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KWAZULU-NATAL & TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA,
BRIEF ACCOUNT OF A TWO WEEK TRIP: 8 OCTOBER 2000 - 21 OCTOBER 2000
Aim of report - The aim of this write-up is not to produce a comprehensive report, but merely to record our sightings, provide a brief site update and on-the-ground contacts to facilitate future trips for visiting birders.
Aim of trip - So see the Natal and Transvaal specialties following previous trips to Africa including Kenya and west South Africa and Namibia. The main focus of the trip was Natal with any time remaining spent in Transvaal.
Flights - We booked with Sabena from Manchester at a cost of £460 inc. taxes. Due to technical difficulties the plane never made it into Britain and was ultimately cancelled. After a sixteen hour delay we eventually flew with South African airlines via London who are recommended. We would not recommend using Sabena as they seem to be developing a reputation for short-notice delays and cancellations. There are frequently good deals to Cape Town and Jo'burg with return airfares as low as £300. We were not particularly flexible on dates and took what we could.
Car Hire - We hired a class 'A' vehicle from Budget (tel: 0800 181181) arranged in advance from the UK at a cost of £270 inclusive of insurance, CDW and unlimited mileage for the two weeks. We picked the car up from Jo'burg airport without hassle. We could have secured a better deal by negotiating with the various car-hire companies on arrival but with a two-week trip we couldn't be bothered. The only minor drawback was the vehicle's low clearance. We covered c.4,500 kilometers in the two weeks.
Exchange Rate - The Rand continues to weaken against stronger currencies and reached an all time low against Sterling during our trip of R11 to £1. On arrival, we were able to obtain just over R10 for every £.
Hassles - None, and after the cancelled flight the trip went smoothly. The highways are superb and the South Africans 'C' class roads put our motorways to shame! The roads are all well sign-posted and, except for around Jo'burg, are relatively traffic free. We did not feel intimidated or threatened at all though things within the country are far from harmonious.
Weather & Climate - Apart from unseasonally cold weather at Wakkerstroom on our first day there, the weather was warm to hot. We timed the trip to coincide with the Austral Spring though several birds had only just returned or had started singing. We were perhaps fortunate to see Rudd's Lark as they normally vocalize from early November onwards. Many of the weavers and bishops were either in winter plumage or moulting into summer plumage.
Guides - We used the following guides:
1. Patrick Benson for the Wakkerstroom area arranged through John and Elize McAllister. John is the well-known guide for the area but was recovering from illness during our trip. Patrick knows the birds of the area and is highly recommended. I don't have Patrick's e-mail but John and Elize can be contacted on mcallister@vlr.dorea.co.za. With Patrick we cleared up in a single day, in my view virtually impossible without detailed local knowledge. Patrick charged us R70 per hour for a minimum of 4 hours; over two days the total cost was R900. I think John's charges are a little higher - perhaps R85 per hour;
2. Robin Guy for Sani Pass, Hella-Hella and Xumeni Forest. Robin is superb and knows the Underberg area well. Two wheel drive vehicles are not allowed beyond the border-post into Lesotho (Sani Pass) so it is best to use Robin for this birding feast. A marsh en route to Sani Pass holds Wattled Crane. Robin charges R1,200 per day (from 1/11/2000 the cost will rise to R1,500 per day). Robin charges R600 for half a day which includes Xumeni Forest and Hella-Hella. Xumeni Forest is easy to get to in a two wheel drive vehicle though a long walk would be needed to get to the Blue Swallow fields at Hella-Hella without Robin's four wheel jeep. Contact Robin on his e-mail rguysani@hotmail.com or check out his web site www.robguysani.co.za. If possible, provide a fax number for Robin to reply to. His e-mail account is with the post office in town. Replying by fax is more convenient and cheaper for him.
3. Hamish McLaggan for the Eshowe area. Like other guides, Hamish knows the birds and the area well and is very hospitable. During the heat of one day he insisted that we take a midday nap in his house following an excellent lunch. The two main forests of Dlinza and Entumeni are easily accessible to a two-wheel vehicle. Umgoye Forest is only accessible in a four-wheel drive car following rain. There is nothing that occurs at Umgoye that can't be seen elsewhere, with the possible exception of a barbet, which is beginning to gain acceptance as being Green Barbet rather than the ropey split of Woodward's Barbet. Hamish can arrange transport to Umgoye if needed but this may be restricted to weekends only. Hamish can be contacted through Pat Brenchley who is Secretary of the Zululand Birding Route. E-mail is zbr@mweb.co.za and the web site http://www.birding.co.za/zulubird. Hamish charges R250 per day irrespective of group size.
Accommodation - Thanks to the weak Rand, most accommodation was reasonably priced:
1. Weaver's Nest, Wakkerstroom - we paid R80 per person per night. The normal cost is R270 for a room. Weaver's Nest is currently not on e-mail and their telephone number is 017 730 0115 and fax number 017 730 0280. Mandy is very helpful there
2. Robin Guy's Cottage, Underberg - R80 per person per night in a very comfortable and well kitted-out cottage. Meals extra (evening meal R70 and breakfast R50)
3. Eshowe - We stayed at the campsite in Eshowe as it is conveniently located close to Dlinza Forest and a good pub with bar meals! The cost was around R27 for two people over three nights!
4. St. Lucia - We camped here with the cost R50 per person per night
5. Bonamanzi - We stayed in a fully equipped tree hut for R85 per person per night. I believe Bonamanzi has e-mail facilities though I don't know what the e-mail address is. The telephone number is 035 562 0181 and fax number 035 562 0143.
6. Mkuzi Game Reserve - We spent one night on a campsite with bath and shower facilities! The cost was R35 per person per night but additional community levies, park entrance and vehicle fees and other strange costs produced a total for two days and one night of R130 for both of us
7. Oribi Gorge - We stayed on the excellent campsite but details of insignificant costs escape me
8. Pretoria - We stayed one night just outside Pretoria before visiting Pienaarsrivier the following morning. Although we never felt threatened at all we wanted to be safe rather than sorry
9. Strijdom Tunnel - We stayed in one of the chalets which cost R80 for two per night
Reports and references - We used the following reports / information:
Ĝ Clements, James F. Birds of the World. A Check List (2000)
Ĝ Gibbon, Guy. Southern Africa Bird Sounds (1991)
Ĝ Brown, Urban, Newman, Keith & Fry. The Birds of Africa - Volumes 1 to 6 (1982 - 2000)
Ĝ Chittenden, Hugh (compiled by). Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa (1992)
Ĝ Hornbuckle, Jon. Eastern South Africa and Zimbabwe: 3rd Feb - 5th March 1997.
Ĝ Hoya del, et al. Handbook of the Birds of the World - Volumes 1 to 5 (1992 - 1999)
Ĝ Newman, Kenneth. Birds of Southern Africa (2000)
Ĝ Sinclair, Ian et al. Illustrated Guide to Birds of Southern Africa (1993)
Ĝ Sykes, Chris. South Africa and Namibia: 28/06/95 to 30/08/95
Ĝ Tarboton, Warwick & Michelle. Wakkerstroom Bird and Nature Guide (1995)
Acknowledgments - Grateful thanks is due to the three guides detailed above. For trip planning, we would particularly like to thank Glen Holland who suggested the original itinerary upon which this trip was strongly based. Many other people helped in various ways including Etienne Marais (site info on several birds), Dorothy Hall, Callen Cohen (for information on Taita Falcon), Christan Hinzen, Pat Brenchley of the Zululand Birding Route, Donella Young, William Collingwood, Tony Archer, Stephan Terblanche (Sharp-billed Honeyguide site), Andrew Sutherland, Reinderd Visser, Keith Barnes, Elize McAllister, Gillian Leisegang, Eric Shaw, Barry Porter, Barry Hawthorne, André Botha, Allan Richards, Jon Hornbuckle and Chris Sykes. All are warmly thanked.
Further Information - Please contact Mike Hunter, 45 Brinkburn Avenue, Darlington, Co Durham, DL3 0JN.
Tel 01325 251223 and e-mail mhunter.mike@ntlworld.com
ITINERARY AND BRIEF DAILY ACCOUNT
Sunday 8th October 2000 : Wakkerstroom
Thanks to a cancelled flight, arrive at Jo'burg airport some thirteen hours later than should have. No problems with customs or car hire and drive straight to Wakkerstroom. Meet up with Patrick Benson at 1300 but windy and squally weather resulted in us seeing only Southern Bald-ibis from our target list.
Monday 9th October 2000 : Wakkerstroom and late afternoon drive to Underberg
A bright start to the day so expectations high following yesterday's disappointment. Thanks to Patrick's intimate knowledge of the area, see Blue Korhaan followed by Botha's and Rudd's Larks on the famous 'lark fields'. Eastern Long-billed Lark was easy at the famous 'Yellow-breasted Pipit site' though the pipits themselves were nowhere to be seen. By chance meet up with David, part of a team studying the pipits, who kindly shows us a pipit moulting into summer plumage that he had seen earlier that day. Search for Red-throated Wryneck in the town without success before starting the five-hour journey to Underberg.
Tuesday 10th October 2000 - Xumeni Forest (am), 'The Swamp' and the Guy's garden, Underberg (pm)
A morning visit to Xumeni Forest was rewarded with Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler, Knysna Lourie, Barratt's Warbler, Red-necked Spurfowl and Bush Blackcap. Tried hard for Orange Thrush but nothing. Deteriorating 'British-like' weather affecting our chances of seeing Red-chested Flufftail at 'The Swamp' though we hear at least two different birds. Pale-crowned Cisticola could not be found either and our best bird is Ethiopian Snipe. Two immature Black Sparrowhawks in the Guy's garden towards dusk followed by a wonderful meal with Robin and Bella.
Wednesday 11th October 2000 - the Guy's garden, Underberg and Sani Pass, evening drive to Eshowe
Red-throated Wryneck at last seen near the garden along with Drakensburg Prinia to start off a fine day. Three Wattled Cranes on a marsh en route to Sani Pass with birds below and through the pass exceeding all expectations. With Robin, and a French couple, see Gurney's Sugarbird, Sickle-winged Chat, Mountain and African Rock Pipit, Drakensburg Siskin and Orange-breasted Rockjumper to name but a few. The French couple are birding with Robin tomorrow for Orange Thrush and Blue Swallow. Having tried hard for the thrush yesterday and with Robin saying the swallows had only just returned and were by no means guaranteed, we elected to leave and follow the original itinerary. Five hour drive to Eshowe (at times crawling along because of thick fog) where briefly meet Hamish before retiring to the campsite.
Thursday 12th October 2000 - Dlinza & Entumeni Forests (am), Nkwaleni Valley (pm)
With Hamish, work both forests seeing Chorister Robin, Green Coucal, Cinnamon Dove and the fabulous Spotted Thrush at Dlinza Forest. With winds picking up the two target birds of Brown Robin and Delegorgue's Pigeon at Entumeni Forest proved elusive. Rudd's Apalis took some finding in Nkwaleni Valley but we were eventually rewarded with good views. Another night at the campsite.
Friday 13th October 2000 - Dlinza & Entumeni Forests (am) and Nkwaleni Valley (pm)
Close views of Green Twinspot from the hide in Dlinza Forest early morning and again mid afternoon. With the wind picking up again we were possibly a little fortunate to see two Delegorgue's Pigeons at Entumeni Forest; one flew low overhead and the other was seen perched with just its head showing. A showy Brown Robin was a much better bird than expected. No sign of Yellow-streaked Bulbul. Mkwaleni Valley did not produce any new birds. Back to the campsite and the nearby pub for another great meal.
Saturday 14th October 2000 - Richard's Bay (am), St Lucia (pm)
Up early to drive the short distance to Richard's Bay from Eshowe. The pan took a little bit of finding but once there we made a beeline for what was left of the hide. Intensive searching with two telescopes could not locate any Lesser Jacanas amongst the many African Jananas. With heat haze intensifying give up for St Lucia. Within 30 minutes of arrival, see Natal Robin, Livingstone's Lourie and Woodward's Batis in the forest opposite the baithouse. Croaking Cisticola also shows well near the old airfield. Night at the campsite where we were able to ring Robin Guy who tells us that he saw both the Orange Thrush and Blue Swallow with the French couple!
Sunday 15th October 2000 - St Lucia, Cape Vidal Road, Cape Vidal, near Bonamanzi and Bonamanzi Game Ranch
Look around the campsite for Grey Sunbird but no luck.
Green Coucal and Brown and Natal Robins all easy. Hard search for Southern
Banded Snake-eagle on the road to Cape Vidal produced only Black-breasted Snake-eagle,
Gymnogene and African Fish-eagle. A singing Grey Sunbird at Cape Vidal proved
to be the only one of the trip. A search for Lemon-breasted Canary near Bonamanzi
was rewarded with the first, and rather smart, African White-throated Robins
of the trip. Having dipped on the canaries and with the first real change to
the itinerary, decide to stay at Bonamazi Game Ranch. Late afternoon birding
with no sign of the canary or Grey Waxbill.
Monday 16th October 2000 - Bonamanzi Game Ranch (am) Mkuzi Game Reserve (pm)
A wise decision to stay as three pairs of Yellow-breasted Canaries are grilled. Other noteable birds include Gorgeous Bushshrike, Eastern Bearded Robin, African Broadbill and flock of around forty Orange-breasted Waxbills. Mkuzi Game Reserve held a pair of Neergaard's Sunbird in a flowering tree by one of the main hides anda pair of Pink-throated Twinspots along the River Trail. Stayed at the excellent campsite.
Tuesday 17th October 2000 - Mkuzi Game Reserve (am) and long drive to Underberg
Work hard for the two remaining ticks of Grey Waxbill and Southern Banded Snake-eagle but our luck was not in. By lunchtime we admit defeat and begin the long drive to Underberg where we have arranged for Robin to take us for Orange Thrush and Blue Swallow the following morning. Eight hour drive but comfortable lodgings in Robin and Bella's cottage.
Wednesday 18th October 2000 - Xumeni Forest and Hella-Hella (am), Vernon Crookes and Oribi Gorge (pm)
Richard and I set off to be at the forest for dawn to maximise our chances of the thrush. After an hour we give up wondering what we have to do to see it! Fortunately, the cavalry arrives in the form of Robin and after what seemed an age, we are rewarded with good views of the stunning Orange Thrush. At Hella-Hella we endure a nervous thirty-minute wait before a pair of superb Blue Swallows is under the belt. Still needing Striped Pipit, detour into Vernon Crookes and realise that we have no chance without better gen so head for Oribi Gorge arriving just before dusk.
Thursday 19th October 2000 - Oribi Gorge and long long drive to Pretoria
No Striped Pipit or Knysna Woodpecker with the best bird being African Broadbill along the River Trail. Stay at a Pretoria campsite and able to make contact with Etienne who suggests Pienaarsrivier as a site for Southern Pied-babbler.
Friday 20th October 2000 - Pienaarsrivier and Pietersburg (am), Strijdom Tunnel (late afternoon)
Four Southern Pied-babblers found easily along the dirt road together with Burchell's Starling, Crimson-breasted Shrike and Marico Flycatcher. At Pietersburg we follow Etienne's directions for Short-clawed Lark seeing only Northern Black Korhaan, Desert Cisticola and Kalahari Robin. Retracing our steps to the Shell petrol station was rewarded with a confiding pair of Short-clawed Larks, a much better bird that expected. Longish drive to Strijdom Tunnel where the superb Taita Falcon was waiting, complete with Alpine Swift. African Wood-owl in the grounds of the campsite near the tunnel to end a superb day.
Saturday 21st October 2000 - Strijdom Tunnel and Klein Fonterhout (am) and Pretoria Botanical Gardens (pm)
A pair of Striped Pipits seen well thanks to Etienne and the Taita Falcon again putting on a show. Klein Fonterhout produced Melodious Lark and a chance meeting with Stephan Terblanche revealed the possibility of Sharp-billed Honeyguide at Pretoria Botanical Gardens. Sure enough, one honeyguide was found and seen well. Tried to find Stephan's site for Bushveld Pipit but our recent run of good fortune evaporated. With no working phones and a complete inability to buy phone-cards we gave up and headed for the airport for an uneventful journey home.
WAKKERSTROOM
This area is now very well documented but in a short trip we elected to use a guide to ensure we maximised our chances of seeing all the specialities. Rudd's and Botha's Larks along with Yellow-breasted Pipit are the hardest endemics to connect with but thanks to Patrick Benson we saw all three. We would recommend using a guide for at least one day if at all possible and split four ways the cost isn't bad. We also saw Blue Korhaan, Southern Bald-ibis, Orange-throated Longclaw, Buff-streaked Chat and Eastern Long-billed Lark.
Local guides are getting trained up and if you can't get hold of either John McCallister or Patrick Benson, then give them a try - Norman Mncube (017) 730 0023 or mobile (082) 810 4014 and Themba Thusi (017) 730 0659 or mobile (082) 810 4014.
UNDERBERG
Sani Pass - One of the birding highlights of my life! Essential to use a four-wheel drive vehicle otherwise you will be turned away at the Lesotho border. Robin knows where everything is so enjoy the ride! We saw Gurney's Sugarbird, Ground Woodpecker, Cape and Sentinel Rock-thrushes, Sickle-winged Chat, Bearded and Cape Vultures, White-necked Raven, Drakensburg Siskin, Orange-breasted Rockjumper, Mountain Pipit, Fairy Flycatcher, Layard's Tit-babbler and African Rock Pipit. The endangered-to-South Africa Wattled Crane breeds on a marsh en route to Sani Pass.
Xumeni Forest - Easily reached in a two wheel drive vehicle with good directions from Robin or from the Chittenden book. Two visits produced Red-necked Spurfowl, Bush Blackcap, Knysna Lourie, Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler, Barratt's Warbler and the mega Orange Thrush. Cape (Brown-necked) Parrot breeds in the forest but is normally only active until 1000.
'The Swamp' - Directions available from Robin. The swamp holds Red-chested Flufftail and African Snipe. We only heard the former and flushed three of the latter. Pale-crowned Cisticola is also regularly seen along with Broad-tailed Warbler later in the season. From about Christmas onwards, Orange-breasted Waxbills frequent the marsh. Striped Flufftail occurs on the slopes above the vlei.
Hella-Hella - A good site for Blue Swallow which Robin sees from mid October onwards. They become easier when breeding as stick to an area. We had a pair plus a nesting Blue Crane.
Robin's House - Holds breeding Black Sparrowhawk and Red-necked Wryneck which we saw easily.
ESHOWE
Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve - Situated within the town of Eshowe very close to the campsite. Several visits to this forest with Hamish were rewarded with three Spotted Thrushes, Chorister Robin, Green Coucal, Cinnamon Dove and Green Twinspot.
Entumeni Forest Nature Reserve - The better forest for Delegorgue's Pigeon with two seen. We also saw our first Brown Robin's here which, except for vagrants, do not occur at Dlinza. We couldn't locate any Yellow-streaked Bulbuls.
Nkwaleni Valley - We tried here with Hamish for Natal Francolin, which we heard, and Rudd's Apalis which we saw. Initially confused as these birds lacked the white supercilium which the field guides show so prominently.
RICHARD'S BAY
This site is well documented in Chittenden and is the well-known stakeout for Lesser Jacana. The hide is almost destroyed and despite perching precariously on the top, we couldn't locate any Lesser Jacanas amongst the many African Jacanas. Juvenile African Jacanas can look very similar so beware!
ST LUCIA
St Lucia - We saw Natal Robin and Livingstone's Lourie easily from the trails in the forest from nearly opposite the Baithouse. Along the roadside opposite the Baithouse we had Woodward's Batis. The campsite held Green Coucal, more Livingstone's Louries and tame Brown and Natal Robins. This town is easily found and well sign-posted.
Cape Vidal Road - One of the best areas for Southern Banded Snake-eagle which often perch on roadside telegraph poles - but not the day we went up and down the road! There is a small charge levied for driving up the road and a limit of 120 cars per day though we encountered very little traffic.
YELLOW-BREASTED CANARY SITE, NEAR BONAMANZI - c. 5 kms south of the turnoff into Bonamanzi Game Ranch turnoff and 1 km north of Bushlands Store is an area of hedges and grasses opposite the D123 junction, reputedly good for Lemon-breasted Canary. We dipped but did get the first African White-throated Robins of the trip. The canaries are definitely easier at Bonamanzi but if time is limited, an hour or so at this site could reap rewards.
BONAMANZI GAME RANCH - Well signposted off the main road and is noted for being the most reliable site for Lemon-breasted Canary. We eventually scored seeing a pair near the main unmanned entrance gate and two more pairs along 'drive A'. We also saw Brown and Eastern Bearded Robins, Gorgeous Bushshrike, African Broadbill and a surprise find of c.40 Orange-breasted Waxbills along 'Route B'.
MKUZI GAME RESERVE - With very little needed, we tried to eek out those last few ticks. Jammed Neergaard's Sunbird from one of the hides which also held a White Rhino for 10 minutes down to 15 feet! Pink-throated Twinspot was easier than expected along the River Trail. Couldn't find Bushveld Pipit along the Loop Drive and still not a sniff of Southern Banded Snake-eagle.
VERNON CROOKES - A big mistake coming here. We had little specific gen on where to go and there were no useful wardens on duty. We got out within the hour and headed for Oribi Gorge!
ORIBI GORGE - We came here for the chance of Striped Pipit and Knysna Woodpecker and saw neither. Our best bird was African Broadbill along the River Trail. A local we met there had found a male African Finfoot along the river last week but having seen this bird in Kenya and with time pressing, we let this one go.
PIENNARSRIVIER - We came here principally for Southern Pied-babbler - inexplicably dipped from the western South Africa and Namibia trip. We followed Etienne's directions which were to head northeast from Pretoria on the Pietersburg road turning left to Pienaarsrivier. Turn right at the 'T' junction onto the R101, over the railway bridge and turn left onto the dirt road to Zaagkuildrift. We had only driven c.4 kilometres down this road before finding a party of Southern Pied-babblers. We also saw Burchell's Starling, Long-tailed Shrike, Marico Flycatcher, Sabota Lark, Grey Go-away-bird and Secretary-bird.
PIETERSBURG - We had a pair of Short-clawed Lark in the fields just below the shell garage on the right hand side of the road when coming north into Pietersburg before the R71 bypass. Five to seven kilometres along the R71 we had Northern Black Korhaan, Desert Cisticola and Kalahari Robin.
STRIJDOM TUNNEL - The fabulous Taita Falcon seen at 1730 the first evening and 0630 the following morning, c. 1.3 kilometres uphill from the upper entrance to the tunnel frequenting the large west-facing rock-face. We saw one each visit though a second bird was calling so presumably a pair. A good source of food is close by - Alpine Swifts - one of which was being plucked on a rock to give superb views through a telescope. We also had a pair of Striped Pipits c.2.5 kilometres downhill from the entrance to the tunnel.
KLEIN FONTERHOUT - The current Pretoria stakeout for Melodious Lark. We took the N4 east to Pretoria from the Strijdom Tunnel and then the A515 to Rayton / Bapsfontein - take the Bapsfontein direction (left). Follow this road for 9.7 kilometres passing a railway line converging to the road from the right. Look out for a dirt road off to the left signposted Klein Fonterhout. We had a pair of larks c.150m along this dirt road along with Capped Wheatear and Cloud and Ayre's Cisticolas.
PRETORIA BOTANICAL GARDENS - One of the best Pretoria sites for Sharp-billed Honeyguide. We eventually found one in the drier habitat towards the back of the gardens. Entrance fee of R7 per person. From the N4 heading west, look out for a road called Lynburn Road after the junction to Rossouw Street. Turn right over the N4 and then left following signs to the gardens.
SYSTEMATIC LIST OF THE 327
SPECIES SEEN OR HEARD
1. Dabchick (Little Grebe) (Tachybaptus
ruficollis)
Noted in small numbers throughout
2. Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Noted only near Wakkerstroom
3. Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
Noted at Richard's Bay, St. Lucia and Wakkerstroom
4. Reed (Long-tailed) Cormorant (Phalacrocorax
fricanus)
Small numbers throughout
5. White-breasted
(Great) Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus)
Only noted at Richard's Bay, Wakkerstroom and St Lucia.
6. Darter (Anhinga melanogaster)
Just a single noted at Richard's Bay
7. Eastern (Great)
White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Noted at Richard's Bay, St Lucia and along the Cape Vidal Road - the
latter site had 100+ migrating birds.
8. Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Only noted at Mkuzi Game Reserve and 'The Swamp',Underberg
9. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Just one single noted at Richard's Bay
10. Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala)
The commonest heron noted throughout in small numbers
11. Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
A few at Richard's Bay
12. Great White Egret (Egretta alba)
Two or three at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and a single at Mkuzi Game Reserve
13. Yellow-billed (Intermediate) Egret (Mesophoyx
intermedia)
Noted along the Cape Vidal Road, at Richard's Bay and near Underberg
14. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Noted throughout, usually in small numbers.
15. Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
c.12 at Richard's Bay
16. Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)
Singles along the Cape Vidal Road, Wakkerstroom, Richard's Bay and
other singles from the car between
sites.
17. Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
Three at Mkuzi Game Reserve
18. African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus)
A few at Mkuzi Game Reserve
19. Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
A few at Mkuzi Game Reserve and Richard's Bay
20. Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
Seen at virtually every site visited. Common and noisy!
21. Southern Bald-ibis (Geronticus calvus)
A single on the main highway between Johannesburg and Wakkerstroom,
c.15 in the Wakkerstroom area, 1 in
Eshowe and c.8 at Sani Pass
22. Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
A few throughout
23. African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)
A single at 'The Swamp', Underberg
24. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Four from the main highway between Johannesburg and Wakkerstroom
25. Fulvous Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna
bicolor)
Four at Richard's Bay
26. White-faced
Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
Noted at Richard's Bay and at various other roadside stops
27. White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus)
Three at Richard's Bay and two at Wakkerstroom
28. Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Small numbers throughout
29. Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)
Small numbers throughout; most common between Jo'burg and Wakkerstroom
and around Wakkerstroom
30. African Pygmy-goose (Nettapus auritus)
Two pairs at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
31. Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)
Small numbers at most water sites visited
32. Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha)
Noted at Mkuzi Game Reserve, Richard's Bay and between Underberg and
Sani Pass
33. Cape Shoveler (Anas smithii)
Noted at 'The Swamp', Underberg, near Underberg and Wakkerstroom
34. Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma)
A single at Richard's Bay and two at Wakkerstroom
35. Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
Small numbers throughout; especially in open country
36. Yellow-billed (Black) Kite (Milvus migrans
parasitus)
Widespread in small numbers.
37. African Fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Three singles at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Cape Vidal Road and Pienaarsrivier
38. Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) (Gypaetus
barbatus)
Three at Sani Pass
39. African White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus)
At least eight at Mkuzi Game Reserve
40. Cape Griffon-vulture (Gyps coprotheres)
Just a distant single at Sani Pass
41. Black-chested Snake-eagle (Circaetus
pectoralis)
Two singles along the Cape Vidal Road and at Mkuzi Game Reserve
42. Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)
A single adult at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
43. African Marsh-harrier (Circus ranivorus)
A single at Wakkerstroom
44. Gymnogene (African Harrier-hawk) (Polyboroides
typus)
Two along the Cape Vidal Road
45. Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus)
A single at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
46. African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro)
Two at Dlinza Forest and a single at Xumeni Forest
47. Black (Great) Sparrowhawk (Goshawk) (Accipiter
melanoleucus)
An adult over Dlinza Forest and an adult and two juveniles at Underberg
(Robin's garden)
48. Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus)
Singles at both Xumeni Forest and between Donnybrook and Hella-Hella
49. Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus)
Two at Hella-Hella, three at Sani Pass and singles at Wakkerstroom
and Xumeni Forest
50. Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
Two at Mkuzi Game Reserve
51. Wahlberg's Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi)
Two at Nkwaleni Valley
52. Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)
A single immature bird over Xumeni Forest
53. Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
Singles along the Cape Vidal Road and over Xumeni Forest
54. Crowned Eagle (Hawk-eagle) (Stephanoaetus
oronatus)
A single adult at Cape Vidal
55. Secretary-bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
Two singles at Pienaarsrivier and over Xumeni Forest
56. Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni)
A single at Pietersburg
57. Greater (White-eyed) Kestrel (Falco
rupicoloides)
Two at Wakkerstroom
58. Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
A single at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
59. Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
A single at Sani Pass
60. Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A single at Vernon Crookes Reserve
61. Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha)
One of the pair seen on two days at Strijdom Tunnel plucking an Alpine
Swift!
62. [Grey-winged Francolin (Francolinus
africanus)]
A single heard at Sani Pass
63. Crested Francolin (Francolinus sephaena)
Four confiding birds seen at Mkuzi Game Reserve
64. [Natal Francolin (Francolinus natalensis)]
Only heard in the Nkwaleni Valley
65. Red-necked Spurfowl (Francolin) (Francolinus
afer)
A single at Xumeni Forest (MH)
66. Swainson's Spurfowl (Francolinus swainsonii)
Two at Pienaarsrivier and Pietersburg and seven at Wakkerstroom
67. Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
Noted throughout with the biggest numbers in the Wakkerstroom area
68. Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani)
What bizarre birds! Four at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, two at Mkuzi Game
Reserve and ten at St Lucia
69. [Red-chested Flufftail (Sarothrura rufa)]
Two calling at 'The Swamp', Underberg
70. Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra)
Two seen well at Richard's Bay
71. Purple (African) Swamphen (Gallinule) (Porphyrio
porphyrio madagascariensis)
One or two at Richard's Bay
72. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Noted between Underberg and Sani Pass, near St. Lucia and at Richard's
Bay
73. Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata)
On most fresh waters in varying numbers.
74. Southern (Grey)
Crowned-crane (Balearica regulorum)
Seven on 'The Swamp', Underberg, a single at Vernon Crookes Reserve
and three at Wakkerstroom
75. Blue Crane (Grus paradisea)
A single nesting at Hella-Hella and two at Wakkerstroom
76. Wattled Crane (Grus carunculatus)
A pair with a juvenile between Underberg and Sani Pass
77. Northern Black
Korhaan (White-quilled Bustard) (Eupodotis afraoides)
Four at Pietersburg
78. Blue Korhaan (Bustard) (Eupodotis caerulescens)
Six at Wakkerstroom
79. Black-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis melanogaster)
Two at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and a single male at Mkuzi Game Reserve
80. African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
Noted throughout on suitable fresh waters. Commonest at Richard's
Bay
81. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
A single at Mkuzi Game Reserve and fifteen or so at St Lucia
82. Water Dikkop (Thick-knee) (Burhinus
vermiculatus)
Singles at Mkuzi Game Reserve and St Lucia
83. Spotted Dikkop (Thick-knee) (Burhinus
capensis)
A single at Nkwaleni Valley
84. Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris)
Two at Nkwaleni Valley and a single at St Lucia
85. Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)
Small numbers throughout
86. Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus)
Singles at 'The Swamp' and from the road between Oribi Gorge and Johannesburg
87. Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus)
A few throughout
88. Ethiopian (African) Snipe (Gallinago
nigripennis)
Three flushed at 'The Swamp', Underberg
89. Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Singles at Richard's Bay and St Lucia
90. Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
A single at St Lucia
91. Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Three at St Lucia
92. Common Sandpipier (Tringa hypoleucos)
Noted at St Lucia
93. Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea)
At least fifty at Mkuzi Game Reserve
94. Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrocephalus)
Noted in flight at various sites though better seen at St Lucia where
over 100 were present
95. Caspian Tern (Sterna caspia)
Ten plus at St Lucia
96. Swift Tern (Great Crested-tern) (Sterna
bergii)
Two at St Lucia
97. Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus)
Small numbers at Richard's Bay, 'The Swamp', Underberg and at Wakkerstroom
98. Speckled (Rock) Pigeon (Columba guinea)
Noted in a town between Johannesburg and Wakkerstroom and also at Sani
Pass and Underberg
99. Rameron Pigeon
(African Olive-pigeon) (Columba arquatrix)
Nine plus at Xumeni Forest
100. Feral Pigeon (Columbia livia)
Common in towns and cities
101. Delegorgue's (Eastern Bronze-naped)
Pigeon (Columba delegorguei)
Two at Entumeni Forest
102. Cinnamon (Lemon) Dove (Columba larvata)
Three at Dlinza Forest
103. Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)
Common in small numbers throughout
104. Cape Turtle (Ring-necked) Dove
(Streptopelia capicola)
Small numbers throughout
105. Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata)
Doubtless overlooked. Six at Mkuzi Game Reserve and two each at Nkwaleni
Valley and Underberg
106. Green-spotted (Emerald-spotted) Wood-dove (Turtur
chalcospilos)
Six at Mkuzi Game Reserve, and two at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, near Bonamanzi
and at Nkwaleni Valley
107. Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria)
Two at Mkuzi Game Reserve
108. Livingstone's Lourie (Turaco) (Tauraco
livingstonii)
After seeing three at St Lucia we made no effort to see others. Heard
at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and near
Bonamanzi
109. Knysna Lourie (Turaco) (Tauraco corythaix)
A single seen on two dates at Xumeni Forest and several heard at Oribi
Gorge
110. Purple-crested Lourie (Turaco) (Musophaga
porphyreolopha)
Four at Entumeni Forest, a single at Dlinza Forest and three at Mkuzi
Game Reserve
111. Grey Go-away-bird (Lourie) (Corythaixoides
concolor)
Two at Pienaarsrivier and a single at Pretoria Botanical Gardens
112. Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius)
Heard everwhere with three singles seen near Donnybrook, Xumeni Forest
and Pretoria Botanical Gardens
113. Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus)
Just one at Bonamanzi Game Ranch noted
114. Klaas' Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas)
Two at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
115. African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx
cupreus)
Heard at most forest sites though only one was seen at Xumeni Forest
116. [Didric Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius)]
Several heard at widely scattered sites
117. Green Coucal (Yellowbill) (Ceuthmochares
aereus)
Singles at Dlinza Forest and St Lucia
118. Burchell's Coucal (Centropus superciliosus
burchelli)
Heard mainly in the east with two singles seen at Richard's Bay and
near Eshowe
119. [Barn Owl (Tyto alba)]
One heard at Mkuzi Game Reserve
120. African Wood-owl (Strix woodfordii)
One in the grounds of the campsite near Strijdom Tunnel
121. [Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)]
One heard at Oribi Gorge
122. African Palm-swift (Cypsiurus parvus)
Noted at Eshowe, Pretoria and the Botanical Gardens and at St Lucia.
Probably overlooked as were other
species of swift
123. Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba)
Noted at Hella-Hella, Oribi Gorge, Strijdom Tunnel and over Xumeni
Forest
124. African Black Swift (Apus barbatus)
Noted at Oribi Gorge and over Xumeni Forest
125. Little Swift (Apus affinis)
Common and widespread
126. Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus)
Noted along the Cape Vidal Road, at Nkwaleni Valley, Wakkerstroom and
Xumeni Forest
127. Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus)
Eight at Mkuzi Game Reserve
128. Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina)
Frequently heard in forests at Dlinza, Entumeni, Oribi Gorge, Vernon
Crookes and Xumeni. A single was
seen briefly at the latter.
129. Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata)
Noted at Mkuzi Game Reserve, near Bonamanzi, Nkwaleni Valley, Richard's
Bay, 'The Swamp' and at Vernon
Crookes
130. Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris)
Widespread in small numbers in the east
131. Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima)
A single at Nkwaleni Valley
132. Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
Singles at Nkwaleni Valley and at St Lucia
133. Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus)
Five along the Cape Vidal Road and two at Mkuzi Game Reserve
134. Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudata)
Five at Mkuzi Game Reserve
135. Eurasian (African) Hoopoe (Upupa epops
africana)
A single at Mkuzi Game Reserve and three at Underberg
136. Red-billed (Green) Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus
purpureus)
A few at Mkuzi Game Reserve and at Pienaarsrivier
137. Greater (Common) Scimitar-bill (Rhinopomastus
cyanomelas)
Two at Mkuzi Game Reserve
138. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus
leucomelas)
Five at Mkuzi Game Reserve and four at Pienaarsrivier
139. Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus)
Four at Oribi Gorge and two at St Lucia
140. Trumpeter Hornbill (Ceratogymna bucinator)
Four along the Cape Vidal Road and at St Lucia, a single at Eshowe
and two at Oribi Gorge
141. White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis)
Noted at Dlinza Forest, Entumeni Forest, Nkwaleni Valley and at St
Lucia
142. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus
bilineatus)
Noted at Dlinza Forest, Eshowe camp site, St Lucia and Bonamanzi Game
Ranch
143. Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus)
Singles at Entumeni Forest and Nkwaleni Valley
144. Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus)
Noted along the Cape Vidal Road, Entumeni Forest, near Eshowe, Nkwaleni
Valley and at Wakkerstroom
145. Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii)
Singles at Mkuzi Game Reserve and at Nkwaleni Valley
146. Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor)
Two at Nkwaleni Valley
147. Sharp-billed (Wahlberg's) Honeyguide (Prodotiscus
regulus)
A single at Pretoria Botanical Gardens
148. Red-throated (Rufous-necked) Wryneck
(Jynx ruficollis)
A single singing just outside the Guy's garden, Underberg
149. Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes olivaceus)
At least twelve at Sani Pass
150. Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus)
A pair at Xumeni Forest, a male at Wakkerstroom and a bird in flight
over Eshowe campsite
151. African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis)
Singles at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and at Oribi Gorge. Another heard
at the Lemon-breasted Canary site south
of Bonamanzi
152. Melodious (Lakatoo) Lark (Mirafra cheniana)
A pair at Klein Fonterhout
153. Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana)
Singles at Nkwaleni Valley and Richard's Bay
154. Sabota Lark (Mirafra sabota)
Three at Mkuzi Game Reserve and two at Pienaarsrivier
155. Rudd's Lark (Heteromirafra ruddi)
Two at Wakkerstroom
156. Eastern Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda
semitorquata)
A pair at Wakkerstroom
157. Short-clawed Lark (Certhilauda chuana)
A pair at Pietersburg
158. Spike-heeled Lark (Chersomanes albofasciata)
Five at Wakkerstroom
159. Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea)
Seven at Wakkerstroom and singles at Sani Pass and Klein Sonderhout
160. Botha's Lark (Spizocorys fringillaris)
Two at Wakkerstroom
161. Large-billed (Thick-billed)
Lark (Galerida magnirostris)
Five
at Sani Pass
162. Plain (Brown-throated) Martin (Riparia
paludicola)
Noted at Richard's Bay and at 'The Swamp', Underberg
163. Rock Martin (Hirundo fuligula)
Twenty at Sani Pass
164. European (Barn) Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and Mkuzi Game Reserve
165. White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis)
Noted between Johannesburg and Wakkerstroom, around Wakkerstroom and
at Underberg
166. Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea)
A pair at Hella-Hella
167. Greater Striped-swallow (Hirundo cucullata)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Eshowe, 'The Swamp' as well as Underberg
and Wakkerstroom
168. Lesser Striped-swallow (Hirundo abyssinica)
Noted at Eshowe, Klein Fonterhout, Mkuzi Game Reserve, near Bonamanzi,
Nkwaleni Valley, Oribi Gorge and St Lucia
169. Red-breasted (Rufous-chested) Swallow (Hirundo
semirufa)
Singles at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and at Nkwaleni Valley
170. South African Cliff Swallow (Hirundo
spilodera)
Noted between Johannesburg and Wakkerstroom and at Underberg
171. Black Sawwing (Psalidoprocne holomelas)
Noted at Hella-Hella, Richard's Bay, St Lucia and over Xumeni Forest
172. Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus)
A few at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Cape Vidal Road, Mkuzi Game Reserve,
Near Bonamanzi and St Lucia
173. Orange-throated (Cape) Longclaw (Macronyx
capensis)
Twenty plus in the Wakkerstroom area plus four at 'The Swamp, Underberg
174. Yellow-breasted Pipit (Anthus chloris)
A single at Wakkerstroom
175. Striped Pipit (Anthus lineiventris)
A pair at Strijdom Tunnel
176. African Rock (Yellow-tufted) Pipit (Anthus
crenatus)
One seen and another heard at Sani Pass
177. Grassveld (African) Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus)
Commonest in the Wakkerstroom area with as many as thirty plus seen.
Also seen in ones and twos at Hella-Hella, Klein Fonterhout and Pietersburg
178. Mountain Pipit (Anthus hoeschi)
Two birds seen well at Sani Pass
179. African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp)
Noted at Mkuzi Game Reserve, Nkwaleni Valley and at St Lucia
180. Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis)
Widespread in small numbers
181. Grey Cuckooshrike (Coracina caesia)
Four at Xumeni Forest, two at Dlinza Forest and a single at Entumeni
Forest
182. Black Cuckooshrike (Campephaga flava)
A single male at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
183. Black-eyed (Common) Bulbul (Pycnonotus
barbatus)
Common everywhere
184. Bush Blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus)
A single at Xumeni Forest.
185. Sombre Greenbul (Andropadus importunus)
Four at Xumeni Forest and a single at St Lucia
186. Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Chlorocichla
flaviventris)
Noted
at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Dlinza Forest, Mkuzi Game Reserve and at St Lucia
187. Terrestrial Brownbul (Phyllastrephus
terrestris)
Two at Dlinza Forest
188. Eastern Bearded Robin (Bearded Scrub-robin)
(Cercotrichas quadrivirgata)
Four of these stunning birds were seen at Mkuzi Game Reserve and a
single at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
189. Brown Robin (Brown Scrub-robin) (Cercotrichas
signata)
Another smart robin with singles at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and Entumeni
Forest, three at St Lucia and two at Oribi Gorge
190. White-browed Robin (Red-backed Scrub-robin)
(Cercotrichas leucophrys)
Two at Nkwaleni Valley and a single at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
191. Kalahari Scrub-robin (Erythropygia paena)
A single at Pietersburg (RR)
192. Starred (White-starred) Robin (Pogonocichla
stellata)
A single at Xumeni Forest
193. Cape Robin (Cape Robin-chat) (Cossypha
caffra)
Noted at Pretoria Botanical Gardens, Sani Pass, 'The Swamp' as well
as Underberg and at Wakkerstroom
194. African White-throated Robin (Robin-chat) (Cossypha
humeralis)
Two at the Lemon-breasted Canary site south of Bonamanzi and singles
at Strijdom Tunnel and Mkuzi Game Reserve
195. Natal Robin (Red-capped Robin-chat) (Cossypha
natalensis)
Four at St Lucia, two at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and singles at both Cape
Vidal and Oribi Gorge
196. Chorister Robin (Robin-chat) (Cossypha
dichroa)
Three at Dlinza Forest and a single at Entumeni Forest
197. Sicklewing Chat (Cercomela sinuata)
Four at Sani Pass
198. Familiar Chat (Cercomela familiaris)
Two at Sani Pass
199. African Stonechat (Saxicola axillaris)
Widespread in small numbers
200. Buff-streaked Chat (Saxicola bifasciata)
A single at Wakkerstroom
201. Southern Anteater-chat (Myrmecocichla
formicivora)
A single between Johannesburg and Wakkerstroom and five at Wakkerstroom
202. Mountain Chat (Wheatear) (Oenanthe monticola)
Two at Sani Pass and three at Wakkerstroom
203. Capped Wheatear (Oenanthe pileata)
Two at Klein Fonterhout
204. Mocking Cliff-chat (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris)
Two at Strijdom Tunnel
205. Cape Rock-thrush (Monticola rupestris)
A single female at Sani Pass and three males at Strijdom Tunnel
206. Sentinel Rock-thrush (Monticola explorator)
Three at Sani Pass
207. Orange Ground-thrush (Zoothera gurneyi)
A single bird seen well at Xumeni Forest
208. Spotted Ground-thrush (Zoothera guttata)
Three at Dlinza Forest
209. Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
Noted at Dlinza Forest, Pretoria Botanical Gardens, Underberg and at
Xumeni Forest
210. Barratt's Warbler (African Scrub-warbler) (Bradypterus
barratti)
A single seen well at Xumeni Forest and another heard at the bottom
of Sani Pass
211. Lazy (Rock-loving) Cisticola (Cisticola
aberrans)
Two at the border of Xumeni Forest
212. Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chinianus)
Common in drier habitats
213. Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais)
Three at Sani Pass
214. Black-backed (Winding) Cisticola (Cisticola
galactotes)
Four at Richard's Bay
215. Levaillant's (Tinkling) Cisticola (Cisticola
tinniens)
Noted at Hella-Hella, 'The Swamp', Underberg and between Underberg
and Sani Pass
216. Croaking Cisticola (Cisticola natalensis)
Three at St. Lucia, two along the Cape Vidal Road and a single at Vernon
Crookes Reserve
217. Neddicky (Piping Cisticola) (Cisticola
fulvicapillus)
Two at Pietersburg
218. Fan-tailed (Zitting) Cisticola (Cisticola
juncidis)
A single at St. Lucia and another heard at Klein Fonterhout
219. Desert Cisticola (Cisticola aridulus)
Four at Pietersburg
220. Cloud Cisticola (Cisticola textrix)
Three at Klein Fonterhout
221. Ayre's (Wing-snapping) Cisticola (Cisticola
ayresii)
At least four seen in the Wakkerstroom area with more heard. Also
heard at Klein Fonterhout
222. Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava)
Noted at Nkwaleni Valley, St Lucia and at Vernon Crookes
223. Drakensburg Prinia (Prinia hypoxantha)
Two in Robin's garden, a single between Underberg and Sani Pass and
a single at Sani Pass where only Spotted Prinia (P. maculosa) is reputed
to occur
224. Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica)
Three at Xumeni Forest and two at Oribi Gorge
225. Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida)
Two at both Nkwaleni Valley and St Lucia
226. Rudd's Apalis (Apalis ruddi)
Two at Nkwaleni Valley and a single at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
227. Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera
brachyura)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Dlinza Forest and at St Lucia. Clements
re-lumps with Grey-backed Camaroptera (C. brevicaudata)
228. Great Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
A single at Richard's Bay
229. Cape Reed-warbler (Lesser Swamp-warbler) (Acrocephalus
gracilirostris)
A single at Richard's Bay
230. Yellow Warbler (Yellow Flycatcher-warbler) (Chloropeta
natalensis)
A single between Underberg and Sani Pass
231. Fairy Flycatcher (Warbler) (Stenostira
scita)
Four at Sani Pass
232. Layard's Tit-babbler (Warbler) (Sylvia
layardi)
Four at Sani Pass
233. Long-billed (Cape) Crombec (Sylvietta
rufescens)
A single at Mkuzi Game Reserve
234. Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler (Phylloscopus
ruficapillus)
Three at Xumeni Forest
235. Pale (Mouse-coloured) Flycatcher (Bradornis
pallidus)
Two at Mkuzi Game Reserve
236. Marico (Mariqua) Flycatcher (Bradornis
mariquensis)
Three
at Pienaarsrivier.
237. Southern Black-flycatcher (Melaenornis
pammelaina)
Three at Nkwaleni Valley
238. Fiscal Flycatcher (Sigelus silens)
Three at Wakkerstroom
239. African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta)
Three at Xumeni Forest, four at Sani Pass and two at Eshowe campsite
240. African Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone
viridis)
Noted at Dlinza Forest, Underberg and at Xumeni Forest
241. Southern Pied-babbler (Turdoides bicolor)
Four at Pienaarsrivier
242. Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii)
Two at Pretoria Botanical Gardens
243. Orange-breasted Rockjumper (Chaetops
aurantius)
Three of these stunning birds at Sani Pass
244. Southern Black Tit (Parus niger)
Four at Mkuzi Game Reserve and a single at Nkwaleni Valley
245. Southern Grey Tit (Parus afer)
Seven at Sani Pass
246. Collared Sunbird (Anthreptes collaris)
The commonest sunbird seen at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Cape Vidal, Dlinza
Forest, Entumeni Forest, Mkuzi Game Reserve, St Lucia and at Xumeni Forest
247. Olive Sunbird (Nectarinia olivacea)
A single at Cape Vidal and six at St Lucia
248. Mouse-coloured (Grey) Sunbird (Nectarinia
veroxii)
A single at Cape Vidal
249. Black (Amethyst) Sunbird (Nectarinia
amethystina)
Singles at Eshowe and Underberg
250. Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia senegalensis)
A single at St Lucia
251. White-bellied (-breasted) Sunbird (Nectarinia
talatala)
Singles at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and at Mkuzi Game Reserve and five
at Nkwaleni Valley
252. Lesser (Southern) Double-collared Sunbird (Nectarinia
chalybea)
Two at Xumeni Forest
253. Greater Double-collared Sunbird (Nectarinia
afra)
Noted at Oribi Gorge, Underberg and at Xumeni Forest
254. Neergaard's Sunbird (Nectarinia neergaardi)
A pair at Mkuzi Game Reserve
255. Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa)
Two at Sani Pass and a single at Wakkerstroom
256. Purple-banded Sunbird (Nectarinia bifasciata)
A pair at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and a single at St Lucia
257. Gurney's Sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi)
A single at Sani Pass
258. Cape (Pale) White-eye (Zosterops pallidus
capensis)
Fairly common at the forest sites visited
259. African Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus
larvatus)
Two at both Eshowe campsite and Oribi Gorge
260. Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla)
Widespread in forest in small numebrs
261. Three-streaked (Brown-crowned) Tchagra (Tchagra
australis)
A single at Pretoria Botanical Gardens
262. Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus)
Noted at Dlinza Forest, Pretoria Botanical Gardens, St Lucia, Wakkerstroom
and Xumeni Forest
263. Crimson-breasted Shrike (Gonolek) (Laniarius
atrococcineus)
Three at Pienaarsrivier
264. Bokmakierie (Telophorus zeylonus)
Two at Sani Pass and singles at Underberg and Wakkerstroom
265. Olive Bushshrike (Telophorus olivaceus)
Two at Wakkerstroom and heard at Entumeni Forest
266. Gorgeous (Four-coloured) Bushshrike (Telophorus
quadricolor)
Two of these stunning birds seen easily at Bonamanzi Game Ranch with
others heard at Mkuzi Game Reserve and Nkwaleni Valley
267. Cape Batis (Batis capensis)
Six at Xumeni Forest and two at Dlinza Forest
268. Woodward's (Zululand) Batis (Batis
fratrum)
A single at St Lucia with others heard at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and
Mkuzi Game Reserve
269. Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor)
Singles at Mkuzi Game Reserve, Nkwaleni Valley and Pienaarsrivier
270. Common Fiscal (Lanius collaris)
A
widespread bird often seen on roadside wires
271. Long-tailed (Magpie) Shrike (Corvinella
melanoleuca)
Six at Pienaarsrivier
272. Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii)
Three singles along the Cape Vidal Road, Dlinza Forest and at Entumeni
Forest
273. Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Fairly common, mostly in open areas
274. Cape Crow (Corvus capensis)
Noted near Donnybrook, Underberg and Wakkerstroom
275. Pied Crow (Corvus albus)
Widespread
in small numbers.
276. White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis)
Three at Sani Pass
277. Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio)
Fairly common and widespread
278. Black-bellied Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis
corruscus)
Noted in forest at Cape Vidal, Dlinza and Entumeni Forests and at
St Lucia
279. Cape (Red-shouldered) Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis
nitens)
Noted at Mkuzi Game Reserve, Nkwaleni Valley, Oribi Gorge, Pienaarsrivier,
Pretoria Botanical Gardens and at Wakkerstroom
280. Burchell's Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis
australis)
Two at Pienaarsrivier
281. Plum-coloured (Violet-backed)
Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
Three at Mkuzi Game Reserve
282. African Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor)
Noted at 'The Swamp', Underberg, Wakkerstroom and twice from the road
283. Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
A single at 'The Swamp', Underberg
284. Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
Common,
especially in urban areas
285. Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus
erythrorhynchus)
Twelve or so at Mkuzi Game Reserve
286. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
A few in
some towns and cities
287. Great (Rufous) Sparrow (Passer motitensis)
A single at Pienaarsrivier
288. Cape Sparrow (Mossie) (Passer melanurus)
Noted at Pietersburg, Pretoria, Sani Pass, 'The Swamp', Underberg and
Wakkerstroom
289. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer
diffusus)
Five at Underberg and four at Pienaarsrivier
290. Yellow-throated Petronia (Petronia superciliaris)
Three at Mkuzi Game Reserve and a single at Nkwaleni Valley
291. Scaly-feathered Finch (Scaly Weaver) (Sporopipes
squamifrons)
Eight at Pienaarsrivier and two at Pietersburg
292. White-browed Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser
mahali)
Four at Pienaarsrivier
293. Lesser Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius)
A small colony nest-building on a hide, Mkuzi Game Reserve
294. Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Underberg and at Wakkerstroom
295. Yellow Weaver (African Golden-weaver) (Ploceus
subaureus)
Four at St Lucia
296. Southern Brown-throated Weaver (Ploceus
xanthopterus)
Eight plus at Richard's Bay
297. Southern (Vitelline) Masked-weaver (Ploceus
velatus)
Two males at Pretoria Botanical Gardens but probably overlooked
298. Spotted-backed (Village) Weaver (Ploceus
cucullatus)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Mkuzi Game Reserve and Nkwaleni Valley
299. Forest (Dark-backed) Weaver (Ploceus
bicolor)
Three at St Lucia, two at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and singles at Dlinza
and Entumeni Forests
300. Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea)
c.120 near 'The Swamp', Underberg
301. Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix)
A single male from the road between Strijdom and Klein Sonderhout and
a pair at Kameldrift, near Pretoria. Doubtless overlooked
302. Yellow-rumped Widow (Yellow Bishop) (Euplectes
capensis)
Just a single male at Sani Pass
303. Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, near Bonamanzi, near Eshowe, Richard's
Bay and Vernon Crookes
304. White-winged Widowbird (Euplectes albonotatus)
Just a single noted from the road when driving between Strijdom and
Klein Fonterhout. We are almost certain that we saw others from the car but
having seen all widowbirds elsewhere, we really gave this group scant attention.
305. Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens)
Noted at Pietersburg, Underberg & Wakkerstroom
306. Long-tailed Widow (Euplectes progne)
Fairly common especially from the road.
307. Thick-billed (Grosbeak) Weaver (Amblyospiza
lbifrons)
Two at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and singles at Nkwaleni Valley and at Xumeni
Forest
308. Melba Finch (Green-winged Pytilia) (Pytilia
melba)
A single at Pienaarsrivier
309. Green-backed Twinspot (Mandingoa nitidula)
A pair from the hide, Dlinza Forest
310. Pink-throated Twinspot (Hypargos margaritatus)
A pair along the River Trail, Mkuzi Game Reserve
311. Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch and at Mkuzi Game Reserve
312. Blue-billed (African) Firefinch (Lagonosticta
rubricata)
Three from the hide, Dlinza Forest and three also at Nkwaleni Valley
313. Blue Waxbill (Blue-breasted Cordonbleu) (Uraeginthus
angolensis)
Noted at Mkuzi Game Reserve, Nkwaleni Valley and at Pienaarsrivier
314. Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, Richard's Bay, 'The Swamp' and at Xumeni
Forest
315. Black-cheeked Waxbill (Estrilda erythronotos)
A single at Pienaarsrivier
316. Orange-breasted (Zebra) Waxbill
(Amandava subflava)
c.40 along 'Route B', Bonamanzi Game Ranch
317. Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata)
Singles near Bonamanzi and at Pretoria Botanical Gardens
318. Brown-backed Mannikin (Lonchura nigriceps)
Four from the hide, Dlinza Forest
319. Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)
Single males at Eshowe and at Underberg and two near Bonamanzi
320. Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis)
Six at Wakkerstroom
321. Forest Canary (Serinus scotops)
Three at Xumeni Forest
322. Lemon-breasted Canary (Serinus citrinipectus)
Three pairs at Bonamanzi Game Ranch
323. Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus)
Noted at Bonamanzi Game Ranch, near Bonamanzi, Nkwaleni Valley, Oribi
Gorge and at Richard's Bay
324. Yellow Canary (Serinus flaviventris)
Eight plus at Sani Pass
325. Drakensberg Siskin (Serinus symonsi)
Not uncommon at Sani Pass
326. Cape Bunting (Emberiza capensis)
A few at Sani Pass
327. Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris)
Two at Mkuzi Game Reserve and a single at Nkwaleni Valley
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