Species recorded in Namibia and Northern Botswana between 28th Nov and 18th Dec 2004
Namibian Endemics/near-Endemics in capitals, alternate species names in brackets.

Ostrich Struthio camelus
Fairly common in Etosha NP, also seen at Sesriem and on several other occasions by the roadside.

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
1 at Oliphantsbad waterhole, Etosha, common at Rundu Sewage Works and also seen at Daan Viljoen.

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Only noted at Aus waterhole, Etosha.

Reed (Long-tailed) Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
Not uncommon around inland areas of water, especially in the Okavango region.

Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus
A small number seen at the guano platform between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

White-breasted (Great) Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
Probably under-recorded but certainly seen at Walvis Bay esplanade.

Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis
Incredibly numerous on the coast between Walvis Bay and Swkopmund.

African Darter Anhinga rufa
Probably under-recorded but certainly seen at Rundu sewage works, Mahango and Daan Viljoen.

Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
Common on the coast, with a few nesting on the guano platform among the cormorants.

Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula
A total of 3 seen at Mahango.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Only a few noted, eg. at Mahango, Walvis Bay sewage works. Under-recorded (NB Intermediate Egret almost certainly seen as well but overlooked).

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Seen at Walvis Bay and Daan Viljoen.

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
One seen at Nuamseb waterhole, Etosha.

Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
One on the Kunene River at Okapupa camp site, and one at Mahango.

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Just one at Mahango.

Great White Egret Ardea alba
Fairly common.

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Fairly common.

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
A couple seen at Rundu sewage works, also at Mahango and Drotsky's.

Striated Heron Butorides striatus
A few seen eg. at Okapupa campsite, Kaisosi Lodge.

Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Just one seen, at Daan Viljoen.

White-backed Night-Heron Gorsachius leuconotus
One of the trip highlights was excellent views of 4 (2 adults) along the Okavango river near to Drotsky's. The adults are stunning.

White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata
2 at Rundu Sewage Works, 10 on boat trip at Drotsky's and also recorded at Mahango.

African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus
Very common on the floodplain at Mahango but not seen anywhere else.

Black Stork Ciconia nigra
One seen at the small wetland to the north of Etosha's north gate.

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
5-7 seen in Mahango.

Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus
3 at Halali waterhole, and 6 in fields near to Kaisosi Lodge.

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus rubber
Abundant around  Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
20+ at Swakopmund Salt Works.

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
A few seen in the Okavango region.

Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash
Surprisingly just 2 seen, at Drotsky's.

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
Fairly common at Etosha, Mahango etc.

South African Shelduck Tadorna cana
Just 2 seen at Daan Viljoen.

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Recorded at Rundu sewage works, at Mahango and possibly elsewhere too.

African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus
A pair of these fine birds were seen flying down the Okavango by Drotsky's in the late afternoon.

Cape Teal Anas capensis
Rundu sewage works, Walvis Bay sewage works and some ponds by the road at the start of the Welwitchia Drive.

Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha
5+ at Daan Viljoen.

Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota
Common at Rundu sewage works.

Cape Shoveler Anas smithii
Only seen at Walvis Bay sewage works.

Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius
One seen at Etosha, stalking the plains near Sueda/Salvadora. Superb.

Osprey Pandion haliaetus
One at Rundu sewage works and one at Mahango.

African Cuckoo Hawk  Aviceda cuculoides
A superb bird at Drotsky's.

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Small numbers seen at eg. Etosha.

Black Kite Milvus migrans/Yellow-billed Kite Milvus parasitus
Many seen, especially in the Okavango region. The few seen well enough to tell apart were Black Kite.

African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
Fairly common in the Okavango region.

White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus
Common in Etosha, Mahango etc.

Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres
One bird seen at Waterberg Plateau.

Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus
A small number seen in Etosha, and 4 seen on the drive from Sesriem to Walvis Bay.

Black-chested Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
Seen several times, at Etosha, Sesriem,  Rooibank and Spitzkoppe. A very smart raptor.

Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
Fairly common in Etosha, also seen at Mahango and occasionally while driving.

African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus
A few seen at Drotsky's.

Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus
An exceedingly common roadside bird, particularly in Etosha.

Gabar Goshawk Melierax gabar
In Etosha, one seen at Okaukuejo waterhole, and a pair at Halali camp, the male being of the attractive melanistic form.

Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus
One at Waterberg and one at Tsaro Lodge.

Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo
Fairly common.

Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
Several seen in Etosha, also while driving between sites.

Black  (Verreaux's) Eagle Aquila verreauxii
An excellent pair at the Waterberg Plateau.

African Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster
A pair at the Waterberg Plateau, and an immature at Daan Viljoen.

Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus
An excellent pair seen in Etosha, to the west of Okaukuejo.

Rock (Eurasian) Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Common.

Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides
Only seen in Etosha.

Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera
A pair near Twee Palms, Etosha.

Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
One at Rundu sewage works, 2  between Rundu and Popa Falls, and one at Mahango.

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
Several seen in Etosha.

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
One seen at the Waterberg Plateau.

Red-billed Francolin Francolinus adspersus
A common and obvious species, particularly at Waterberg, around the accommodation.

Red-necked Francolin Francolinus afer
A francolin seen at Okapupa with coarsely marked underparts was tentatively identified as a female/immature cunensis.

Swainson's Francolin (Spurfowl) Francolinus swainsonii
Fairly common at Mahango but not seen anywhere else.

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
A very common roadside bird at eg. Waterberg and Etosha.

Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra
3 gave brilliant views along the river at Okapupa camp site first thing in the morning, also one at Rundu sewage works, one at Popa Falls and 3 seen on the boat trip at Drotsky's.

Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
Possibly under-recorded but definitely seen at Rundu sewage works and Walvis Bay sewage works.

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Not uncommon around wetland areas.

Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
Rundu sewage works and Daan Viljoen.

Wattled Crane Grus carunculatus
A pair with young on the floodplain at Mahango.

Blue Crane Grus paradisea
Two pairs seen at Etosha, one pair stalking the grass in the triangle formed by roads leading off to Chudop waterhole, the other (with an egg) at the Twee Palms waterhole. The latter pair were seen to dance before the (presumed) female settled down to incubate the egg. Excellent.

Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori
Several a day at Etosha. Very impressive.

Red-crested Korhaan Eupodotis ruficrista
A few seen at Etosha and 2 at Mahango.

Northern Black Korhaan Eupodotis afraoides
Common at Etosha, also seen while driving from Windhoek to Sesriem. A very handsome species.

RUPPELL'S KORHAAN Eupodotis rueppellii
Just two seen near Sesriem.

African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
Rather common in the Okavango.

Greater Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis
3 gave excellent views at Rundu sewage works.

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Found around most areas of freshwater.

Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Seen at the small wetland north of Etosha.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Seen at Walvis Bay esplanade.

Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
One at Namutoni waterhole (Etosha), probably seen elsewhere too.

Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius
Found around most areas of water in small numbers.

Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris
One at Rundu sewage works, and two on some ponds by the road at the start of the Welwitchia Drive.

Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus
Seen on a number of occasions; at Aroe waterhole in Etosha, at the small wetland to the north of Etosha, and at Swakopmund salt works. Always good.

White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus
Only noted at Walvis Bay esplanade.

Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris
Two seen at Mahango.

Blacksmith Plover Vanellus armatus
Very common and widespread.

Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus
5 just north of Namutoni camp, by the roadside, and one seen on the boat trip at Drotsky's.

Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus
Common in Etosha.

Ethiopian (African Snipe) Gallinago nigripennis
2 seen at Rundu sewage works.

Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
One on the coast between Swakopmund and Walvis Bay.

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
Several at the small wetland to the north of Etosha.

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Seen at the small wetland to the north of Etosha, and at Walvis Bay esplanade.

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Found around most areas of freshwater.

Terek Sandpiper Tringa cinerea
One at the Walvis Bay esplanade.

Common Sandpiper Tringa hypoleucos
One near the Hippo Pools (Kunene River), one at Popa Falls and also recorded at Rundu sewage works.

Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
Seen on the coast between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

Red Knot Calidris canutus
Seen around Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Sanderling Calidris alba
Seen around Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Little Stint Calidris minuta
Seen at Etosha, the small wetland north of Etosha and around Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
Seen around Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Ruff Philomachus pugnax
Seen at Etosha, the small wetland north of Etosha, around Walvis Bay/Swakopmund and at Daan Viljoen.

Water  Dikkop(Thick-knee) Burhinus vermiculatus
Two seen at Drotsky's.

Spotted Dikkop (Thick-knee) Burhinus capensis
A couple seen at Etosha, also one at Spitzkoppe.

Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus
In Etosha, a pair with a chick seen near where the Aus loop road rejoins the main road, and 3 on the Okerfontein loop. Brilliant.

Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii
A pair midway between Gemsbokvlakte and the main road in Etosha, and a pair by the roadside a few km north of Ghanzi. Also brilliant.

Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Several hawking over the floodplain at Mahango.

Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
A flock of ca.150 at the Andoni waterhole in Etosha.

Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis
At Popa Falls, ca.15 hawking over the falls in the late afternoon, with one perched on a rock in the river, the latter also being seen early in the morning. Superb.

Cape Gull Larus vetula
Common at Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus
Several seen at Johannesburg International Airport.

Hartlaub's Gull Larus hartlaubii
Common at Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
Only noted at Mahango.

Black Tern Chlidonias niger
One at Swakopmund salt works.

Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
Several at the Walvis Bay esplanade.

(Greater) Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Common at Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
Common at Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Common at Walvis Bay/Swakopmund.

Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum
Several seen along the road between  Walvis Bay and Swakopmund, sometimes flying right in front of the car. Also seen at Swakopmund salt works.

African Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris
Several seen at Drotsky's completed the skimmer set for me.

Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua
In Etosha, seen coming in to drink at Oliphantsbad and Goas waterholes during the day. Also 3 seen near Sesriem.

Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus
A large number were seen coming in to the Okaukuejo waterhole shortly after dusk, and then 4 were seen extremely well at Mahango. Brilliant.

Rock Dove Columba livia
Urban areas.

Rock (Speckled) Pigeon Columba guinea
Waterberg Plateau and Spitzkoppe.

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Very common.

Cape Turtle (Ring-necked) Dove Streptopelia capicola
Very common.

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Rather common in the Okavango region.

Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos
Common in Etosha, also seen at Mahango, Popa Falls etc.

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
Common in Etosha and other dry country sites.

Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri
Just one seen at Tsaro Lodge, while looking for Pel's Fishing Owl.

RUPPELL'S PARROT Poicephalus rueppellii
Fairly common and easily seen at Waterberg Plateau, with a pair apparently nesting in one of the tall palm trees near the swimming pool.

Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis
A delightful species, easily seen at Waterberg Plateau, also recorded at Spitzkoppe.

White-backed Mousebird Colius colius
Common around Walvis Bay/Swakopmund, also seen at Spitzkoppe,

Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus
Recorded at Rundu sewage works, Mahango and Spitzkoppe.

Grey Lourie (Go-away-bird) Corythaixoides concolor
Very common and widespread.

Jacobin (Pied) Cuckoo Oxylophus jacobinus
2 at Rundu sewage works, 2 at Mahango.

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
One near Kaisosi Lodge.

Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus
A singing bird showed well on Dik-dik drive, Etosha.

Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
Singles at Rundu sewage works, Mahango and 2 at Daan Viljoen.

Coppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus
Rather common in the Okavango region.

White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus
One at Okapupa camp site and one near the Hippo Pools (Kunene River).

Giant (Verreaux's) Eagle Owl Bubo lacteus
One seen well at the Okaukuejo water hole (they breed in the big tree there).

Pel's Fishing Owl Scotopelia peli
A major highlight of the trip was good views of an immature bird at Tsaro Lodge after much searching.

African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii
3 immatures seen around our campsite at Drotsky's.

Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum
Excellent views of one near Okaukuejo waterhole, Etosha.

Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena
One seen at Okaukuejo waterhole.

African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus
A few seen in Etosha, early morning or just before dusk.

Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
Seen in various locations eg. Waterberg Plateau.

Common Swift Apus apus
Certainly seen at Etosha, generally not distinguished from the following species.

Bradfield's Swift Apus bradfieldi
Finally seen with certainty in a large flock of swifts feeding low over the main road 65km south of Windhoek, when the scaly underparts, noticeably pale throat and generally paler plumage than A. apus could be seen. Not easy unless extremely good views are obtained.

Little Swift Apus affinis
Common and widespread.

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata
A few seen on the boat trip at Drotsky's.

Grey-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala
Only seen at Okapupa campsite and at Mahango.

Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis
First seen in the grounds of Kaisosi Lodge, then at Rundu sewage works and Mahango.

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima
One at Popa Falls and excellent views of one along the Okavango at Drotsky's.

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Common and widespread.

White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides
Fairly common in the Okavango region.

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus
Common around Rundu and Mahango, probably under-recorded.

Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus
Recorded near Waterberg Plateau, Welwitchia Drive, Daan Viljoen, and common in vicinity of Namutoni camp, Etosha.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus
Common at Rundu sewage works and a few seen at other sites in the Okavango region.

Madagascar (Olive) Bee-eater Merops superciliosus
Only recorded along the road from Hippo Pools to Okapupa campsite (Kunene River), but common there.

European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
Recorded at a variety of locations eg. near Waterberg Plateau, Etosha and Rundu sewage works.

Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides
This stunning species was fairly common at Mahango and was also seen at Drotsky's.

European Roller Coracias garrulous
A few seen at various locations eg. Etosha, Rundu sewage works.

Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudate
Probably the most frequently seen roller. Common in eg. Etosha.

Purple Roller Eurystomus azureus
Small numbers seen at eg. Waterbeg Plateau, Daan Viljoen.

African Hoopoe Upupa africana
A few seen in a variety of habitats.

Green Woodhoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus
Just two seen at Mahango.

VIOLET WOODHOOPOE Phoeniculus damarensis
Two seen at Waterberg Plateau.

Greater (Common) Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
Seen at a variety of locations eg. Halali camp (Etosha), Spitzkoppe and the Hoffmeyr Walk in Windhoek.

MONTEIRO'S HORNBILL Tockus monteiri
Several seen along the road between the Hippo Pools and Okapupa campsite, and several at Daan Viljoen.

Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus
Fairly common in Etosha.

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas
Fairly common in most parts of Namibia.

African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus
Very common in most parts of Namibia.

Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas
Seen at various sites, particularly easy at Waterberg Plateau.

Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus
One at Popa Falls and two at Drotsky's.

Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni
One at Tsaro Lodge.

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens
Just one seen, in Etosha.

Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus
One at Waterberg Plateau and one at Drotsky's.

Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana
One near Fischer's Pan (Etosha),  2 in Mahango and 2 while driving from Windhoek to Sesriem.

Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata
Several seen in Etosha.

Fawn-colored Lark Mirafra africanoides
Just one seen, in song, between Namutoni and the Andoni Plains in Etosha.

Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota
Extremely common in Etosha where at least some birds were of the heavy billed "Bradfields" form; also seen in Mahango, Daan Viljoen etc.

DUNE LARK Certhilauda erythrochlamys
One of this excellent species seen extremely well at the well-known Rooibank site.

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis
Fairly common in Etosha.

Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix verticalis
Very common in Etsoha, also seen while driving from Windhoek to Sesriem and possibly elsewhere but not noted.

GRAY'S LARK Ammomanes grayi
This nomadic species was seen twice in one day, with small groups at Swakopmund Salt Works and on the Welwitchia Drive.

Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea
Fairly common in Etosha.

Pink-billed Lark Spizocorys conirostris
A few seen not far from Okaukuejo camp, Etosha, and at least 6 seen in the first few km to the north of the Nehale lya Mpingana gate after leaving the park.

Stark's Lark Eremalauda starki
5 seen between Solitaire and Walvis Bay.

Sand Martin Riparia riparia
Only noted at Walvis Bay sewage works.

Banded Martin Riparia cincta
Several seen in the eastern part of Etosha, also recorded on the boat trip and Drotsky's.

Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula
Common and widespread.

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Common and widepsread.

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
Just one seen on the boat trip at Drotsky's.

Greater Striped-Swallow Hirundo cucullata
Probably under-recorded, certainly seen at Rooibank and Daan Viljoen.

Red-breasted (Rufous-chested) Swallow Hirundo semirufa
Several of this very attractive hirundine were seen in Etosha.

Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis
Only recorded at Mahango where one was seen over the giant baobab tree.

South African (Cliff) Swallow Hirundo spilodera
Several seen at Windhoek airport from the departures lounge were our last new bird in Namibia.

House Martin Delichon urbica
Recorded at Waterberg Plateau and Daan Viljoen.

Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
An almost ubiquitous species.

Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
Several at Waterberg Plateau and one at Okapupa campsite.

Cape Crow Corvus capensis
Seen in Etosha, near Sesriem and probably in other places but not recorded.

Pied Crow Corvus albus
Seen in Etosha and probably in other places but not recorded.

CARP'S TIT Parus carpi
We did well with this species, with several seen at Waterberg Plateau (Kambazembi trail and Anthill trail) and also around Halalui camp(Etosha) and at the Hippo Pools (Kunene River)

Ashy Tit Parus cinerascens
A couple near the Spitzkoppe, and one seen at Daan Viljoen.

Black-faced (Black-lored) Babbler Turdoides melanops
Only recorded along Dik-dik drive in Etosha, a party of ca 5.

Hartlaub's (Angola) Babbler Turdoides hartlaubii
First recorded at Kaisosi Lodge, then seen at most wetland sites in the Okavango region.

Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor
Only seen once, with a party of ca 5 a few km to the east of Halali camp, Etosha.

Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii
A party of birds in the grounds of Drotsky's completed the babbler set for the trip.

BARE-CHEEKED BABBLER Turdoides gymnogenys
3 showed well around a leaky tap at Halali camp (Etosha), and 3 seen at Okapupa camp.

Red-eyed (Common) Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus
Common at  Waterberg Plateau, probably seen elsewhere but not noted.

Black-eyed (Black-fronted) Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans
Common in the Okavango region.

Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris
Common at the Kunene River and in the Okavango region.

Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris
Several seen at Popa Falls.

Short-toed Rock-Thrush Monticola brevipes
A pair seen at Waterberg Plateau, and proved to be common at Daan Viljoen with 7 seen.

Groundscraper Thrush Psophocichla litsipsirupa
Only seen at Okaukuejo camp, Halali camp (Etosha) and around the lake at Daan Viljoen.

Heuglin's Robin (White-browed Robin-Chat) Cossypha heuglini
This attractive species was seen at Kaisosi Lodge, Popa Falls and Drotsky's.

White-browed (Red-backed) Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys
Rather common at Wateberg, also seen at Popa Falls.

Kalahari Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas paena
This species proved very common in the eastern part of Etosha (eg. along Stinkwater road), and was also seen at Mahango.

Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola
Very common at Spitzkoppe, also seen at various other sites in the western part of Namibia eg. around Sesriem, Daan Viljoen.

Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata
Common at eg. Etosha.

Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac
The attractive, ghostly namib form was seen at the end of the Welwitchia drive (at the parking spot for the "main" Welwitchia plant) where a single bird was watched feeding on squashed insects from the front of our car (not while it was moving!).

Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris
Fairly common and encountered in a variety of habitats.

Southern Anteating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora
A few seen in the eastern part of Etosha.

Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus
A couple in Etosha near Okaukuejo camp initially caused confusion, being identified retrospectively from a photo, but we were primed for our subsequent sighting near the Spitzkoppe.

Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis
A rather common roadside bird.

Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
Seen in various locations eg. the Waterberg Plateau, Mahango, Daan Viljoen.

Blue-grey (Ashy) Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens
An adult and 2 juvs at Drotsky's.

African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis
Fairly common by the Kunene River and also in the Okavango region.

Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chinianus
First recorded near Fischer's Pan (Etosha), then seen between Rundu and Popa Falls.

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava
Just one seen, in Mahango.

Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans
Seen at various locations eg. near the Waterberg Plateau, Etosha,  between Rundu and Popa Falls and Spitzkoppe.

Grey-backed Bleating Warbler (Camaroptera) Camaroptera brevicaudata
Common and vocal at Waterberg, also recorded along the Kunene River, at Popa Falls, at Mahango and at Drotsky's.

African Barred Warbler (Barred Wren-Warbler) Calamonastes fasciolatus
Two seen at Daan Viljoen: One very briefly along the trail leading down from the car park by the dam, the other showed superbly as it bathed in a pool on some rocks, created by sprinklers, near to the bungalows. Brilliant.

ROCKRUNNER (DAMARA ROCKJUMPER) Achaetops pycnopygius
Ever since I first thought of going to Namibia, several years ago, this species more than any other seemed to epitomise the country for me, and was certainly my number one target species for the trip. One was seen reasonably well along the Kambazembi Trail at Waterberg Plateau on the first morning (taking the pressure off somewhat!), but it wasn't until the last morning of the trip as we were driving to the airport that we encountered the species again (site described above), with much better views being obtained (by RR only). A superb and charismatic species.

(European) Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
Very common at Rundu sewage works, probably seen elsewhere but not noted.

African Marsh Warbler (African Reed-Warbler) Acrocephalus baeticatus
Seen at Walvis Bay sewage works and Daan Viljoen.

Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina
Just one seen, at Okaukuejo camp, Etosha.

Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis
4 at Spitzkoppe.

Long-billed (Cape) Crombec Sylvietta rufescens
An adult and a juvenile at Waterberg Plateau were the only ones seen.

Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
Commonly heard and a few seen.

Chestnut-vented Titbabbler (Rufous-vented Warbler) Parisoma subcaeruleum
First recorded at Rooibank and subsequently seen at Spitzkoppe and Daan Viljoen.

Pririt Batis Batis pririt
Just one seen at Daan Viljoen.

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp
Fairly common at Popa Falls.

Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis
Singles at Walvis Bay esplanade, Desert Sky backpachers in Swakopmund and Daan Viljoen.

Grassveld (African) Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus
Common and widespread.

Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
An extremely common roadside bird.

Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
An extremely common roadside bird.

Common Fiscal Lanius collaris
A few seen at various locations but nowhere near as common as the previous two species.

Long-tailed (Magpie) Shrike Corvinella melanoleuca
Several in the grounds on Kaisosi Lodge, also seen at Rundu sewage works and Mahango.

(Southern) White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens
Two seen at Halali camp (Etosha), and  one at Mahango.

Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla
Several seen at the Waterberg Plateau, also recorded at the Hippo Pools (Kunene River) and between Rundu and Popa Falls.

Brown-crowned (Three-streaked) Tchagra Tchagra australis
Only seen at Waterberg Plateau.

(Swamp) Gabon Boubou Laniarius bicolor
First seen near Kaisosi Losge, but then proved to be rather common in the Okavango region.

Crimson-breasted Shrike (Gonolek, Boubou) Laniarius atrococcineus
An absolutely stunning species, fairly common and seen at most locations.

Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus
An juvenile at Rooibank, and 3 at Spitzkoppe which gave brilliant views.

Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup
Common in certain habitats eg. at Waterberg Plateau, a dried up river bed on Welwitchia Drive,  Spitzkoppe and Daan Viljoen.

Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens
The most commonly seen glossy starling in most of Namibia.

Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus
One seen at Rundu sewage works.

Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis
2 seen at Rundu sewage works and 3+ at Mahango.

Long-tailed (Meves's) Glossy-Starling Lamprotornis mevesii
Common in the Kunene River and Okavango regions.

Plum-coloured Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Only recorded at and near to Halali camp, Etosha.

Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
A few of this introduced species were seen in Windhoek.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus
2 were seen along the road between Okapupa campsite and the Hippo Pools (Kunene River), and a mixed group of this and the next species were seen on Cape Buffalo in Mahango.

Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus
See previous species.

Collared Sunbird Anthreptes collaris
Only recorded at Drotsky's.

Scarlet-chested Sunbird Nectarinia senegalensis
Several seen at the Waterberg Plateau.

White-bellied (White-breasted) Sunbird Nectarinia talatala
2 at the Waterberg Plateau, one between Rundu and Popa Falls and one at Popa Falls.

Dusky Sunbird Nectarinia fusca
Rather common in desert areas in the west of Namibia eg. Sesriem campsite and Spitzkoppe.

Marico Sunbird Nectarinia mariquensis
Several at the Waterberg Plateau.

Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus
3-4 at the Nonidas garage, along the main road east from Swakopmund (see report by John van der Woude).

House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Seen in Windhoek, possibly elsewhere too but not noted.

Great (Rufous) Sparrow Passer motitensis
First seen by the roadside near to the Waterberg Plateau, and fairly common in Etosha.

Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus
Common and widespread.

Cape Sparrow Passer diffusus
First seen at Solitaire roadhouse, then recorded at Sesriem and around Swakopmund/Walvis Bay.

Melba Finch (Green-winged Pytilia) Pytilia melba
This stunning bird proved fairly common at sites such as Waterberg Plateau, Popa Falls and Daan Viljoen.

Brown Firefinch Lagonosticta nitidula
This endearing little finch was seen at Popa Falls and around Tsaro Lodge.

Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala
Fairly common around the Kunene River and also seen at Popa Falls.

Jameson's Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia
Just one pair seen along the road between Okapupa campsite and Hippo Pools (Kunene River).

Blue Waxbill (Blue-breasted Cordonbleu) Uraeginthus angolensis
A common and widespread species.

Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatina
This very attractive species was seen in various locations, including Etosha and Daan Viljoen.

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
Only recorded in the garden of the Desert Sky backpackers in Swakopmund.

Black-cheeked Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos
Only recorded at Daan Viljoen. Smart.

Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala
This attractive finch was common in Etosha.

Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia
3 at Rundu sewage works.

Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
15+ around Okaukuejo Camp.

Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis niger
Seen at Halali and Namutoni camps in Etosha, also breeding on telegraph wires along the road to the airport.

Scaly-feathered Finch (Scaly Weaver) Sporopipes squamifrons
A common and widespread species.

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali
Very common and widespread.

Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius
Common and widespread.

Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis
Just one seen, at Okapupa campsite.

(Holub's) Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops
Several seen along the Kunene River, also seen at Drotsky's.

Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus
Only recorded at Drotsky's, where easily seen.

Southern Masked-Weaver Ploceus velatus
Common in central Namibia, even in the car park at Windhoek airport.

Spotted-backed (Village) Weaver Ploceus cucullatus
A colony breeding by the river in front of Kaisosi Lodge.

Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus
One at Okapupa campsite proved rather difficult to get views of, and two seen on the Hoffmeyr Walk in Windhoek.

Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea
Several breeding colonies in Etosha.

Fan-tailed Widowbird (Red-shouldered Widow) Euplectes axillaries
One seen at Mahango and one at Drotsky's.

Thick-billed (Grosbeak) Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons
One male seen at Popa Falls.

Yellow Canary Serinus flaviventris
Seen at Etosha, Spitzkoppe and probably elsewhere but not noted.

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi
One seen at the Waterberg Plateau, and several at and around Halali camp (Etosha).

Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris
Several seen in Etosha, also seen between Rundu and Popa Falls.