Main Report

Order follows Zest for Birds list available on their website www.zestforbirds.co.za

Taxonomy follows SASOL

Obviously comments on status, etc are purely my own, relating to observations made at the time of the trip.

SW = sewage works, NP = national park, NR = nature reserve.

1 .Common Ostrich Struthio camelus
Fairly common throughout, presumably feral birds [ ref. SASOL ]. The 'real' ones in the Kalahari look more striking, ie the males have jet black bodies and rich chestnut tails.

2. Cape Francolin Pternistes capensis
Common in most fynbos areas.

3. Red-necked Spurfowl Pternistes afer
Common Wilderness NP along verges, especially early morning.

4. Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
Common virtually everywhere in the south.

5. White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus
2, probably pair, on lagoon S2 at Strandfontein, 4/2. Lagoons numbered as Cohen/Spottiswoode map, page 27 in 'Essential birding...' guide.

6. Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa
22+ Strandfontein, mainly on lagoon S1, 4/2. 4 Paarl SW 7/2. 4 Wilderness NP 21/2.

7. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus
Very common throughout, including any arid areas with seasonal water.

8. South African Shelduck Tadorna cana
Uncommon. 14 Strandfontein, 4/2. 40+ near Ceres 8/2. 2 Velddrif 29/2.

9. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
12 Paarl SW 7/2.

10. Cape Teal Anas capensis
Fairly common in suitable wetlands and arid areas with seasonal water.

11. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata
Common on permanent wetlands, but also sometimes on seasonal floods, eg 30+ Ceres 8/2.

12. Cape Shoveler Anas smithii
Common on all permanent wetlands.

13. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha
Small nos. on all permanent wetlands. 4+ Ceres 8/2.

14. Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma
45-50 Strandfontein, mainly on lagoon S1, including juveniles, 4/2, presumably they breed there. 4 Ceres 8/2.

15. Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata
1 female Bontebok NP 23/2. Seen well in mature acacia thicket south of campsite beside Breede River. Not heard to call. May be first site record according to staff. Regular at Grootvadersbosch and Potsberg, so perhaps they move along the river; Potsberg is only c40km south.

16. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens
1 male West Coast NP 6/2, 2 Bontebok NP 23/2, in same acacia thicket as Knysna Woodpecker.

17. Olive Woodpecker D. griseocephalus
1 female Wilderness NP 21/2, 2, probable pair Grootvadersbosch 24/2.

18. Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas
Seen throughout, usually in pairs, sometimes small family groups. One leucistic bird Pofadder 12/2.

19. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas
2 [pair] south of Twee Rivieren 14/2, 1 male Nossob on boot of car, investigating reflection in rear windscreen. 2 [pair] Nossob 17/2.

20. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus
3 [including a pair] south of Twee Rivieren 14/2.

21. African Hoopoe Upupa africana
Common throughout including Kalahari NP. 15+ outside accom. Upington 13/2.

22. Common Scimitarbill Rhinop. Cyanomelas
One pair always present outside accom. Nossob 15-17/2.

23. Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudate
Fairly common throughout Kalahari, particularly Twee Rivieren area.

24. Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata
4+ Paarl SW 7/2, 1 Karoo NP 20/2, common Wilderness NP 21/2.

25. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima
2+ Wilderness NP 21/2.

26. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
1 Silvermine Lower River NR 3/2, 1 West Coast NP 6/2, 2+ Wilderness NP 21/2, 1 Berg River 29/2, 1 Intaka Island, Cape Town 1/3.

27. Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus
Small groups seen throughout in Kalahari NP.

28. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
7 Calvinia 9/2, 15 near Pofadder 12/2, again 13/2.

29. White-backed Mousebird Colius colius
Very common in all arid areas.

30. Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus
Common Cape area and the south, not in arid areas.

31. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus
First seen Koeberg Power Station 6/2; only a few noted, in thornveld, eg Karoo NP 20/2.

32. Burchell's Coucal Centropus burchelli
Only one bird seen near Suurbraak 23/2.

33. Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis
4+ Onseepkans 12/2, in coniferous tree opposite border post.

34. Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri
2 [pair] using large tree outside Hout Bay accom. 27/2.

35. African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus
6+ Onseepkans 12/2, 2+ rear of Pofadder Hotel 12/2.

36. Alpine Swift Apus melba
Fairly common throughout in small numbers. Very common Augrabies Falls NP 10/2.

37. Common Swift Apus apus
Small numbers Bushmanland and the Kalahari. Large movement north, 1000+, near Britstown 19/2.

38. African Black Swift Apus barbatus
Good diagnostic views near Silvermine on M64 5/2, where common. Also seen Kirstenbosch 5/2.

39. Little Swift Apus affinis
Small numbers throughout everywhere except the Kalahari.

40. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer
As Little Swift, and frequently together. 10+ Silvermine 5/2.

41. Knysna Turaco Tauraco corythaix
4 Wilderness NP north campsite 21/2.

42. Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus
2 Strandfontein SW 4/2, 1 north of Nossob 16/2, on night-drive.

43. Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena
Common [8+] nightly at Nossob, good views from floodlit hide. 1 north of Nossob 16/2 on night-drive.

44. Rock Dove Columba livia
Common Cape area etc.

45. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea
Common Cape area etc

46. Rameron Pigeon Columba arquatrix
2+ Constantia 5/2.

47. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
Very common throughout, including Kalahari.

48. Cape Turtle-Dove Streptopelia capicola
Very common throughout, especially Kalahari waterholes, etc.

49. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Much less common than other streptopelias. Seen mainly in the south, eg 3 Rondevlei 4/2.

50. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
Only seen from Pofadder northwards. Very common Kalahari waterholes.

51. Stanley's Bustard Neotis denhami
Total 8 seen Bontebok NP 23/2; the only sightings.

52. Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii
1 north of Pofadder on the R358 road 12/2.

53. Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori
2-4 pairs seen every day Kalahari NP. One displaying male north of Nossob 16/2 [early evening, on night-drive].

54. Southern Black Korhaan Eupodotis afra
1 female West Coast NP 6/2, 2 males 1 female Darling area 29/2.

55. Northern Black Korhaan Eupodotis [a.] afraoides
Several heard calling en route to Twee Rivieren 14/2, common along 'dune roads' [ two roads that traverse the sand dunes between the rivers Auob and Nossob, Kalahari NP ]. Most birds paired. 1 male displaying southern 'dune road' 15/2. 1 male south of Upington on the N10 road 19/2.

56. Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii
2 near Brandvlei on the R357 10/2, 2 SW of Pofadder on minor road 11/2, 5 farmland loops, Overberg 23/2.

57. Blue Crane Anthropoides paradisea
Usually seen in groups of 2-3; many pairs; Darling, Ceres, Bontebok NP etc. most numerous Overberg, farmland loops 30+ 23/2, mostly pairs, one pair with two chicks, one pair with one juvenile.

58. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra
4+ Wilderness NP Rondevlei hide 21/2.

59. African Purple Swamphen Por. [p.] madagascariensis
3-4 seen Strandfontein/Rondevlei and Paarl SW, 1 juvenile Paarl 7/2.

60. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Very common all wetland areas.

61. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
Very common all wetland areas; 100+ Ceres 8/2 on seasonal flood.

62. Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua
Common at water troughs Bushmanland and Karoo, also at waterholes in Kalahari NP.

63. Burchell's Sandgrouse Pterocles burchelli
2 [pair] Rooiputs waterhole north of Twee Rivieren, Nossob River, 15/2.

64. African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis
6+ Intaka Island, Cape Town 1/3.

65. Common Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
6+ De Mond NR, Overberg 25/7.

66. Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
6+ De Mond NR, Overberg 25/7.

67. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
50+ West Coast NP 6/2, a few seen other wetland areas.

68. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
50+ Velddrif 29/2, 1-2 seen in most suitable areas.

69. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Relatively scarce; only 1-2 seen on most wetlands.

70. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
1 Paarl SW 7/2, 1 Wilderness NP 21/2, 1 farmland loops 23/2.

71. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
8+ Yzerfontein 29/2.

72. Sanderling Calidris alba
12+ Yzerfontein 29/2.

73. Little Stint Calidris minuta
3+ Tienie Versveld NR, Darling , 30+ West Coast NP 6/2, 30+ Paarl SW 7/2, 4+ Velddrif 29/2.

74. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
2 Tienie Versveld NR 6/2, 1 Paarl SW 7/2, 24 Rondevlei hide, Wilderness NP 21/2, 10+ De Mond NR 25/2, 120+ Velddrif 29/2.

75. Ruff Philomachus pugnax
20+ Wilderness NP 21/2, 2 Velddrif 29/2.

76. Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis
1 male Intaka Island, Cape Town 1/3.

77. Water Dikkop Burhinus vermiculatus
2 Intaka Island 1/3.

78. Spotted Dikkop Burhinus capensis
2 Silvermine Lower River NR 3/2, 4+ Intaka Island 1/3.

79. African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini
Fairly common Cape Peninsula, Boulders Beach, Overberg coast, etc. 10+ Yzerfontein 29/2.

80. Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Very common all permanent and some ephemeral wetlands, eg 500+ Strandfontein SW 4/2.

81. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
600+ Strandfontein SW 4/2, 30+ Paarl SW 7/2, 50+ Velddrif 29/2.

82. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
2 Strandfontein SW 4/2, 10+ De Mond NR 25/2.

83. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
5+ West Coast NP 6/2, 4+ De Mond NR 25/2, 10+ Velddrif 29/2.

84. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius
Most widespread wader on even the smallest wetlands. 50+ Velddrif 29/2. Breeding records 5+ with 2 chicks Tienie Versveld NR 6/2, 2 chicks Velddrif 29/2.

85. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris
Fairly numerous on permanent wetlands. 10+ Wilderness NP 21/2, 10+ Velddrif 29/2. 6+ with 2 chicks Paarl SW 7/2.

86. Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus
3 adults Velddrif 29/2. On Cerebos saltworks pools, just north of buildings, viewed from near small square blockhouse close to main road [R27].

87. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus
Up to 10 usually seen at all suitable coastal sites, eg Kommetjie, West Coast NP, De Mond, etc

88. Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus
Common throughout coastal areas. 100+ Paarl SW 7/2.

89. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus
The dry country plover - small parties seen throughout, including Kalahari NP.

90. Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus
8 south of Union's End, Kalahari NP 17/2.

91. Subantarctic Skua Catharacta antarctica
2 pelagic 28/2.

92. Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
3 pelagic 28/2.

93. Cape Gull Larus [d.] vetula
Very common on coast. 200+ Velddrif harbour 29/2. Singles seen up to 25 miles out on pelagic.

94. Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus
2+ Velddrif harbour 29/2, both winter plumaged birds.

95. Hartlaub's Gull Larus hartlaubii
Very common coastal areas. 500+ Paarl SW 7/2, 100+ Velddrif harbour 29/2.

96. Sabine's Gull Larus sabini
5+ probable adult winter plumaged birds, pelagic 28/2.

97. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
2 Rondevlei 4/2, 2 De Mond 25/2, 1 Velddrif harbour 29/2. All winter plumaged adults.

98. Swift [Crested] Tern Sterna bergii
Large numbers [200+] seen at some coastal sites, eg Olifants Bay, Kommetjie, Velddrif etc.

99. Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
The commonest tern. 300+ Olifants Bay 3/1, 100+ Velddrif harbour 29/2.

100. Common Tern Sterna hirundo
Small numbers seen at coastal roosts, etc. 10+ De Mond 25/2, 10+ pelagic 28/2, 10+ Velddrif harbour 29/2.

101. Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
2+ pelagic 28/2.

102. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
10+ adults and 2 juveniles being fed on seasonal flood, Ceres 8/2.

103. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
8+ Strandfontein SW 4/2, 100+ Paarl SW 7/2.

104. Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
Common throughout except Kalahari NP.

105. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus [m.] aegyptius
Fairly common Cape area and the south.

106. Black Kite Milvus migrans
2 south of Union's End 17/2.

107. African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
1 immature Cape NP 3/2, 2+ adults Wilderness 21/2.

108. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus
15+ south of Twee Rivieren 14/2, c8 Kannaguass waterhole south of Union's End 17/2.

109. Cape Vulture Gyps coprotheres
28 Potberg 25/2.

110. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus
3 south of Twee Rivieren 14/2, 1 Twee Rivieren 15/2, 3 Kannaguass waterhole south of Union's End 17/2.

111. White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis
1 adult female Kannaguass waterhole south of Union's End 17/2.

112. Black-chested Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
2-3 adults seen daily Kalahari NP. No juveniles/immatures noted.

113. Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus
2 adults near Nossob 16/2.

114. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus
2 adults 1 imm. north of Nossob 16/2, 5 adults 2 imms. Kannaguass waterhole 17/2, 1 imm. south of Nossob 18/2.

115. African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus
4+ Strandfontein SW 4/2, 1+ Wilderness NP 21/2.

116. Black Harrier Circus maurus
1 near Swellendam 22/2, 3+ farmland loops, Overburg 23/2, 1 farmland loops 24/2, all adults. 1 probable imm. briefly over Bontebok 23/2.

117. Montagu's Harrier Circus Pygargus
1 adult male south of Twee Rivieren 14/2, 1 adult male south of Union's End 17/2, 1 adult male south of Upington 19/2. First two birds were typically quartering low grass covered dunes.

118. Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus
Common raptor of all arid areas, including the Kalahari. 1 juvenile on coastal dunes at De Hoop 25/2.

119. Gabar Goshawk Melierax gabar
2-3 seen daily in the Kalahari, mostly juveniles. Not seen outside Kalahari NP.

120. Steppe Buzzard Buteo buteo
Very common throughout, including Kalahari NP; some very dark.

121. Forest Buzzard Buteo trizonatus
2 Constantia 5/2, 2 Wilderness NP 21/2, 1 Tokai 27/2. Quite vocal.

122. Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus
Common Overberg, Garden route, etc, but e few seen around Pofadder in more rugged areas.

123. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax
Up to 6 seen daily Kalahari NP. A few were fairly dark.

124. Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii
2 adults Constantia 5/2.

125. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
1 pale Silvermine 5/2, 1 pale Calvinia 9/2, 1 pale Augrabies Falls NP 11/2, 1 dark Augrabies Falls NP 11/2, 3 pale south of Union's End 17/2.

126. Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus
1 adult 1 imm. near Kenhardt, Bushmanland, 10/2, 1 adult near Pofadder 13/2, 1 adult near Nossob 15/2 and 18/2.

127. Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius
Common Kalahari NP only, eg 13+ outside Nossob camp 15/2. 2 Bontebok NP 23/2.

128. Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus
1 female near Twee Rivieren 14/2. 2 [pair] with male displaying south of Nossob 16/2.

129. Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
50+ on roadside wires just south of Britstown 20/2.

130. Common [Rock] Kestrel Falco tinnunculus rupicolis
Fairly common Cape peninsula, but also sometimes thornveldt, ie Karoo, Bushmanland and the Kalahari, and cultivated land. Where the habitat is diverse, eg Cape, showed a definite preference for rugged, mountainous areas. Underparts are a deep rufous orange, lightly streaked. In the current taxonomical climate must be a potential split.

131. Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides
Fairly common in arid areas, nearly always in pairs. Common Kalahari NP.

132. Amur Falcon Falco amurensis
1 female/immature seen along approach track to Bontebok NP. Attention first drawn to small falcon with grey upperparts, hovering over cultivated field; it did this several times, although at no great height. Frequently landed in field, occasionally on distant fence. Appeared to be hawking insects, although rather half-heartedly, at c7.30am. Showed a distinct head pattern with sharp 'lobes' and definite dark grey crown, very slight white feathering above bill [barely discernable; looked a most unreliable feature]. Underparts with buffish wash, feet/cere yellow-orange. From our vantage point on brow of hill, views were largely looking down on the bird, and although brief underwing views showed mottled grey/white, no discernible clean whitish leading edge to coverts were noted. Viewing distance 250-700 metres.

The bird was the only small raptor in the immediate area, apart from a female Kestrel, although c5 kms further south we found an adult Eurasian Hobby on 'The Old Race Course' , Bontebok NP. Both birds are apparently scarce summer visitors from the north.

133. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
Quite common, 1-2 seen daily Kalahari NP only; 4 Kannaguass waterhole 17/2, including a strange individual with all grey crown and nape. 1 farmland loops, Overberg 23/2.

134. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
Single birds seen Cape 3/2, Silvermine 5/2, Kirstenbosch 5/2.

135. Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
1 adult seen well on ground Bontebok NP.

136. Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Very common all freshwater sites.

137. Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Quite common most freshwater sites.

138. Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Common Strandfontein SW [50+] 4/2, 20+ Wilderness NP 21/2.

139. Cape Gannet Morus capensis
Common offshore bird Cape peninsula, Overberg and West Coast.

140. African Darter Anhinga rufa
3+ Strandfontein SW, 14 Rondevlei 4/2, 40+ Paarl SW 7/2 [nesting], 6+ Onseepkans 12/2, 3+ Intaka Island 1/3.

141. Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus
Very common all freshwater sites.

142. Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus
2+ adults Kommetjie 3/2, 3 Simon's Town harbour 28/2.

143. Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus
5 Kommetjie 3/2, 1 near Simon's Town 28/2.

144. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax [c.] lucidus
Common coastal areas, also 50+nesting in trees with Darters, Ibis, etc Paarl SW 7/2.

145. Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis
Most common of the 'marine ' comorants.

146. Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Fairly common all freshwater sites.

147. Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia
2 Silvermine Lower River 3/2. Probably under-recorded, but not common on this visit.

148. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Small numbers on both freshwater and coastal sites.

149. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
As Grey Heron, but slightly more common.

150. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
1 adult Silvermine Lower River 3/2, 3 Strandfontein SW 4/2.

151. Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Very common throughout. 80+ Paarl SW 7/2.

152. Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
2 Strandfontein SW 4/2, 10+ Paarl SW 7/2.

153. Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
1 farmland loops, Overberg, 24/2.

154. Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber
1000+ Strandfontein 4/2, 1 Paarl SW 7/2, 500+ Velddrif 29/2.

155. Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor
2 adults Velddrif 29/2, on lagoons east of main road R27, opposite saltworks.

156. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
Fairly common all freshwater sites, also coastal, eg Kommetjie.

157. Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash
Fairly common in small parties throughout except Kalahari area.

158. African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
Very common all areas except Kalahari area. 700+ Paarl SW 7/2, some nesting.

159. African Spoonbill Platalea alba
Only seen in small numbers, 20+ Wilderness NP being the largest. 5 on seasonal flood near Ceres 8/2.

160. Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
Seen at most freshwater sites. 200+ Strandfontein SW, 50+ Rondevlei 4/2, 20+ Velddrif 29/2.

161. Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii
2 Upington 13/2 at Die Eiland Resort, 57 there the next morning, feeding on 'greensward' area on south bank of Orange River.

162. White Stork Ciconia ciconia
Frequently seen in the Overberg on cultivated fields, in small numbers. C10 over Paarl 7/2.

163. Jackass Penguin Spheniscus demersus
300+ Boulders Beach area on each visit.

164. Southern Giant-Petrel Macronectes giganteus
2 pelagic 28/2. Could only identify them personally [bill tip colour] by seeing them at close range, on the sea.

165. White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis
300+ pelagic 28/2.

166. Spectacled Petrel Procellaria conspicillata
1 gave excellent views, pelagic 28/2.

167. Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea
2+ pelagic 28/2.

168. Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis
400+ pelagic 28/2.

169. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus
150+ pelagic 28/2.

170. Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
40+ pelagic 28/2.

171. Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta
30+ pelagic 28/2.

172. Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche carteri
C2 adults pelagic 28/2.

173. Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross T. chlororhynchos
2+ adults pelagic 28/2.

174. Wilson's Storm-Petrel Oceanites oceanicus
50+ pelagic 28/2.

175. European Storm-Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus
25+ pelagic 28/2.

176. Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
Common Kalahari NP

177. Common Fiscal Lanius collaris
Common throughout. In the Kalahari, birds of a different race, presumably ssp subcoronatus , replaced collaris. These have a long white supercilium and paler rump. Enough to cause confusion when first seen.

178. House Crow Corvus splendens
1 Cape Town airport 1/3.

179. Cape Crow Corvus capensis
Common Bushmanland, Karoo, and Kalahari NP.

180. Pied Crow Corvus albus
Common west coast, Karoo and Bushmanland, also Strandfontein, but not seen Cape peninsula.

181. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis
Fairly common Cape area throughout, usually in pairs. 3 farmland loops, Overberg 24/2 seemed a long way from suitable habitat.

182. Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia
2 Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2.

183. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
Common Kalahari, Wilderness NP, etc.

184. Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita
2 Karoo NP campsite 20/2.

185. Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas
3+ Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2.

186. African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis
2 Wilderness NP 21/2, 3+ Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2, 1 Intaka Island 1/3. No breeding plumaged males.

187. Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus
6+ Cape peninsula 3/2, 1 imm. Wilderness NP 21/2, 1imm. De Hoop NR. Immatures dark brown above.

188. Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus
Fairly common Kalahari NP, especially around campsites. 4+ near Nossob 18/2. All adults.

189. Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus
Fairly common throughout except Kalahari. Not seen Cape area.

190. Cape Batis Batis capensis
1 female Kirstenbosch 5/2, 4+ Wilderness NP 21/2, 3+ Grootvadersbosch 24/2.

191. Pririt Batis Batis pririt
1 female Nossob camp 15/2, 2 [pair] Karoo NP campsite 20/2.

192. Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi
Common Die Eiland Resort Upington, 13-14/2.

193. Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus
4+ Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2.

194. Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus
Fairly common Bushmanland, usually on wires or on tops of bushes, in pairs or small family groups.

195. Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis
Common from south of Twee Rivieren northwards throughout Kalahari NP, often on wires.

196. Fiscal Flycatcher Sigelus silens
2 [pair] Paarl SW 7/2, 5+ Karoo NP campsite 20/2.

197. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
2 Ceres 8/2, 2 Augrabies Falls NP 11/2, 1 Nossob camp 15/2.

198. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta
6+ Kirstenbosch/Constantia 5/2, 3+ Wilderness NP 21/2, common Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2.

199. Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra
Quite common throughout except Bushmanland and the Kalahari.

200. Kalahari Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas paean
Fairly common Kalahari NP only. 1 adult feeding young near Nossob 18/2. Picnic sites are a good place to watch these enchanting birds.

201. Karoo Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas coryphaeus
2 [pair] with plastic rings Koeberg NR 6/2, quite common Bushmanland, Augrabies Falls NP10-11/2, and Karoo NP 20/2.

202. Stonechat Saxicola torquata
Few west coast 6/2, common Bontebok NP area 23/2.

203. Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola
2 [pair] Ceres 8/2, 1 male north of Pofadder, 1 dark form male Onseepkans 12/2, 2+ Karoo NP 20/2.

204. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata
2 west coast 6/2, 1-2 seen daily Bushmanland, common Kalahari NP, very common farmland loop, Overberg, 23-24/2.

205. Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina
1 farmland loop, Overberg 23/2. A surprising find, if SASOL is up to date regarding this species' status. Seen for about a minute or so, on wire fence beside road, so good views. Flew off onto field as I reached for the camera, but at least confirming reduced white tail pattern. All diagnostic features seen whilst on fence, as far as I know them, but can't say I'm a great believer in 'the black alula' being a key feature, as we've all seen birds where it's obscured/abraded; this was one of those birds.

206. Sickle-winged Chat Cercomela sinuata
Only 1 seen Tienie Versveld NR 6/2. Jizz like Northern Wheatear.

207. Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii
2-3 seen daily Brandvlei, more common Pofadder area.

208. Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac
Fairly common Bushmanland: common Brandvlei area.

209. Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris
Common throughout, including the Kalahari. Seen to flick wings more than other chats, especially on landing.

210. Anteating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora
Only seen northern Bushmanland, around Pofadder and Upington, and Kalahari NP 'dune roads'. Showed preference for grassy dunes and sometimes sheep/cattle enclosures.

211. Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup
Common Karoo, becoming very common Bushmanland especially Augrabies Falls NP and Pofadder area.

212. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio
Very common Cape peninsula and the south.

213. Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens
First seen Augrabies Falls NP , 6+ 11/2, common thereafter throughout the Kalahari.

214. Pied Starling Spreo bicolor
Common west coast and the Karoo; large flocks sometimes with Eurasian Starlings.

215. Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
Only one flock seen of 80+ West Coast NP 6/2.

216. Common [Eurasian] Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Very common Cape peninsula and the south, Paarl SW 1000+ 7/2, also west coast.

217. Cape Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus minutus
2+ Karoo NP 20/2.

218. Ashy Tit Parus cinerascens
4 near Nossob camp 16/2.

219. Grey Tit Parus afer
1 male singing Karoo NP 20/2.

220. Sand Martin Riparia riparia
1 Strandfontein SW 4/2.

221. Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola
Common throughout around wetlands, sometimes at Kalahari waterholes. 1000+ Onseepkans 12/2 including some dark form birds.

222. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Very common throughout. 1000+ moving north, near Britstown 19/2.

223. White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis
Small numbers throughout over wetlands, also west coast and seasonal ponds in Bushmanland.

224. Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata
3 + Bontebok NP 23/2, 1 farmland loops, Overberg 24/2.

225. Greater Striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata
Small numbers throughout. 10+ Paarl SW 7/2.

226. South African Cliff-Swallow Hirundo spilodera
10+ breeding colony under road culvert on R27 south of Brandvlei, 9/2.

227. Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula
Fairly common in suitable habibtat, including southern Kalahari around Twee Rivieren.

228. Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne holomelaena
4 Kirstenbosch, 4+ Constantia 5/2, 3+ Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2.

229. African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans
Very common Augrabies Falls NP, Pofadder, Upington, down to the Karoo NP.

230. Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis
Could be rather scarce Cape peninsula. 5+ Strandfontein SW, common Rondevlei NR 4/2. Common Ceres 8/2.

231. Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus
Fairly common Kirstenbosch and Costantia 5/2, very common Wilderness NP and Grootvadersbosch NR.

232. Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapillus
Common on Cape peninsula fynbos.

233. Levaillant's Cisticola Cisticola tinniens
Common all wetland areas with reedbeds.

234. Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapillus
1 Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2, 2 Tokai 24/2.

235. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
3+ Strandfontein SW 4/2, common Onseepkans 12/2, 1+ Intaka Island 1/3.

236. Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix
2 Tienie Versveld NR 6/2.

237. Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans
2 Brandvlei 9/2, 2 Augrabies Falls NP 10/2, 3+ near Nossob 16/2.

238. Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa
Very common Cape peninsula and throughout the south.

239. Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata
2 near Ceres 8/2. 1 Augabies Falls NP 10/2.

240. Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis
4 near Pofadder 13/2, 2 near Nossob camp 16/2, 2 Karoo NP 20/2.

241. Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica
1 pale form adult Paarl mountain 7/2, 1 pale form adult Karoo NP 20/2.

242. [ Cinnamon-breasted Warbler Euryptila subcinnamomea ]
2 heard singing Karoo NP 220/2.

243. Cape White-eye Zosterops capensis
Very common Cape peninsula and Garden Route.

244. Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus
Common Augrabies Falls NP, Pofadder area and Upington.

245. African Sedge Warbler Bradypterus baboecala
1 Strandfontein SW 4/2.

246. [ Knysna Warbler Bradypterus sylvaticus ]
1 heard singing Costantia 5/2.

247. Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer
Common fynbos bird.

248. African Reed [Marsh] Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus
Common at Paarl SW 7/2, also Onseepkans 12/2, and Wilderness NP.

249. Cape Reed Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris
2+ Strandfontein SW 4/2, 1 Rondevlei Hide, Wilderness NP 21/2.

250. Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens
1 Dikbaardskolk Picnic Area, Kalahari NP 18/2.

251. Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
1 Wilderness NP 21/2.

252. Layard's Tit-Babbler Parisoma layardi
3 Karoo NP 20/2.

253. Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler Parisoma subcaeruleum
1 near Ceres 8/2, 2 near Nossob 16/2.

254. Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata
1 displaying male north of Upington 13/2, 1+ near Twee Rivieren 15/2.

255. Fawn-coloured Lark Mirafra africanoides
Small numbers seen Kalahari NP, especially on grassy sand dunes.

256. Sabota Lark (incl. Bradfield's) Mirafra sabota naevia
3+ seen daily around Pofadder area, 3 south of Mata Mata 19/2, all of the large-billed race [Bradfield's Lark].

257. Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata
Quite common around Brandvlei, 4+ Pofadder area 11-13/2.

258. Agulhas Long-billed Lark Certhilauda brevirostris
1 farmland loops, Overberg, 23/2.

259. Karoo Lark Certhilauda albescens
2 Akkerendam NR, Calvinia 9/2.

260. Red Lark Certhilauda burra
1 Koa Dunes, near Aggenys, 12/2. Almost as red as the dunes themselves.

261. Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata
Fairly common around Brandvlei, 2 Pofadder area 12/2.

262. Black-eared Sparrowlark Eremopterix australis
Two flocks of c10 along N14 Pofadder to Kakamas 13/2.

263. Grey-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix verticalis
First seen around Pofadder from 11/2, where common: very common from there on north into Kalahari NP, where probably the commonest bird, especially at waterholes.

264. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea
Common Darling, Tanqua Karoo and farmland loops, Overberg.

265. Sclater's Lark Spizocorys sclateri
1 on water trough east of Brandvlei on R357 10/2, 4+ on minor road SW of Pofadder, also on trough 11/2.

266. Stark's Lark Eremalauda starki
4+ Augrabies Falls NP SW of rest camp 11/2.

267. Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris
Uncommon around Brandvlei, usually seen in pairs. 2 farmland loops, Overberg 24/2, 2 Veldriff area 29/2.

268. Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer
Common fynbos bird, usually in pairs. Very showy pair at Avian Leisure for the benefit of digiscopers.

269. Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea
Common on Cape peninsula. Again, Avian Leisure provides good photo opportunities.

270. Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa
Fairly common Cape NP and Overberg.

271. Lesser Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybea
Common west coast, Cape area and the Overberg. Another breakfast bird at Avian Leisure.

272. Greater Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris afra
2+ Grootvadersbosch NR carpark 24/2.

273. Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fusca
Common Augrabies Falls NP, 1 male Onseepkans 12/2.

274. House Sparrow Passer domesticus
10+ Calvinia 8/2, common Augrabies Falls NP and Upington.

275. Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus
Scarce Cape area, common Darling 6/2 and Paarl SW 7/2, becoming very common further north including Kalahari NP.

276. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffuses
Small numbers Upington 13/2 with other two sparrow species, also Kalahari NP, where common Nossob camp.

277. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp
5+ Augrabies Falls NP 11/2.

278. Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis
Very common throughout. Not recorded Kalahari NP.

279. Orange-throated Longclaw Macronyx capensis
3 Strandfontein SW 4/2, common Tienie Versveld NR 6/2, common Bontebok NP 23/2, De Hoop 25/2 and Darling 29/2.

280. Grassveld Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus
5+ Strandfontein SW 4/2, 2 near Ceres 8/2, 1 Veldriff 29/2.

281. Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys
1 Tienie Versveld 6/2.

282. Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis
1 farmland loops, Overberg 23/2.

283. White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali
First seen south of Twee Rivieren, thereafter common along Kalahari NP riverbeds.

284. Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius
First seen around active nest near Kenhardt, becoming very common further north around Pofadder and into Kalahari NP with many huge, active nests.

285. Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis
The common weaver species in the south.

286. Southern Masked-Weaver Ploceus velatus
1 male Strandfontein SW 4/2. Fairly common Brandvlei, Augrabies Falls NP and Pofadder, also Kalahari [scarce] and Karoo NP, where 1 male nest-building 20/2.

287. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix
2 males Augrabies Falls NP 11/2, common Onseepkans 12/2, where many breeding. 1 displaying male Karoo NP 20/2.

288. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis
20+ near Grootvadersbosch NR 23/2, 4+ Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2. No breeding plumaged males.

289. Swee Waxbill Estrilda melanotis
3+ Grootvadersbosch NR 24/2.

290. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
Common around all reedbeds and rivers, sometimes in large [80+] flocks.

291. Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala
Present in fairly large numbers at waterholes in the Kalahari NP.

292. Scaly-feathered Finch Sporopipes squamifrons
First seen at Koa Dunes, 10+, 12/2, thereafter common in Kalahari NP.

293. Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia
Common throughout the Kalahari NP, at waterholes and rest camps; many breeding plumaged males.

294. Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
1 pair Silvermine Lower River NR 3/2, 1 male Brandvlei 9/2, 1 male Wilderness NP 21/2. All males in breeding plumage.

295. Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
4+ Tokai 27/2.

296. Cape Canary Serinus canicollis
Common Cape NP 3/2.

297. Forest Canary Serinus scotops
1 female/juvenile Constantia 5/2.

298. Black-throated Canary Serinus atrogularis
6+ Onseepkans 12/2.

299. Yellow Canary Serinus flaviventris
Common west coast, also at water troughs in Bushmanland and sometimes waterholes in the Kalahari NP.

300. Brimstone [Bully] Canary Serinus sulphuratus
1-2 seen around Cape peninsula only. 1 adult Avian Leisure 3/2.

301. White-throated Canary Serinus albogularis
Fairly common west coast and Cape peninsula, also Bushmanland and the Karoo.

302. Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani
Scarce; seen only at waterholes in Kalahari NP.

303. Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis
Quite common everywhere except the Kalahari. Often seen at troughs and lay-bys in Bushmanland and the Karoo.