bonamanzi (11 Nov)
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