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Annotated Bird Species List,

SOUTH AFRICA 17 NOVEMBER - 20 DECEMBER 2002. (Main report)

Some of Graemes Photos from South Africa can be viewed at www.worldbirder.com

This list follows the taxonomy set out in the 3rd edition of the Sasol Birds of Southern Africa

The key  (E) denotes species endemic to and (eN) nearly endemic to  southern Africa.

28    African (Jackass) Penguin  (Spheniscus demersus) (E)
Easily seen at the Boulders Beach colony near Simon's Town.

30    Great Crested Grebe  (Podiceps cristatus)
Seen only at the marsh at Wakkerstroom and on ponds in the surrounding area.

30    Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
West Coast National Park and in ponds around Wakkerstroom

30    Little Grebe (Dabchick) (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.

54    Cape Gannet (Morus capensis) (E)
At West Coast NP, Kommetjieand False Bay.

56    Whitebreasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus)
At Kommetjie, West Coast National Park, Paarl and around Underberg - common.

56    Bank Cormorant  (Phalacrocorax neglectus) (E)
Only at Kommetjie.

56    Cape Cormorant  (Phalacrocorax capensis) (E)
Several seen around the Cape peninsula - Kommetjie, Simon's Town, Cape of Good Hope NR..

56    Reed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus)
Common in suitable habitat.

56    Crowned Cormorant  (Phalacrocorax coronatus) (E)
Several seen around the Cape peninsula - Kommetjie, Simon's Town, Cape of Good Hope NR..

56    African Darter (Anhinga rufa)
Common in suitable habitat.

58    Great (Eastern) White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
10 birds at West Coast NP were the only record.

58    Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens)
Seen in good numbers on Nsumo Pan at Mkuzi and a few at the river mouth at St Lucia.

60    Goliath Heron  (Ardea goliath)
A few birds seen on each visit to Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi.

60    Purple Heron  (Ardea purpurea)
Described as common, we saw only a few singles at Kgalagadi TP , St Lucia NP and Kruger NP.

60    Grey Heron  (Ardea cinerea)
Common in suitable habitat.

60    Black-headed Heron  (Ardea melanocephala)
Common in suitable habitat.

62    Great (White) Egret  (Egretta alba)
Only noted in the wetlands around Underberg and Wakkerstroom.

62    Little Egret  (Egretta garzetta)
Only at St Lucia NP and at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi.

62    Cattle Egret  (Bubulcus ibis)
Common in suitable habitat.

62    (Common) Squacco Heron  (Ardeola ralloides)
Two birds at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi were the only record.

64    Black Heron  (Egret) (Egretta ardesiaca)
Seen from the Matambeni Bird Hide on the Leatba River in the Kruger.

66    Black-crowned Night-Heron  (Nycticorax nycticorax)
A few birds aeen at Paarl.

66    Green-backed Heron (Butorides striatus)
Seen at Paarl and on most river edges in the Kruger.

66    Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii)
One observed at length from the bridge over the Luvuhu River at Pafuri in the Kruger.

66    Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
One bird seen at Nsumo Pan in Mkuzi.

68    Black Stork  (Ciconia nigra)
A couple of birds seen in wetlands between Underberg and the Sani Pass.

68    White Stork  (Ciconia ciconia)
A few birds seen in the grasslands around Underberg.

68    Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
A few birds seen at St Lucia NP and subsequently in good numbers at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi.

70    Marabou Stork  (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
Seen daily in small numbers at Mkuzi and Kruger.

70    Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
Seen first at Mkuzi and then several more of these elegant birds in the north of the Kruger.

70    African Openbill  (Openbilled Stork) (Anastomus lamelligerus)
Several at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi and in the northern Kruger around Punda Maria.

70    Woolly-necked Stork  (Ciconia episcopus)
Only at Mkuzi where a few singles or pairs were seen.

72    Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)
Seen in numbers at West Coast NP and in ponds near Milnerton on the outskirts of Cape Town..

72    African Spoonbill  (Platalea alba)
Good numbers at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi and on the Letaba River at Kruger .

72    Hamerkop  (Scopus umbretta)
Not as common as we had anticipated seen only on a couple of occasions at Mkuzi and Kruger.

74    Hadeda Ibis  (Bostrychia hagedash)
Ubiquitous - seen and heard everywhere.

74    Southern Bald Ibis  (Geronticus calvis) (E)
A few birds seen in grasslands just over the border in Lesotho, surprisingly none seen at Wakkerstroom.

74    Glossy Ibis  (Plegadis falcinellus)
Afew around Milnerton and Paarl in the Western Cape and at Nsumo Pan, Mkuzi.

74    African Sacred Ibis  (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
Common, seen regularly throughout the trip.

76    Spur-winged Goose  (Plectropterus gambensis)
Common - seen regularly throughout the trip.

76    Egyptian Goose  (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Common - seen regularly throughout the trip.

76    South African Shelduck  (Tadorna cana)
First seen on the large pond just south of Katbakkiesand then near Swellendam and at Wakkerstroom. 

76    Comb Duck  (Sarkidiornis melanotos)
A few seen at the small lake by Klopperfontein north of Punda Maria in the Kruger.

78    White-faced Duck  (Dendrocygna viduata)
Fairly common throughout seen at Paarl, Oribi Gorge, Mkuzi and the Kruger.

78    African Pygmy-goose  (Nettapus auritus)
A few birds seen on   Pan, Mkuzi.

78    Southern Pochard  (Netta erythrophthalma)
A few birds at Paarl were the only record.

78    Maccoa Duck  (Oxyura maccoa)
First seen at Paarl and subsequently at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.

80    Yellow-billed Duck  (Anas undulata)
Common in suitable habitat.

80    African Black Duck (Anas sparsa)
A couple of birds seen at Paarl - the only record.

80    Cape Shoveler  (Anas smithii)
Several seen at Paarl - the only record.

82    Cape Teal  (Anas capensis)
Once again seen only at Paarl.

82    Red-billed Teal  (Anas erythrorhyncha)
Seen at  Pan, Mkuzi and at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.

82    Hottentot Teal  (Anas hottentota)
Seen at  Pan, Mkuzi and at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.

86    Lappet-faced Vulture  (Torgos tracheliotus)
Seen in good numbers in Kgalagadi TP, particularly between Twee Rivieren and Nossob and in smaller numbers in Kruger.

86    Cape Vulture (Gyps coprotheres) (E)
5 or 6 of these threatened birds seen at the regular site at Potberg. Possibly a few of this species mixed in with a large flock of 140+ White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures in Kgalagadi TP  between Twee Rivieren and Nossob on 26/11

86    (African) White-backed Vulture  (Gyps africanus)
Numerous in the Kgalagadi TP.

92    African Fish-Eagle  (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Seen regularly at St Lucia, Mkuzi and Kruger.

92    Bateleur  (Terathopius ecaudatus)
Several of these  magnificent raptors seen daily in Kgalagadi TP and singles daily in  Kruger.

94    Brown Snake-Eagle  (Circaetus cinereus)
One or two birds seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP  and once at Mkuzi.

94    Black-chested (Black-breasted) Snake-Eagle  (Circaetus pectoralis)
Seen daily in Kgalagadi TP.

96    Steppe Eagle  (Aquila nipalensis)
A single bird at Mkuzi was the only record.

96    Lesser Spotted Eagle (Aquila pomarina)
A single bird at Mkuzi was the only record.

96    Tawny Eagle  (Aquila rapax)
Relatively common at Kgalagadi  with several birds seen daily; singles also seen 3 out of 5 days at Kruger.

100  Martial Eagle  (Polemaetus bellicosus)
Singles seen daily at Kgalagadi TP allowing very close approach.

100  African Crowned Eagle  (Stephanoaetus coronatus)
A magnificent pair on the nest at the "traditional site" at Km7.5 at Oribi Gorge.

102  Longcrested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
First seen on the road to Benvie Farm and subsequently at St Lucia and Mkuzi.

102  African Hawk-Eagle  (Hieraaetus faciatus)
Only seen once north of Letaba in the Kruger.

102  Booted Eagle  (Hieraaetus pennatus)
Seen on a couple of occasions in the Tanqua Karoo and in Kgalagadi TP.

104  Jackal Buzzard  (Buteo rufofuscus)
Seen regularly throughout the trip except in Mkuzi and Kruger.

106  Wahlberg's Eagle  (Aquila wahlbergi)
Single birds seen on three dates, one in Kgalagadi TP and two in Kruger.

106  Forest Buzzard  (Buteo trizonatus) (E)
Two birds seen over the forest at Constantia Greenbelts.

106  Steppe Buzzard  (Buteo vulpinis)
Seen regularly throughout.

106  African Harrier-Hawk  (Gymnogene) (Polyboroides typus)
First seen around Oribi Gorge and subsequently over the Luvuvhu River in the north of the Kruger.

108  African Marsh-Harrier  (Circus ranivorus)
First seen at West Coast NP and then in the grasslands around Underberg.

108  Black Harrier  (Circus maurus) (E)
Single at Cape of Good Hope Reserve on our first day in SA.;  3 more the following day at West Coaast NP and one at Eierkop.

108  Montagu's Harrier (Circus pygargus)
Single at Wakkerstroom was the only record.

112  Southern Pale Chanting-Goshawk  (Melierax canorus) (E)
Common throughout the Tanqua Karoo and the Kgalagadi TP.

112  Dark Chanting-Goshawk  (Melierax metabates)
Seen on a couple of occasions in the north of the Kruger.

112  Black  Kite  (Milvus migrans)
A couple identified in the Kruger.    

112  Yellow-billed Kite(Milvus aegyptius)
Common in suitable habitat

112  Black-shouldered Kite  (Elanus caeruleus)
Common in suitable habitat.

116  Pygmy Falcon  (Polihierax semitorquatus)
This diminutive species finally tracked down on a thorn tree in the Kgalagadi TP.

118  Gabar Goshawk  (Melierax gabar)
Seen on  two dates in the Kgalagadi TP.

118  Shikra (Little Banded Goshawk) (Accipiter badius)
Only seen once at Mkuzi.

118  Little Sparrowhawk  (Accipiter minullus)
Single birds seen on successive days near Punda Maria in the Kruger.

120  Black Sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus)
A single bird seen in a wooded gorge in the hills above Wakkerstroom.

120  African Goshawk  (Accipiter tachiro)
One perched in trees at the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri in the Kruger.

120  Rufous-chested (Red-breasted) Sparrowhawk (Accipiter rufiventris)
A single bird seen along the motorway just outside Cape Town.

122  Lanner Falcon  (Falco biarmicus)
Several birds seen in Kgalagadi TP.

122  Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha)
Two birds seen very well perched and in flight over the cliffs at the Strydom Tunnel.

122  Red-necked Falcon  (Falco chicquera)
Several single birds seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP.

126  Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor)
Somewhat to our surprise a pair showed very well at St Lucia.

128  Amur (Eastern Red-footed) Falcon (Falco amurensis)
Several birds seen perched on wires around Underberg with a further 15-20 birds seen between Wakkerstroom and Volksrust. 

128  Lesser Kestrel  (Falco naumanni)
Several birds seen around Kimberley.

128  Rock Kestrel  (Falco tinnunculus rupicolus) (nE)
Seen in the farmlands around De Hoop and at Wakkerstroom

128  Greater Kestrel  (Falco rupicoloides

First seen in the northern part of the Tanqua Karoo, then several birds daily in the Kgalagadi TP and on the road to Dipvlei.

136  Swainson's Francolin (Spurfowl)  (Pternistes swainsonii) (nE)
Common around Wakkerstroom and in the northern Kruger.

136  Cape Francolin  (Pternistes capensis) (E)
Easily seen  at Cape of Good Hope NP, Darling Road Loops  and at De Hoop.

136  Natal Francolin (Pternistes natalensis) (nE)
Common in the Kruger.

138  Gray-winged Francolin  (Scleroptila africanus) (E)
Much less confiding than Cape Francolin these birds were seen at Darling Road Looops and at DeHoop.

142  Helmeted Guineafowl  (Numida meleagris)
Common in suitable habitat.

142  Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani)
Common at St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.

142  Common Ostrich  (Struthio camelus)
Common around De Hoop and in the Kgalagadi TP and in much smaller numbers in the Kruger.

144  Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Two birds flushed near the waterfall at Umgeni NR.

146  African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis)
A pair on the Luvuvhu River during a guided morning walk from Punda Maria.

146  Red-knobbed Coot  (Fulica cristata)
Common in suitable habitat.

146  Common Moorhen  (Gallinula chloropus)
Common in suitable habitat.

148  African Purple Swamphen  (Purple Gallinule) (Porphyrio madagascariensis)
Only at the marsh at Wakkerstroom where several birds were seeen.

148  Black Crake  (Amaurornis flavirostris)
Seen first at Paarl, then the marsh at Wakkerstroom and finally on the Letaba River in the Kruger.

148  African Jacana  (Actophilornis africanus)
Only seen in the northern part of the Kruger.

150  African Rail (Rallus caerulescens)
A couple of birds on successive days at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.

152 Red-chested Flufftail (Sarothura rufa) (H)
Heard calling in the marsh at Wakkerstroom but could not tape it out.

152  Buff-spotted Flufftail (Sarothura elegans)
Great views of this secretive species after hours of looking over 2 nights in Robin Guy's garden in Underberg. It has a wonderful haunting, mournful call.

154  Grey (Southern) Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
Small parties of these elegant birds seen in fields and grassland around Underberg, Benvie Farm, Oribi Gorge and Wakkerstroom.

154  Wattled Crane  (Grus carunculatus)
Scope views of three of these elegant but endangered cranes in the grasslands around Underberg.

154  Blue Crane  (Anthropoides paradisea) (E)
Common in the farmlands across the Cape usually in pairs, although we saw a flock of 73 of these beautiful birds near De Hoop.

154  Secretarybird  (Sagittarius serpentarius)
Common in the Kgalagadi TP.

156  Kori Bustard  (Ardeotis kori)
2 or 3 single birds seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP.

156  Denham's (Stanley's) Bustard  (Neotis denhami)
Seen daily in small numbers in the farmlands around De Hoop.

156  Ludwig's Bustard  (Neotis ludwigii) (nE)
A pair in fields just south of Kammieskroon.

158  Karoo Korhaan  (Eupodotis vigorsii) (E)
A pair in a stony field north of De Hoop and a few other pairs/singles in the Tanqua Karoo.

158  Blue Korhaan (Eupodotis caerulascens) (E)
A group of 5 birds in the hills above Wakkerstroom.

160  Black-bellied Bustard  (Korhaan) (Eupodotis melanogaster)
The same bird on the same knoll daily at Mkuzi plus a couple of other singles also at Mkuzi.

160  Red-crested Korhaan (Eupodotis ruficrista)
Only seen on the Benfontein Farm near Kimberley.

160  Northern Black Korhaan  (Eupodotis afraoides) (nE)
Several birds seen in the Kgalagadi TP.

160  Southern Black Korhaan (Eupodotis afra) (E)
Seen only at West Coast National Park.

162  African Black Oystercatcher  (Haematopus moquini) (E)
Fairly common along the coast of the western Cape at West Coast NP, Kommetjie

162  Black-winged Stilt  (Himantopus himantopus)
Common in marsh and wetland areas.

162  Pied Avocet  (Recurvirostra avosetta)
15-20 birds on the beach at Cape of Good Hope NP.

164  Common Ringed Plover  (Charadrius hiaticula)
At West Coast NP, Yzerfontein, Strusbaii, Mkuzi.

164  Three-banded Plover  (Charadrius tricollaris)
Common in suitable habitat.

164  Kittlitz's Plover  (Charadrius pecuarius)
A few at Yzerefontein and West Coast NP.

166  Chestnut-banded Plover  (Charadrius pallidus)
Only seen at the salt pans at Yzerfontein where a few birds proved tough to track down.

166  White-fronted Plover  (Charadrius marginatus)
A few birds seen only at Kommetjie and De Hoop.

168  Crowned Lapwing (Plover) (Vanellus coronatus)
Comon in suitable habitat.

168  Senegal Lapwing (Lesser Black-winged Plover) (Vanellus lugubris)
A few birds seen just outside Orpen Camp in the Kruger.

170  White-crowned Lapwing (Plover) (Vanellus albiceps)
Several birds seen on the Luvuvhu River in the north of the Kruger.

170  African Wattled Lapwing  (Plover) (Vanellus senegallus)
Seen in small numbers around the edges of the marsh at Wakkerstroom.

170  Blacksmith Lapwing  (Plover) (Vanellus armatus)
Common in suitable habitat.

174  Grey Plover  (Pluvialis squatarola)
A few at West Coast NP.

174  Ruff  (Philomachus pugnax)
A couple of birds in marshy area at the edge of the Letaba River in the Kruger.

175  Curlew Sandpiper  (Calidris ferruginea)
Common in sutable habitat West Coast NP and Yzerfontein.

178  Little Stint  (Calidris minuta)
Common in sutable habitat West Coast NP and Yzerfontein.

180  Common Sandpiper  (Actitis hypoleucos)
Fairly common in suitable habitat e.g Paarl and  Pan in Mkuzi.

180  Wood Sandpiper  (Tringa glareola)
Common in suitable habitat.

182  Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
Seen in wetlands around Underberg and at Mkuzi.

182  Common Greenshank  (Tringa nebularia)
Common in suitable habitat.

184  Common Whimbrel  (Numenius phaeopus)
Several seen at West Coast NP.

186  African (Ethiopian) Snipe (Gallinago nigripennis)
Several at the marsh in Wakkerstroom and on the Letaba River in the Kruger.

186  Greater Painted-snipe  (Rostratula benghalensis)
A pair watched at length from the Matembeni Bird Hide on the Letaba River in the Kruger.

186  Ruddy Turnstone  (Arenaria interpres)
A few on the coast at Yzerfontein.

190  Collared (Red-winged) Pratincole  (Glareola pratincola)
Common at  Pan, Mkuzi NP and in the Kruger.

202  Spotted Thick-knee (Dikkop) (Burhinus capensis)
Several birds seen at De Hoop.

202  Water Thick-knee  (Dikkop) (Burhinus vermiculatus)
First seen at Paarl then Oribi Gorge and St Lucia NP, fairly common.

202  Burchell's Courser  (Cursorius rufus)
Three birds seen late in the afternoon around Km 10-11 on the P2250 to Bo-Wadrif in the Tanqua Karoo.

202  Double-banded Courser  (Rhinoptilus africanus)
After unsuccessfully scouring the Kgalagadi TP a pair of these coursers finally tracked down at Merrick Game Farm near Kimberley where they are apparently fairly common.

206  Cape (Kelp) Gull (Larus vetula)
Common at coastal sites in the Western Cape.

206  Caspian Tern  (Sterna caspia)
Seen at Strusbaii and St Lucis NP.

208  Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrocephalus)
Only seen once at Paarl.

208  Hartlaub's Gull  (Larus hartlaubii)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.

210  Swift Tern  (Sterna bergii)
Common at sites along the coast.

210  Sandwich Tern  (Sterna sandvicensis)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.

212  Common Tern  (Sterna hirundo)
A few at Kommetjie and Boulders Beach in Simon's Town.

214  Little Tern (Sterna albifrons)
A few birds seen around False Bay and at Strusbaii.

214  Damara Tern  (Sterna balaenarum) (E)
Two or three of these endemics seen at Strusbaii.

216  White-winged Tern  (Chlidonias leucopterus)
Seen at Paarl and Mkuzi.

216  Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus )
A few seen over the wetlands around Underberg.

218  Namaqua Sandgrouse  (Pterocles namaqua) (nE)
Common in the Tanqua Karoo where we saw a flock of 150+ at a watertrough, and easily seen around waterholes in the Kgalagadi TP.

218  Burchell's Sandgrouse (Pterocles burchelli) (nE)
A much wanted bird; 6 scoped up at Rooipoots waterhole in the Kgalagadi TP which seems to be a reliable spot - although we only saw them once.

220  Speckled (Rock) Pigeon  (Columba guinea)
Common in suitable habitat.

220  African Olive Pigeon (Rameron Pigeon) (Columba arquatrix)
One of the first birds seen on the trip at Jankershoek NR near Stellenbosch. Also seen at Donnybrook Forest and Benvie Farm.

220  Lemon (Cinnamon) Dove (Aplopelia larvata)
These shy doves proved more confiding at Oribi Gorge where we saw several at the roadside both mornings. Also at Igwalagwala Trail in St Lucia.

220  Rock Dove (Columba livia)
Common in suitable habitat.

222  African Mourning Dove  (Streptopelia decipiens)
Only seen once at Letaba Camp in the Kruger.

222  Red-eyed Dove  (Streptopelia semitorquata)
Seen only at De Hoop andthe surrounding farmlands.

222  Cape Turtle Dove  (Streptopelia capicola)
Common in suitable habitat.

222  Laughing Dove  (Streptopelia senegalensis)
We only recorded this common bird in the Kruger NP.

224  African Green-Pigeon  (Treron calva)
Several birds seen along the road to Cape Vidal at St Lucia NP.

224  Emerald-spotted (Green-spotted) Wood-Dove  (Turtur chalcospilos)
Locally common in Mkuzi.

224  Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria)
Fairly common in Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.

224  Namaqua Dove  (Oena capensis)
Fairly common in suitable habitat.

226  Cape Parrot  (Poicephalus robustas) (E)
Fantastic scope views of a pair of these endangered birds as they came from their overnight roost to the nest to feed their young.

226  Brown-headed Parrot (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus)
Single perched birds seen in the Fig Forest, Mkuzi and from the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri in the Kruger.

230  Knysna Turaco  (Lourie) (Tauraco corythaix) (E)
Seen first in Donnybrook Forest and then several each day in Oribi Gorge.

230  Livingstone's Turaco (Lourie) (Tauraco livingstonii)
Locally common along the Igwalagwala trail in St Lucia.

230  Purple-crested Turaco (Lourie) (Musophaga porphyreolopha)
Seen daily in Mkuzi but nowhere else.

230  Gray Go-away-bird  (Lourie) (Corythaixoides concolor)
Seen daily at Mkuzi with odd singles in the Kruger.

232  African Cuckoo  (Cuculus gularis)
Single bird seen in wooded gully in the hills above Wakkerstroom.

232  Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius)
Common in suitable habitat and heard calling constantly. A pair seen well in Constantia

234  Black Cuckoo  (Cuculus clamosus)
One of the first birds of the trip seen at the entrance to Jankershoek NR in Stellenbosch.

234  Jacobin Cuckoo  (Clamator jacobinus)
Seen briefly at Benfontein Farm near Kimberley and another single near Wakkerstroom.

234  Great Spotted Cuckoo  (Clamator glandarius)
Seen once on the Klopperfontein Loop in the northern Kruger.

236  Diederik Cuckoo  (Chrysococcyx caprius)
Several seen around Wakerstroom and the odd single in the northern Kruger.

236  African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus)(H)
We heard this bird calling continuously early in the morning at Benvie Farm but sadly could not see it despite extensive searching.

238  Burchell's Coucal  (Centropus burchelli) (nE)
Seen regularly at Oribi Gorge, Mkuzi and in the Kruger.

240  Verreaux's (Giant)Eagle-Owl  (Bubo lacteus)
Some great views of this much wanted bird at a daytime roost in the Kgalagadi TP , in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi and finally on the night drive from Punda Maria in the Kruger.

240  Pel's Fishing-Owl  (Scotopelia peli)
Possibly the bird of the trip. Fantastic views of  this huge marmalade coloured owl at its daytime roost high in the riverine trees along the Luvuvhu River near Punda Maria.

240  Spotted Eagle-Owl  (Bubo africanus)
Seen regularly throughout; particularly in the Tanqua Karoo and the Kgalagadi TP but the best view was one on a nest in West Coast NP.

242  African Wood-Owl  (Strix woodfordii)
Seen only once, spotlit in the trees on the way to the rivermouth at St Lucia.

242  Marsh Owl (Asio capensis)
Excellent views of 2 birds which drifted over our heads just before dusk at the marsh at Wakkerstroom.

242  Pennant-winged Nightjar (Macrodipteryx vexillaria)
An unexpected bonus for the trip. There is a regular spot for these elegant nightjars on a rocky hillside near Punda Maria and others I know who have been there have seen up to 5 pennant-winged males. We saw several females and one magical male as it flew around our heads with its pennants fluttering.

242  Southern White-faced Scops Owl (Ptilopsus granti)
We found 3 birds roosting in the trees at Nossob Camp on our first night there. We then found probably the same birds the following night in a different stand of trees.

242  African Barred Owlet  (Glaucidium capense)
We had difficulty with this allegedly common bird until we manged to tape one in on the edge of the camp at Letaba which then gave great spotlit views.

242  Pearl-spotted Owlet  (Glaucidium perlatum)
Seen twice,both in the daytime.The first in the Kgalagadi TP where one was being mobbed in a roadside tree and another in a less than well disguised daytime roost in a bare tree in the northern Kruger.

244  Freckled Nightjar  (Caprimulgus tristigma)
A couple of birds seen and heard on the night drive at Punda Maria in the Kruger NP.

244  Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)
Several birds calling at dusk on the night drive from Punad Maria.

244  Rufous-cheeked Nightjar  (Caprimulgus rufigena)
Several birds seen in the camp at Nossob in the Kgalagadi TP where we had one calling from the sandy ground about  3 metres from us.

244  Square-tailed (Mozambique) Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii)
A couple of birds at dusk in the open areas along the road to the camp gate from the HQ at Mkuzi. One bird sat on the road in the headlights giving great views.

244  Swamp (Natal) Nightjar (Caprimulgus natalensis)
3 birds flying and calling in response to the tape at the old airfield accessed by the track at the end of the parking area by the entrance gate to St Lucia NP. The birds were seen at close quarters well before dusk.

248  Bradfield's Swift  (Apus bradfieldi)
A couple of these birds seen in the company of dozens of  other swifts at the Big Hole in Kimberley.

248  Common Swift (Apus apus)
A few seen around Kimberley.

248  African Black Swift  (Apus barbatus)
A few birds seen at Mkuzi.

248  Alpine Swift  (Tachymarptis melba)
Several seen at Harold Porter Botanical Garden.

250  Mottled Spinetail (Tlacanthura ussheri)
A single bird from the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri. The bird flew over several times clearly showing white patches on its undertail coverts.

250  Little Swift  (Apus affinis)
A few birds seen at De Hoop and over the surrounding farmland.

250  Horus Swift  (Apus horus)
A colony along the roadside in Lesotho.

250  White-rumped Swift  (Apus caffer)
Common in the Western Cape.

250  African Palm-Swift  (Cypsiurus parvus)
Only seen once with a few birds overhead in the Kruger.

252  Narina Trogon  (Apaloderma narina)
Singles seen daily at Oribi Gorge and also in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.

252  African Broadbill (Smithornis capensis)
Stunning views of this much wanted species which responded brilliantly to tape in the early morning between KM 7-Km 8 in Oribi Gorge. Once started the bird performed its weird circular round the branch display flight for about 10 minutes and then promptly disappeared. Another seen perched low in the undergrowth in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.

252  Red-faced Mousebird  (Urocolius indicus)
Several seen north of Nossob Camp in the Kgalagadi TP and on one day at Mkuzi.

252  Speckled Mousebird  (Colius striatus)
Common in suitable habitat.

252  White-backed Mousebird  (Colius colius)
Fairly common in the southern parts of the Kgalagadi TP.

254  Giant Kingfisher  (Megaceryle maxima)
First at Jankershoek NR, then on a stream near Underberg, finally on the Luvuvhu River in the Kruger.

254  Pied Kingfisher  (Ceryle rudis)
Common in suitable habitat.

254  Malachite Kingfisher  (Alcedo cristata)
One on a low sapling at the edge of the Luvuvhu River fronm the bridge near Punda Maria.

254  African Pygmy Kingfisher  (Ispidina picta)
 A pair were always seen fishing in what little remained of the waterhole at the Kubube Hide in Mkuzi.

256  Woodland Kingfisher  (Halcyon senegalensis)
Seen regularly at Mkuzi and the Kruger.

256  Brown-hooded Kingfisher  (Halcyon albiventris)
Fairly common and seen daily at St Lucia NP, also at Mkuzi and on three dates in the Kruger.

258  European Bee-eater  (Merops apiaster)
A few birds on only 2 dates, one in Mkuzi and the other in the Kruger.

258  Blue-cheeked Bee-eater  (Merops persicus)
Several birds daily at St Lucia NP on the road to Cape Vidal.

258  White-fronted Bee-eater  (Merops bullockoides)
First seen just outside the park gates at Mkuze and then almost daily in the Kruger.

260  Southern Carmine Bee-eater  (Merops nubicoides)
Two birds at Klopperfontein water hole and then 20 others just upstream from the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri in the Kruger.

260  Swallow-tailed Bee-eater  (Merops hirundineus)
Seen daily in small numbers, usually singles or pairs, in the Kgalagadi TP.

260  Little Bee-eater  (Merops pusillus)
Only seen twice with a small flock in St Lucia NP and at Mkuzi.

262  Lilac-breasted Roller  (Coracias caudata)
Common in the Kgalagadi TP and the Kruger.

262  European Roller  (Coracias garrulus)
Only seen once, in the Kruger at Letaba.

262  Broad-billed Roller  (Eurystomus glaucurus)
Singles seen daily in Mkuzi and once in the Kruger.

264  Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
Another candidate for bird of the trip with a family party of three adults and one juvenile bird watched at close quarters for an hour just outside the camp at Letaba in the Kruger.

264  Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinitor)
Fairly comon in suitable habitat. Seen daily in small parties in Oribi Gorge and at Mkuzi.

266  Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus)
Fairly common  in suitable habitat. Seen daily in small numbers in Oribi Gorge and at Mkuzi.

266  African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus)
A few birds seen in the north of the Kruger near Punda Maria.

266  Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill  (Tockus leucomelas)
Seen only once in the Kgalagadi TP wher a pair perched and flew around the road south of  Kaspersdraai.

266  Red-billed Hornbill  (Tockus erythrorhynchus)
Several seen in the north of the Kruger near Punda Maria.

268  Green (Red-billed) Woodhoopoe  (Phoeniculus purpureus)
First  seen nesting in the same tree as the Crowned Eagle in Oribi Gorge,  twice in Mkuzi and once in the Kruger.

268  Common (Greater) Scimitarbill (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas)
Only once at Kaspersdraai in the Kgalagadi TP.

268  African Hoopoe  (Upupa africana)
Seen regularly at sites in the Western Cape, then at Oribi Gorge and odd singles in Kruger.

270  Scaly-throated Honeyguide (Indicator variegatus)
A single bird at close quarters perched just outside the HQ in Mkuzi.

270  Lesser Honeyguide  (Indicator minor)
Single at Oribi Gorge.

270  Brown-backed Honeybird (Sharp-billed Honeyguide) (Prodotiscus regulus)
Two singles seen around Underberg.

272  Black-collared Barbet  (Lybius torquatus)
Seen regularly at Oribi Gorge, the Fig Forest in Mkizi, the Igwalagwala trail in St Lucia and once in the northern Kruger.

272  White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis)
Several birds seen at St Lucia and Mkuzi.

272  Crested Barbet  (Trachyphonus vaillantii)
Once along the River Walk in Mkuzi and once in the northern Kruger.

274  Acacia Pied Barbet  (Tricholaema leucomelas)
Seen at Darling Road Loops, West Coast NP, and Aardvark Kloof in Namaqualand

274  Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Golden-rumped Tinker Barbet) (Pogoniulus bilineatus)
Seen only once in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.

274  Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Tinker Barbet) (Pogoniulus pusillus)
Seen only once in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.

276  Ground Woodpecker  (Geocolaptes olivaceus) (E)
Several birds seen in Lesotho.

276  Red-throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollus)
Seen only once with a pair of birds taped in at Umgeni NR.

276  Olive Woodpecker  (Dendropicos griseocephalus)
Seen just twice, once at Oribi Gorge and in a wooded area near Wakkerstroom.

276  Cardinal Woodpecker  (Dendropicos fuscescens)
Not uncommon, seen at Nossonb camp in the Kgalagadi TP, Oribi Gorge and several times at Mkuzi.

278  Golden-tailed Woodpecker  (Campethera abingoni)
One at Mkuzi and another single in the Kruger near Pafuri.

278  Knysna Woodpecker  (Campethera notata) (E)
A single bird taped in, allowing excellent views at Potberg.

280  Eastern Clapper Lark (Mirafra fasciolata) (nE)
A couple of birds seen in the Aoub River bed in the Kgalagadi TP.

280  Cape Clapper Lark  (Mirafra apiata) (E)
A couple of birds displaying on the Darling Road Loops.

280  Agulhas Clapper Lark (Mirafra marjoriae)
Several seen in the farmlands around De Hoop.

282  Karoo Lark  (Certhilauda albescens) (E)
Several birds seen in the Tanqua Karoo.

282  Red Lark (Certhilauda burra) (E)
After hours of searching we finally found one bird in the Koa Dunes between Dipvlei and Pofadder.

284  Sabota Lark  (Mirafra sabota) (nE)
A couple seen at water troughs on the roads south of Pofadder.

284  Fawn-colored Lark  (Mirafra africanoides)
Seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP.

284  Large-billed (Southern Thick-billed) Lark  (Galerida magnirostris) (E)
Common in the farmlands around De Hoop.

284  Rufous-naped Lark  (Mirafra africana)
Seen twice, once at Umgeni NR and near Wakkerstroom.

284  Red-capped Lark  (Calandrella cinerea)
Common in the farmlands around De Hoop and in the Tanqua Karoo.

286  Cape Long-billed Lark  (Certhilauda curvirostris) (E)
A couple of birds seen at West Coast NP.

286  Agulhas Long-billed Lark  (Certhilauda brevirostris) (E)
In the farmlands around De Hoop.

286  Karoo Long-billed Lark  (Certhilauda subcoronata) (E)
Only seen once at Aardvark Kloof.

286  Eastern Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda semitorquata) (E)
Seen at Wakkerstroom at the same site as Yellow-breasted Pipit

288  Rudd's Lark (Heteromirafra ruddi) (E)
2-3 birds in fields above Wakkerstroom.

288  Botha's Lark (Spizocorys fringillaris) (E)
2-3 birds in fields above Wakkerstroom.

288  Pink-billed Lark  (Spizocorys conirostris) (nE)
Two birds on the southerly dune road between the Nossob and Aoub Rivers in the Kgalagadi TP.

288  Stark's Lark  (Eremalauda starki) (nE)
Seen once near Aggenys.

290  Gray-backed Sparrow-Lark  (Finch-Lark) (Eremopterix verticalis) (nE)
Abundant at watertroughs in the Tanqua Karoo.

290  Spike-heeled Lark  (Chersomanes albofasciata)
Seen in the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.

292  Red-breasted Swallow (Hirundo semirufa)
Seen regularly in Kruger NP.

292  Mosque Swallow  (Hirundo senegalensis)
Several seen in the north of the Kruger.

292  South African Cliff  Swallow (Hirundo spilodera) (E)
Seen first at Underberg and then over the marsh at Wakkerstroom.

292  Greater Striped-Swallow  (Hirundo cucullata) (E)
Common in suitable habitat.

292  Lesser Striped-Swallow  (Hirundo abyssinica)
A few seen at Oribi Gorge and in the Kruger.

294  Barn (European) Swallow  (Hirundo rustica)
Common in suitable habitat.

294  Wire-tailed Swallow  (Hirundo smithii)
A few birds in the Kruger.

294  White-throated Swallow  (Hirundo albigularis)
Common in suitable habitat.

294  Pearl-breasted Swallow  (Hirundo dimidiata)
Several seen at Bontebok NP.

296  Black Saw-Wing  (Swallow) (Psalidoprocne holomelaena)
Seen first at Harold Porter Botanical Garden and then at Underberg and Umgeni NR.

296  Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea)
6 of these elegant and endangered birds seen at Robin Guy's site on private land near Underberg

296  Common House Martin (Delichon urbica)
A few in the Kruger.

298  Banded Martin  (Riparia cincta)
At West Coast NP and De Hoop.

298  Brown-throated Martin (Riparia paludicola)
Common in suitable habitat.

298  Rock Martin  (Hirundo fuligula)
Only identified in the Sani Pass.

300  Fork-tailed Drongo  (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Common in suitable habitat.

300  Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii)
Seen daily in Oribi Gorge and once in the Kruger.

300  Black Cuckoo-shrike  (Campephaga flava)
In the grounds of the hotel at Oribi Gorge and then once at Mkuzi.

300  Grey Cuckoo-shrike  (Coracina caesia)
Only seen once, in Oribi Gorge.

302  Eurasian (European) Golden Oriole  (Oriolus oriolus)
Only seen once, in the Kruger near Paunda Maria

302  Black-headead (Eastern) Oriole  (Orliolus larvatus)
Seen at Benvie Farm, Oribi Gorge and once in the north of the Kruger.

304  White-necked Raven  (Corvus albicollis)
Seen daily at De Hoop and in surrounding farmlands and in the Tanqua Karoo.

304  Pied Crow  (Corvus albus)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.

304  Cape (Black) Crow  (Corvus capensis)
Seen in and around Wakerstroom.

304  House Crow  (Corvus splendens)
Several in Cape Town near the airport.

306  (Southern) Grey Tit  (Parus afer) (E)
Only seen once in woodland near the foot of the Sani Pass.

306  Southern Black-Tit  (Parus niger)
Seen a couple of times in Mkuzi and once in the Kruger.

308  Arrow-marked Babbler  (Turdoides jardineii)
Seen on a couple of occasions in the Kruger.

310  Cape Bulbul  (Pycnonotus capensis) (E)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.

310  Dark-capped (Black-eyed) Bulbul  (Pycnonotus tricolor)
Common in Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.

310  Terrestrial Brownbul  (Phyllastrephus terrestris)
Seen daily at Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.

310  Bush Blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus) (E)
Seen first in a wooded area at the base of the Sani pass and then in a wooded gully above Wakkerstroom.

312  Sombre Greenbul  (Bulbul) (Andropadus importunus)
Seen daily at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia and Mkuzi.

312  (African) Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Bulbul) (Chlorocichla flaviventris)
Seen daily at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia and Mkuzi.

312  Eastern (Yellow-spotted) Nicator (Nicator gularis)
Heard regularly at Mkuzi but very skulking but we finally had good views near the Kumasinga Hide.

314  Orange Ground Thrush (Zoothera gurneyi)
Poor views in Xumeni Forest at Donnybrook were surpassed by prolonged views of 2 birds feeding in the gardens of Benvie Farm.

314  Karoo Thrush (Turdus smithi)
Seen a couple of times in the Tanqua Karoo along the road to Calvinia.

314  Olive Thrush  (Turdus olivaceus)
Seen at Benvie Farm and in Oribi Gorge.

314  Kurrichane Thrush (Turdus libonyanus)
Recorded in Mkuzi and in the Kruger.

314  Groundscraper Thrush  (Psophocichla litsipsirupa)
Only seen once  in the camp at Letaba in the Kruger.

316  Cape Rock-Thrush  (Monticola rupestris) (E)
Seen at Rooi Els and in the Sani Pass.

316  Sentinel Rock Thrush (Monticola explorator) (E)
Several birds at the top of the Sani Pass and in Lesotho.

316  Cape Rockjumper  (Chaetops frenatus) (E)
It took a long time to show at Rooi Els but when it did appear it walked along the path right by us almost walking over Chris Lodge's boots.

316  Drakensberg (Orange-breasted) Rockjumper (Chaetops aurantius) (E)
Several birds seen at the top of the Sani Pass just over the border in Lesotho.

318  Familiar Chat  (Cercomela familiaris)
Common in suitable habitat in the Western Cape.

318  Sicklewing Chat  (Cercomela sinuata) (E)
A few birds in the Tanqua Karoo and several  at the top of the Sani Pass.

318  Karoo Chat  (Cercomela schlegelii) (nE)
Common in the Tanqua Karoo.

318  Tractrac Chat  (Cercomela tractrac)
Several along the road to Calvinia in the Tanqua Karoo.

318  Mountain Wheatear (Chat) (Oenanthe monticola)
A few in the Tanqua Karoo and in the hills above Wakkerstroom.

320  Capped Wheatear  (Oenanthe pileata)
 Seen in West Coat NP, Darling Road Loops ,De Hoop and the surrounding farmlands

320  African (Common) Stonechat  (Saxicola torquata)
Seen at De Hoop, around Underberg and Wakkerstroom.

322  Buff-streaked Chat (Oenanthe bifasciata) (E)
Several birds seen on the road up to the Sani Pass.

322  (Southern) Anteating Chat  (Myrmecocichla formicivora)
Seen regularly in the Tanqua Karoo.

324  Chorister Robin-Chat (Robin) (Cossypha dichroa) (E)
This somewhat retiring species seen at Donnybrook Forest, Benvie Farm and Oribi Gorge.

324  Red-capped Robin Chat (Natal Robin) (Cossypha natalensis)
Seen at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.

324  Cape Robin-Chat  (Robin) (Cossypha caffra)
Common in suitable habit in the Western Cape and around Underberg.

324  (African) White-throated Robin-Chat (Robin) (Cosypha humeralis) (E)
Single birds seen daily around the HQ at Mkuzi.

326  Brown Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas signata) (E)
Seen at St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.

326  (Eastern) Bearded Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata)
Common in Mkuzi.

326  White-browed Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas leucophrys)
Seen on a couple of occasions in Mkuzi and once in the northern Kgalagadi TP.

326  Kalahari Scrub-Robin (Robin)  (Cercotrichas paena) (nE)
Common in the Kgalagadi TP.

326  Karoo Scrub-Robin (Robin) (Cercotrichas coryphaeus) (E)
Fairly common in the Western Cape and seen regularly in the Tanqua Karoo.

328  White-starred (Starred) Robin  (Pogonocichla stellata)
Great views of a pair feeding in the gardens of Benvie Farm and on the road edge at Oribi Gorge.

330  Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler (Phylloscopus ruficapilla)
Several seen in Oribi Gorge.

330  Willow Warbler  (Phylloscopus trochilus)
Common in suitable habitat in Mkuzi and the Kruger.

332  Yellow-bellied Eremomela  (Eremomela icteropygialis)
Seen at Aardvark Kloof.

332  Cape Penduline-Tit  (Anthoscopus minutus) (E)
Seen at Aardvark Kloof.

334  Knysna Warbler  (Bradypterus sylvaticus) (E)
We tried on 2 successive mornings at Constantia, heard the bird on both occasions but never saw it.

334  Barratt's Warbler (Bradypterus barratti) (E)
A single bird seen at the Sani Pass.

334  Victorin's Warbler  (Bradypterus victorini) (E)
Excellent views of a bird taped in at Harold Porter Botanical Garden.

334  Broad-tailed Warbler (Schoenicola brevirostris)
A couple of birds seen at the Sani Pass

334  (African Sedge) Little Rush Warbler  (Bradypterus baboecala)
Seen only once in the reeds surrounding the ponds at Milnerton.

336  (Cape Reed) Lesser Swamp Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris)
Also seen at Milnerton.

336  African (Marsh) Reed Warbler  (Acrocephalus baeticatus)    

Seen at Paarl and in the marsh at Wakkerstroom.

340  Cape Grassbird  (Sphenoeacus afer) (E)
Seen at Cape of Good Hope NP and at Wakkerstroom.

340  Green-backed Camaroptera (Bleating Warbler) (Camaroptera brachyura)
Heard often and seen at Oribi Gorge and daily at Mkuzi.

342  Fairy Flycatcher (Stenostira scita) (E)
Seen several times along the road through the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.

342  Layard's Titbabbler (Parisoma layardi) (E)
Seen several times along the road through the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.

342  Chestnut-vented Titbabbler (Parisoma subcaeruleum)
Seen in West Coat NP and along the road through the Tanqua Karoo.

342  Long-billed Crombec  (Sylvietta rufescens)
Seen in West Coast NP and along the road through the Tanqua Karoo.

344  Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida)
Seen regularly in Mkuzi and the Kruger.

344  Rudd's Apalis (Apalis ruddi) (E)
Seen regularly at St Lucia NP and in Mkuzi.

344  Bar-throated Apalis  (Apalis thoracica)
Seen first at Jankershoek, then West Coast NP and De Hoop.

346  Zitting (Fantailed) Cisticola  (Cisticola juncidis)
Fairly common in suitable habitat.

346  Wing-snapping (Ayers) Cisticola (Cisticola ayeresii)
Seen in the hills above Wakkerstroom.

346  Neddicky (Cisticola fulvicapillus)
Fairly common in suitable habitat.

348  Grey-backed (Red-headed) Cisticola  (Cisticola subruficapillus) (nE)
Seen in the Western Cape at West Coat NP and along the road through the Tanqua Karoo near Eierkop.

348  Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais)
Several birds seen in the Umgeni Valley.

348  Croaking Cisticola (Cisticola natalensis)
Seen at Umgeni Valley and in the Kruger near Olifants

348  Rattling Cisticola  (Cisticola chinianus)
Only identified at St Lucia and in Mkuzi.

348  Lazy Cisticola (Cisticola aberrans

Several at Oribi Gorge.  

350  Levaillant's (Tinkling) Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens)
Seen around Underberg and Wakkerstroom.

352  Namaqua Warbler  (Phragmacia substriata) (E)
Several seen at Karoopoort.

352  Rufous-eared Warbler  (Malcorus pectoralis) (E)
A small number seen along the road through the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.

352  Drakensberg Prinia (Prinia hypoxantha) (E)
Seen only in the Sani Pass.

352  Karoo (Spotted) Prinia  (Prinia maculosa) (E)
Fairly common in the Western Cape.

352  Tawny-flanked Prinia  (Prinia subflava)
Seen once in Oribi Gorge and in the northern Kruger.

352  Black-chested Prinia (Prinia flavicans)
Ony seen once, in the Kgalagadi TP north of Nossob Camp.

354  African Dusky Flycatcher  (Muscicapa adusta)
Seen in Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.

354  Spotted Flycatcher  (Muscicapa striata)
Seen only in the Kruger.

354  Ashy (Blue-grey) Flycatcher (Musicapa caerulescens)
Seen only at Mkuzi near the Kumasinga Hide.

354  Grey Tit Flycatcher (Fantailed Flycatcher) (Myioparus plumbeus)
A couple of birds seen in the Fig Forest in Mkuzi.

354  Fiscal Flycatcher  (Sigelus silens) (E)
Common in the Tanqua Karoo and at Aardvark Kloof.

356  Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher  (Trochocercus cyanomelas)
Seen first on the Igwalagwala trail in St Lucia and in the Fig Forest in Mkuzi.

356  African Paradise-Flycatcher  (Terpsiphone viridis)
Fairly common in suitable habitat.

358  Cape White-eye  (Zosterops pallidus) (E)
Common in suitable habitat.

360  Pririt Batis  (Batis pririt) (nE)
Seen in woodland at the foot of the Sani Pass.

360  Cape Batis  (Batis capensis) (E)
Seen regularly throughout the trip.

360  Chinspot Batis  (Batis molitor)
First seen in the Fig Forest in Mkuzi and then a couple of times in the Kruger.

360  Black-throated Wattle-eye (Wattled-eye Flycatcher) (Platysteira peltata)
Great views of 2 separate birds in the Fig Forest at Mkuzi.

362  Cape Wagtail  (Motacilla capensis)
Common in suitable habitat in the western Cape.

362  African Pied Wagtail  (Motacilla aguimp)
Seen daily in Oribi Gorge.

362  Mountain (Long-tailed) Wagtail (Motacilla clara)
Seen in Umgeni NR.

364  Mountain Pipit (Anthus hoeschi) (E)
A couple of birds not far over the border in Lesotho.

366  African (Grassveld) Pipit  (Anthus cinnamomeus)
Common in suitable habitat.

366  Buffy Pipit  (Anthus vaalensis)
A single bird at Benfontein Farm near Kimberley.

370  Yellow-breasted Pipit (Anthus chloris) (E)
A couple of birds in the hills above Wakkerstroom.

370  Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx crocies)
Seen on a couple of occasions along the road to Cape Vidal at St Lucia NP and once at Mkuzi.

370  Cape (Orange-throated) Longclaw  (Macronyx capensis) (E)
At Yzerfontein, West Coast NP and the Darling Road Loops in the Western Cape.

372  Crimson-breasted Shrike (Laniarius atrococcineus) (nE)
Seen at Nossob Camp in the Kgalagadi  TP.

372  Magpie (African Long-tailed) Shrike  (Corvinella melanoleuca)
Seen regularly in the Kruger.

372  Red-backed Shrike  (Lanius collurio)
Seen only once in the Kgalagadi TP.

372  Common Fiscal  (Fiscal Shrike) (Lanius collaris)
Common in suitable habitat.

374  Southern Boubou  (Laniarius ferrugineus) (E)
Seen regularly throughout the Western Cape.

374  Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus)
Seen twice in the Kruger at Punda Maria and near Pafuri.

374  Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senigala)
Seen regularly at Mkuzi.

374  Brown-crowned (Three-streaked) Tchagra  (Tchagra australis)
Seen on a couple of occasions in the Kruger.

374  Southern Tchagra  (Tchagra tchagra) (E)
Once in Oribi Gorge .

376  Grey-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti)
Seen at the Phalaborwa Gate as we left Kruger NP on our last day.

376  Bokmakierie  (Telophorus zeylonus) (E)
Common in the Western Cape.

376  Gorgeous Bushshrike (Telophorus quadricolor)
Great views of this vocal but elusive bird at the Kumasinga Hide in Mkuzi NP.

376  Orange-fronted Bushshrike (Telophorus sulfureopectus)
Seen on succesive days  at the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Punda Maria in the Kruger.

378  White-crested (White) Helmetshrike  (Prionops plumatus)
Seen only once, a small flock in Mkuzi NP.

378  Black-backed Puffback  (Dryoscopus cubla)
Seen regularly, Benvie Farm, Mkuzi and the Kruger.

380  Cape Glossy-Starling  (Lamprotornis nitens)
Regularly seen at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.

380  Violet-backed (Plum-coloured) Starling  (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
This striking starling was fairly common in Mkuzi and the Kruger.

380  Black-bellied Starling  (Lamprotornis corruscus)
Seen on 2 dates only, in Mkuzi.

382  Pale-winged Starling  (Onychognathus nabouroup) (nE)
Seen several times in the Tanqua Karoo and Aardvark Kloof.

382  Red-winged Starling  (Onychognathus morio)
Fairly common in the Western Cape.

384  Common (Indian) Myna (Acridotheris tristis)
Seen around Wakkerstroom.

384  Common (European) Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Common in the Western Cape.

384  Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea)
Seen only once in Mkuzi.

384  (African) Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor) (E)
Common in suitable habitat.

384  Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)
Fairly common, seen in Mkuzi and the Kruger.

384  Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus)
Much less common seen on just two occasions in the Kruger.

386  Gurney's Sugarbird (Promerops guernei) (E)
Seen at the top of the Sani Pass and in Lesotho.   

386  Cape Sugarbird  (Promerops cafer) (E)
Seen at West Coast National Park and Rooi Els and the Kgalagadi TP

386  Malachite Sunbird  (Nectarinia famosa)
This gorgeous sunbird seen at Cape of Good Hope NP, Eierkop in the Tanqua Karoo and in the Sani Pass.

386  Orange-breasted Sunbird  (Anthobaphes violacea) (E)
Cape of Good Hope NP, Paarl and Aardvark Kloof.

388  Scarlet-chested Sunbird  (Chalcomitra senegalensis)
Scope views from the road to Cape Vidal in St Lucia NP.

388  Amethyst (African Black) Sunbird  (Chalcomitra amethystina)
Seen only at Oribi Gorge.

388  Grey Sunbird (Cyanomitra veroxii)
Oribi Gorge and St Lucia NP.

388  Eastern Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea)
Also in Oribi Gorge.

390  Collared Sunbird  (Hedydipna collaris)
Common at Oribi Gorge, St Lucia NP and Mkuzi.

390  White-bellied Sunbird  (Cinnyris talatala)
Seen at Oribi Gorge and Muzi.

392  Greater Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris afra) (E)
Seen only at Umgeni NR.

392  Southern (Lesser) Double-collared Sunbird  (Cinnyris chalybea) (E)
This apparently common species only seen twice, West Coast NP and Oribi Gorge.

392  Mariqua Sunbird  (Cinnyris mariquensis)
Seen only once in Mkuzi NP.

392  Purple-banded Sunbird (Cinnyris bifasciata)
Seen once only, at St Lucia.

394  House Sparrow  (Passer domesticus)
Common in suitable habitat.

394  Cape Sparrow  (Passer melanurus) (nE)
Common in Western Cape, De Hoop and in Kgalagadi TP.

394  (African) Yellow-throated Petronia (Sparrow) (Petronia supercilliarus)
Seen regularly in Mkuzi and the Kruger.

394  Southern Grey-headed Sparrow  (Passer diffusus)
Common in the Kgalagadi TP and in the Kruger.

396  White-browed Sparrow-Weaver  (Plocepasser mahali)
Seen regularly in the Kgalagadi.

396  Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons)
Seen on the Igwalgwala trail in St Lucia and at Mkuzi.

396  Dark-backed (Forest) Weaver (Ploceus bicolor)
Fairly common in Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi NP. Also in Xumeni Forest at Donnybrook.

396  Sociable Weaver  (Philetairus socius) (E)
Huge communal nests easily seen around Pofadder and in the Kgalagadi TP.

398  Village (Spotted-backed) Weaver  (Ploceus cucullatus)
Seen at Umgeni NR and daily in Oribi Gorge.

398  Southern Masked-Weaver  (Ploceus velatus)
Common in suitable habitat.

398  Lesser Masked-Weaver  (Ploceus intermedius)
Seen only once in Mkuzi.

398  Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis)
Seen in St. Lucia and Mkuzi.

398  Red-headed Weaver  (Anaplectes rubriceps)
A couple seen in the north of the Kruger.

400  Cape Weaver  (Ploceus capensis) (E)
Seen regularly in the Western Cape and the Kgalagadi.

400  Yellow Weaver (Ploceus subaureus)
Seen on two dates in Mkuzi.

402  Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea)
Seen at the Koa Dunes and regularly in the Kruger.

402  Southern Red Bishop  (Euplectes orix)
Common in suitable habitat.

402  Yellow-crowned (Golden) Bishop  (Euplectes afer)
A few birds around Wakkerstroom.

404  Long-tailed Widowbird (Widow) (Euplectes progne)
Seen around Underberg and Wakkerstroom.

404  Red-collared Widowbird (Widow) (Euplectes ardens)
Seen around Underberg and at Umgeni NR.

404  Fan-tailed Widowbird (Red-shouldered Widow) (Euplectes axillaris)
Seen at Mkuzi.

404  Yellow Bishop (Yellow-rumped Widow) (Euplectes capensis)
Common in suitable habitat.

406  Pin-tailed Whydah  (Vidua macroura)
Fairly common seen at Paarl, De Hoop and the Kgalagadi TP.

406  Shaft-tailed Whydah  (Vidua regia)
Seen daily in the Kgalagadi TP.

406  Long-tailed (Eastern) Paradise-Whydah  (Vidua paradisaea)
Seen only once in the Kruger.

408  Dusky Indigo Bird (Black Widowfinch) (Vidua funerea)
Only seen once in a wooded gully above Wakerstroom.

408  Cuckoo Finch (Anomalospiza imberbis)
Single bird identified on a fence in fields above Wakkerstroom.

410  Red-billed Firefinch (Legonosticta senegala)
Several on successive days below the bridge over the Luvuvhu River near Pafuri in the northern Kruger.

410  Swee Waxbill  (Estrilda melanotis) (E)
Several birds seen at Harold Porter Botanical Garden and at Bontebok NP.

412  Common Waxbill  (Estrilda astrild)
Seen regularly in small numbers throughout the trip

412  Grey Waxbill (Estrilda perreini)
Only once in scrub at the side of the road to Cape Vidal in St. Lucia NP.

412  Blue Waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis)
Seen regularly in the Kruger.

414  Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata)
Seen on a couple of dates at Oribi Gorge.

414  Red-backed Mannikin (Lonchura nigriceps)
Seen only once in the casuarina trees at the camp site at Cape Vidal at St Lucia NP.

414  Red-headed Finch  (Amadina erythrocephala)
Only once, a single bird at Melkvlei, in the Kgalagadi TP.

414  Scaly-feathered Finch (Sporopipes squamifrons) (E)
Abundant in the Kgalagadi.

416  African Quailfinch  (Ortygospiza atricollis)
A stroke of  good fortune at one of the random stops on the drive round Bontebok NP where a small flock of these birds were hanging around a damp area of short grass affording great scope views.

416  Orange-breasted Waxbill (Amandava subflava)
Several in a mixed flock in fields above Wakkerstroom.

420  Yellow Canary  (Serinus flaviventris) (E)
Common throughout the Western Cape and the Kgalagadi TP.

420  Yellow-fronted (Yellow-eyed) Canary  (Serinus mozambicus)
Seen at Oribi Gorge and Mkuzi.

420  Forest Canary  (Serinus scotops) (E)
Seen in wooded areas around Underberg and at Oribi Gorge.

420  Cape Canary  (Serinus canicollis)
Seen at Darling Farmlands, De Hoop and in surrounding farmlands and around Underberg.

422  Protea Seedeater (Canary) (Serinus leucopterus) (E)
Claire Spottiswoode had given us a new site for this bird at Dassieshook NR just outside Robertson. We arrived very late but the first bird to show was the Protea Seedeater which perched right in front of us and then flew off never to be seen again.

422  Black-headed Canary (Alario alario) (E)
Seen at Aardvark Kloof

422  Drakensberg Siskin (Pseudochloroptila symonsi) (E)
A couple of birds seen at the top of the Sani Pass and over the border in Lesotho.

422  Cape Siskin  (Pseudochloroptila totta) (E)
A pair seen at Rooi Els.

424  White-throated Canary  (Serinus albogularis) (nE)
Seen at West Coast NP and Aardvaark Kloof.

424  Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs)
A single female in Tokai Forest just outside Cape Town.

424  Cinnamon-breasted (Rock) Bunting  (Emberiza tahapisi)
Seen only once in the Kruger near Olifants.

424  Golden-breasted Bunting  (Emberiza flaviventris)
This spectacular bunting seen on a couple of dates at Mkuzi and at Wakkerstroom.

424  Lark-like Bunting  (Emberiza impetuani) (nE)
Abundant.

424  Cape Bunting  (Emberiza capensis)
Seen at Cape of Good Hope NR,West Coast NP and in the Tanqua Karoo.

Mammal species list

1.     Chacma Baboon  (Papio ursinus) Kgalagadi TP.
2.     Vervet Monkey ( Cercopithecus aethiops) Kruger NP.
3.     Cape Hare ( Lepus capensis) Kgalagadi TP.
4.     Scrub Hare ( Lepus saxitalis) Kruger NP.
5.     Spring Hare ( Pedetes capensis) Kgalagadi TP & Kruger NP.
6.     Ground Squirrel ( Xerus inauris)Kgalagadi TP.
7.     Honey Badger (  Mellivora capensis) Kgalagadi TP.
8.     Striped Polecat  (Ictonyx striatus) Dipvlei Farm.
9.     Banded Mongoose ( Mungos mungo) St Lucia NP.
10.   Dwarf Mongoose ( Helogate parvula) Kruger NP.
11.   Suricate { Meercat} ( Suricata suricatta) Kgalagadi TP
12.   Rock Dassie ( Procavia capensis) West Coast NP
13 .  Cape Fox ( Vulpes chama) Kgalagadi TP
14.   Bat-eared Fox. ( Otocyon megalotis) Dipvlei Farm.
15.   Black-backed Jackal ( Canis mesomelas) Kgalagadi TP, Kruger NP
16.   Brown Hyaena ( Hyaena brunnea) Kgalagadi TP
17.   African Wid Cat (Felis lybica)
18.   Small Spotted Genet ( Genetta genetta) Kgalagadi TP.
19.   Lion ( Panthera leo) Kgalagadi TP, Kruger NP.
20.   Elephant ( Loxodona africana) Kruger NP.
21.   Square-lipped {White} Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) Kruger NP.
22    Hippopotamus ( Hippopotamus amphibius) Mkuzi NP, Kruger NP.
23.   Warthog ( Phacochoerus aethiopicus) Kruger NP.
24.   Bushpig  ( Potamochoerus porcus) Kruger NP.
25.   Cape Mountain Zebra ( Equus zebra ) De Hoop NR. Bontebok NP
26.   Burchell's Zebra ( Equus burchelli ) Kruger NP.
27.   Giraffe ( Giraffa camelopardalis) Mkuzi NR, Kruger NP.
28.   Buffalo ( Syncerus caffer) Kruger NP.
29.   Blue Wildebeest ( Connochaetes taurinus) Kgalagadi TP, Kruger NP.
30.   Eland ( Taurotragus oryx) Kgalagadi TP,Kruger NP.
31.   Kudu ( Tragelaphus strepsiceros) Kgalagadi TP, Kruger NP.
32.   Nyala ( Tragelaphus angasii) Kruger NP.
33.   Bushbuck ( Tragelaphus scriptus) Kruger NP.
34.   Gemsbok (Oryx gazella) Kgalagadi TP.
35.   Waterbuck ( Kobus ellipsiprymnus) Kruger NP.
36.   Red Hartebeeste ( Alxelaphus buselaphus) Kgalagadi TP.
37.   Bontebok ( Damaliscus dorcas dorcas) De Hoop NR, Bontebok NP.
38.   Impala  ( Aepyceros melampus) Kruger NP
39.   Springbok ( Antidorcas marsupialis) West Coast NP, Kgalagadi TP.
40.   Suni ( Neotragus moschatus) Kruger NP.
41.   Steenbok ( Raphicerus campestris) Kruger NP.
42.   Red Duiker ( Cephalophus natalensis) Kruger NP.
43.   Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) Kruger NP.
44.   Southern Right Whale (Balaena glacialis) False Bay.

Reptile species list

Cape Cobra (Naja nivea)
Seen at Melkvlei Picnic Site in the Kgalagadi TP.  Just beyond the boundary of this site the ground is full of holes. Despite watching very carefully for the presence of  puffadders while following a Red-headed Finch Graeme nevertheless completely missed seeing this snake until being 2 steps away from it.

Green Mamba (Dendroaspis angusticeps) 
Fortunately, at the time, we were not aware of the identification of the long, thin green snake that took up residence in our kitchen area on our final morning at Mkuzi.  We watched it cautiously for about 20 minutes until it slid off. Possibly another of this species seen in  a tree on the Igwalagwala trail in St Lucia.

Common Slug-eater  (Duberria lutrix)
Seen crossing the road in West Coast NP.

Nile Crocodile ( Crocydylus niloticus)
Common at St Lucia, Mkuzi and in the Kruger. We found a hatchling high up on the sand banks of the Luvuvhu River. The tiny, but very aggressive, crocodile was less than a day old but had no chance of reaching the water. The guides gently picked it up and were nearly bitten for their troubleand placed it in the shallows where after a moment to consider the new surroundings it swam off.

(Main report)

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