Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Fiscal Flycatcher |
 Pearl-spotted Owlet |
 Red-eyed Bulbul |
|
 Plum-colored Starling |
 Double-banded Courser |
 African Broadbill |
|
South Africa is an absolutely spectacular country and has one of the highest numbers of endemics of any African nation. From the unique fynbos of the western Cape to the mammals of Kruger and the high mountains of Lesotho, every day brings new and unforgettable experiences. This tour was arranged to take in as much of the country and see as many of the endemics as possible in three weeks time. Completely unplanned, it turned out that three of the participants had birded together on a previous Tropical Birding tour to Australia, and two of them had done a Tropical Birding tour to China together as well. With similar interests and a similar birding intensity, we all had a great time and managed to pick up 433 bird species and 50 mammal species!
Day 1: Tanqua Karoo
While this was technically scheduled to be an arrival day, a couple of the participants had arrived early and were keen to get out and see some birds. It was decided that a day trip to the Tanqua Karoo would be the best way to maximize our birding. This typically very dry desert was a beautiful way to begin the trip as all the plants were in bloom and the normal brown was turned into a sea of purples and yellows. The birding here was amazing and we managed to pick up all of our key species. These included Rufous-eared, Namaqua, and Cinnamon-breasted Warblers, Karoo Eremomela, and Pririt Batis. Well pleased with our first day out, we headed back to Cape Town to pick up the rest of the participants.
Day 2: Paarl and Kirstenbosch
The first real day of the tour saw us out bright and early and on our way to the Paarl mountain flower reserve. The birding was amazing and we started off the day with a bang as we began ticking off endemics. The flowering proteas were absolutely stunning and attracted the equally stunning Orange-breasted and Malachite Sunbirds. Cape Sugarbird was another excellent endemic as well as species such as Cape Batis, Fiscal Flycatcher, and wonderful views of Booted Eagle soaring overhead.
After taking in the beauty of the flower reserve, we headed to the not quite as stunning (though equally birdy) Paarl water treatment plant, tallying up the number of countries in which we’d all visited sewage plants along the way. Getting to see both Greater and Lesser Flamingos as well as a plethora of other birds, including African Spoonbill, Little Bittern, Cape Shoveler, and Maccoa Duck, more that made up for the rest of the surroundings.
We decided to make our way to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens for lunch and a relaxing afternoon stroll before heading back to our beds to try and get over some of the jetlag.
Day 3: Pelagic, Boulders, Strandfontein
Another early start brought us to the dock in Simons Town ready to head off on a pelagic. The water was a little choppy on the way out but no one from our group got overly sick and the birds made it all worthwhile. We soon found a trawler with hordes of birds teaming behind it. Shy Albatross, Pintado Petrel, and White-chinned Petrel were all very common. As the trawler began to pull in his net with the mornings catch, a smaller boat sped up behind him and got the net caught in his props. He quickly pulled them up, untangle the net and drove off but the damage was already done. About ten tons of dead fish were released and floating on the surface of the water. While this was an absolute nightmare for the trawler, who had just lost about a million rand worth of fish, it was heaven for the birds and the sky became thick with them. We picked up both Indian and Atlantic Yellow-nosed as well as Black-browed Albatrosses, Wilson’s and Black-bellied Storm Petrels, and Northern Giant Petrel. While this was an amazing spectacle, the bird of the day was still to come. Scanning through the White-chinned Petrels, we managed to pick out a Spectacled Petrel that sat in the water very close to the boat. This mega rarity is very difficult to find and little known with only an estimated 4000 on the planet. This was definitely the rarest bird of the trip and an amazing find! Heading back towards land, we were able to pick up the endemic Bank, and the near-endemic Cape and Crowned Cormorants.
After arriving back at shore we went just down the coast to the Boulders Beach Penguin colony and got up close and personal views of Jackass Penguins as they lay in the sand and waddled along the water edge. With a couple more hours of sunlight remaining, we decided to make the most of it by heading to Strandfontein to have a look at another sewage plant. Here we were able to pick up quite a few waders and get some great looks at the more of the waterfowl before calling it a day.
Day 4: Darling Wildflower Route, West Coast NP, and Velddrif
Heading north out of Cape Town, we took back roads to the small town of Darling. This route tends to be excellent for birds and we had a wonderful time seeing many new species. Alternately walking and driving along the road provided us with a great chance to see birds such as White-backed Mousebird, Blue Crane, and Capped Wheatear. The magnificent call of the Diederik Cuckoo could be heard in a small patch of trees and we managed to get excellent scope looks. The call turned out to be one that we would get very used to on the trip as it was heard almost every day in the east.
Finishing off the wildflower route we entered West Coast National Park where we made our way to a small pond. The birding here was reasonably good and we managed to pick up our first Bradypterus warbler: Little Rush-Warbler (though I can’t say all the participants were as excited as me at getting looks of this drab skulker). The highlight of the day though was when we tried for African Rail. As with most rails, this species can be extremely difficult to actually see as it hides in the reeds. However, after playing the tape once one was seen briefly crossing an open patch across the pond. We decided to wait and try to get everyone on the bird and to our extreme delight two of them came out in the open as the crossed the pond to our side. Being able to watch this bird swim across the pond out in the open was an experience that none of us will soon forget.
To finish off the day we headed up to the Langabaan quarry where we got great looks at Black Eagle and Grey-winged Francolin. We then went up to Velddrif and easily tracked down a family of Chestnut-banded Plovers before heading back to Cape Town for the night.
Day 5: Koeburg Power Plant and De Hoop
Having had our fill of sewage treatment plants, we decided to try something new and started off the day at the nuclear power plant instead. The power plant is actually surrounded by a nature reserve and the birding here was very good. We managed to pick up all the key species we were looking for here included Bokmakierie, Cape Grassbird, Cape Penduline-Tit, and Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler before we began the long drive to De Hoop. We managed to get to De Hoop with plenty of time remaining to do some birding and were thrilled to quickly pick up some of the areas special species. Agulhas Long-billed Lark was one of the first species encountered and its stunning long bill went a small way towards curing the participants of their aversion to larks and cisticolas. Stopping at another field, we were thrilled to see both a Denham’s Bustard and a Karoo Korhaan before calling it a day.
Day 6: De Hoop to Wilderness
Entering De Hoop NP we were thrilled to get our first real encounter with some of Africa’s mammals as we came upon herds of zebra and one of Africa’s largest antelopes, the eland. Birding around the campsite we managed to pick up some excellent species including Southern Boubou and Southern Tchagra before heading over to the Potburg section of the park where we were planning on looking for a Barn Owl that roosts there. While we didn’t see the Barn Owl, we were extremely thrilled to see a Spotted Eagle-Owl fly in and perch over a dry river bed long enough to get some great scope looks. This was a much better owl to see and everyone was quite pleased to get the eagle-owl over the extremely widespread Barn Owl, which they had all seen on other countries around the world already.
Leaving De Hoop we began the drive to Wilderness by crossing the Malagas River on the only man operated ferry in South Africa. Arriving in Wilderness we spent some time around the lodge watching the wonderful feeder there as Knysna Turaco, Forest Canary, Swee Waxbill, Chorister Robin, and a slew of other birds came in to feed. The late afternoon found us relaxed with plenty of time and energy to head up to Woodville and the large yellowwood tree. As darkness came we were thrilled to hear two African Wood Owl calling in the trees around us. These relatively tiny owls can be rather difficult to find, but we were eventually able to track them down and get descent looks (though they did give us a bit of a chase). Thrilled with our find, we made our way back to the car only to hear Fiery-necked Nightjar calling in the distance. Unfortunately we only got brief looks of this bird flying overhead before everyone decided that it was time to relax with a drink before bed.
Day 7: Wilderness Trails
This day was spent on the numerous trails that run through the forest surrounding Wilderness. The only problem with the tremendous wealth of birds around our lodge was that it made it much more difficult to find the remaining harder species in the forest. Harder or not, we maintained our luck and were able to find some great species. The morning started off views of Amethyst Sunbird in the car park and continued with great views of a Narina Trogon within only a couple of meters of us! A gravel road between trails allowed us our first views of a perched Forest Buzzard and a bird hide overlooking a nearby lake turned out to be excellent for African Fish Eagle. Other forest birds seen included Green Woodhoopoe, Terrestrial Brownbul, and Grey Cuckoo-shrike. A brief stop along the Kaimans River brought us up close and personal views of Malachite and the much more elusive Half-collared Kingfishers. After finding Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler along another trail, there was a call from the back to return to the lodge for a couple drinks before dinner. We all agreed it had been an extremely successful day, but that last bird of the day is often a surprise. As we park our van a bird flew into the tree just in front of the windshield. Looking up, we were thrilled to find Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher perched there just waiting for us to look at him! With the thrill of this almost overflowing, we sat down to watch the feeders and relax with a drink before dinner.
Day 8: Wilderness to Karoo NP via Swartberg Pass and Victoria Bay
While we were are thrilled with the forest birds we had seen thus far, there was still one bird that we all wanted and had so far managed to elude us: the stunning White-starred Robin. We decided our last morning here was best spent in a concerted effort to track this bird down. Walking through the forest up at Woodville we all kept our ears open for the distinctive call of this bird. After hearing a couple but chasing them down to no avail, we were beginning to feel a bit disheartened. Then one was heard very nearby and we were all quickly on high alert. Finally we found the bird and all quickly agreed that the book did not do it justice. The bright yellow belly and grey head with its white post-ocular spot made a stunning combination. After all the effort we had put into finding this bird, we were absolutely thrilled to see another five of them over the final kilometer of the trail!
After the excitement of the White-starred Robin, eagerness to search out another drab, skulking Bradypterus warbler was semi muted. However, as it was our best bet for Knysna Warbler, we decided to give it a brief shot at one of the easiest places to see them: Victoria Bay. Calling so close that we felt we could reach out and grab it if we could just manage to get into the thickets it prefers, all of us ended up getting great looks within a relatively small amount of searching (much less effort than was spent on the robin).
Swartberg pass rises through the mountains that separate the dry Karoo from the coastal forests and it is home to some very special birds. Our main target here was the Cape Rockjumper; a fantastic bird which makes up part of two families endemic to Southern Africa: rockjumpers and sugarbirds. Seeing this bird would clean up the western species belonging to these families and we were extremely excited as we climbed the path. A short walk at the top of the pass proved very easy and we all got great looks as a family clambered around on the rocky slopes.
Descending into the Karoo brought us into habitat that we had not had the chance to bird yet as a group and we couldn’t wait to start the next morning and see what other spectacular species were in store for us.
Day 9: Karoo NP
The short vegetation and dry sand of the Karoo provides spectacular vistas and the feeling of being in another world completely. Despite its appearances, the Karoo is home to an amazing amount of diversity with over one third of the worlds succulent plant species occurring. The dryness of the surrounding area makes the campsites, with their permanent water sources, an excellent place to find many of the birds in the area. We started off our morning in just such a place and were thrilled with the results. It seemed that every bird we said we were going to look for was easily found within moments of turning our mind to it. This made for a whirlwind of a morning with species such as Pririt Batis (not yet seen by those who hadn’t been with us in the Tanqua Karoo), Rufous-eared Warbler, Namaqua Warbler, Long-billed Crombec, and Layard’s Tit-babbler all easily found.
We decided to leave the campsite and head up the plateau as the day progressed and got great looks at a large number of Ground Woodpecker and Pale-winged Starling before lunch. We were also extremely excited to get our first look at Red-faced Mousebird, thus cleaning up all the mousebird species found in South Africa.
The mid-day heat of the Karoo convinced us all that our time would best be spent relaxing and watching a small waterhole where we enjoyed the multitude of weavers as well as getting great looks at African Marsh Warbler (while not a Bradypterus, it was almost as exciting for many of the participants).
As the day started to cool down, we decided to go on another drive before getting ready for the night drive we had scheduled. This proved to be an excellent idea as we picked up some great species. While the Spike-heeled and Karoo Long-billed Larks were tolerated, the highlights of the afternoon were definitely amazing views of Double-banded Courser, and watching the oddly majestic Secretarybird as it raised and lowered its crest in the excitement of hunting on the plains.
The vast amount of land covered by Karoo NP makes it an excellent place for viewing mammals and the night drive provided us with a great chance to see some of these beautiful creatures in their natural activities. There is something about seeing animals at night that reminded us all of just how wild the area we were in truly was. Gemsbok, red hartebeest, duikers, and steenbok were all out in force. We were also lucky enough to get excellent looks at cape mountain zebra and compare these with the much more widespread Burchell’s zebra.
Day 10: Travel Day
Leaving the Karoo after breakfast, we made our way back to Cape Town and then took a flight to Johannesburg to begin our birding in the East. Luckily this provided us with TV access for the night and those of us who were interested got to watch the South African Springboks win the Rugby World Cup!!
Day 11: Johannesburg to Kruger NP
Leaving the city early in the morning, we made our way to Kruger NP and a completely new set of birds. Kruger comprises a huge region and is the epitome of what many think of when picturing Africa in their minds; acacia covered plains teeming with large mammals and spectacular bird life. Our first afternoon here brought us spectacular sightings of some of Africa’s most special mammals; from the giant elephants to the elegant giraffe, and fascinatingly odd-looking warthog. One of the highlights of the afternoon though was the chance to watch a lioness at a kill while a seemingly unconcerned white rhino plodded around only meters away!
Even with all the amazing mammals, birding didn’t take a back seat (most of the time). In just a couple hours we managed to pick up more new trip birds than could possible be mentioned here. Classic species such as Grey Go-away-bird, Bateleur, White-headed and Hooded Vultures, Brubru, Red-billed Quelea, Red-headed Weaver, Yellow-throated Petronia, Kurrichane Thrush, and Lilac-breasted Roller were interspersed with some less common, though absolutely stunning, species such as Purple-crested Turaco, Black Cuckoo-shrike, White-throated Robin-chat, Bennett’s Woodpecker, and three new stunning species of sunbird. Arriving at our camp we were already looking forward to what the next day would bring.
Day 12: Kruger NP
Having a full day to drive around southern Kruger we maximized our day with a pleasant combination of mammal and bird watching. It can be truly difficult to concentrate on identifying cisticolas when elephants, giraffe, and wildebeest are all so close! However, gorgeous birds like Green-winged Pytilia, Blue Waxbill, Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Plum-colored Starling, and Purple Roller, do go a fair way towards refocusing oneself!
The birding this morning was once again exceptional but as the heat of the day progressed and the birds started to quiet down, we decided the best plan of action would be to find a bit of shade in one of the hides overlooking a waterhole. This proved to be an excellent chose and we got our first looks at hippo as they lolled in the refreshing water. After seeing these huge beasts looking so cumbersome on land, it is amazing to see how agile they can be in the water. Watching them roar and exposing their huge front teeth is definitely a vision best seen from a safe distance! The waterhole also provided some excellent birds and we were able to get close views of the gigantic Goliath Heron as well as African Jacana before loading back into our vehicle to return to camp.
Day 13: Kruger NP to Wakkerstroom
For our final morning of birding around Kruger, we decided to spend our time walking around the campground where we were staying. Since we came to the east, the call of the Red-chested Cuckoo had been so constant that not having yet seen it was beginning to haunt our dreams. While a widespread species, many of the participants had missed it on other African trips and we decided that one way or another we would find the bird that morning. We began our search but it seemed that every time we located a calling bird, it would go quiet and disappear only to begin calling again a far distance away. While the frustration was mounting, we were convinced that we could find the bird. However, our efforts were slightly distracted by other birds in the area and we found ourselves looking at species such as Black-backed Puffback, Bearded Woodpecker, and the colorful White-fronted Bee-eater. As we were watching the bee-eater we finally got brief looks as a cuckoo flew so fast and low over our heads that we could feel the rush of air in its wake. Having seen where the bird landed not too far away, we managed to find it perched and calling incessantly on an exposed branch where we all got great looks. Having accomplished our goal for the morning we sat down to breakfast and our final looks at Kruger.
Beginning our drive to Wakkerstroom we couldn’t help stopping one last time along a river before leaving Kruger. The birding here was excellent and we ended up staying for quite a while as more and more new birds appeared. Purple Heron, African Wattled Lapwing, and Hammerkop lined the sandy margins and we were thrilled to see both Pied and Giant Kingfishers along the shores. Having said our final goodbyes to Kruger and picked up some more great birds, we decided to make our way to Wakkerstroom in earnest.
Wakkerstroom is a unique area of upland grassland that holds quite a few of South Africa’s endemics and we could all feel our excitement rising as we made our way there. Coming in along the gravel Amersfoort-Wakkerstroom road, we were confronted with a plethora of larks. Searching through the more common species, we were thrilled to find our first specialty of the area: Botha’s Lark. This small lark can be very tricky to find and we were thrilled by our success. This was soon followed by Blue Korhaan and our spirits were soaring. After checking into our lodge, we made our way out on another of the loops in the area and very easily picked up both Buff-streaked Chat and the fanciful Yellow-breasted Pipit; two more of the areas specialties. With the sun setting, we decided to head over to Grey-crowned Crane roost and managed to get there with just enough light left to see this spectacular bird (though better views in full daylight would come the next day). As we were leaving and debating whether we had the energy to try for some owls in the area, the decision was taken out of our hands as an African Grass Owl flew overhead. A great end to an amazing day!
Day 14: Wakkerstroom
We decided to have an early start and look for another of Wakkerstroom's specialty species. Rudd’s Lark is a very localized endemic and better found here than anywhere else in the country. The display of this bird consists of flying in circles high overhead for up to 45 minutes. While we could hear the lark in its display somewhere off in the distance, we couldn’t manage to find it as it soared overhead. As breakfast approached, we felt slightly discouraged but nothing that a nice hot meal wouldn’t fix. While we had missed our target bird for the morning, we did manage to pick up other species such as Red-throated Wryneck, Fan-tailed Cisticola, and amazing looks at Lanner Falcon. Seeing the amazing tail of the Long-tailed Widowbird in breeding plumage went quite a ways to console everyone at having missed the lark.
After breakfast we headed out to the wetlands and found species such as White-faced Duck, Yellow-billed Egret, and African Purple Swamphen before heading off to do another local loop. Unfortunately the weather chose this point to turn foul and for a large portion of the drive we could barely see the road in front of us due to the fog and rain. However, this didn’t stop of from attempting to see three more of the areas specialty birds. Luckily breaks in the storm proved to be sufficient for us to see all three. We started with a roosting site for South African Cliff Swallow and were pleased to see that the rain hadn’t grounded them completely. Driving further along the road we encountered a flock of Orange-breasted Waxbill mixed in with the much more numerous quelea, bishops, and widowbirds of the area. While we were worried that our final specialty for the afternoon may elude us, we were pleased when we found two Barrow’s Korhaan sitting out in a field where we could get excellent looks through the scope. As the rain started pouring down once again, we decided to make our way to the lodge, only stopping for Cape Longclaw and Drakensberg Prinia en-route.
Day 15: Wakkerstroom to Mkuze
Having picked up all the specialties in Wakkerstroom except Rudd’s Lark, some of us decided that the lark was worth one final search before heading off. While those of us with no interest in larks managed to have a relaxing morning, the rest of us headed off at first light to try another spot for this special species. As soon as we opened the car doors we once again heard the distinctive call overhead. Perhaps because of the overcast sky, we were able to pick this species out in its display and were even able to follow it in the scope as it flew overhead. We were quite pleased with our effort and it turned out that the early start was well planned as the cloud level once again dropped so we could barely see the van from where we stood.
After a very filling breakfast, we made our way towards Mkuze hoping that we would be able to leave the rainy weather behind. By the time we reached the park we thought it was clear sailing, but within ten minutes of entering dark clouds once again began to form on the horizon. We decided to make the most of it and ended up seeing some great species despite the weather. Making our first stop, we quickly picked up Pink-throated Twinspot and Neergaard’s Sunbird; both of which are endemic and often quite tricky to track down species. Continuing our drive through the park we came upon a covey of Crested Guineafowl along the roadside as well as great looks of breeding Pink-backed Pelican and a Martial Eagle perched in the open before turning around to head back to our hotel for the night.
Day 16: Mkuze
While the weather still hadn’t quite bent to our will, we were bolstered by the previous days success and were sure to find some more great birds in this amazing park. We started off with a bang as we heard oddly metallic croaking of an African Broadbill near the car. Scanning through the woods we were thrilled to spot the broadbill very close to the vehicle and in plain sight for all to see. This was an excellent start to the day and we were convinced that while the weather might dampen us, it wouldn’t dampen our experience. Our birding continued and we were quite pleased to pick up species such as Jacobin Cuckoo, Black-bellied Bustard, Common Scimitarbill, Trumpeter Hornbill, and Brown-crowned Tchagra before the weather convinced us to call it a day.
Day 17: Mkuze to St. Lucia
Leaving Mkuze after an early breakfast, we began our journey to the St. Lucia wetlands area and a shot at more forest birding. A bit disappointed in the lack of storks around thus far, we decided it would be worthwhile to make a stop at Muzi Pans and see what we could pick up there. This satisfied our desire with nice looks at Yellow-billed Stork and we were all very excited to see the stunning African Pygmy Goose and the often-elusive White-backed Duck as well. Quite pleased, we continued our journey to St. Lucia. Here we began to search for more specialty species and were quite pleased to easily find Livingstone’s Turaco, Rudd’s Apalis, and Black-bellied Starling as well as more common species such as White-eared Barbet, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird. The late afternoon was spent with a quick drive up to Cape Vidal where we managed to pick some more new species including Black-chested Snake-Eagle and Pale-crowned Cisticola before calling it a day.
Day 18: St. Lucia to Eshowe
With a couple more key species to pick up, we decided to make an early start of it and see what the forests would reveal. A quick stop along a forest trail ended up taking quite a while as the birds just kept appearing. All enjoyed specialties such as Woodward’s Batis and Brown Scrub-Robin as well as more common species like Crowned Hornbill, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, and Thick-billed Weaver. However, the most stunning bird of the walk was by far the African Emerald Cuckoo. While this species is fairly widespread throughout Africa, the bright yellow belly and dazzling emerald green body always make it a favorite. Leaving the forest trail we took an easy stroll through the nearby campgrounds and were quite pleased at finding some great birds there including Grey Waxbill, Broad-billed Roller, and Red-capped Robin-Chat.
Leaving St. Lucia, we made our way down to Eshowe with a great stop along the way for Palmnut Vulture. Arriving at Eshowe, we went straight to the Dlinzi forest to attempt one of its rarer inhabitants. Within twenty minutes of arrival, we had a Spotted Ground-Thrush hopping along the trail in front of us. We got excellent looks, but were even more pleased when the bird flew to a nest nearby and sat in it watching us. While maintaining a respectful distance, we were all able to get fantastic looks at this shy and elusive species.
Day 19: Eshowe to Creighton
An early start found us all at the top of the tower at Dlinzi forest (the possible birds convincing some to brave their fear of heights). Eastern Olive Sunbird could be heard calling all around us and everyone finally got on it, finishing up all the species of sunbird available to us in South Africa! Red-backed Mannikin fed in the canopy, but our key species was the Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon. Scanning the trees, we finally found three birds perched where we could get good views of them. Named after the bronze nape of the female, we were happy to be able to see both males and females in the tree.
Having cleaned up in Eshowe, we decided to make an early start and see what the rest of the day had in store for us. With a bit of extra time, we decided to make a stop at Oribi Gorge. While this was a little out of our way, it turned out to be well worth the time as we got spectacular looks of both African Crowned Eagle, one of the most stunning raptors in South Africa, and Gymnogene soaring overhead. On top of these spectacular birds, we also managed to pick up one of South Africa’s most difficult endemics: the Knysna Woodpecker. This bird generally only gives off one high pitched call every few minutes and can thus be very tricky to track down. After seeing the bird fly overhead, we searched the thick tangles and were finally rewarded for our efforts.
Making our way to Creighton, we searched through the open grasslands and discovered White-winged, Fan-tailed, Long-tailed, and Red-collared Widowbirds flitting through the grasses. Long-crested Eagle was quite common in the area and we were thrilled to pick up another striking raptor for the day. With an extremely early start the next morning, we decided to call it a day and went to our lodge for a scrumptious dinner.
Day 20: Xumeni
The small Afro-montane forest patch of Xumeni is one of the best areas around to see Orange Ground-Thrush and the best time of day to see it is just before dawn. While this meant a very early start, we all felt it was worth it and arrived at the forest in the darkness of night. Driving along the road before the sun rose we managed to get excellent views of the ground-thrush as it came out to feed along the road. However, as the sun rose we realized that we were once again surrounded by clouds and could barely see into the forest at all. Lucky for us, a brief break in the cloud cover coincided perfectly with a pair of Cape Parrot flying overhead and we were able to see these before they reentered the mist. We decided at this point that our chances for birding were severely limited and that we could all use a bit of a break. Attempting to go out again in the afternoon again proved tricky but we struggled through it did manage to pick up a couple species, including Red-winged Francolin, before heading off to the Sani Pass Hotel for the night.
Day 21: Sani Pass
Heading up the mountain pass into Lesotho, we were quite pleased to quickly leave the fog of the previous day behind. Our first stops along the lower stretch of the pass brought us a couple of key species that we had been unable to see the day before, including Bush Blackcap and Dark-capped Yellow Warbler. Continuing up the slope, we were thrilled to find both African Black Duck and Black Stork at a small stream. Gurney’s Sugarbird made an excellent showing and one of the most anticipated birds of the trip, the Lammergeier, was seen from the South African border control. While standing at the highest pub in all of Africa, we easily picked up Drakensberg Siskin and Cape Vulture. Another highlight of the upper plateau was the Mountain Pipit. While this species is not as spectacular looking as many of the other species in the area, the lack of knowledge concerning where it goes in the winter make it an extremely cool species to see. Our final bird for the trip was also one we really didn’t want to miss and were thrilled to see. The Drakensberg Rockjumper completed the last species of the two endemic families to Southern Africa. We were ecstatic and were able to watch both males and females as the hopped along the rocks on the side of the road. It was an excellent way to end the trip and we couldn’t have asked for more; great birds, great people, and an amazing time had by all!
1, Common Ostrich, Struthio camelus
2, African (Jackass) Penguin, Spheniscus demersus
3, Great Crested Grebe, Podiceps cristatus
4, Black-necked Grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
5, Little Grebe (Dabchick), Tachybaptus ruficollis
6, Shy Albatross, Diomedea cauta
7, Black-browed Albatross, Diomedea melanophris
8, Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos
9, Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, Thalassarche carteri
10, Northern Giant Petrel, Macronectes halli
11, Pintado (Cape) Petrel, Daption capense
12, White-chinned Petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis
13, Spectacled Petrel, Procellaria conspicillata
14, Cory's Shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
15, Sooty Shearwater, Puffinus griseus
16, Great Shearwater, Puffinus gravis
17, Wilson's Storm Petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
18, Black-belied Storm Petrel, Fregetta tropica
19, Great (Eastern) White Pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus
20, Pink-backed Pelican, Pelecanus rufescens
21, Cape Gannet, Morus capensis
22, White-breasted Cormorant, Phalacrocorax lucidus
23, Cape Cormorant, Phalacrocorax capensis
24, Bank Cormorant, Phalacrocorax neglectus
25, Long-tailed Cormorant, Phalacrocorax africanus
26, Crowned Cormorant, Phalacrocorax coronatus
27, African Darter, Anhinga rufa
28, Grey Heron, Ardea cinerea
29, Black-headed Heron, Ardea melanocephala
30, Goliath Heron, Ardea goliath
31, Purple Heron, Ardea purpurea
32, Great (White) Egret, Casmerodius albus
33, Little Egret, Egretta garzetta
34, Yellow-billed Egret, Mesophoyx intermedia
35, Cattle Egret, Bubulcus ibis
36, Green-backed Heron, Butorides striatus
37, Black-crowned Night Heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
38, Little Bittern, Ixobrychus minutus
39, Hamerkop, Scopus umbretta
40, Black Stork, Ciconia nigra
41, Woolly-necked Stork, Ciconia episcopus
42, Yellow-billed Stork, Mycteria ibis
43, Sacred Ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus
44, Southern Bald Ibis, Geronticus calvus
45, Glossy Ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
46, Hadeda Ibis, Bostrychia hagedash
47, African Spoonbill, Platalea alba
48, Greater Flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber
49, Lesser Flamingo, Phoenicopterus minor
50, White-faced Duck, Dendrocygna viduata
51, White-backed Duck, Thalassornis leuconotus
52, Egyptian Goose, Alopochen aegyptiacus
53, South African Shelduck, Tadorna cana
54, Yellow-billed Duck, Anas undulata
55, African Black Duck, Anas sparsa
56, Cape Teal, Anas capensis
57, Red-billed Teal, Anas erythrorhyncha
58, Cape Shoveler, Anas smithii
59, Southern Pochard, Netta erythrophthalma
60, African Pygmy Goose, Nettapus auritus
61, Spur-winged Goose, Plectropterus gambensis
62, Maccoa Duck, Oxyura maccoa
63, Secretarybird, Sagittarius serpentarius
64, White-Headed Vulture, Trigonoceps occipitalis
65, Cape Vulture, Gyps coprotheres
66, (African) White-backed Vulture, Gyps africanus
67, Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture), Gypaetus barbatus
68, Palmnut Vulture, Gypohierax angolensis
69, Hooded Vulture, Necrosyrtes monachus
70, Yellow-billed Kite, Milvus parasitus
71, Black-shouldered Kite, Elanus caeruleus
72, Verreaux's (Black) Eagle, Aquila verreauxii
73, Tawny Eagle, Aquila rapax
74, Wahlberg's Eagle, Aquila wahlbergi
75, Booted Eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus
76, Martial Eagle, Polemaetus bellicosus
77, Crowned Eagle, Stephanoaetus coronatus
78, Longcrested Eagle, Lophaetus occipitalis
79, Brown Snake Eagle, Circaetus cinereus
80, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Circaetus pectoralis
81, Bateleur, Terathopius ecaudatus
82, African Fish Eagle, Haliaeetus vocifer
83, Common (Steppe) Buzzard, Buteo buteo
84, Forest Buzzard, Buteo trizonatus
85, Jackal Buzzard, Buteo rufofuscus
86, African Harrier-hawk (Gymnogene), Polyboroides typus
87, Lizard Buzzard, Kaupifalco monogrammicus
88, Gabar Goshawk, Micronisus gabar
89, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Melierax canorus
90, African Marsh Harrier, Circus ranivorus
91, Black Harrier, Circus maurus
92, Osprey, Pandion haliaetus
93, Lanner Falcon, Falco biarmicus
94, Amur (Eastern Red-footed) Falcon, Falco amurensis
95, Pygmy Falcon, Polihierax semitorquatus
96, Rock Kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
97, Crested Francolin, Periperdix sephaena
98, Grey-winged Francolin, Pternistes africanus
99, Red-winged Francolin, Scleroptila levaillanti
100, Cape Francolin, Pternistes capensis
101, Natal Francolin, Pternistes natalensis
102, Red-necked Spurfowl (Francolin), Pternistes afer
103, Swainson's Spurfowl (Francolin), Pternistes swainsonii
104, Common Quail, Coturnix coturnix
105, Helmeted Guineafowl, Numida meleagris
106, Crested Guineafowl, Guttera pucherani
107, Blue Crane, Anthropoides paradiseus
108, Grey (Southern) Crowned Crane, Balearica regulorum
109, African Rail, Rallus caerulescens
110, Black Crake, Amaurornis flavirostris
111, African Purple Swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio
112, Common Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
113, Red-knobbed Coot, Fulica cristata
114, African Jacana, Actophilornis africanus
115, Denham's (Stanley's) Bustard, Neotis denhami
116, Barrow's (S. White-bellied) Korhaan, Eupodotis barrowii
117, Blue Korhaan, Eupodotis caerulescens
118, Karoo Korhaan, Eupodotis vigorsii
119, Red-crested Korhaan, Eupodotis ruficrista
120, Black-bellied Bustard (Korhaan), Eupodotis melanogaster
121, African Black Oystercatcher, Haematopus moquini
122, Common Ringed Plover, Charadrius hiaticula
123, White-fronted Plover, Charadrius marginatus
124, Chestnut-banded Plover, Charadrius pallidus
125, Kittlitz's Plover, Charadrius pecuarius
126, Three-banded Plover, Charadrius tricollaris
127, Grey (Black-bellied) Plover, Pluvialis squatarola
128, Crowned Lapwing (Plover), Vanellus coronatus
129, Blacksmith Lapwing (Plover), Vanellus armatus
130, African Wattled Lapwing (Plover), Vanellus crassirostris
131, Ruddy Turnstone, Arenaria interpres
132, Terek Sandpiper, Tringa cinereus
133, Common Sandpiper, Tringa hypoleucos
134, Wood Sandpiper, Tringa glareola
135, Marsh Sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
136, Common Greenshank, Tringa nebularia
137, Curlew Sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
138, Little Stint, Calidris minuta
139, Sanderling, Calidris alba
140, Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
141, Pied Avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
142, Black-winged Stilt, Himantopus himantopus
143, Spotted Thick-knee (Dikkop), Burhinus capensis
144, Water Thick-knee (Dikkop) , Burhinus vermiculatus
145, Double-banded Courser, Smutsornis africanus
146, Arctic Skua, Stercorarius parasiticus
147, Cape (Kelp) Gull, Larus dominicanus
148, Grey-headed Gull, Larus cirrocephalus
149, Hartlaub's Gull, Larus hartlaubii
150, Caspian Tern, Sterna caspia
151, Swift (Greater Crested) Tern, Sterna bergii
152, Arctic Tern, Sterna paradisaea
153, Whiskered Tern, Chlidonias hybridus
154, White-winged Tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
155, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Pterocles namaqua
156, Feral (Rock) Pigeon, Columba livia
157, Speckled (Rock) Pigeon, Columba guinea
158, African (Rameron) Olive-Pigeon, Columba arquatrix
159, E. Bronze-naped (Delegorgue's) Pigeon, Columba delegorguei
160, Red-eyed Dove, Streptopelia semitorquata
161, Cape Turtle Dove, Streptopelia capicola
162, Laughing (Palm) Dove, Streptopelia senegalensis
163, Namaqua Dove, Oena capensis
164, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove , Turtur chalcospilos
165, Lemon (Cinnamon) Dove, Columba larvata
166, African Green Pigeon, Treron calva
167, Cape Parrot, Poicephalus robustus
168, Brown-headed Parrot, Poicephalus cryptoxanthus
169, Knysna Turaco, Tauraco corythaix
170, Livingstone's Turaco , Tauraco livingstonii
171, Purple-crested Turaco , Musophaga porphyreolophus
172, Grey Go-away Bird , Corythaixoides concolor
173, Red-chested Cuckoo, Cuculus solitarius
174, Jacobin Cuckoo, Oxylophus jacobinus
175, African Emerald Cuckoo, Chrysococcyx cupreus
176, Diderick (Diederik) Cuckoo, Chrysococcyx caprius
177, Burchell's Coucal, Centropus burchellii
178, African Grass-Owl, Tyto capensis
179, African Wood Owl, Strix woodfordii
180, Pearl-spotted Owl, Glaucidium perlatum
181, Spotted Eagle-Owl, Bubo africanus
182, Fiery-necked Nightjar, Caprimulgus pectoralis
183, African Black Swift, Apus barbatus
184, White-rumped Swift, Apus caffer
185, Horus Swift, Apus horus
186, Little Swift, Apus affinis
187, Alpine Swift, Tachymarptis melba
188, African Palm Swift, Cypsiurus parvus
189, Speckled Mousebird, Colius striatus
190, White-backed Mousebird, Colius colius
191, Red-faced Mousebird, Urocolius indicus
192, Narina Trogon, Apaloderma narina
193, Pied Kingfisher, Ceryle rudis
194, Giant Kingfisher, Megaceryle maxima
195, Half-collared Kingfisher, Alcedo semitorquata
196, Malachite Kingfisher, Alcedo cristata
197, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Halcyon albiventris
198, Grey-Headed (Grey-hooded) Kingfisher, Halcyon leucocephala
199, Striped Kingfisher, Halcyon chelicuti
200, European Bee-eater, Merops apiaster
201, White-fronted Bee-eater, Merops bullockoides
202, Little Bee-eater, Merops pusillus
203, Lilac-breasted Roller, Coracias caudata
204, Purple Roller, Coracias naevia
205, Broad-billed Roller, Eurystomus glaucurus
206, African Hoopoe, Upupa africana
207, Green (Red-billed) Wood-Hoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus
208, Common (Greater) Scimitarbill, Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
209, Trumpeter Hornbill, Ceratogymna bucinator
210, African Grey Hornbill, Tockus nasutus
211, Red-billed Hornbill, Tockus erythrorhynchus
212, S. Yellow-billed Hornbill, Tockus leucomelas
213, Crowned Hornbill, Tockus alboterminatus
214, Southern Ground Hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri
215, Black-collared Barbet, Lybius torquatus
216, Pied Barbet, Tricholaema leucomelas
217, White-eared Barbet, Stactolaema leucotis
218, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Pogoniulus chrysoconus
219, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Pogoniulus bilineatus
220, Crested Barbet, Trachyphonus vaillantii
221, Ground Woodpecker, Geocolaptes olivaceus
222, Bennett's Woodpecker, Campethera bennettii
223, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Campethera abingoni
224, Knysna Woodpecker, Campethera notata
225, Cardinal Woodpecker, Dendropicos fuscescens
226, Bearded Woodpecker, Thripias namaquus
227, Olive Woodpecker, Mesopicos griseocephalus
228, Red-throated Wryneck, Jynx ruficollis
229, African Broadbill, Smithornis capensis
230, Rufous-naped Lark, Mirafra africana
231, Cape Clapper Lark, Mirafra apiata
232, Sabota Lark, Mirafra sabota
233, Rudd's Lark, Heteromirafra ruddi
234, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Certhilauda brevirostris
235, Karoo Long-billed Lark, Certhilauda subcoronata
236, Spike-heeled Lark, Chersomanes albofasciata
237, Red-capped Lark, Calandrella cinerea
238, Botha's Lark, Spizocorys fringillaris
239, Large-billed (S. Thick-billed) Lark, Galerida magnirostris
240, Barn (European) Swallow, Hirundo rustica
241, White-throated Swallow, Hirundo albigularis
242, Wire-tailed Swallow, Hirundo smithii
243, Pearl-breasted Swallow, Hirundo dimidiata
244, Red-breasted Swallow, Hirundo semirufa
245, Greater Striped Swallow, Hirundo cucullata
246, Lesser Striped Swallow, Hirundo abyssinica
247, South African Cliff Swallow, Hirundo spilodera
248, Rock Martin, Hirundo fuligula
249, Brown-throated (Plain) Martin, Riparia paludicola
250, Banded Martin, Riparia cincta
251, Black Saw-wing (Swallow), Psalidoprocne holomelas
252, Black Cuckoo-shrike, Campephaga flava
253, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Coracina caesia
254, Fork-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus adsimilis
255, Square-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus ludwigii
256, (Eastern) Black-headed Oriole, Oriolus larvatus
257, Black (Cape) Crow, Corvus capensis
258, Pied Crow, Corvus albus
259, House Crow, Corvus splendens
260, White-necked Raven, Corvus albicollis
261, (Southern) Grey Tit, Parus afer
262, Southern Black Tit, Parus niger
263, Cape Penduline Tit, Anthoscopus minutus
264, Arrow-marked Babbler, Turdoides jardineii
265, Bush Blackcap, Lioptilus nigricapillus
266, Cape Bulbul, Pycnonotus capensis
267, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Pycnonotus nigricans
268, Dark-Capped (Black-eyed) Bulbul, Pycnonotus barbatus
269, Terrestrial Brownbul (Bulbul), Phyllastrephus terrestris
270, Sombre Greenbul (Bulbul), Andropadus importunus
271, Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Bulbul), Chlorocichla flaviventris
272, Orange Ground-Thrush, Zoothera gurneyi
273, Spotted Ground Thrush, Zoothera guttata
274, Kurrichane Thrush, Turdus libonyanus
275, Olive Thrush, Turdus smithi
276, Karoo Thrush, Turdus olivaceus
277, Cape Rock Thrush, Monticola rupestris
278, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Monticola explorator
279, Cape Rockjumper, Chaetops frenatus
280, Drakensberg (Orange-br) Rockjumper, Chaetops aurantius
281, Mountain Wheatear (Chat), Oenanthe monticola
282, Capped Wheatear, Oenanthe pileata
283, Buff-streaked Chat, Oenanthe bifasciata
284, Familiar Chat, Cercomela familiaris
285, Tractrac Chat, Cercomela tractrac
286, Sickle-winged Chat, Cercomela sinuata
287, Karoo Chat, Cercomela schlegelii
288, (Southern) Ant-eating Chat, Myrmecocichla formicivora
289, African (Common) Stonechat, Saxicola torquata
290, Chorister Robin-chat (Robin), Cossypha dichroa
291, Red-capped (Natal) Robin-chat, Cossypha natalensis
292, Cape Robin-chat, Cossypha caffra
293, (African) White-throated Robin-Chat, Cossypha humeralis
294, Brown Scrub-Robin (Robin), Erythropygia signata
295, (Eastern) Bearded Scrub-Robin (Robin), Erythropygia quadrivirgata
296, White-Starred (Starred) Robin, Pogonocichla stellata
297, White-browed Scrub-robin, Erythropygia leucophrys
298, Karoo Scrub-robin, Erythropygia coryphaeus
299, Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler, Parisoma subcaeruleum
300, Layard's Tit-babbler, Parisoma layardi
301, African (Marsh) Reed Warbler, Acrocephalus baeticatus
302, (Cape Reed) Lesser Swamp-Warbler, Acrocephalus gracilirostris
303, Dark-Capped (African) Yellow Warbler, Chloropeta natalensis
304, (African Sedge) Little Rush-Warbler, Bradypterus baboecala
305, Barratt's Warbler, Bradypterus barratti
306, Knysna Warbler, Bradypterus sylvaticus
307, Victorin's Warbler, Bradypterus victorini
308, Yellow-throated Warbler, Phylloscopus ruficapilla
309, Bar-throated Apalis, Apalis thoracica
310, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Apalis flavida
311, Rudd's Apalis, Apalis ruddi
312, Long-billed Crombec, Sylvietta rufescens
313, Karoo Eremomela, Eremomela gregalis
314, Green-backed Camaroptera (Bleating Warbler), Camaroptera brachyura
315, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Euryptila subcinnamomea
316, Cape Grassbird, Sphenoeacus afer
317, Fan-tailed (Zitting) Cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
318, Cloud Cisticola, Cisticola textrix
319, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Cisticola brunnescens
320, Grey-backed Cisticola, Cisticola subruficapillus
321, Rattling Cisticola, Cisticola chinianus
322, Red-faced Cisticola, Cisticola erythrops
323, Rufous-winged (Black-backed) Cisticola, Cisticola galactotes
324, Levaillant's Cisticola, Cisticola tinniens
325, Lazy Cisticola, Cisticola aberrans
326, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Prinia subflava
327, Karoo (Spotted) Prinia, Prinia maculosa
328, Drakensberg Prinia, Prinia hypoxantha
329, Namaqua Warbler, Phragmacia substriata
330, Rufous-eared Warbler, Malcorus pectoralis
331, African Dusky Flycatcher, Muscicapa adusta
332, Ashy (Blue-grey) Flycatcher, Muscicapa caerulescens
333, Southern Black Flycatcher, Melaenornis pammelaina
334, Pallid Flycatcher, Bradornis pallidus
335, Fiscal Flycatcher, Sigelus silens
336, Cape Batis, Batis capensis
337, Chinspot Batis, Batis molitor
338, Pririt Batis, Batis pririt
339, Woodwards Batis, Batis fratrum
340, Fairy Flycatcher, Stenostira scita
341, Blue-mantled Flycatcher, Trochocercus cyanomelas
342, African Paradise Flycatcher, Terpsiphone viridis
343, African Pied Wagtail, Motacilla aguimp
344, Cape Wagtail, Motacilla capensis
345, African Pipit (Grassveld Pipit) , Anthus cinnamomeus
346, Plain-backed Pipit, Anthus leucophrys
347, Mountain Pipit, Anthus hoeschi
348, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Hemimacronyx chloris
349, Cape (Orange-throated) Longclaw, Macronyx capensis
350, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Macronyx croceus
351, Common Fiscal (Fiscal Shrike), Lanius collaris
352, Southern Boubou, Laniarius ferrugineus
353, (African Longtailed) Magpie Shrike, Corvinella melanoleuca
354, Black-backed Puffback, Dryoscopus cubla
355, Brubru, Nilaus afer
356, Southern Tchagra, Tchagra tchagra
357, Brown-Crowned (Three-streaked) Tchagra, Tchagra australis
358, Black-crowned Tchagra, Tchagra senegala
359, Bokmakierie, Telophorus zeylonus
360, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Telophorus quadricolor
361, Orange-breasted Bush Shrike, Telophorus sulfureopectus
362, Common (European) Starling, Sturnus vulgaris
363, Common (Indian) Myna, Acridotheres tristis
364, (African) Pied Starling, Spreo bicolor
365, Violet-Backed (Plum-coloured) Starling, Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
366, Cape Glossy Starling, Lamprotornis nitens
367, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Lamprotornis chalybaeus
368, Black-bellied Starling, Lamprotornis corruscus
369, Burchells Starling, Lamprotornis australis
370, Meve's (Long-tailed) Starling, Lamprotornis mevesi
371, Red-winged Starling, Onychognathus morio
372, Pale-winged Starling, Onychognathus nabouroup
373, Red-billed Oxpecker, Buphagus erythrorhynchus
374, Cape Sugarbird, Promerops cafer
375, Gurney's Sugarbird, Promerops gurneyi
376, Malachite Sunbird, Nectarinia famosa
377, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Nectarinia violacea
378, Marico Sunbird, Nectarinia mariquensis
379, Purple-banded Sunbird, Nectarinia bifasciata
380, Neergaard's Sunbird, Nectarinia neergaardi
381, S. (Lesser) Double-collared Sunbird, Nectarinia chalybea
382, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Nectarinia afra
383, White-bellied Sunbird, Nectarinia talatala
384, Dusky Sunbird, Nectarinia fusca
385, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Nectarinia senegalensis
386, Amethyst (African Black) Sunbird, Nectarinia amethystina
387, Grey Sunbird, Nectarinia veroxii
388, Eastern Olive Sunbird, Nectarinia olivacea
389, Collared Sunbird, Anthreptes collaris
390, Cape White-eye, Zosterops capensis
391, House Sparrow, Passer domesticus
392, Cape Sparrow, Passer melanurus
393, S. Grey-headed Sparrow, Passer diffusus
394, (African) Yellow-throated Petronia (Sparrow), Petronia superciliaris
395, Thick-billed Weaver, Amblyospiza albifrons
396, Dark-backed (Forest) Weaver, Ploceus bicolor
397, Village (Spotted-backed) Weaver, Ploceus cucullatus
398, Cape Weaver, Ploceus capensis
399, Southern Masked Weaver, Ploceus velatus
400, Lesser Masked Weaver, Ploceus intermedius
401, African Yellow Weaver, Ploceus subaureus
402, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, Ploceus xanthopterus
403, Red-headed Weaver, Anaplectes rubriceps
404, Red-billed Quelea, Quelea quelea
405, Red Bishop, Euplectes orix
406, Yellow Bishop (Yellow-Rumped Widow) , Euplectes capensis
407, Fan-Tailed Widowbird (Red-shouldered Widow), Euplectes axillaris
408, White-winged Widowbird (Widow), Euplectes albonotatus
409, Red-collared Widow (Widow), Euplectes ardens
410, Long-tailed Widowbird (Widow), Euplectes progne
411, Green-winged Pytilia (Melba Finch) , Pytilia melba
412, Pink-throated Twinspot, Hypargos margaritatus
413, Blue Waxbill, Uraeginthus angolensis
414, Common Waxbill, Estrilda astrild
415, Grey Waxbill, Estrilda perreini
416, Swee Waxbill, Estrilda melanotis
417, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Sporaeginthus subflavus
418, Bronze Mannikin, Spermestes cucullatus
419, Red-backed Mannikin, Spermestes bicolor
420, Pin-tailed Whydah, Vidua macroura
421, Yellow-fronted (Yellow-eyed) Canary, Serinus mozambicus
422, Cape Canary, Serinus canicollis
423, Forest Canary, Serinus scotops
424, Cape Siskin, Pseudochloroptila totta
425, Drakensberg Siskin, Pseudochloroptila symonsi
426, Black-headed Canary, Serinus alario
427, Brimstone (Bully) Canary, Serinus sulphuratus
428, Yellow Canary, Serinus flaviventris
429, White-throated Canary, Serinus albogularis
430, Streaky-Headed Seed-Eater (Canary), Serinus gularis
431, Golden-breasted Bunting, Emberiza flaviventris
432, Cape Bunting, Emberiza capensis
433, Lark-like Bunting, Emberiza impetuani
Mammal List
1, Chacma Baboon, Papio ursinus
2, Vervet Monkey, Cercopithecus aethiops
3, Samango Monkey, Cercopithecus mitis
4, Cape Hare, Lepus capensis
5, Scrub Hare, Lepus saxatilis
6, Tree Squirrel, Paraxerus cepapi
7, Peters' Epauletted Fruit Bat, Epomophorus crypturus
8, Striped Mouse, Rhabdomys pumilio
9, Sloggett's Rat, Myotomys sloggetti
10, Blackbacked Jackal, Canis mesomelas
11, Banded Mongoose, Mungos mungo
12, Small Grey Mongoose, Galerella pulverulenta
13, Slender Mongoose, Galerella sanguinea
14, Dwarf Mongoose, Helogale parvula
15, Yellow Mongoose, Cynictis penicillata
16, White-tailed Mongoose, Ichneumia albicauda
17, Suricate, Suricata suricatta
18, Lion, Panthera leo
19, Elephant, Loxodonta africana
20, Rock Dassie, Procavia capensis
21, Cape Mountain Zebra, Equus zebra
22, Burchell's Zebra, Equus burchellii
23, White Rhino, Ceratotherium simum
24, Warthog, Phacochoerus aethiopicus
25, Hippopotamus, Hippopotamus amphibius
26, Giraffe, Giraffa camelopardalis
27, Buffalo, Syncerus caffer
28, Eland, Taurotragus oryx
29, Kudu, Tragelaphus strepsiceros
30, Nyala, Tragelaphus angasii
31, Bushbuck, Tragelaphus scriptus
32, Gemsbok, Oryx gazella
33, Waterbuck, Kobus ellipsiprymnus
34, Reedbuck, Redunca arundinum
35, Mountain Reedbuck, Redunca fulvorufula
36, Grey Rhebok, Pelea capreolus
37, Blue Wildebeest, Connochaetes taurinus
38, Red Haartebeest, Alcelaphus buselaphus
39, Bontebok, Damaliscus dorcas
40, Blesbok, Damaliscus phillipsi
41, Impala, Aepyceros melampus
42, Springbok, Antidorcas marsupialis
43, Klipspringer, Oreotragus oreotragus
44, Steenbok, Raphicerus campestris
45, Oribi, Ourebia ourebi
46, Suni, Neotragus moschatus
47, Cape Grysbok, Raphicerus melanotis
48, Red Duiker, Cephalophus natalensis
49, Common Duiker, Sylvicapra grimmia
50, Cape Fur Seal, Arctocephalus pusillus