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Species List for South Africa,
Main reportThis list follows the taxonomy, sequence and scientific
nomenclature of Ian Sinclair and Phil Hockey, The
larger illustrated guide to Birds of Southern Africa
(SASOL), Cape Town, 1996.
Species names in brackets are the English names used
in James F. Clements, Birds
of the World. A Checklist. Fifth Edition, Robertsbridge, 2000. The latest
changes of the checklist can be found on www.ibispub.com.
77 endemics to the Southern African region (which also
includes Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana), plus another 14 near-endemics, were
recorded during the trip.
01. African Penguin - Spheniscus demersus - Endemic
28/07 A few seen on the pelagic trip, including 3 approximately 10 miles off
shore.
29/07 100+ at Boulders Beach.
02. Dabchick - Tachybaptus ruficollis
Seen on 8 dates. Nylsvlei, Wakkerstroom wetland, St. Lucia wetland, Himeville
wetland, .
03. Royal Albatross - Diomedea epomophora
Subspecies epomophora - One gave good views on the Cape pelagic. This individual
constituted the third record for South Africa.
Subspecies sanfordi - One was briefly seen on the same pelagic trip.
04. Shy Albatross - Diomedea cauta
15/07 One was briefly seen on the Durban pelagic.
27/07 One was seen from the seawatching point at Kommetjie.
28/07 c1000 on the Cape pelagic.
05. Black-browed Albatross - Diomedea melanophris
28/07 c1000 on the Cape pelagic.
06. (Indian) Yellow-nosed Albatross - Diomedea chlororhynchos bassi
15/07 c50 on the Durban pelagic.
28/07 5 on the Cape pelagic.
07. Southern (Antarctic) Giant Petrel - Macronectes giganteus
28/07 2 were seen on the Cape pelagic, including 1 of the rare white morph.
08. Northern (Hall's) Giant Petrel - Macronectes halli
28/07 c10 were seen off Simon's Town.
09. White-chinned Petrel - Procellaria aequinoctialis
15/07 About 100 were recorded on the Durban pelagic.
28/07 c4000 on the Cape pelagic.
10. Flesh-footed Shearwater - Puffinus carneipes
15/07 One was repeatedly seen on the Durban pelagic.
11. Sooty Shearwater - Puffinus griseus
28/07 c250 on the Cape pelagic.
12. Pintado (Cape) Petrel - Daption capense
28/07 c5000 were seen on the Cape pelagic.
13. Soft-Plumaged Petrel - Pterodroma mollis
28/07 17 counted on the Cape pelagic.
14. Antarctic Prion - Pachyptila (vittata) desolata
28/07 c50 on the Cape pelagic.
15. Wilson's Storm Petrel - Oceanites oceanicus
28/07 c100 on the Cape pelagic.
16. Cape Gannet - Morus capensis - Endemic
15/07 100s were seen on the Durban pelagic.
19/07 10+ seen at Port Shepstone.
28/07 10s were seen on the Cape pelagic.
17. White-breasted Cormorant - Phalacrocorax (carbo) lucidus
Seen in small numbers at Rust de Winter NR, in Kruger NP, on the Durban
pelagic and at the Cape peninsula.
18. Cape Cormorant - Phalacrocorax capensis - Endemic
Common at the Cape peninsula; first seen at Hermanus.
19. Bank Cormorant - Phalacrocorax neglectus - Endemic
27/07 Small numbers present at Kommetjie (10+).
20. Crowned Cormorant - Phalacrocorax coronatus - Endemic
27/07 Small numbers present at Kommetjie and at Cape the Good Hope NR.
21. Reed (Long-tailed) Cormorant - Phalacrocorax africanus
Seen regularly throughout the country. The most common cormorant, except
in coastal areas.
22. African Darter - Anhinga rufa
03/07 1 at Rust De Winter NR; 04/07 1 near Naboomspruit; 08-10/07 Several
seen in Kruger NP.
23. White pelican - Pelecanus onocrotalus
12-13/07 Up to 58 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuze).
14/07 5 at Bonamanzi.
31/07 8 at West Coast NP.
24. Pink-backed Pelican - Pelecanus rufescens
12-13/07 c10 at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi.
25. Goliath Heron - Ardea goliath
04/07 1 at Nylsvlei; 09-10/07 2 in Kruger NP (Shingwedzi - Skukuza).
26. Purple Heron - Ardea purpurea
04/07 Fairly common in Nylsvlei NR.
10/07 1 at Sunset Dam, Kruger NP.
27. Grey Heron - Ardea cinerea
Seen regularly throughout the country.
28. Black-headed Heron - Ardea melanocephala
Seen regularly throughout the country.
29. (Yellow-billed) Intermediate Egret - Egretta intermedius
04/07 4 at Nylsvlei NR.
17/07 2 at the St. Lucia wetlands.
30. Great White Egret - Casmerodius albus
04/07 Fairly common at Nylsvlei NR.
10/07 A few seen in Kruger NP.
14/07 A few seen at the St. Lucia wetlands.
31. Little Egret - Egretta garzetta
10/07 1 between Satara and Skukuza (Kruger NP).
12-13/07 Small numbers present at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
27/07 A few seen on the Cape peninsula.
31/07 Small numbers present in West Coast NP.
32. Cattle Egret - Bubulcus ibis
Fairly common throughout the country.
33. Squacco Heron - Ardeola ralloides
04/07 2 at Nylsvlei NR.
34. Striated Heron - Butorides striatus
09-10/07 Only seen at dams and rivers in Kruger NP, where fairly common.
35. Little Bittern - Ixobrychus minutus
03/07 1 was briefly seen in the reeds at Rust De Winter NR.
36. Black Stork - Ciconia nigra
13/07 2 were seen circling over Mkuze village (WV).
37. White Stork - Ciconia ciconia
20/07 1 was seen near Himeville, with at least 2 there on 21/07.
38. Yellow-billed Stork - Mycteria ibis
12/07 1 at Nsumo pan (Mkuzi), with 4 there on 13/07.
39. Marabou Stork - Leptotilos crumeniferus
09/07 2 at Letaba; 10/07 2 near Skukuza and 6 at Sunset Dam (Kruger NP).
12/07 11 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
40. Saddle-billed Stork - Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
07/07 1 at Pafuri (Kruger NP); 09/07 2 at a small dam between Shingwedzi
and Mopani; 10/07 2 at the Sabie river near Skukuza.
41. African Open-bill(ed Stork) - Anastomus lamelligerus
12/07 7 and 2 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi), with at least 2 there on 13/07.
42. Woolly-necked Stork - Ciconia episcopus
12/07 1 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
14/07 2 flying over the road St. Lucia - Cape Vidal.
16/07 5 flying over the Rapphia Palm Monument at Mtunzini.
43. Greater Flamingo - Phoenicopterus ruber
22/07 10s at Kampfers Dam (Kimberley).
30/07 1 at Inverdoorn Dam (Katbakkies area).
31/07 100+ at West Coast NP.
44. Lesser Flamingo - Phoenicopterus minor
22/07 c1000 at Kampfers Dam (Kimberley).
45. African Spoonbill - Platalea alba
04/07 2 at Nylsvlei NR.
11/07 1 in the Wakkerstroom area.
12-13/07 10s at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
21/07 1 at the Himeville wetland.
01/08 1 along the N7 between Moorreesburg and Milnerton.
46. Hamerkop - Scopus umbretta
Seen in small numbers at Kruger NP and at Mkuzi.
47. Hadeda Ibis - Bostrychia hagedash
Common throughout the country.
48. Southern Bald Ibis - Geronticus calvus - Endemic
11/07 12 c20 km along the R543 before Wakkerstroom, 8 between Wakkerstroom and
Amersfoort, 3 near Zaaihoek Dam.
20/07 c40 flying over Sani Lodge.
21/07 c15 near Himeville.
49. Glossy Ibis - Plegadis falcinellus
12-13/07 c5 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
50. Sacred Ibis - Threskiornis aethiopicus
Fairly common throughout the country.
51. Spur-winged Goose - Plectropterus gambensis
Fairly common at Nylsvlei NR, Mkuzi, Himeville and the Malgas area.
52. Egyptian Goose - Alopochen aegyptiacus
Common throughout the country; even seen on beaches!
53. South African Shelduck - Tadorna cana - Endemic
22/07 1 at Kampfers Dam (Kimberley).
24/07 2 over the campsite at Karoo NP.
30/07 Up to 16 at Inverdoorndam (Katbakkies area).
31/07 2 at West Coast NP.
54. Knob-billed (Comb) Duck - Sarkidiornis melanotos
04/07 1 on a small dam near Naboomspruit.
55. White-faced (Whistling) Duck - Dendrocygna viduata
Fairly common on large dams and wetlands: Nylsvlei NR, Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi),
Bonamanzi, .
56. White-backed Duck - Thalassornis leuconotus
04/07 3 on a small dam near Naboomspruit.
14/07 3 at the St. Lucia wetland reserve, with 2 there on 17/07.
57. (African) Pygmy Goose - Nettapus auritus
14/07 2 at Bonamanzi.
17/07 6 at the St. Lucia wetland reserve.
58. Southern Pochard - Netta erythrophthalma
20/07 c5 on a dam between Himeville and Sani Lodge.
59. Maccoa Duck - Oxyura maccoa
22/07 3 on Kampfers Dam (Kimberley).
60. Yellow-billed Duck - Anas undulata
The commonest duck; regularly seen throughout the country.
61. African Black Duck - Anas sparsa
06/07 3 at Hans Merensky NR.
11/07 2 at Slang River bridge (Wakkerstroom).
62. Cape Shoveler - Anas smithii - Endemic
20/07 2 on a dam between Himeville and Sani Lodge.
31/07 2 at Tienie Versveld Flower Reserve.
01/08 2 on a dam along the N7 between Moorreesburg and Milnerton.
63. Cape Teal - Anas capensis
22/07 5 on Kampfers Dam (Kimberley).
31/07 2 at Tienie Versveld Flower Reserve.
64. Red-billed Teal - Anas eryhrorhyncha
11/07 3 at the Wakkerstroom Vleireservaat.
20/07 c10 on a dam between Himeville and Sani Lodge.
22/07 1 on Kampfers Dam (Kimberley).
01/08 1 on a dam near the N7 between Moorreesburg and Milnerton.
65. Hottentot Teal - Anas hottentota
04/07 8 at Nylsvlei NR.
11/07 c10 at the Wakkerstroom Vleireservaat.
12/07 A few seen at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
66. Lappet-faced Vulture - Torgos tracheliotus
08/07 4 along the S60 and S59 near Punda Maria.
12/07 1 over Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
67. White-headed Vulture - Trigonoceps occipitalis
09/07 2 between Shingwedzi and Letaba, 2 + 2 near Letaba, 2 perched near Satara.
10/07 1 near Skukuza.
12/07 1 over the swimming pool in Mkuzi.
68. Cape Vulture - Gyps coprotheres - Endemic
21/07 1 + 26 near the road from Himeville to Nottingham Road.
**This species is classed as Vulnerable by Collar et al.
69. White-backed Vulture - Gyps africanus
Fairly common in the game reserves, with c40 seen in Kruger NP.
70. Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) - Gypaetus barbatus
21/07 1 seen near Himeville along the road to Nottingham Road.
71. Palmnut Vulture - Gypohierax angolensis
16/07 2 at the Mtunzini tree nursery.
72. Hooded Vulture - Necrosyrtes monachus
07/07 2 over the Pafuri picnic site.
10/07 1 was seen near Skukuza.
73. African Fish Eagle - Haliaeetus vocifer
Seen in small numbers throughout the country.
74. Osprey - Pandion haliaetus
15/07 1 perched in the harbour of Durban.
75. Bateleur - Terathopius ecaudatus
Regularly seen in Kruger NP.
76. Brown Snake-eagle - Circaetus cinereus
10/07 1 perched south of Satara.
17/07 1 perched along the road between St. Lucia and Cape Vidal.
77. Black-breasted Snake-eagle - Circaetus (gallicus) pectoralis
06/07 2 between Hans Merensky NR and Kruger NP.
**This form is considered to be a full species by Clements.
78. Tawny Eagle - Aquila rapax
07-10/07 c10 in Kruger NP.
79. Martial Eagle - Polematus bellicosus
07-10/07 5 in Kruger NP.
80. Verreaux's (Black) Eagle - Aquila verreauxii
22/07 1 ad.near the Big Hole (Kimberley).
23/07 1 ad. along the N12 between Hopetown and Beaufort West.
24/07 4 in Karoo NP, including 2 imm.
81. Crowned (Hawk-)Eagle - Stephanoetus coronatus
14/07 1 ad. over the road between St. Lucia and Cape Vidal.
19/07 1 ad. and 1 juv. on the nest in Oribi Gorge NR.
82. African Hawk-eagle - Hieraaetus fasciatus
04/07 1 ad. near Nylsvlei.
10/07 4 ad. near Skukuza (Kruger NP).
**This bird is treated as a subspecies of Bonelli's Eagle by Sinclair et al.,
but is raised to species level by Clements (African Hawk-eagle - Hieraaetus
spilogaster).
83. Long-crested Eagle - Lophaetus occipitalis
17/07 1 ad. along the road between St. Lucia and Cape Vidal.
17/07 1 ad. along the highway between Mtubatuba and Mtunzini.
84. Jackal Buzzard - Buteo rufofuscus - Endemic
11/07 At least 2 in the Wakkerstroom area.
18/07 1 at Oribi Gorge NR.
20/07 2 at Sani Pass, with 1 near Himeville on 21/07.
26/07 1 near Hermanus.
31/07 2 along the N7 between Malmesbury and Piketberg.
85. Forest buzzard - Buteo trizonatus
25/07 1 at Grootvadersbosch State Forest.
86. Gymnogene (African Harrier-hawk) - Polyboroides typus
Surprisingly, only one was recorded during the trip:
21/07 1 ad. along the road to Nottingham Road.
87. African Marsh Harrier - Circus ranivorus
21/07 2 at the Himeville wetland.
31/07 1 at West Coast NP.
88. Black Harrier - Circus maurus - Endemic
26/07 1 along the road between Riviersonderend and Caledon.
27/07 1 in Cape the Good Hope NR.
31/07 2 in West Coast NP.
89. Black-shouldered Kite - Elanus caeruleus
Common throughout the country.
90. Pale Chanting Goshawk - Melierax canorus - Near-Endemic
22/07 2 in the Kimberley area.
23/07 c5 between Kimberley and Beaufort West.
24/07 1 in Karoo NP.
30/07 2 along the R355 in the Katbakkies area.
91. Dark Chanting Goshawk - Melierax metabates
07/07 1 between Punda Maria and Pafuri (Kruger NP).
08/07 2 between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi.
92. (African) Cuckoo Hawk - Aviceda cuculoides
14/07 1 ad. along the road between St. Lucia and Cape Vidal; probably the
same individual was also seen on 17/07.
16/07 1 was briefly in Pigeon Valley (Durban) (TG).
93. Lizard Buzzard - Kaupifalco monogrammicus
03/07 1 at Rust De Winter NR.
06/07 1 Hans Merensky NR.
13/07 1 at the airstrip Mkuzi.
94. Little Banded Goshawk (Shikra) - Accipiter badius
08/07 1 male between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi.
09/07 1 at Shingwedzi, 2 near Satara (Kruger NP).
10/07 1 near Lower Sabie (Kruger NP).
14/07 1 male Bonamanzi.
95. Little Sparrowhawk - Accipiter minullus
19/07 1 male briefly at the woods near Paddock (Oribi Gorge).
96. Black Sparrowhawk - Accipiter melanoleucus
10/07 1 ad. briefly seen in Kruger NP.
97. African Goshawk - Accipiter tachiro
16/07 1 imm. gave good views in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
98. Peregrine Falcon - Falco peregrinus
25/07 1 ad. near Malgas.
99. Lanner Falcon - Falco biarmicus
19/07 1 ad. near Oribi Gorge.
21/07 1 ad. near Himeville + 1 between Himeville and Nottingham Road.
22/07 1 imm. at the Big Hole (Kimberley).
100. Rock (Common) Kestrel - Falco tinnunculus
11/07 1 near Wakkerstroom.
21-30/07 Several seen in the Kimberley - Karoo region.
101. Greater Kestrel - Falco rupicoloides
23/07 1 ad. along the road between Kimberley and Beaufort West.
102. Swainson's Francolin - Francolinus swainsonii
03/07 1 near Rust De Winter NR.
07-10/07 Seen daily in Kruger NP.
103. Cape Francolin - Francolinus capensis - Endemic
Common in the Western Cape region.
104. Natal Francolin - Francolinus natalensis - Near-Endemic
03/07 1 at Rust De Winter NR (TG).
07-10/07 Seen daily in Kruger NP.
105. Greywing Francolin - Francolinus africanus - Endemic
11/07 6 near Wakkerstroom.
106. Crested Francolin - Francolinus sephaena
Fairly common at Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei NR, Kruger NR and Mkuzi.
107. Coqui Francolin - Francolinus coqui
03/07 3 seen near Rust De Winter NR, of which 1 roadkill.
108. Helmeted Guineafowl - Numida meleagris
Regularly seen throughout the country.
109. Crested Guineafowl - Guttera pucherani (edouardi)
07/07 c10 near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
13/07 c10 at Bonamanzi.
110. Ground Hornbill - Bucorvus leadbeateri
09/07 3 males + 1 imm. near Satara.
10/07 4 near Skukuza + 4 on the road to Lower Sabie.
111. Ostrich - Struthio camelus
24/07 c10 Karoo NP.
27/07 c10 Cape of Good Hope NR.
31/07 c10 West Coast NP.
112. African Finfoot - Podica senegalensis petersii
16/07 1 female at the Umlalazi Lagoon (Mtunzini).
113. Red-knobbed Coot - Fulica cristata
11/07 common in the Wakkerstroom area.
20-31/07 regularly recorded.
114. Common Moorhen - Gallinula chloropus
Recorded in small numbers at Nylsvlei, Wakkerstroom, the Himeville wetland and
even on the Big Hole (Kimberley).
115. Purple Gallinule (Swamphen) - Porphyrio porphyrio madagascariensis
11/07 4 at the Wakkerstroom Vleireserve.
116. Black Crake - Amaurornis flavirostris
Recorded in small numbers at Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei, Kruger NP and St.
Lucia.
117. African Jacana - Actophilornis africanus
Observed in the same areas as the previous species.
118. Buff-spotted Flufftail - Sarothura elegans
16/07 2 males and 1 female were well seen in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
16/07 1 male was briefly seen near the boardwalk at Mtunzini.
119. Southern (Gray) Crowned Crane - Balearica regulorum
20/07 1 pair between Himeville and the Sani Lodge.
21/07 7 individuals between Himeville and Pevensey.
120. Wattled Crane - Grus carunculatus
21/07 1 ad. at the Himeville wetland.
**This species is classed as Vulnerable by Collar et al.
121. Blue Crane - Anthropoides (Grus) paradiseus - Endemic
25/07 12 near Malgas.
26/07 6 near Malgas and at least 35 between Riviersonderend and Caledon.
30/07 2 seen along the R45 between Wellington and Malmesbury.
31/07 4 at Tienie Versveld Flower reserve.
**This species is listed as Vulnerable by Collar et al.
122. Secretarybird - Sagittarius serpentarius
05/07 2 along the N1 north of Pretoria.
21/07 1 along the N5 between Harrysmith and Bloemfontein.
22/07 1 near Kampfers dam (Kimberley).
23/07 1 along the N12 between Kimberley and Hopetown.
123. Stanley's Bustard - Neotis denhami stanleyi
21/07 a party of 14 near Himeville.
25/07 1 + 9 + 7 near Malgas, with 2 there on 26/07.
124. Ludwig's Bustard - Neotis ludwigii - Near-Endemic
30/07 1 female along the R355 north of Katbakkies.
125. Karoo Korhaan - Eupodotis vigorsii vigorsii - Endemic
24/07 1 pair at Lammertjiesleegte in Karoo NP.
25/07 1 near Malgas, with 3 there on 26/07.
126. Blue Korhaan - Eupodotis caerulescens - Endemic
11/07 3 + 4 near Wakkerstroom.
127. Red-crested Korhaan - Eupodotis ruficrista
07/07 1 female between Punda Maria and Pafuri.
09/07 1 female near Satara.
128. Northern Black Korhaan (White-quilled Bustard) - Eupodotis afraoides - Endemic
21/07 4 between Harrysmith and Kimberley.
22/07 1 male at Kampfers dam (Kimberley).
23/07 3 along the N12 between Hopetown and Beaufort West.
129. Southern Black Korhaan - Eupodotis afra - Endemic
31/07 2 males in West Coast NP.
130. African Black Oystercatcher - Haematopus moquini - Endemic
27/07 2 + 1 at Kommetjie and 7 at Cape the Good Hope NP.
31/07 Several in West Coast NP.
131. Black-winged Stilt - Himantopus himantopus
Recorded in small numbers at Nylsvlei, Kruger NP, Mkuzi and Kampfers dam. 132.
Pied Avocet - Recurvirostra avocetta
12-13/07 4 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
27/07 4 at Cape the Good Hope NP.
133. Three-banded Plover - Charadrius tricollaris
Fairly common throughout the country.
134. Kittlitz's Plover - Charadrius pecuarius
07/07 c5 at Letaba river near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
09/07 1 near Letaba (Kruger NP).
12-13/07 Fairly common at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
31/07 Common in West Coast NP.
135. Chestnut-banded Plover - Charadrius pallidus
31/07 c20 in West Coast NP.
136. White-fronted Plover - Charadrius marginatus
31/07 30+ in West Coast NP.
137. Crowned Plover - Vanellus coronatus
Fairly common throughout the country.
138. White-crowned Plover (White-headed Lapwing) - Vanellus albiceps
07/07 1 + 5 at Letaba river near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
139. Blacksmith Plover - Vanellus armatus
Common throughout the country.
140. Red Knot - Calidris canutus
31/07 c70 in West Coast NP.
141. Curlew Sandpiper - Calidris ferruginea
12-13/07 c50 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
31/07 50+ in West Coast NP.
142. Sanderling - Calidris alba
31/07 2 in West Coast NP.
143. Little Stint - Calidris minuta
31/07 1 in West Coast NP.
144. Grey (Black-bellied) Plover - Pluvialis squatarola
31/07 1 in West Coast NP.
145. Ethiopian (African) Snipe - Gallinago nigripennis nigripennis
04/07 A few individuals displaying at Nylsvlei.
11/07 Fairly common at the Wakkerstroom Vleireserve.
146. Ruddy Turnstone - Arenaria interpres
31/07 c10 in West Coast NP.
147. Common Sandpiper - Actitis hypoleucos
17/07 1 at the St. Lucia Wetlands.
148. Terek Sandpiper - Xenus cinereus
31/07 1 in West Coast NP.
149. Common Greenshank - Tringa nebularia
07/07 1 at Letaba river near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
09/07 1 near Letaba (Kruger NP).
13/07 1 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
31/07 30+ in West Coast NP.
150. Marsh Sandpiper - Tringa stagnatilis
31/07 1 in West Coast NP.
151. Bar-tailed Godwit - Limosa lapponica
31/07 3 in West Coast NP.
152. Whimbrel - Numenius phaeopus
31/07 c15 in West Coast NP.
153. Eurasian Curlew - Numenius arquata
31/07 c7 in West Coast NP.
154. Spotted Dikkop - Burhinus capensis
26/07 Several heard + 1 seen flying near Malgas.
28/07 Heard at the campsite near Simons Town (Cape peninsula).
155. Water Dikkop (Thick-knee) - Burhinus vermiculatus
09/07 1 near Mooiplaas picnic site (Kruger NP).
10/07 1 at the Sabie river near Skukuza.
12-13/07 2 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
156. Double-banded Courser - Smutsornis africanus granti
30/07 3 at Inverdoorndam (along the R355).
157. Subantarctic (Brown) Skua - Catharacta antarctica
15/07 c10 on the Durban pelagic.
28/07 c100 on the Cape pelagic.
158. Kelp Gull - Larus dominicanus
Fairly common in coastal areas.
*The subspecies vetula may be considered as a distinct species (Cape Gull).
159. Hartlaub's Gull - Larus hartlaubii - Endemic
The common gull along the Western Cape coast. First seen at Hermanus (26/07).
160. Grey-headed Gull - Larus cirrocephalus poiocephalus
Regularly seen throughout the country, except the Western Cape region.
161. Caspian Tern - Hydroprogne caspia
26/07 1 near Betty's Bay.
31/07 c5 in West Coast NP.
162. Swift (Great Crested) Tern - Sterna bergii
15/07 c5 on the Durban pelagic.
26-27/07 Recorded in small numbers along the Western Cape coast.
28/07 Common near the coast.
163. Common Tern - Sterna hirundo
15/07 Few seen near Durban harbour.
27/07 10s at Kommetjie, with 1 on the pelagic on 28/07.
164. Antarctic Tern - Sterna antarctica
27/07 2 at the tern roost at Kommetjie.
165. Sandwich Tern - Sterna sandvicensis
27/07 c5 at the tern roost at Kommetjie.
31/07 3 in West Coast NP.
166. Whiskered Tern - Chlidonis hybridus sclateri
03/07 1 at Rust de Winter NR.
12-13/07 c5 at Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
167. Double-banded Sandgrouse - Pterocles bicinctus multicolor
07/07 1 male between Pafuri and Punda Maria.
08/07 1 pair near Punda Maria.
168. Namaqua Sandgrouse - Pterocles namaqua - Near-Endemic
23/07 3 seen flying over the N12 between Hopetown and Beaufort West.
169. Rock (Speckled) Pigeon - Columba guinea phaeonota
Fairly common in the Wakkerstroom area, at Sani Pass, in the Kimberley area
and at the Cape peninsula.
170. Rameron Pigeon - Columba arquatrix
05-06/07 2 + 4 flying over at Magoebaskloof.
18-19/07 2 + 1 seen in Oribi Gorge.
25/07 1 at Grootvadersbosch.
171. Feral Pigeon - Columba livia
Common in urban areas.
172. Cinnamon Dove - Aplopelia larvata
14/07 1 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal (JH).
18/07 c5 flushed in the woods near Paddock, but none seen well!
173. African Mourning Dove - Streptopelia decipiens
09-10/07 Fairly common at Shingwedzi and Satara (Kruger NP).
174. Red-eyed Dove - Streptopelia semitorquata
Regularly seen throughout the country.
175. Cape Turtle Dove (Ring-necked Dove) - Streptopelia capicola
Common.
176. Laughing (Palm) Dove - Streptopelia senegalensis
Regularly seen throughout the country.
177. African Green Pigeon - Treron calva
06/07 c10 at Hans Merensky NR.
178. Green-spotted Dove (Emerald-spotted Wood-dove) - Turtur chalcospilos
Commonly seen in Kruger NP, Mkuzi, Bonamanzi and Oribi Gorge.
179. Tambourine Dove - Turtur tympanistria
Singles were seen Woodbush Forest Reserve (Magoebaskloof), Mkuzi, Bonamanzi,
Pigeon Valley, St. Lucia and Oribi Gorge.
180. Namaqua Dove - Oena capensis
Unexpectedly, only very few were seen, with 1 male near Nylsvlei and 3 near
Kimberley.
181. Cape Parrot (Brown-necked Parrot) - Poicephalus robustus
06/07 1 was seen flying around at Magoebaskloof.
07/07 A parrot seen briefly at Punda Maria may have been this species.
182. Brown-headed Parrot - Poicephalus cryptoxanthus
10/07 2 were seen in Kruger NP, but only fleeting views were obtained.
183. Knysna Lourie - Tauraco corythaix - Endemic
06/07 10+ at Woodbush Forest Reserve (ssp.phoebus).
18/07 c5 at the woods near Paddock (Oribi Gorge) (ssp. corythaix).
184. Livingstone's Lourie - Tauraco livingstonii cabanisis
17/07 2 at the Sugarloaf Camping at St. Lucia, also heard along the Mvubu trail.
185. Purple-crested Lourie - Tauraco porpyreolophus porpyreolophus
06/07 1 in Hans Merensky NR.
16/07 c5 in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
19/07 2 at Port Shepstone.
186. Grey Lourie (Grey Go-away-bird) - Corythaixoides concolor concolor
Commonly observed at Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei NR and Kruger NP.
187. Klaas's Cuckoo - Chrysococcyx klaas
12/07 1 female near the Kubube hide in Mkuzi, with 2 near the entrance of the
reserve on 13/07.
188. Burchell's Coucal - Centropus burchelli
04/07 c5 at Nylsvlei.
07-10/07 Daily recorded in small numbers at Kruger NP.
12/07 1 near Nsumo Pan (Mkuzi).
16/07 1 near Mtunzini.
**This species is considered as a subspecies of White-browed Coucal - C.
superciliosus by Clements 2000.
189. Spotted Eagle Owl - Bubo africanus
11/07 1 spotlit near the entrance of Mkuzi.
19/07 1 spotlit along the R617 near Underberg.
21/07 1 spotlit along the R64 near Kimberley.
25/07 1 spotlit near Malgas.
190. Marsh Owl - Asio capensis capensis
04/07 2 were seen hunting at Nylsvlei.
191. African Barred Owl - Glaucidium capense capense
07/07 1 spotlit at Punda Maria camp.
192. Pearl-spotted Owl(et) - Glaucidium perlatum licua
03/07 2 near Rust De Winter NR.
193. African Scops Owl - Otus senegalensis senegalensis
08/07 1 spotlit at Shingwedzi, with 2 others heard there.
09/07 1 heard at Satara (Kruger NP).
194. Freckled Nightjar - Caprimulgus tristigma
01/08 1 heard in early morning near Clanwilliam.
195. Fiery-necked Nightjar - Caprimulgus pectoralis pectoralis
Heard at Shingwedzi (Kruger NP), Piet Retief (10/07), Mkuzi, Oribi Gorge and
Swellendam. 1 spotlit at Bonamanzi on 13/07.
196. Alpine Swift - Apus (Tachymarptis) melba
22/07 Common (c100) at the Big Hole (Kimberley).
25/07 A few seen near Malgas.
29/07 c6 at Eierkop along the R355.
197. Bradfield's Swift - Apus bradfieldi deserticola
22/07 10s at the Big Hole (Kimberley).
198. African Black Swift - Apus barbatus
Only few were seen during the trip: c20 at the Luvuvhu-bridge near Pafuri (Kruger
NP) and at least 2 among the many swifts at the Big Hole (Kimberley).
199. Little Swift - Apus affinis
The most common swift encountered.
200. Horus Swift - Apus horus
07/07 At least 1 among the swifts at the Luvuvhu-bridge near Pafuri.
201. African Palm Swift - Cypsiurus parvus (celer)
Regularly recorded in small numbers throughout the country.
202. Böhm's (Bat-like) Spinetail - Neafrapus boehmi sheppardi
07/07 1 was seen two times at the Pafuri picnic site.
203. Narina Trogon - Apaloderma narina littorale
14/07 1 was briefly seen in Bonamanzi (JH).
16/07 1 male gave good views in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
17/07 1 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
204. Red-faced Mousebird - Urocolius indicus
Seen at various places (Hans Merensky NR, Mkuzi, Kimberley, Karoo NP, .).
Many groups of mousebirds (often distant or only seen in flight) were left unidentified.
205. Speckled Mousebird - Colius striatus
Regularly seen throughout the country. First seen in Nylsvlei NR.
206. White-backed Mousebird - Colius colius - Endemic
Fairly common in the western half of the country; first seen in Kimberley.
207. Giant Kingfisher - Ceryle maxima maxima
06/07 1 in Hans Merensky NR.
07/07 1 at the Luvuvhu-bridge near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
Several singles were seen along the road, incl. 1 near Clanwilliam.
208. Pied Kingfisher - Ceryle rudis rudis
Regularly seen throughout the country.
209. Malachite Kingfisher - Alcedo cristata
06/07 1 in Hans Merensky NR.
14/07 1 at Bonamanzi.
16/07 2 at the Umlalazi lagoon (Mtunzini).
17/07 1 at the St. Lucia wetlands.
21/07 1 at the Himeville wetland.
210. Mangrove Kingfisher - Halcyon senegaloides senegaloides
16/07 1 well seen at the Umlalazi Lagoon near Mtunzini.
211. Brown-hooded Kingfisher - Halcyon albiventris albiventris
Fairly common throughout the country.
212. Little Bee-eater - Merops pusillus meridionalis
03/07 1 near Rust De Winter NR.
04/07 2 at Nylsvlei NR.
08/07 1 near Punda Maria (Kruger NP).
12/07 2 in Mkuzi.
14/07 2 in Bonamanzi.
213. White-fronted Bee-eater - Merops bullockoides
07/07 Common near Pafuri, with up to 50 at a breeding colony near Letaba river.
09-10/07 Recorded in small numbers at various places in Kruger NP.
214. Lilac-breasted Roller - Coracias caudata caudata
Common in the northeast of the country, especially in Kruger NP.
215. Purple (Rufous-crowned) Roller - Coracias naevia
08-10/07 Daily recorded in Kruger NP, but only c5 seen in total.
216. Trumpeter Hornbill - Bycanistes bucinator
07/07 2 at the river loop near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
Fairly common in Mkuzi, Port Shepstone and Oribi Gorge.
217. Crowned Hornbill - Tockus alboterminatus
07/07 2 at the Pafuri picnic site.
12/07 1 along the River view walk in Mkuzi.
17/07 1 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
?18/07 1 in Oribi Gorge.
19/07 6 in Port Shepstone.
218. (African) Grey Hornbill - Tockus nasutus epirhinus
03/07 1 in Rust De Winter NR.
08-10/07 Regularly seen in small numbers in Kruger NP.
219. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill - Tockus leucomelas
Commonly observed in Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei NR, Kruger NP and Mkuzi NP.
220. Red-billed Hornbill - Tockus erythrorhynchus rufirostris
03/07 2 near Rust De Winter NR
04/07 1 near Nylsvlei NR.
08-10/07 Few reported at the picnic sites in Kruger NP.
Obviously less common than Yellow-billed Hornbill.
221. Red-billed Woodhoopoe - Phoeniculus purpureus
05/07 2 along the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
08/07 2 at the Babalala picnic site (Kruger NP).
12/07 2 in Mkuzi.
222. Greater Scimitarbill - Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
06/07 1 in Hans Merensky NR.
09/07 1 at the Mooiplaas picnic site (Kruger NP).
223. African Hoopoe - Upupa africana
06-10/07 Regularly seen in Kruger NP and surroundings.
22-23/07 Fairly common in the Kimberley area.
25/07 1 in the Malgas area.
**This species is considered a subspecies of Eurasian Hoopoe - Upupa epops
by Clements.
224. Scaly-throated Honeyguide - Indicator variegatus
14/07 1 seen briefly in Bonamanzi (TG and WV).
17/07 1 singing along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
18/07 1 singing along the Mziki walk at Oribi Gorge NR.
225. Lesser Honeyguide - Indicator minor minor
19/07 1 along the Baboon view walk at Oribi Gorge.
226. Sharp-billed (Wahlberg's) Honeyguide - Prodotiscus regulus
regulus
16/07 1 in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
19/07 1 along the Baboon view walk at Oribi Gorge.
227. Black-collared Barbet - Lybius torquatus torquatus
Observed in small numbers at Nylsvlei, Hans Merensky NR and Oribi Gorge. Heard
only at other places.
228. White-eared Barbet - Stactolaema leucotis leucotis
12/07 5 along the River view walk in Mkuzi.
16/07 5 near the Rapphia Palm Monument at Mtunzini.
17/07 2 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
229. Crested Barbet - Trachyphomus vaillantii vaillantii
Singles were seen at Nylsvlei NR, Punda Maria, Shingwedzi and Skukuza (Kruger
NP) and the Big Hole (Kimberley).
230. Acacia Pied Barbet - Tricholaema leucomelas leucomelas
30/07 2 at Katbakkies were the only ones of the trip.
231. Red-fronted Tinkerbarbet - Pogoniulus pusillus pusillus
12/07 1 along the River View walk in Mkuzi, with 1 at the swimming pool of the
reserve on 13/07.
14/07 2 at Bonamanzi.
18/07 Several heard at Oribi Gorge.
232. Golden-rumped Tinkerbarbet - Pogoniulus bilineatus bilineatus
14/07 c10 at Bonamanzi.
Singles were recorded in Pigeon Valley (Durban) and along the Mvubu trail at
Cape Vidal.
233. Red-throated Wryneck - Jynx ruficollis
11/07 2 gave good views along the Amersfoort road near Wakkerstroom.
18/07 2 along the Mziki walk at Oribi Gorge.
234. Ground Woodpecker - Geocolaptes olivaceus - Endemic
11/07 3 at the Slang River bridge near Wakkerstroom (ssp. prometheus).
24/07 1 at the Klipspringerpas in Karoo NP.
235. Olive Woodpecker - Mesopicos griseocephalus griseocephalus
06/07 2 seen along the Forest Drive in Woodbush Forest Reserve.
18-19/07 2 + 1 at Oribi Gorge.
236. Cardinal Woodpecker - Dendropicos fuscescens intermedius
04/07 1 pair was well seen at Nylsvlei NR.
07/07 3 near Pafuri (Kruger NP), with 1 near Shingwedzi on 08/07.
237. Golden-tailed Woodpecker - Campethera abingoni suahelica
09/07 1 female at the Mooiplaas picnic site.
12/07 2 + 1 along the River View walk in Mkuzi.
14/07 1 in Bonamanzi.
16/07 1 in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
18/07 1 near Paddock (Oribi Gorge).
238. Bennett's Woodpecker - Campethera bennetti bennettii
04/07 1 female near Nylsvlei NR.
10/07 1 at the Tshokwane picnic site (Kruger NP).
239. Knysna Woodpecker - Campethera notata - Endemic
18/07 1 near Paddock (Oribi Gorge).
240. Bearded Woodpecker - Thripias namaquus coalescens
07/07 1 female near the Pafuri picnic site (Kruger NP).
241. Clapper Lark - Mirafra apiata marjoriae - Endemic
26/07 1 singing near Malgas.
242. Karoo Lark - Certhilauda albescens - Endemic
29/07 c4 near Eierkop along the R355, with 1 near Katbakkies on 30/07.
243. Long-billed Lark - Certhilauda curvirostris - Near-Endemic
Note: This species is split into 5 species by Clements: Cape Lark, Eastern Long-billed
Lark, Karoo Long-billed Lark, Agulhas Lark and Benguela Lark.
11/07 1 near Wakkerstroom (Eastern, ssp. semitorquata).
24/07 2 at Lammertjiesleegte in Karoo NP (Karoo, ssp. subcoronata).
25/07 2 near Malgas (Agulhas, ssp. brevirostris).
244. Southern Thick-billed Lark - Galerida magnirostris harei
- Endemic
Regularly seen in the Karoo, plus 2 in West Coast NP.
245. Sabota Lark - Mirafra sabota
04/07 2 in Nylsvlei NR.
08-10/07 Almost daily recorded in small numbers in Kruger NP.
246. Fawn-coloured Lark - Mirafra africanoides
23/07 3 along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area).
247. Red-capped Lark - Calandrella cinerea anderssoni
11/07 Common in the Wakkerstroom area.
20/07 c4 at Sani Pass.
25-26/07 Common near Malgas.
248. Spike-heeled Lark - Chersomanes albofasciata
11/07 4 along the road to Amersfoort (Wakkerstroom area).
22/07 2 along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area).
249. Mosque Swallow - Hirundo senegalensis monteiri
08/07 4 along the S60 near Punda Maria (Kruger NP).
10/07 2 south of Satara (Kruger NP).
250. Lesser Striped Swallow - Hirundo abyssinica unitatis
Fairly common in Kruger NP and Mkuzi.
251. Wire-tailed Swallow - Hirundo smithii smithii
Fairly common in Hans Merensky NR and Kruger NP.
252. Pearl-breasted Swallow - Hirundo dimidiata dimidiata
04/07 Common at Nylsvlei NR.
09/07 Few at Shingwedzi river (Kruger NP).
253. Black Saw-wing Swallow - Psalidoprocne holomelas holomelas
16/07 10+ at Mtunzini.
17/07 Few at St. Lucia.
25/07 2 at Grootvadersbosch.
254. Brown-throated Martin - Riparia paludicola
Small numbers at Nylsvlei (4), Kruger NP, Malgas and Inverdoorndam (1; Katbakkies
area).
255. Banded Martin - Riparia cincta cincta
17/07 2 at the marshes between St. Lucia and Cape Vidal.
256. Rock Martin - Hirundo fuligula pretoriae
Regularly seen in small numbers throughout the country.
257. Grey-rumped Swallow - Pseudhirundo griseopyga
09/07 6 along a river north of Satara (Kruger NP).
258. Fork-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus adsimilis
Common throughout the country, except in the Karoo region.
259. Square-tailed Drongo - Dicrurus ludwigii
Recorded in small numbers at Woodbush Forest Reserve, Pigeon Valley and along
the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
260. Black Cuckooshrike - Campephaga flava
09/07 1 male at the Mooiplaas picnic site (Kruger NP).
14/07 1 pair in Bonamanzi.
17/07 1 female along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
261. Grey Cuckooshrike - Coracina caesia caesia
05-06/07 c5 at Woodbush Forest Reserve (Magoebaskloof).
18-19/07 1 + 2 in Oribi Gorge.
25/07 1 in Grootvadersbosch.
262. Eastern Black-headed Oriole - Oriolus larvatus
Fairly common in the eastern part of the country.
263. White-necked Raven - Corvus albicollis
18-19/07 2 + 4 at Oribi Gorge.
20/07 2 near Sani Pass.
25-27/07 Several pairs seen along the road (Hermanus, Cape Peninsula, .)
264. Pied Crow - Corvus albus
Regularly seen in small numbers throughout the country. Not as common as Carrion
Crow in Europe.
265. Black Crow (Cape Rook) - Corvus capensis
11/07 c10 in the Wakkerstroom area.
20/07 4 along the road to Sani Pass.
21/07 c10 in the fields in the Himeville area.
25-26/07 Fairly common in the Malgas area.
266. Southern Grey Tit - Parus afer - Endemic
25/07 1 near Malgas.
30/07 2 at Katbakkies, + 2 along the R355.
267. Southern Black Tit - Parus niger niger
Regularly encountered in Rust De Winter NR (2), Kruger NP, Mkuzi (1) and Oribi
Gorge, often in pairs.
268. Arrow-marked Babbler - Turdoides jardineii jardineii
Commonly observed in Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei NR and Kruger NP, mostly in
groups up to ten.
269. Cape Bulbul - Pycnonotus capensis - Endemic
Common in the Western Cape region. First seen at Grootvadersbosch.
270. African Red-eyed Bulbul (Black-fronted Bulbul) - Pycnonotus nigricans - Near-Endemic
Common in the Kimberley area and in Karoo NP.
271. Black-eyed (Common) Bulbul - Pycnonotus barbatus
Very common in the eastern part of the country.
272. Terrestrial Bulbul (Brownbul) - Phyllastrephus terrestris
07/07 1 at the Pafuri picnic site (Kruger NP).
13/07 2 in Mkuzi.
14/07 Few seen at Bonamanzi.
17/07 1 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
18/07 Fairly common at Oribi Gorge.
273. Yellow-streaked Bulbul - Phyllastrephus flavostriatus
05-06/07 Fairly common at Woodbush Forest Reserve (Magoebaskloof).
274. Sombre Bulbul (Greenbul) - Andropadus importunus
Fairly common at Magoebaskloof, Mkuzi, Bonamanzi, Pigeon Valley, Cape Vidal
and Oribi Gorge.
275. African Yellow-bellied Bulbul - Chlorocichla flaviventris
Recorded in small numbers at Pafuri (1), Punda Maria, Mkuzi, Bonamanzi, Pigeon
Valley, Cape Vidal and Oribi Gorge.
276. Yellow-spotted (Eastern) Nicator - Nicator gularis
12/07 1 briefly seen near Nsumo Pan in Mkuzi.
14/07 1 in Bonamanzi.
17/07 1 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal (WV).
277. Olive Thrush - Turdus olivaceus
16/07 1 in Pigeon Valley (Durban) (ssp. pondoensis).
18-19/07 Fairly common at Oribi Gorge NR.
20/07 Few seen around Sani Lodge (ssp. culminans).
22-23 Fairly common at Beaconsfield Park 1908 (Kimberley).
24/07 c4 at the camping in Karoo NP.
25/07 Several in Grootvadersbosch (ssp olivaceus).
*South African Olive Thrushes may be classified as two species: Cape Thrush
and Namaqua Thrush.
278. Kurrichane Thrush - Turdus libonyanus libonyanus
Only observed in Kruger NP, with 1 near Pafuri, 1 at Punda Maria camp and 1
at the Mooiplaas picnic site.
279. Groundscraper Thrush - Psophocichla litsipsirupa litsipsirupa
08/07 2 were seen along the H1-8 in the surroundings of Punda Maria.
10/07 1 was foraging on the lawn of Satara camp (Kruger NP).
280. Spotted Ground Thrush - Zoothera guttata guttata
16/07 1 gave good views in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
18/07 1 was well seen at the hutted camp of Oribi Gorge NR.
*Classified as ENDANGERED by Collar et al. 1994.
281. Cape Rock Thrush - Monticola rupestris - Endemic
18/07 6 on the Mziki walk at Oribi Gorge NR.
20/07 c6 along the road to Sani Pass.
25/07 1 male in Towerkop NR.
26/07 1-2 at Sir Lowry's Pass.
282. Sentinel Rock Thrush - Monticola explorator - Endemic
11/07 4 along the road to Amersfoort (Wakkerstroom area).
20/07 1 male along the road to Sani Pass.
283. Short-toed Rock Thrush - Monticola brevipes
22-23/07 2 males and 2 females along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area).
284. Cape (Rufous) Rockjumper - Chaetops frenatus - Endemic
26/07 1 splendid male was seen near the road at Sir Lowry's Pass.
285. Orange-breasted Rockjumper - Chaetops aurantius - Endemic
20/07 At least 6 were seen at Sani Pass.
286. Familiar Chat - Cercomela familiaris
03/07 1 at the entrance of Rust De Winter NR.
22-25/07 Fairly common in the Kimberley and Karoo region.
287. Sickle-winged Chat - Cercomela sinuata - Endemic
29/07 2 at Eierkop (TG).
30/07 2 at Inverdoorndam (along the R355).
288. Tractrac Chat - Cercomela tractrac - Near-Endemic
24/07 1 at Lammertjiesleegte in Karoo NP.
29/07 1 along the R355.
289. Karoo Chat - Cercomela schlegelii - Near-Endemic
24/07 4 at Lammertjiesleegte in Karoo NP.
29-30/07 4 along the R355, with another 2 near Katbakkies.
290. Mountain Chat (Wheatear) - Oenanthe monticola - Near-Endemic
11/07 3 near Zaaihoek Dam (Wakkerstroom area).
22/07 2 along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area).
24/07 c4 at Klipspringerpas in Karoo NP.
29-30/07 Few seen at Karoopoort.
291. Capped Wheatear - Oenanthe pileata
25/07 3 + 1 near Malgas.
30/07 1 at Inverdoorndam along the R355.
31/07 1 in West Coast NP, + 1 along the N7 near Malmesbury.
292. Buff-streaked Chat - Oenanthe bifasciata - Endemic
11/07 2 males at the Slang River bridge + 1 male near Zaaihoek dam (Wakkerstroom
area).
20/07 1 male along the road to Sani Pass.
21/07 2 males along the road between Himeville and Nottingham Road.
293. Common Stonechat - Saxicola torquata
Fairly common throughout the country.
**Considered by Clements as a distinct species (African Stonechat, S. torquata),
which clearly differs from Common Stonechat (S. rubicola).
294. Southern Anteating Chat - Myrmecocichla formicivora - Endemic
11/07 Fairly common in the Wakkerstroom area.
21/07 Several observed in the fields in the Himeville area.
24/07 At least 2 at Lammertjiesleegte in Karoo NP.
30/07 2 along the R355.
295. Mocking (Cliff-)Chat - Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
18-19/07 c10 + 2 in Oribi Gorge NR.
296. Chorister Robin(-chat) - Cossypha dichroa - Endemic
06/07 1 along the Forest Drive in Woodbush Forest Reserve.
16/07 2 along the boardwalk at the Rapphia Palm Monument (Mtunzini).
18/07 1 in the woods near Paddock, + 1 in Oribi Gorge NR on 19/07.
297. Natal Robin (Red-capped Robin-chat) - Cossypha natalensis
13-14/07 1 + 3 in Bonamanzi.
16/07 Few seen in Pigeon Valley and at the Rapphia Palm Monument.
17/07 4 on the Sugarloaf camping at St. Lucia.
298. Heuglin's Robin (White-browed Robin-chat) - Cossypha heuglini
12/07 1 at the entrance of Mkuzi (WV).
299. Cape Robin(-chat) - Cossypha caffra
11/07 1 at the Slang River bridge (Wakkerstroom area).
20/07-01/08 Almost daily recorded; the commonest robin of the trip.
300. African White-throated Robin(-chat) - Cossypha humeralis
- Endemic
12-13/07 Only recorded in Mkuzi: 2 + 1 + 1 seen.
301. Brown (Scrub-)Robin - Erythropygia signata - Endemic
14/07 1 singing at the campsite at Cape Vidal.
17/07 1 along the road to Cape Vidal, with several others heard only at the
same spot.
18-19/07 1 + 1 at Oribi Gorge NR.
302. Eastern Bearded (Scrub-)Robin - Erythropygia quadrivirgata
07/07 2 at the Luvuvhu-bridge near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
12-13/07 Fairly common in Mkuzi.
14/07 2 in Bonamanzi.
303. White-browed Robin (Red-backed Scrub-robin) - Erythropygia
leucophrys
03/07 1 near Rust De Winter NR
08/07 1 along the road between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi.
10/07 1 singing south of Skukuza (Kruger NP).
13/07 1 at the entrance of Mkuzi.
304. Kalahari (Scrub-)Robin - Erythropygia paena - Endemic
03/07 1 near Rust De Winter NR
22-23/07 Fairly common along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area).
305. Karoo (Scrub-)Robin - Erythropygia coryphoeus - Endemic
24/07 3 at Klipspringerpas in Karoo NP.
25/07 2 near Malgas
29-30/07 Fairly common in the Karoopoort and Katbakkies area.
306. (White-)Starred Robin - Pogonocichla stellata
18/07 At least 2 in the woods near Paddock, plus 1 at the bridge in Oribi Gorge
NR.
307. Yellow-throated (Wood-)Warbler - Phylloscopus ruficapillus
05/07 At least 2 in Woodbush Forest Reserve (Magoebaskloof).
18/07 2 were well seen along the Mziki walk in Oribi Gorge NR.
25/07 2 also gave good views in Grootvadersbosch.
308. Burnt-necked Eremomela - Eremomela usticollis
04/07 8 at Nylsvlei NR.
07-10/07 Almost daily recorded in Kruger NP.
309. Green-capped Eremomela - Eremomela scotops
09/07 2 at the Mooiplaas picnic site in Kruger NP.
310. Yellow-bellied Eremomela - Eremomela icteropygialis
08/07 1 briefly seen near a small stream between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi
(Kruger NP) (TG).
22-23/07 c6 along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area).
311. Karoo (Yellow-rumped) Eremomela - Eremomela gregalis -
Endemic
30/07 4 near Katbakkies.
312. Knysna (Scrub-)Warbler - Bradypterus sylvaticus - Endemic
27/07 2 seen in De Hel (Constantia, Cape peninsula).
313. Victorin's (Scrub-)Warbler - Bradypterus victorini - Endemic
25/07 Commonly heard on the slopes above the forest at Grootvadersbosch. One
was eventually taped out and excellent views could be obtained.
26/07 At least 2 were singing at Sir Lowry's Pass.
314. Barratt's Warbler - Bradypterus barratti
18/07 2 were heard only at the Paddock woods.
315. African Sedge (Bush) Warbler - Bradypterus baboecala
31/07 1 was seen near the Geelbek mudflat bird hide.
01/08 1 was singing at Kransvleipoort near Clanwilliam.
316. Cape Reed Warbler (Lesser Swamp-warbler) - Acrocephalus gracilirostris
Singles were recorded at a gas station near the N1 between Johannesburg and
Pretoria, at Rust De Winter NR, at Nylsvlei NR, in Karoo NP and at Katbakkies.
317. Cape Grassbird - Sphenoeacus afer - Endemic
06/07 1 near Magoebaskloof.
11/07 1 between Wakkerstroom and Wydgelegen.
20-21/07 Fairly common in the Sani Pass - Himeville region.
25/07 2 near Grootvadersbosch.
27/07 Fairly common in Cape the Good Hope NR.
318. Cinnamon-breasted (Kopje) Warbler - Euryptila subcinnamomea
- Endemic
30/07 2 at Katbakkies.
319. Green-backed Bleating Warbler - Caramoptera brachyura
12-19/07 Commonly observed in Mkuzi, Bonamanzi, St. Lucia and Mtunzini.
320. Grey-backed Bleating Warbler - Caramoptera brevicaudata
04/07 1 in Nylsvlei NR.
07/07 1 near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
09/07 1 in Kruger NP (exact place not noted).
**Green- and Grey-backed Bleating Warblers are regarded as conspecific by Clements.
321. Fairy Flycatcher (Warbler) - Stenostira scita - Endemic
04/07 1 at Nylsvlei NR (ssp. rudebecki).
24/07 2 in Karoo NP (ssp. saturatior).
29-30/07 c5 along the R355 and at Katbakkies.
322. Layard's Tit-babbler (Warbler) - Parisoma layardi - Endemic
24/07 4 seen in Karoo NP, plus others heard only.
29-30/07 2 along the R355, plus 2 at Katbakkies.
323. Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler (Rufous-vented Warbler) - Parisoma subcaeruleum
03/07 1 near Rust De Winter NR.
04/07 2 at Nylsvlei NR.
30/07 1 near Katbakkies.
31/07 1 in West Coast NP.
324. Long-billed (Cape) Crombec - Sylvietta rufescens
Fairly common in Nylsvlei NR, Kruger NP, Mkuzi and Bonamanzi, plus 1 seen at
Karoopoort.
325. Yellow-breasted Apalis - Apalis flavida
Recorded in small numbers at Magoebaskloof, Mkuzi, Bonamanzi, St. Lucia and
Oribi Gorge.
326. Rudd's Apalis - Apalis ruddi - Endemic
12/07 2 at Kubube hide and 2 at Kumasinga hide in Mkuzi.
14/07 1 in Bonamanzi.
327. Bar-throated Apalis - Apalis thoracica
05-06/07 c10 in Woodbush Forest Reserve.
16/07 Few seen at Pigeon Valley (Durban).
18/07 Few seen at Oribi Gorge.
25/07 Fairly common at Grootvadersbosch.
27/07 2 in De Hel (Constantia, Cape peninsula).
328. Fan-tailed (Zitting) Cisticola - Cisticola juncidis
04/07 Fairly common at Nylsvlei NR.
329. Cloud Cisticola - Cisticola textrix
31/07 At least 2 were singing at Tienie Versveld Flower Reserve.
*The Cape form textrix may be a future split.
330. Ayres' (Wing-snapping) Cisticola - Cisticola ayresii
11/07 Few were seen along the Amersfoort road near Wakkerstroom.
331. Neddicky (Piping Cisticola) - Cisticola fulvicapillus
Singles were recorded at Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei NR, Oribi Gorge NR.
332. Grey-backed (Red-headed) Cisticola - Cisticola subruficapillus
- Near-endemic
The most common cisticola in the western Cape region; recorded in Karoo NP,
Cape the Good Hope NR, Kommetjie, West Coast NP, Malgas and Katbakkies.
333. Wailing Cisticola - Cisticola lais
20/07 Fairly common along the road to Sani Pass.
334. Tinkling (Gray) Cisticola - Cisticola rufilatus
04/07 1 at Nylsvlei NR.
335. Croaking Cisticola - Cisticola natalensis
18/07 Heard only near Paddock.
336. Rattling Cisticola - Cisticola chiniana
Fairly common in Kruger NP, Mkuzi and Bonamanzi.
337. Lazy (Rock-loving) Cisticola - Cisticola aberrans
18/07 2 near Paddock + 2 in Oribi Gorge NR.
338. Levaillant's (Tinkling) Cisticola - Cisticola tinniens
11/07 1 seen along the road c20 km before Wakkerstroom.
22/07 2 at Kampfers dam (Kimberley).
31/07 c5 in West Coast NP.
339. Red-faced Cisticola - Cisticola erythrops
07/07 1 near Pafuri (Kruger NP).
340. Namaqua Warbler (Prinia) - Phragmacia substriata - Endemic
29/07 2-3 at Karoopoort
30/07 1 heard only along the R355.
341. Rufous-eared Warbler - Malcorus pectoralis - Endemic
22/07 2 along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area).
24/07 At least 1 at Lammertjiesleegte in Karoo NP.
29-30/07 2 at Eierkop, plus another one further along the R355.
342. Drakensberg Prinia - Prinia hypoxantha - Endemic
11/07 2 at the Slang River bridge in the Wakkerstroom area.
343. Spotted (Karoo) Prinia - Prinia maculosa - Endemic
Fairly common at Sani Pass, Karoo NP, Malgas, the Cape peninsula and along the
R355.
344. Tawny-flanked Prinia - Prinia subflava
Regularly observed at Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei NR, Kruger NP, Mkuzi and Paddock.
345. Black-chested Prinia - Prinia flavicans
Recorded in small numbers at Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei NR and in the Kimberley
area.
346. African Dusky Flycatcher - Muscicapa adusta
07/07 1 at Punda Maria (Kruger NP)
Commonly encountered in Mkuzi, Bonamanzi, St. Lucia, Mtunzini, Pigeon Valley,
Oribi Gorge NR and De Hel (Cape peninsula).
347. Blue-grey (Ashy) Flycatcher - Muscicapa caerulescens
07/07 3 at the Pafuri picnic site (Kruger NP).
12/07 1 at Kubube hide in Mkuzi.
14/07 3 + 3 at Bonamanzi.
17/07 1 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
348. Fan-tailed Flycatcher (Gray Tit-flycatcher) - Myioparus plumbeus
06/07 1 in Hans Merensky NR.
349. Southern Black Flycatcher - Melaenornis pammelaina
Regularly seen in small numbers at Hans Merensky NR (2), Kruger NP (2 + 2),
Mkuzi, Bonamanzi and Oribi Gorge (1).
350. Fiscal Flycatcher - Sigelus silens - Endemic
10/07 1 south of Satara (Kruger NP).
Commonly observed in the Kimberley and Karoo region.
351. Chat Flycatcher - Melaenornis (Bradornis) infuscatus
23/07 4 along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area), plus 4 along the road between
Hopetown and Beaufort West.
24/07 2 at Lammertjiesleegte in Karoo NP
30/07 1 at Katbakkies.
352. Marico Flycatcher - Melaenornis (Bradornis) mariquensis
04/07 2 + 1 at Nylsvlei NR.
05/07 1 near the N1 near Nylstroom.
353. Mouse-coloured (Pallid/Pale) Flycatcher - Melaenornis (Bradornis)
pallidus
12/07 3 near the airstrip in Mkuzi.
354. Blue-mantled (African Crested) Flycatcher - Trochocercus cyanomelas
18/07 2 in the woods near Paddock (Oribi Gorge area) (ssp. segregus).
25/07 1 in Grootvadersbosch (ssp. cyanomelas).
355. African Paradise Flycatcher - Terpsiphone viridis
08/07 1 near Shingwedzi river (ssp. plumbeiceps).
17/07 1 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
356. (African) Yellow White-eye - Zosterops senegalensis tongensis
14/07 2 at Bonamanzi.
357. Cape White-eye - Zosterops pallidus - Endemic
Common throughout the country. Subspecies capensis in the west and virens in
the east.
358. Pririt Batis - Batis pririt - Near-Endemic
30/07 1 pair gave good views at Katbakkies.
359. Cape Batis - Batis capensis - Endemic
Recorded in small numbers at Magoebaskloof, Oribi Gorge and Grootvadersbosch.
360. Woodward's Batis - Batis fratrum
14/07 1 male along the Mvubu trail, with 1 at the other end of the trail on
17/07
17/07 1 female on the Sugarloaf Camping at St. Lucia.
361. Chinspot Batis - Batis molitor
03/07 4 at Rust De Winter NR.
Daily recorded in Hans Merensky NR and Kruger NP; also seen in Mkuzi.
362. Wattle-eyed Flycatcher (Black-throated Wattle-eye) - Platysteira
peltata
16/07 1 male at the boardwalk at the Rapphia Palm Monument (Mtunzini).
363. Cape Wagtail - Motacilla capensis
Regularly seen throughout the country, except in Kruger NP.
364. African Pied Wagtail - Motacilla aguimp
Recorded in small numbers at Hans Merensky NR, Kruger NP, Mkuzi, St. Lucia and
near Oribi Gorge.
365. Long-tailed (Mountain) Wagtail - Motacilla clara torrentium
06/07 2 + 2 at Debengeni Falls near Magoebaskloof.
12/07 1 at the entrance of Mkuzi.
18/07 1 at the bridge in Oribi Gorge NR.
366. Grassveld Pipit - Anthus cinnamomeus
The most common pipit encountered. Noted in Kruger NP, Mkuzi, HluHluwe, St.
Lucia and Kimberley.
367. Long-billed Pipit - Anthus similis
Singles seen in Oribi Gorge NR, Karoo NP and Malgas. 2 were recorded below Sani
Pass.
368. Buffy Pipit - Anthus vaalensis
23/07 2 along the road to Langberg (Kimberley area).
369. Long-tailed Pipit - Anthus longicaudatus - Endemic
22/07 1 was well studied in Beaconsfield Park 1908 (Kimberley).
370. Striped Pipit - Anthus lineiventris
18/07 1 along the Mziki walk in Oribi Gorge NR.
19/07 1 along the Baboon View walk in Oribi Gorge NR.
371. Yellow-throated Longclaw - Macronyx croceus
13/07 2 on the airstrip of HluHluwe.
16/07 2 near the Rapphia Palm Monument (Mtunzini).
18/07 1 near Paddock (Oribi Gorge area).
372. Orange-throated Longclaw - Macronyx capensis - Endemic
04/07 2 at Nylsvlei NR (ssp. colletti).
11/07 c10 along the road to Amersfoort in the Wakkerstroom area, plus 2 near
Zaaihoek dam.
20/07 c4 near Sani Pass
21/07 2 near Himeville.
31/07 2 in West Coast NP (ssp. capensis).
373. Crimson-breasted Shrike (Gonolek) - Laniarius atrococcineus
- Near-Endemic
04/07 1 gorgeous individual was seen near Nylsvlei NR.
374. Southern Boubou - Laniarius ferrugineus - Endemic
Singles were regularly seen throughout the country, except in the Kimberley
and Karoo region. Often commonly heard.
375. Tropical Boubou - Laniarius aethiopicus mossambicus
07/07 2 + 1 at Pafuri (Kruger NP).
376. African Long-tailed (Magpie) Shrike - Corvinella melanoleuca
03/07 5 near Rust De Winter NR.
04/07 3 near Nylsvlei NR.
07-10/07 Daily recorded in small numbers in Kruger NP.
377. Common Fiscal Shrike - Lanius collaris
Common throughout the country (ssp. predator and collaris).
378. Black-crowned Tchagra - Tchagra senegala confusa
07-10/07 Daily recorded in Kruger NP.
379. Three-streaked (Brown-crowned) Tchagra - Tchagra australis
australis
04/07 1 in Nylsvlei NR.
08-09/07 Singles recorded in Kruger NP.
380. Southern Tchagra - Tchagra tchagra tchagra - Endemic
24/07 1 was well seen at the campsite of Karoo NP.
381. Grey-headed Bush-shrike - Malaconotus blanchoti
09/07 1 at the Mooiplaas picnic site in Kruger NP (ssp. hypopyrrhus).
18/07 1 in the woods near Paddock (ssp. extremus).
382. Bokmakierie - Telophorus zeylonus - Endemic
20/07 2 at the South African border near Sani Pass.
21/07 2 near Himeville.
Fairly common in the Karoo region.
383. Gorgeous (Four-coloured) Bush-shrike - Telophorus (viridis)
quadricolor
13/07 2 heard only near Kubube hide in Mkuzi. One was well seen at Bonamanzi,
with another one there on 14/07.
16/07 Heard only at Mtunzini.
384. Black-fronted Bush-shrike - Telophorus nigrifrons sandgroundi
06/07 1 male was seen along the Forest Drive in Woodbush Forest Reserve.
385. Olive Bush-shrike - Telophorus olivaceus olivaceus - Endemic
05/07 1 female in Woodbush Forest Reserve, with 1 male there on 06/07.
17/07 1 male along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
18/07 1 male in the woods near Paddock.
25/07 1 male in Grootvadersbosch.
386. Orange-(/Sulphur-)breasted Bush-shrike - Telophorus sulfureopectus
terminus
07-10/07 Daily observed in Kruger NP: 1 at Pafuri, 1 at Punda Maria, 1 between
Shingwedzi and Letaba and 1 near Skukuza.
12/07 1 along the River View Walk in Mkuzi.
387. White Helmet-shrike - Prionops plumatus poliocephalus
07/07 c10 near Punda Maria.
08/07 c6 near Shingwedzi (Kruger NP).
12/07 4 at the airstrip in Mkuzi.
388. Black-backed Puffback - Dryoscopus cubla
Commonly seen in the eastern part of the country.
389. Southern White-crowned Shrike - Eurocephalus anquitimens
08/07 1 near Punda Maria.
10/07 1 near Lower Sabie (Kruger NP).
390. Brubru - Nilaus afer
07/07 2 near Pafuri.
09/07 1 at the Mooiplaas picnic site (Kruger NP).
391. Greater Blue-eared Starling - Lamprotornis chalybaeus nordmanni
08-10/07 Common at the picnic and campsites in Kruger NP.
392. African (Cape) Glossy Starling - Lamprotornis nitens culminator
Commonly encountered on the first days of the trip (Rust De Winter NR, Nylsvlei
NR, Kruger NP, .). Afterwards we didn't pay much attention to glossy starlings.
393. Black-bellied Starling - Lamprotornis corruscus corruscus
13/07 1 in Mkuzi; 20+ in Bonamanzi, with 50+ there on 14/07.
16/07 30+ at Mtunzini.
17/07 Several groups at St. Lucia.
18/07 c15 at Oribi Gorge.
394. Burchell's Starling - Lamprotornis australis
09-10/07 Only recorded in Kruger NP, in the surroundings of Satara, where fairly
common.
395. Meve's Long-tailed Starling - Lamprotornis mevesii mevesii
07/07 25+ at Pafuri (Kruger NP).
396. Pale-winged Starling - Onychognathus nabouroup - Endemic
24/07 Fairly common at Lammertjiesleegte in Karoo NP.
397. Red-winged Starling - Onychognathus morio morio
11/07 2 at Wakkerstroom.
Commonly encountered in the second half of the trip.
398. Indian (Common) Myna - Acridotheres tristis
15/07 Fairly common in Johannesburg, Durban and Port Shepstone.
399. European (Common) Starling - Sturnus vulgaris
26/07 Fairly common near Malgas.
400. Wattled Starling - Creatophora cinerea
22-23/07 Fairly common in the Kimberley region.
31/07 15+ in West Coast NP.
401. African Pied Starling - Spreo bicolor - Endemic
11/07 Common in the Wakkerstroom area.
19-21/07 Fairly common in the Himeville area - Pevensey.
29-30/07 Regularly seen along the Tanqua-Karoo Loop.
402. Red-billed Oxpecker - Buphagus erythrorhynchus
09-10/07 Commonly encountered in the southern part of Kruger NP.
13/07 c6 in Mkuzi.
403. Cape Sugarbird - Promerops cafer - Endemic
26/07 Up to 6 at Sir Lowry's Pass.
27/07 2 at Cape the Good Hope NR.
404. Gurney's Sugarbird - Promerops gurneyi gurneyi - Endemic
18/07 2 at Paddock (Oribi Gorge area).
20/07 3 along the road to Sani Pass.
405. Malachite Sunbird - Nectarinia famosa famosa
24/07 1 male at the campsite in Karoo NP.
25/07 1 male at Grootvadersbosch.
27/07 1 along the Ou Kaapse Weg (Cape peninsula).
29/07 1 male along the road to Katbakkies.
30/07 1 male at Katbakkies.
31/07 2 in West Coast NP.
01/08 1 at Clanwilliam.
406. Orange-breasted Sunbird - Nectarinia (Antobaphes) violacea
- Endemic
26/07 2 males at Sir Lowry's Pass.
407. Scarlet-chested Sunbird - Nectarinia (Chalcomitra) senegalensis
gutturalis
07-08/07 Common at Punda Maria (Kruger NP).
12-13/07 c4 in Mkuzi.
408. African Black (Amethyst) Sunbird - Nectarinia (Chalcomitra)
amethystina
03/07 1 splendid male in Rust De Winter NR.
04/07 1 male in Nylsvlei NR.
18-19/07 2 at the hutted camp in Oribi Gorge NR.
409. Grey (Mouse-coloured) Sunbird - Nectarinia (Cyanomitra) veroxii
14/07 2 at Bonamanzi.
16/07 2 at Pigeon Valley.
18/07 1 at Oribi Gorge NR.
410. (Eastern) Olive Sunbird - Nectarinia (Cyanomitra) olivacea
14/07 1 at the campsite at Cape Vidal.
16/07 2 at Pigeon Valley (Durban).
17/07 2 at the Sugarloaf Camping at St. Lucia.
18-19/07 Common at Oribi Gorge NR and surroundings.
411. Collared Sunbird - Anthreptes (Hedydipna) collaris
A fairly common species in the eastern part of the country.
412. White-bellied (-breasted) Sunbird - Nectarinia (Cinnyris) talatala
The commonest sunbird in eastern South Africa.
22/07 1 male was seen near Kimberley.
413. Greater Double-collared Sunbird - Nectarinia (Cinnyris) afra
- Endemic
18-19/07 At least 4 at the hutted camp in Oribi Gorge NR.
25/07 Fairly common at Grootvadersbosch.
414. Lesser (Southern) Double-collared Sunbird - Nectarinia (Cinnyris) chalybea
- Endemic
Commonly encountered at Magoebaskloof, Karoo NP, the Cape peninsula and the
Katbakkies area (both ssp. subalaris and chalybea).
415. Marico Sunbird - Nectarinia (Cinnyris) mariquensis
03/07 1 male near Rust De Winter NR.
05/07 1 male along the road to Magoebaskloof
09/07 1 male at Shingwedzi (Kruger NP).
416. Purple-banded Sunbird - Nectarinia (Cinnyris) bifasciata strophium
13/07 1 pair at the airstrip of HluHluwe, plus 1 male in Bonamanzi.
417. Great (Rufous) Sparrow - Passer motitensis
04/07 1 female was seen near Nylsvlei NR.
418. House Sparrow - Passer domesticus
Fairly common in urban area's.
419. Cape Sparrow (Mossie) - Passer melanurus melanurus - Endemic
Regularly seen throughout the country, except in Kruger NP and along the East
Coast.
420. Southern Grey-headed (Cape) Sparrow - Passer diffusus diffusus
03/07 2 near Rust De Winter NR.
07-10/07 Daily recorded in Kruger NP.
421. African Yellow-throated Sparrow (Petronia) - Petronia superciliaris
04/07 1 at Nylsvlei NR.
08/07 1 at Punda Maria (Kruger NP).
19/07 2 at Oribi Gorge NR.
422. Red-billed Buffalo-weaver - Bubalornis niger
10/07 Common at Satara, plus c5 at Sunset dam (Kruger NP).
423. White-browed Sparrow-weaver - Plocepasser mahali mahali
04/07 10 at Nylsvlei NR.
22-23/07 Recorded in small numbers in the Kimberley area.
424. Thick-billed (Grosbeak) Weaver - Amblyospiza albifrons albifrons
14/07 1 female at Bonamanzi.
16/07 4 in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
19/07 2 in Port Shepstone.
425. Forest Weaver - Ploceus bicolor bicolor
12-13/07 c5 in Mkuzi.
14/07 15+ at Bonamanzi.
16/07 2 in Pigeon Valley (Durban).
17/07 6 along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
18/07 c10 in the woods near Paddock (Oribi Gorge area).
426. Sociable (Social) Weaver - Philetarius socius - Endemic
23/07 c5 at a nest along the N12 between Kimberley and Hopetown.
427. Spotted-backed (Village) Weaver - Ploceus cucullatus spilonotus
03-05/07 c4 at a gas station along the N1 between Pretoria and Johannesburg
14/07 1 male at Bonamanzi.
428. Southern (African) Masked Weaver - Ploceus velatus velatus
Many unidentified weavers in winter plumage in the eastern part of the country
probably belonged to this species, as nests were obvious. In the western part
however, all males were almost fully summer plumaged, so identification was
a lot easier. Fairly common in the Kimberley area, Karoo NP, Malgas area and
Katbakkies.
429. Lesser Masked Weaver - Ploceus intermedius cabanisii
08/07 c5 between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi.
09/07 c 5 between Mopani and Letaba (Kruger NP).
430. Spectacled Weaver - Ploceus ocularis brevior
07/07 1 female at Pafuri; 08/07 1 male between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi; 09/07
1 male between Letaba and Satara (Kruger NP).
14/07 1 male at Bonamanzi.
431. Cape Weaver - Ploceus capensis - Endemic
25-26/07 Fairly common in the Malgas area.
30/07 Small numbers present at Katbakkies.
31/07 Few in West Coast NP.
432. Yellow (African Golden) Weaver - Ploceus subaureus
12/07 2 along the River View walk in Mkuzi.
17/07 4 in the Sugarloaf Camping at St. Lucia.
19/07 1 in Oribi Gorge NR.
433. Red-headed Weaver - Anaplectes rubriceps rubriceps
07/07 1 between Punda Maria and Pafuri; 08/07 1 between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi;
09/07 1 male at the Mooiplaas picnic site (Kruger NP).
434. Red-billed Quelea - Quelea quelea lathami
07/07 c10 at Pafuri (Kruger NP).
21/07 Several groups in the fields in the Himeville area.
25/07 Few were seen in the Malgas area.
435. Southern Red Bishop - Euplectes orix sundevalli
04-05/07 Common along the N1 north of Johannesburg.
11/07 Fairly common in the Wakkerstroom area.
22/07 c40 at Kampfers Dam (Kimberley).
25-26/07 Several groups in the Malgas area.
436. Long-tailed Widow(-bird) - Euplectes progne progne
04/07 c20 at a gas station along the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
11/07 Common in the Wakkerstroom area.
437. Red-collared Widow(-bird) - Euplectes ardens ardens
21/07 c25 in the fields in the Himeville area.
438. White-winged Widow(-bird) - Euplectes albonotatus albonotatus
08/07 5 between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi (Kruger NP).
09/07 10 in the surroundings of Satara (Kruger NP).
439. Red-shouldered Widow(-bird) - Euplectes axillaris
11/07 c20 in fields along the R543 c20 km before Wakkerstroom.
440. Yellow-rumped Widow (Yellow Bishop) - Euplectes capensis approximans
20/07 c10 along the road to Sani Pass.
31/07 4 males in breeding plumage in West Coast NP.
441. Pin-tailed Whydah - Vidua macroura
19/07 c20 in Port Shepstone.
442. Purple Widowfinch - Vidua purpurascens
09/07 5+ near Satara (Kruger NP).
443. Blue-billed Firefinch - Lagonosticta rubricata rubricata
04/07 At least 3 in Nylsvlei NR.
06/07 2 in Woodbush Forest Reserve, plus c5 in Hans Merensky NR.
18/07 2 at Oribi Gorge NR, with another 2 there on 19/07.
20/07 2 along the road to Sani Pass.
444. Jameson's Firefinch - Lagonosticta rhodopareia jamesoni
06/07 At least 3 in Hans Merensky NR.
09/07 2 near Satara (Kruger NP).
445. Red-billed Firefinch - Lagonosticta senegala rendalli
06/07 3 in Hans Merensky NR.
16/07 4 at the Rapphia Palm Monument (Mtunzini).
446. Swee Waxbill - Estrilda melanotis - Endemic
06/07 15+ in Woodbush Forest Reserve (Magoebaskloof).
18-19/07 1 pair in the woods near Paddock (Oribi Gorge area).
25/07 2 at Grootvadersbosch.
447. Black-cheeked Waxbill - Estrilda erythronotos
04/07 1 in Nylsvlei NR.
448. Grey (Black-tailed) Waxbill - Estrilda perreini incana
12/07 4 at Kumasinga hide (Mkuzi)
14/07 5 + 10 at Bonamanzi.
449. Common Waxbill - Estrilda astrild
Almost daily recorded in the first half of the trip.
450. Violet-eared Waxbill - Uraeginthus granatinus
04/07 1 in Nylsvlei NR.
451. Blue Waxbill (Blue-breasted Cordonbleu) - Uraeginthus
angolensis
Fairly common in the eastern part of the country.
452. Melba Finch (Green-winged Pytilia) - Pytilia melba thamnophil
05/07 1 male at a gas station along the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
08/07 1 male at Punda Maria (Kruger NP). 09/07 1 female near
Satara (Kruger NP).
453. Orange-breasted (Zebra) Waxbill - Sporaeginthus subflavus (Amandava
subflava)
04/07 c10 at a gas station along the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
454. Pink-throated Twinspot - Hypargos margaritatus - Endemic
12/07 2 + 1 along the River View Walk in Mkuzi, with another pair at the Kumasinga
hide (also in Mkuzi).
455. Green(-backed) Twinspot - Mandingoa nitidula nitidula
17/07 2 were briefly seen along the Mvubu trail at Cape Vidal.
18/07 2 gave good views in the woods near Paddock (Oribi Gorge area).
456. Bronze Mannikin - Spermestes (Lonchura) cucullatus scutatus
13/07 1 at HluHluwe.
19/07 Fairly common at Port Shepstone.
457. Pied (Magpie) Mannikin - Spermestes (Lonchura) fringilloides
19/07 c20 at Port Shepstone.
458. Scaly-feathered Finch (Scaly Weaver) - Sporopipes squamifrons
22/07 c15 along the road to Langberg, with 1 there on 23/07.
459. Yellow Canary - Serinus flaviventris - Near-Endemic
22-23/07 2 in Beaconsfield Park 1908, 4 along the road to Langberg.
25-26/07 1 in the Malgas area.
30/07 2 + 1 along the R355, plus 2 at Eierkop (Katbakkies area).
31/07 2 in West Coast NP.
460. Bully (Brimstone) Canary - Serinus sulphuratus
16/07 2 in the surroundings of Pigeon Valley (Durban).
25/07 Fairly common at Grootvadersbosch.
29/07 1 at Karoopoort.
461. Yellow-eyed Canary - Serinus mozambicus
Fairly common throughout the country.
462. Black-throated Canary - Serinus atrogularis
03/07 1 at a gas station along the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
463. Forest Canary - Serinus scotops - Endemic
25/07 c10 at Grootvadersbosch.
464. Cape (Yellow-crowned) Canary - Serinus canicollis
06/07 15+ in Woodbush Forest Reserve.
29/07 2 at Simon's Town.
31/07 2 at Clanwilliam.
465. White-throated Canary - Serinus albogularis - Near-Endemic
24/07 2 in Karoo NP.
25-26/07 1 in the Malgas area.
29/07 1 at Karoopoort.
31/07 1 in West Coast NP.
466. Protea Canary - Serinus leucopterus - Endemic
01/08 2 at Kransvleipoort (Clanwilliam).
467. Streaky-headed Canary - Serinus gularis
05/07 1 at a gas station along the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria.
19/07 1 at the Baboon View Walk at Oribi Gorge.
25/07 1 at Towerkop NR.
468. Drakensberg Siskin - Pseudochloroptila (Serinus) symonsi
- Endemic
20/07 2 + 3 at Sani Pass.
469. Cape Siskin - Pseudochloroptila (Serinus) tottus - Endemic
25/07 1 pair was seen twice at Grootvadersbosch.
470. Chaffinch - Fringilla coelebs
27/07 Heard only at De Hel (Constantia, Cape peninsula).
471. Golden-breasted Bunting - Emberiza flaviventris flaviventris
Fairly common in the eastern part of the country. Noted in Nylsvlei NR, Kruger
NP, Bonamanzi, and 2 near Sani Pass.
472. Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting - Emberiza tahapisi tahapisi
08/07 1 along the H13-2 between Punda Maria and Shingwedzi (Kruger NP).
24/07 1 in Karoo NP (TG).
473. Cape Bunting - Emberiza capensis
A common species in the Wakkerstroom area, Sani Pass, Karoo NP, the Cape Peninsula
and the Katbakkies area (ssp. reidi and basutoensis).
Mammal
List
Names from Stuart & Stuart - Field Guide to Mammals of Southern Africa.
01. Smith's Rock Elephant-shrew (Elephantulus rupestris) or Cape Rock Elephant-shrew (E. edwardii) - An elephant shrew seen in Karoo NP must have been one of these
species.
02. Wahlberg's Epauletted Fruit-bat (Epomophorus wahlbergi)
and/or Peters's Epauletted Fruit-bat (E. crypturus) - Fruit-bats seen in Skukuza belonged to one of these species.
03. Savanna Baboon (Papio cynocephalus ursinus) - Fairly common throughout the country, especially
in the national parks and game reserves.
04. Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) - Regularly seen in the northeastern part of the country
(Rust De Winter, Nylsvlei area).
05. Samango (Blue) Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis) - Common at Cape Vidal.
06. Thick-tailed Bushbaby (Galago crassicaudatus) - One was seen in the evening at Punda Maria Camp
(Kruger NP).
07. Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis)
08. Ground Squirrel (Xerus inauris)
09. Tree Squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi)
10. Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) - One was seen at Bonamanzi.
11. Small Grey Mongoose (Galerella pulverulenta) - Several were seen in Karoo NP.
12. Dwarf Mongoose (Helogale parvula) - One was briefly seen near Punda Maria (Kruger NP).
13. Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata) - Common in the Wakkerstroom and the Malgas area.
14. Suricate (Suricata surcicatta) - Few were seen in the Wakkerstroom
area.
15. Large-spotted Genet (Genetta tigrina) - One was seen at Punda Maria restcamp (Kruger NP).
16. Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta) - One was seen at Punda Maria (Kruger NP).
17. Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) - 3 were seen along the S60 in
the northern part of Kruger NP !
18. Lion (Panthera leo) - 3 females were seen south of Satara,
whilst a rather distant male was observed south of Lower Sabie (Kruger NP).
19. Elephant (Loxodonta africana) - More than 50 were recorded
in the Kruger NP.
20. Rock Dassie (Hyrax) (Procavia capensis) - Fairly common in the vicinity of Zaaihoek dam (Wakkerstroom),
Sani Pass, Hermanus, .
21. Cape Mountain Zebra (Equus zebra zebra) - One party was encountered in Karoo NP.
22. Plains Zebra (Equus burchellii) - Formerly called Burchell's Zebra, this species was fairly
common in national parks and game reserves (Kruger NP, Mkuzi, St. Lucia, .).
23. Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) - Recorded in Mkuzi, Bonamanzi
and St. Lucia Wetland Reserve.
24. Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) - Encountered in Kruger NP (where common), Mkuzi
and the St. Lucia Reserve.
25. Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis) - First seen in Nylsvlei
26. Buffalo (Syncerus caffer) - 7 were seen south of Satara
(Kruger NP).
27. Eland (Taurotragus oryx) - 3 were seen along the road to
Sani Pass.
28. Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) - Regularly seen in small
numbers in Kruger NP.
29. Nyala (Tragelaphus angasii) - First seen in Kruger NP, but
especially common in Mkuzi Game Reserve.
30. Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) - One was seen at Grootvadersbosch
State Forest.
31. Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) - Small numbers (parties
of up to 5) were observed in Kruger NP.
32. Reedbuck (Redunca arundinum) - Few were present at Nsumo
pan (Mkuzi).
33. Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus) - Recorded in Kruger NP, Mkuzi and Bonamanzi Game
Reserve.
34. Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus) - A small party was present in Karoo NP.
35. Bontebok (Damaliscus dorcas dorcas) - Few were seen in Cape
the Good Hope NP.
36. Impala (Aepyceros melampus) - Abundant in game reserves.
37. Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) - Regularly seen in the
Kimberley area and Karoo NP.
38. Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus) - At least 2 were seen in Karoo NP.
39. Steenbok (Raphicerus campestris) - Singles were seen at
Shingwedzi and Satara (Kruger NP) and 2 were seen near Katbakkies.
40. Red Duiker (Cephalophus natalensis) - One was present at
the Sugarloaf camping at St.Lucia, whilst another was seen along the Mvubu trail
at Cape Vidal.
41. Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) - One was seen south of Satara (Kruger NP).
42. (Southern) Right Whale (Eubalaena glacialis) - 2 rather distant individuals were observed at Hermanus.
43. Long-finned Pilot Whale (Globicephala melas) - c20 were seen off Simon's Town.
44. Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) - c50 were seen off Simon's Town, and even more were recorded
off Durban.
45. Cape Fur Seal (Arctocephalus pusillus) - Several groups were at sea off Simon's Town.
What
did we miss?
Only few (near-) endemic
birds were missed, notably:
* Southern White-bellied Korhaan - Eupodotis cafra - We didn't have any stake-outs for this species, although
it can be found with perseverance at several places in Transvaal. Local birders
Gavin and Lindsay Walker told us the species can readily be seen in the Dullstroom
district. According to Top Birding Spots, it may also be observed in
the Wakkerstroom area, where it prefers longer, dense grasslands at lower altitudes.
* Burchell's Courser - Cursorius rufus - This species may be found along
the R355 well north of Katbakkies, as well as in Bushmanland and Namaqualand,
areas we didn't visit.
* A number of endemic larks were also missed. Short-clawed Lark is most easily
found at Pietersburg reserve. The best place for both Rudd's and Botha's Larks
is the Wakkerstroom-Amersfoort area, but these may be very difficult in winter.
Monotonous lark can be seen in Kruger NP or in Pilanesberg NP, while Melodious
Lark occurs in Mountain Zebra NP and other places. Pink-billed Lark may be found
in Suikerbosrand NR, Kalahari Gemsbok NP and Bushmanland. We didn't visit the
northwestern part of the country, where Stark's, Barlow's, Sclater's and Red
Lark are amongst the best birds to be found. Finchlarks occur in the same region,
although Chestnut-backed Finchlark may also be found in Kruger NP and Black-eared
Finchlark can be seen little north of Katbakkies. Several of the Karoo species
we dipped, such as the finchlarks, Larklike Bunting, Black-headed Canary and
Dusky Sunbird, are highly nomadic.
*Neergaard's Sunbird - Nectarinia neergaardi - This endemic sunbird
occurs only in the easternmost part of the country. Mkuzi is probably the best
bet, although the species may also be encountered at Bonamanzi or False Bay
(St. Lucia area).
* Bush Blackcap - Lioptilus nigricapillus - Altitudinal migrant; the
species breeds along the road to Sani Pass, but is only present during spring
and summer. Other breeding sites are Phongolo Bush NR near Wakkerstroom, Weza
forest, Giants Castle Game Reserve and Xumeni Forest, Donnybrook. According
to Adam Riley, the species is quite common on Hlatikulu Mountain (near the South
African Crane Foundation headquarters).
In winter the species may be found in Queen Elizabeth Park and Doreen Clarke
NR, both at Pietermaritzburg.
* African Rock (Yellow-tufted) Pipit - Anthus crenatus - Can be seen in the Wakkerstroom area, Sani Pass and Karoo
NP. We thoroughly searched in Lesotho, where it is said to be not uncommon,
but none were recorded during our visit. It may be easier to find in summer,
when its distinctive song can be heard.
* Yellow-breasted Pipit - Hemimacronyx chloris - Its breeding places
are well-known (for directions, see the Wakkerstroom account by John McAllister
on www.sabirding.co.za), but apparently the
pipits are not present during winter.
Needless to say, breeding
endemics such as Mountain Pipit or Damara Tern, or other summer visitors such
as Blue Swallow, Black Coucal, Rufous-cheeked and Pennant-winged Nightjar, Lesser
Moorhen and Bronze-winged Courser were not present during July.
Other species missed
can be picked up in other African countries. Examples are Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird,
Yellow-billed Oxpecker (difficult in Kruger NP), Delegorgue's Pigeon (uncommon,
Entumeni Forest is a good bet), Green Coucal (missed at Bonamanzi and Cape Vidal),
Giant Eagle Owl (best places are the southern part of Kruger NP and Kalahari
Gemsbok NP), Mottled Spinetail (Pafuri area), African Broadbill (very elusive,
best bet presumably the sand forest at Mkuzi), Half-collared Kingfisher (uncommon),
Ashy Tit, Southern Pied Babbler (the latter two can be seen at Nylsvlei NR or
Pilanesberg NP), Orange Ground Thrush (very elusive; best place probably Weza
Forest, but also present at Pholongo Bush NR, Dwesa NR (winter) and Woodbush
Forest Reserve), Grey Penduline Tit (fairly common resident, but miserably dipped
by us), Cape Penduline Tit (idem), Broad-tailed Warbler (secretive in winter;
Vernon Crookes NR is a well-known stake-out for this bird), African Yellow Warbler
(locally common, but seasonal movements), African and Stierlings Barred Warbler
(we played tapes for both species, but none were recorded), Pale-crowned Cisticola
(Uncommon, indistinguishable from Ayres's Cisticola in winter; try Wakkerstroom,
Utamvuna NR, Vernon Crookes NR or Hela Hela during summer or spring), Black-backed
Cisticola (Empisini NR, Vernon Crookes NR, False Bay park, Cape Vidal area or
Mkuzi), Plain-backed Pipit (not uncommon, we had bad luck), Bushveld Pipit (Kruger
NP, Mkuzi), Short-tailed Pipit (uncommon, seasonal movements; try Vernon Crookes
NR or the Sodwana Bay area in the Greater St.Lucia Wetland), Pink-throated Longclaw
(one of the most difficult species; best places are the floodplain at Bonamanzi
Game Reserve or the marshes along the road from St. Lucia to Cape Vidal; may
be taped out), Red-billed Helmetshrike (Kruger NP or Hans Merensky NR), Golden
Weaver (uncommon; occurs at Bonamanzi), Southern Brown-throated Weaver (same
remarks as for the previous species), Red-headed Quelean (nomadic; both the
HluHluwe airstrip or Bonamanzi may yield this species), Golden Bishop (possibly
overlooked by us, locally common, for example in the Kimberley area), Cut-throat
Finch (locally common in the northeast of the country; Kruger Park), Red-headed
Finch (said to be not uncommon, especially in the Northern Cape province; can
also be found at Suikerbosrand NR and other places), Quail Finch (a good spot
for this skulker is described in Essential Birding, page 68: Bontebok
NP) and Lemon-breasted Canary (Uncommon near-endemic; try the palm savannas
in the northern part of Kruger NP or at Bonamanzi) among others.
THE boogey bird of
the trip, however, was Striped Kingfisher. Amazingly, none were seen during
the trip. We certainly must have overlooked some!!
Boogey bird number two is Spotted Dikkop. Although it's on our list, none showed
during daytime. No decent views were obtained of this fairly common species.
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