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South Africa - Transvaal & Natal - 2nd - 21st April 1999 by Mark Sutton (continued)
Systematic list of birds
1 Nylsvley 21/04
Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis)
Small numbers recorded around Wakkerstroom , Underberg & Nylsvley.
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
1 Wakkerstroom 03/04
Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
2 Wakkerstroom 03/04
Long-tailed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus)
Regularly recorded at Wakkerstroom, Underberg & Mkuzi..
White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo lucidus)
Small numbers around Wakkerstroom & on 16/4 in the Kruger N.P.
African Darter (Anhinga rufa [melanogaster])
Small numbers around Wakkerstroom and in the Kruger N.P. on 15 & 17/4
White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
1 Mkuzi 11/04
Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens)
1 Mkuzi 12/04
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Regularly recorded at Wakkerstroom, Underberg, Mkuzi, Cape Vidal & Nylsvley.
Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala)
Small numbers recorded at Wakkerstroom, Underberg, 1 in the Kruger N.P. 16/4 & 2 Nylsvley on 21/4.
Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
Singles recorded at Wakkerstroom, Umlalazi & Mkuzi
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Small numbers recorded at Wakkerstroom and Nylsvley.
Great White Egret (Egretta alba)
1 in the Kruger N.P. on 14/4 & 4 Nylsvley on 21/4.
Intermediate Egret (Mesophoyx intermedia)
Up to 6 daily at Wakkerstroom & 2 Nylsvley on 21/4.
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
Common throughout.
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)
Singles Wakkerstroom on 02/04 & at Nylsvley on 21/4.
Striated Heron (Butorides striatus [striatus])
2 Kruger N.P. 14/04
Black-crowned Night-heron (Nycticorax nycticorax)
1 Wakkerstroom 02/04 with 4 there on 04/04.
Great Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
1 "booming" at a large Vlei at Franklin near Underberg
Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta)
Common around Wakkerstroom, small numbers around Mkuzi & on two dates in the Kruger N.P.
Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
6 Mkuzi on 11/04 with 40 there the following day
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
1 Lesotho 06/04, 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 15/4 & 4 on 17/4.
Woolly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus)
2 Umlalazi N.R. 08/04 & 1 Mkuzi 11/4.
Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
3 Separate sightings in the Kruger N.P. on 16/04.
Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
Recorded in the Kruger N.P on three dates, max 100 around Shingwedzi on 16/04.
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
1 Wakkerstroom 04/04, 2 Mkuzi on 11 & 12/4.
Hadada Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash)
Common in most areas visited.
Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus)
Recorded daily, around Wakkerstroom, Underberg & Lesotho. Max 70 in one flock by a pool near Underberg on 7/4.
Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
Small numbers recorded at Wakkerstroom, Underberg area, & Mkuzi.
African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)
Up to 6 recorded daily at Wakkerstroom & Mkuzi.
Fulvous Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)
1 Nylsvley on 21/04
White-faced Whistling-duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
Small number recorded at Mkuzi, Kruger N.P. & Nylsvley. Max 40 at Nylsvley.
Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa)
10 nr Wakkerstroom on 03/04
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
Small numbers recorded at most sites visited. Max 30 at Mkuzi.
South African Shelduck (Tadorna cana)
2 Wakkerstroom on 04/04
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)
Small numbers recorded at most areas visited, except the Kruger N.P. Max 20 Nylsvley 20/4.
Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)
8 Mkuzi on 12/04
Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)
Small numbers recorded at most sited visited, except the Kruger N.P. Max 50 at Wakkerstroom 3/4.
African Black Duck (Anas sparsa)
2 Underberg 06/04
Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha)
5 Wakkerstroom 03/04
10 Wakkerstroom on 03/04 & 6 at the Vlei near Franklin 5/4
Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma)
1 Nylsvley 21/04
African Cuckoo-falcon (Aviceda cuculoides)
1 Mkuzi 12/04 & 1 on the 18/4 in the Kruger N.P.
European Honey-buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
1 Kruger N.P. 17/04
Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus)
Small numbers recorded in most area visited.
Black Kite (Milvus migrans migrans)
1 on the journey to Magoebaskloof 19/4.
African Fish-eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
Small numbers noted around Underberg, St Lucia, Mkuzi, and daily in the Kruger N.P.
Lammergeier (Gypaetus barbatus)
1 Underberg 05/04
African White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus [bengalensis])
Common around Mkuzi & the Kruger N.P.
Cape Griffon-vulture (Gyps coprotheres [fulvus])
1 Underberg 07/04
Lappet-faced Vulture [sp] (Torgos tracheliotus)
Up to 4 noted on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis)
2 Kruger N.P.15/04
Black-chested Snake-eagle (Circaetus pectoralis [gallicus])
1 Cape Vidal to St Lucia, 11/04 & 1 near the Kruger N.P. on 13/4.
Brown Snake-eagle (Circaetus cinereus)
1 Kruger N.P. on 15/4 & 2 on 19/4.
Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus)
1 Mkuzi 12/04 & up to 10 daily in the Kruger N.P.
African Marsh-harrier (Circus ranivorus [aeruginosus])
4 Underberg 05/04
Black Harrier (Circus maurus)
1 Wakkerstroom 03/04
African Harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus [radiatus])
1 Cape Vidal to St Lucia 10/04
Pale Chanting-goshawk (Melierax canorus)
1 Lesotho 06/04
Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar)
1 Mkuzi 13/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. 15/4.
Shikra (Accipiter badius)
A total of 4 birds recorded on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus)
1 Kruger N.P. 17/04
Black Goshawk (Accipiter melanoleucus)
1 Underberg 07/04. Watched carrying nest material into the wood behind Robin Guy's house, where they breed.
Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo vulpinus)
1 Kruger N.P. 17/04
Mountain Buzzard (Buteo oreophilus [buteo])
1 Xumeni Forest 05/04
Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus)
Up to 4 birds recorded daily around Wakkerstroom & Underberg.
Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
1 Kruger N.P. 15/04
Verreaux's Eagle (Aquila verreauxii)
1 on the journey to Underberg on 04/4 and a 2 near there on 07/4.
Wahlberg's Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi)
1 Kruger N.P. 18/04
African Hawk-eagle (Hieraaetus spilogaster [fasciatus])
1 Kruger N.P. 18/04
Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)
2 in the Kruger N.P. on the 17/04 & 1 there on 19/4.
Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis)
First recorded on the journey to Underberg on 04/4 and then 1 daily until 08/4 in the Underberg area.
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
1 Underberg 07/04
Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus)
1 Wakkerstroom 03/04
Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus)
A total of 6 sightings on three dates, mostly in Lesotho /Sani Pass area.
Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
1 Mkuzi 12/04
Grey-winged Francolin (Francolinus africanus)
1 party of about 7 birds in Lesotho on 06/04
Crested Francolin (Francolinus sephaena)
4 Mkuzi on 13/4, up to 15 recorded daily in the Kruger N.P. & 2 Nylsvley on 21/4.
Natal Francolin (Francolinus natalensis)
1 Xumeni Forest on 05/04 & up to 8 recorded daily in the Kruger N.P.
Swainson's Spurfowl (Francolinus swainsonii)
Recorded on 4 dates in the Kruger N.P. with a max. of 3 on 18/4. 2 Nylsvlei on 21/4.
Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
1 Wakkerstroom on 3/4, about 20 flushed whilst looking for the Wattled Cranes on 04/04 & 1 nr Underberg on 07/4.
Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
Recorded from Wakkerstroom, Mkuzi and daily in the Kruger N.P. Often in large flocks.
African Rail (Rallus caerulescens)
1 on the Vlei at Wakkerstroom on 04/04. In reeds along side the road.
Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra)
2 in the Kruger N.P. on 14/04, at Sunset dam near Lower Sabie
African Swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio madagascariensis)
Recorded on three dates around Wakkerstroom & Underberg. Max 10 on 04/04.
Allen's Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni)
1 Nylsvley 21/04
Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Small numbers noted at Wakkerstroom, Underberg, Kruger N.P. (one date) & Nylsvley
Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata)
Common around Wakkerstroom & Underberg.
African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04- a female / imm. watched for about 10 minutes feeding along the shore on the far side of the river early in the morning. R.S had seen another bird briefly the previous evening on the near shore.
Grey Crowned-crane (Balearica regulorum [povonina])
2 ads and an imm at Wakkerstroom on 03 & 04/4. On the 05/4: flock of 57 at the Wattled Crane site and 37 at the Vlei at Franklin. 2 nr Underberg on 06/4.
Wattled Crane (Grus carunculatus)
6 near Underberg on 05/04. They were present on a farm known to Robin Guy where over 30 birds had been present a few weeks earlier. Robin arranged with the farmer for us to visit. When we arrived the farmer had to look after his young children as his wife, a first aider, had been called out to a vehicle accident. The farmer lent us his 4 Wheel Drive and gave us directions to the area where he had seen them a few days ago. After about half an hour two parties of three birds were seen, feeding and displaying.
Red-crested Bustard (Eupodotis ruficrista)
Singles in the Kruger N.P. on the 13 & 17/4
Blue Bustard (Eupodotis caerulescens)
3 Wakkerstroom 03/04
African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus)
1 at Mkuzi on 12/4, 4 in the Kruger N.P. on 14/4 & 30+ at Nylsvley on 21/4.
Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
6 Mkuzi 11/04 with 8 there the following day.
Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus)
Up to 4 recorded on three dates, in the Kruger N.P., mostly on night drives.
Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis)
In the Kruger N.P.: 4 on 16/4 & 2 on 18/4, all on night drives.
Bronze-winged Courser (Rhinoptilus chalcopterus)
In the Kruger N.P.: up to 5 recorded on night drives on the 16 & 18/4. 1 seen during the day on the 17/4, was watched down to 6 feet.
Kittlitz's Plover (Charadrius pecuarius)
Singles recorded at Mkuzi on 12/4 & in the Kruger N.P. on 16/4.
Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris)
1 Wakkerstroom on 03/4, 4 in Lesotho on 06/4 & small numbers recorded in the Kruger N.P. on three dates.
Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus)
Small numbers noted at most wetland sites
White-headed Lapwing (Vanellus albiceps)
In the Kruger N.P.: 2 on the river at the Nkuhlu picnic site on 14/2 & 4 on the river at the Pafuri picnic site on the 18/4.
Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus)
4 Wakkerstroom 03/04 & 2 in the Kruger N.P. on 14/4.
Black-winged Lapwing (Vanellus melanopterus)
4 Wakkerstroom 04/04
Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus)
Small numbers noted at Wakkerstroom, Mkuzi, & the Kruger N.P. Max 15 at Wakkerstroom on 03/4.
African Snipe (Gallonage nigripennis [gallonage])
4 Wakkerstroom on 03/4 & 8 there the next day.
Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 08/04
Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatilis)
2 Wakkerstroom 03/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 17/4.
Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Small numbers noted at Umlalazi, Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Small numbers noted at Wakkerstroom, Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 08/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 16/4.
Little Stint (Calidris minuta)
20 Mkuzi 11/04 & 2 there the next day.
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
10 Cape Vidal 09/04
Grey-headed Gull (Larus cirrocephalus)
Up to 10 daily on the coast at Cape Vidal.
Double-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles bicinctus)
In the Kruger N.P: 2 on the 13/4 & 10 on 18/4. All sightings were of birds on the road either in the morning or evening.
Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)
2 Wakkerstroom 04/04 & 6 around the Sani pass / Lesotho on 06/4.
African Olive-pigeon (Columba arquatrix)
Common at Xumeni Forest on the 05/ & 07/4. 5 Magoebaskloof on 19/4.
Lemon Dove (Columba larvata)
1 Xumeni Forest 07/04 & 1 Magoebaskloof on 19/4.
Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis)
Common.
Mourning Collared-dove (Streptopelia decipiens)
Recorded on three dates in the Kruger N.P. - Common at Letaba
Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola [vinacea])
Common throughout.
Small numbers recorded around Mkuzi, Cape Vidal & the Kruger N.P. possibly overlooked elsewhere.
Emerald-spotted Wood-dove (Turtur chalcospilos)
Up to 6 Mkuzi on 12 & 13/4 & on two dates in the Kruger N.P.
Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria)
2 in the Kruger N.P. at Pafuri on 18/4 & 1 Magoebaskloof on 20/4
Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)
Up to 4 recorded on three dates in the Kruger N.P..
African Green-pigeon (Treron calva [australis])
3 Mkuzi on 13/4 & on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
Cape [Brown-necked] Parrot (Poicephalus robustus)
6 Xumeni Forest 07/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. nr PundaMaria on 19/4.
Brown-headed Parrot (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus)
1 Magoebaskloof 20/04
Knysna Turaco (Tauraco corythaix)
3 Magoebaskloof 20/04
Purple-crested Turaco (Musophaga porphyreolopha)
1 Umlalazi on the 09/5, 1 Mkuzi on 12/4 & 1 nr Punda Maria in the Kruger N.P. on 19/4.
Grey Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides concolor [personatus])
1 Swaziland on 13/4 & up to 4 daily in the Kruger N.P.
Striped [Levaillants] Cuckoo ( Clamator levaillantii)
1 juv in the Kruger N.P. 16/4.
Klaas' Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas)
1 Kruger N.P.18/04
Didric Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius)
1 Mkuzi 13/04
Burchell's Coucal (Centropus burchelli)
1 Cape Vidal 10/4, 1 Mkuzi 11/4 & singles in the Kruger N.P. on 15 &16/4.
Barn Owl (Tito alba)
1 nr Underberg 05/04
Cape Eagle-Owl (Bubo capensis capensis)
1 nr Underberg 05/04 On a roadside telegraph post, just before dawn.
Spotted Eagle-owl (Bubo africanus)
1 at dawn on roadside telegraph posts nr. Underberg on 07/4, 2 at dusk on telegraph posts at Cape Vidal on 10/4 & 1 on the night drive at Mkuzi on 12/4.
Giant [Verreaux's] Eagle-owl (Bubo lacteus)
In the Kruger N.P: 2 On the night drive on 16/4 & 1 flushed from trees at Pafuri on 18/4.
African Wood-owl (Strix woodfordii)
Heard at several sites but the only sighting was in the grounds of the hotel at Magoebaskloof at about midnight on 20/4.
Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum [passerinum])
1 seen during the day in the Kruger N.P. on 18/04
Marsh Owl (Asio capensis)
1 Wakkerstroom 03/04
1 Kruger N.P. 18/04. This bird was identified by the guide as a Fiery-necked Nightjar, which we suspected was incorrect. The true identity was confirmed when we checked the video footage.
Mozambique [Square-tailed] Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii)
Up to 2 recorded on all three night drives in the Kruger N.P.
African Palm-swift (Cypsiurus parvus)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 08/04 & daily in the Kruger N.P.
African Swift (Apus barbatus [apus])
20 Sani Pass 06/04
Little Swift (Apus affinis)
Small numbers recorded around Wakkerstroom. Common in the Kruger N.P.
White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer)
Common around Wakkerstroom & Underberg. 4 Mkuzi on 12/4.
Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus)
Small numbers recorded daily around Underberg & on two dates in the Kruger N.P.
Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus)
Small numbers recorded on two dates at Mkuzi & two dates in the Kruger N.P.
Half-collared Kingfisher (Alcedo semitorquata [atthis])
1 Underberg 05/04
Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata)
Singles recorded at Wakkerstroom on 02 & 04/4 & Umlalazi on 09/4.
Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis)
4 in the Kruger N.P. on 17/4 & 2 there on 18/4.
Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris)
3 at Mkuzi on 11 & 12/4. up to 2 recorded on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04, 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 14/4 & 3 there on 15/4.
Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
Small numbers recorded at Underberg, Umlalazi N.R., Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides)
1 Wakkerstroom 02/04, 1 Kruger N.P. on 14/04 & 10 there on 18/4, mostly around Pafuri.
Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus)
3 at Mkuzi on 12/4, 2 in the Kruger N.P. on 18/4 & 3 Nylsvley on 21/4.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus [superciliosus])
4 Cape Vidal 10/04 & 10 there the following day.
European Roller (Coracias garrulus)
1 on the journey from Cape Vidal to Mkuzi on 11/4
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudata)
Common around Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Purple [Rufous-crowned] Roller (Coracias noevia)
Up to 2 recorded on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
African Hoopoe (Upupa africana)
Singles recorded on two dates around Underberg & in the Kruger N.P. on 17/4.
Green Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus)
Regularly recorded at Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Small numbers recorded daily in the Kruger N.P.
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas [flavirostris])
Common in the Kruger N.P.
Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus)
2 Xumeni Forest 05/04 & 2 in the Kruger N.P. at Pafuri on 18/4.
African Grey Hornbill (Tockus nasutus)
Up to 6 recorded on 4 dates in the Kruger N.P.
Trumpeter Hornbill (Ceratogymna bucinator)
2 Cape Vidal 10/04, 4 there on 11/4, 20 Mkuzi fig forest on 13/4 & in the Kruger N.P. 2 on 15/4 & 3 on 18/4.
Southern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
2 near Skukuza in the Kruger N.P. 15/04
White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 08/04 & 6 there the next day
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus bilineatus)
6 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus chrysoconus)
In the Kruger N.P. :1 on 15/04 near the campsite at Letaba camp & 1 Pafuri on 18/4.
Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus)
1 Cape Vidal 10/04 & singles at Mkuzi on the 12 & 13/4.
Pied Barbet (Tricholaema leucomelas)
1 Mkuzi 12/04
Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus)
1 Cape Vidal 11/04, up to 3 Mkuzi on 11 & 12/4. 4 in the Kruger N.P. on 14/4.
Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii)
1 Mkuzi 12/04, up to 3 recorded on several dates in the Kruger N.P. & 2 Nylsvley on 21/4
Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator)
1 Xumeni Forest 05/04
Rufous-necked Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis)
1 Wakkerstroom 03/04 & 2 in Robin Guy's garden on 08/4
Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni)
2 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 15/4
Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes olivaceus)
4 Wakkerstroom 03/04 & 1 Sani Pass on 06/4.
Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens)
1 Underberg 07/04, up to 3 at Mkuzi, 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 18/4 & 2 Nylsvley on 21/4.
Bearded Woodpecker (Dendropicos namaquus)
3 Kruger N.P. 14/04 & 1 there on the 18/4.
Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus)
2 Magoebaskloof 19/04 & 4 there the next day.
Sabota Lark (Mirafra sabota)
3 Mkuzi 12/04 & small numbers daily in the Kruger N.P.
Dusky Bushlark (Pinarocorys nigricans)
1 Nylsvley 21/04
6 Wakkerstroom 03/04 & 1 there the next day.
Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea)
2 Wakkerstroom 03/04& 20+ at the Wattled Crane site near Underberg on 05/4.
Thick-billed [Large-billed] Lark (Galerida magnirostris)
4 Lesotho 06/04
Brown throated [Plain] Martin (Riparia paludicola)
4 Underberg 07/04 & 1 Mkuzi on 12/4.
Banded Martin (Riparia cincta)
Common around Wakkerstroom.
Rock Martin (Hirundo fuligula)
2 Lesotho 06/04
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
2 Underberg 05/0, common around Mkuzi & the Kruger N.P.
White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis)
Small numbers recorded daily around Wakkerstroom & Underberg.
Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii)
Common in the Kruger N.P.
Greater Striped-swallow (Hirundo cucullata)
Common around Wakkerstroom & Underberg. 4 Nylsvley on 21/4.
Lesser Striped-swallow (Hirundo abyssinica)
6 Mkuzi 12/04 & small numbers noted most days in the Kruger N.P.
Mosque Swallow (Hirundo senegalensis)
Up to 2 recorded on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
South African Swallow (Hirundo spilodera)
Up to 30 recorded daily around Wakkerstroom & 40 nr Underberg on 05/4.
House Martin (Delichon urbica)
2 Underberg 07/04 & up to 10 on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
Black Sawwing (Psalidoprocne holomelas [pristoptera])
4 Xumeni Forest 05/04, 10 Cape Vidal on 10/4 & up to 5 at Mkuzi on two dates.
Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis)
Small numbers recorded on several dates around Wakkerstroom & Underberg.
Yellow-breasted Pipit (Anthus chloris)
1 Wakkerstroom 03/04, at a site known to John McAllister.
Striped Pipit (Anthus lineiventris)
1 nr Magoebaskloof 20/04. A bird in song along the track leading to Debenjeni Falls.
African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus [novaeseelandiae])
Common around Wakkerstroom. Also recorded on several dates in the Kruger N.P.
Plain-backed Pipit (Anthus leucophrys)
Single birds noted on two dates in the Kruger N.P.
Bushveld Pipit (Anthus caffer)
2 Mkuzi 12/04
African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp [alba])
4 Mkuzi 12/04 & up to 2 recorded on two dates in the Kruger N.P.
Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis)
Small numbers recorded daily around Wakkerstroom & Underberg. 2 Cape Vidal on 11/4.
4 Magoebaskloof 20/04, around the Debenjeni Falls
Black Cuckooshrike (Campephaga Flava)
up to 4 recorded on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
Grey Cuckooshrike (Coracina caesia)
Up to 3 birds on both visits to Xumeni Forest & up to 5 Magoebaskloof on 19 & 20/4
Black-fronted Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans [barbatus]).
Common throughout.
Sombre Greenbul (Andropadus importunus)
Common in suitable habitat e.g Xumeni Forest, Umlalazi & Magoebaskloof.
Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Chlorocichla flaviventris)
Recorded daily at Umlalazi, Mkuzi & Cape Vidal.
Terrestrial Brownbul (Phyllastrephus terrestris)
Small numbers recorded at Cape Vidal, Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Yellow-streaked Greenbul (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus)
10+ a day around Magoebaskloof.
Bearded Scrub-robin (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata)
2 Mkuzi 12/04 & 1 there the following day.
Brown Scrub-robin (Cercotrichas signata)
4 Cape Vidal 10/04 & 2 there the following day. Mostly around the camp site & adjacent roads. Particularly obvious at dawn when birds ventured into the open. They were also very vocal early in the morning.
Red-backed Scrub-robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys)
14/04 Singles in the Kruger N.P. on 14 & 18/4. 3 Nylsvley 21/4.
White-starred Robin (Pogonocichla stellata)
1 Xumeni Forest 05/04
Cape Robin-chat (Cossypha caffra)
Small numbers recorded daily around Underberg.
White-throated Robin-chat (Cossypha humeralis)
2 Kruger N.P. 15/04, in the grounds of Skukuza Camp
Heuglin's [White-browed] Robin-chat (Cossypha heuglini)
Singles recorded on two dates in the Kruger N.P.& 2 Magoebaskloof on 20/4.
Natal [Red-capped] Robin-chat (Cossypha natalensis)
Up to 4 recorded daily around Umlalazi N.R. & Cape Vidal.
Chorister Robin-chat (Cossypha dichroa)
2 Magoebaskloof 20/04
Sicklewing Chat (Cercomela sinuata)
20 Lesotho 06/04
Familiar Chat (Cercomela familiaris)
1 Sani Pass 06/04
Common Stonechat [sp] (Saxicola torquata)
Fairly common around Wakkerstroom, Underberg & Cape Vidal
Buff-streaked Chat (Saxicola bifasciata)
8 Wakkerstroom 03/04 with 1 there the next day. 2 Sani Pass on 06/4.
Southern Anteater-chat (Myrmecocichla formicivora)
6 Wakkerstroom 03/04
Arnots' Chat [White-headed Black-chat] (Myrmecocichla arnotti)
1 female Kruger N.P. on 18/04, in an area of Mopane Woodland along the S60 near Punda Maria
Mountain Wheatear (Oenanthe monticola)
1 Wakkerstroom 03/04
Sentinel Rock-thrush (Monticola explorator)
5 Wakkerstroom 03/04, 12 Sani Pass & Lesotho on 06/4.
Groundscraper Thrush (Psophocichla litsipsirupa)
In the Kruger N.P 1 on the 14/4 & 2 on 16/4.
Kurrichane Thrush (Turdus libonyanus)
Up to 10 recorded on 4 dates in the Kruger N.P. particularly common around Letaba.
Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
Small numbers daily around Underberg & 2 Magoebaskloof 20/4.
African Sedge [African Bush] Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala)
2 Wakkerstroom 04/04 - responded well to a tape played from the road.
Barratt's [African Scrub] Warbler (Bradypterus barratti)
At Xumeni Forest: 2 Heard on 05/04 & 1 seen briefly on 07/4. At Magoebaskloof 2 heard on 19 & 4 heard on 20/4.
Cape Grassbird (Sphenoeacus afer)
2 Sani Pass 06/04
Red-faced Cisticola (Cisticola erythrops)
4 Mkuzi 13/04 & up to 4 birds recorded on two dates in the Kruger N.P.
Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chinianus)
Up to 6 recorded daily at Mkuzi & on four dates in the Kruger N.P.
Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais)
4 Lesotho 06/04
Levaillant's [Tinkling] Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens)
Small numbers recorded daily around Wakkerstroom & Underberg.
Neddicky [Piping Cisticola] (Cisticola fulvicapillus)
1 Magoebaskloof 20/04, along the track to Debenjeni Falls.
Fan-tailed [Zitting] Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
Up to 20 recorded on two dates in the Kruger N.P. & 2 Nylsvley 21/4.
Desert Cisticola (Cisticola aridulus)
4 Kruger N.P. 16/04
Ayres' [Wing-snapping] Cisticola (Cisticola ayresii)
2 Wakkerstroom 03/04
Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava)
2 Mkuzi 13/04, up to 6 recorded on three dates in the Kruger N.P. & 2 Mageobaskloof 20/4.
Spotted [Karoo] Prinia (Prinia maculosa)
2 Lesotho 06/04
Drakensburg Prinia (Prinia hypoxantha)
1 Xumeni Forest 05/04, 1 Sani Pass 06/4 & 1 Magoebaskloof 20/4.
Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica)
4 Xumeni Forest 05/04 & 2 there on 07/4. 2 at Magoebaskloof on 19 & 20/4.
Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida)
Small numbers recorded at Cape Vidal, Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Rudd's Apalis (Apalis ruddi)
4 Mkuzi 12/04
Grey-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brevicaudata [brachyura])
In the Kruger N.P. common around Pafuri 18/4..
Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura)
Small numbers recorded at Umlalazi N.R., Cape Vidal, Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
African Marsh [Reed] Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus [scirpaceus])
Common at Wakkerstroom, 2 Umlalazi N.R. 09/4 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 17/4.
Great Reed-warbler (Acrocephalus arundinaceus)
1 Wakkerstroom 04/04
Cape ReedWarbler [Lesser Swamp-warbler] (Acrocephalus gracilirostris)
Small numbers recorded at Wakkerstroom.
Yellow Flycatcher-warbler (Chloropeta natalensis)
At Wakkerstroom: 2 at Martins Dam on 02/04 & 1 at the main vlei 04/04.
Fairy Warbler (Stenostira scita)
1 Lesotho 06/04
Layard's Warbler (Sylvia layardi)
1 Lesotho 06/04
Rufous-vented Warbler (Sylvia subcaeruleum)
1 Nylsvley 21/04
Broadtailed Warbler [Fan-tailed Grassbird] (Schoenicola brevirostris [platyura])
6 Underberg 02/04, in 'The Swamp'.
Cape Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens)
3 Mkuzi 12/04. In the Kruger N.P. 2 on 14 & 10 on 17/4.
Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler (Phylloscopus ruficapillus)
1 Magoebaskloof 19/04 & 2 there the following day.
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus)
1 in the fig forest at Mkuzi 13/04
Pale Flycatcher (Bradornis pallidus)
6 Mkuzi 12/04 & 1 there the next day.
Mariqua Flycatcher (Bradornis mariquensis)
4 Nylsvley 21/04
Southern Black-flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina)
Common at Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Blue Grey [African Dusky] Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta)
Small numbers recorded around Underberg, Xumeni Forest, Mkuzi & Magoebaskloof.
Ashy Flycatcher (Muscicapa caerulescens)
2 on the Dune Forest trail at Umlalazi N.R. 09/04
Grey Tit-flycatcher (Myioparus plumbeus)
1 Mkuzi 12/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 18/4.
African Crested-flycatcher (Trochocercus cyanomelas)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 05/04 , 1 Cape Vidal 11/04 & 2 Magoebaskloof 20/4.
African Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)
Small numbers recorded at Underberg, Xumeni Forest, Umlalazi N.R. Cape Vidal, Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii [leucocephalus])
Up to 20 daily in the Kruger N.P. & 4 Nylsvley 21/4.
Bush Blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus)
1 Sani Pass 06/04
Orange-breasted Rockjumper (Chaetops aurantius [frenatus])
1 Sani Pass 06/04
Black Tit (Parus niger)
1 Xumeni Forest 07/04 & daily at Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Grey Tit (Parus afer)
1 Lesotho 06/04
Collared Sunbird (Anthreptes collaris)
Small numbers noted at Xumeni Forest, Umlalazi, Cape Vidal & Mkuzi.
Olive Sunbird (Nectarinia olivacea)
1 Cape Vidal 10/04
Mouse-coloured Sunbird (Nectarinia veroxii)
1 Cape Vidal 10/04
Amethyst Sunbird (Nectarinia amethystina)
1 Underberg 07/04, on the feeder in Robin Guy's garden.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Necarinia senegalensis)
5 Punda Maria camp, Kruger N.P. 18/04.
White-breasted Sunbird (Nectarinia talatala)
Up to 6 recorded most days in the Kruger N.P.
Greater Double-collared Sunbird (Nectarinia afra)
Up to 6 daily around Underberg & 2 Magoebaskloof 20/4.
Neergaard's Sunbird (Nectarinia neergaardi)
1 male Mkuzi 13/04
Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa)
1 Wakkerstroom 02/04 & 1 Underberg on 06/4.
Mariqua Sunbird (Nectarinia mariquensis)
Singles in the Kruger N.P. on 15 & 17/4.
Gurney's Sugarbird (Promerops gurneyi)
4 Sani Pass 06/04
Cape White-eye (Zosterops pallidus)
4 Xumeni Forest 05/04, common around Magoebaskloof on 19 & 20/4.
African Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus)
4 Xumeni Forest 05/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 15/4.
Brubru (Nilaus afer)
2 Mkuzi 12/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 14/4.
Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla)
Small numbers recorded at Xumeni Forest, Cape Vidal, Mkuzi, Kruger N.P. & Magoebaskloof.
Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegala)
Singles recorded in the Kruger N.P. on three dates.
Brown-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra australis)
Singles recorded in the Kruger N.P. on 15 & 19/4 & 2 on 17/4.
Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus [ferrugineus])
4 at Pafuri in the Kruger N.P. on 18/4.
Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus)
2 Xumeni Forest 05/04 & 2 in the Kruger N.P. on 14/4.
Crimson-breasted Gonolek (Laniarius atrococcineus)
1 Nylsvley 21/04
Bokmakierie (Telophorus zeylonus)
1 Wakkerstroom 03/04 & 2 Underberg on 07/4.
Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike (Telophorus sulfureopectus)
2 Kruger N.P. 15/04 & 2 there on the 18/4.
Olive Bushshrike (Telophorus olivaceus)
1 Xumeni Forest 05/04
Black-fronted Bushshrike (Telophorus nigrifrons [multicolor])
3 Magoebaskloof 20/04
Four-coloured Bushshrike (Telophorus quadricolor [viridis])
1 Mkuzi 12/04 & a probable (fem/imm) at Pafuri on 18/4.
Grey-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti)
2 Kruger N.P. 15/04
White Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus)
4 Mkuzi 13/04 & 2 in the Kruger N.P. on 15/4.
Cape Batis (Batis capensis)
4 Xumeni Forest 05/04, 2 on 07/4, 2 at Magoebaskloof on 19 & 6 there on 20/4.
Woodwards [Zululand] Batis (Batis fratrum)
2 Cape Vidal on11/04, 1 near the camp site and the other on the woodland trail.
Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor)
Up to 8 daily at Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Black-throated Wattle-eye (Platysteira peltata)
2 at Pafuri in the Kruger N.P. on 18/04
Red-backed Shrike (Lanais collurio [cristatus])
1 Mkuzi 11/04 & singles in the Kruger N.P. on 14 & 18/4.
Common Fiscal (Lanais collaris)
Common around Wakkerstroom &Underberg.
Magpie Shrike (Corvinella melanoleuca)
Up to 10 recorded on four dates in the Kruger N.P.
White-crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus anguitimens)
1 Kruger N.P. 13/04
Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii)
2 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04 & 10 Magoebaskloof on the 20/4.
Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Common around Underberg, Mkuzi & in the Kruger N.P.
Cape Crow (Corvus capensis)
Small numbers recorded around Wakkerstroom & Underberg.
Pied Crow (Corvus albus)
Recorded on about five dates, usually from the car when travelling between sites.
White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis)
2 Lesotho 06/04
Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio)
Small numers around Wakkerstroom, Lesotho & 20 in the Kruger N.P. on 16/4.
Black-bellied Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis corruscus)
2 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04 , up to 10 around Mkuzi and occasional birds in the Kruger N.P.
Cape Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis nitens)
6 Mkuzi 12/04 , several dates in the Kruger N.P. & Nylsvley on 21/4.
Greater Blue-eared Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)
Common Kruger N.P.
Burchell's Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis australis)
Common Kruger N.P.
Meves' Glossy-starling (Lamprotornis mevesii [caudatus])
12 Pafuri, in the Kruger N.P. on18/04.
Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
2 Cape Vidal 11/04, 2 In the Kruger N.P. on 14/4 & 1 there on 15/4.
African Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor)
Common around Wakkerstroom & Underberg.
Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea)
Very common in the Kruger N.P. Flocks of several thousand birds on 16/4.
Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis)
2 Wakkerstroom 02/04 & 5 on the journey between Mkuzi & Cape Vidal on 11/4.
Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus)
3 Mkuzi 12/04 , 4 in the Kruger N.P.on 14/4 & 4 there on 17/4.
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Scarce, recorded at Underberg & in the Kruger N.P.
Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus)
Common around Underberg & Sani Pass.
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer diffusus [griseus])
Small numbers around Wakkerstroom & Underberg. Commoner in the Kruger N.P.
Yellow-throated Petronia (Petronia superciliaris)
1 Mkuzi 12/04 & up to 6 recorded on three dates in the kruger N.P.
Red-billed Buffalo-weaver (Bubalornis niger)
0 Kruger N.P. on 14/04 & 1 on 15/4. There was a colony in dead trees at Sunset lake, Lower Sabie.
Scaly Weaver (Sporopipes squamifrons)
2 Nylsvley 21/04
White-browed Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali)
4 Nylsvley 21/04
Lesser Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius)
12 Mkuzi 12/04 & occasional birds in the Kruger N.P.
Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis)
2 Kruger N.P.15/04 & 10 there on 18/4.
Cape Weaver (Ploceus capensis)
Common around Wakkerstroom.
1 Mkuzi 13/04
Southern Brown-throated Weaver (Ploceus xanthopterus)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04 & 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 16/4.
Forest Weaver (Ploceus bicolor)
2 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04 & 4 Mkuzi on 12/4 & 2 there on 13/4.
Red-headed Weaver [sp] (Anaplectes rubriceps)
1 Punda Maria in the Kruger N.P. on 19/04
Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea)
Common in the northern section of the Kruger N.P. & 5 Nylsvley on 21/4.
Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens)
30 Underberg 07/04 at 'The Swamp'
Long-tailed Widow (Euplectes progne)
50 Wakkerstroom 03/04 & 30+ near Underberg on 05/4
Green-winged Pytilia (Pytilia melba)
Up to 4 recorded on two dates in the Kruger N.P.
Pink-throated Twinspot (Hypargos margaritatus)
5 Mkuzi 12/04& 1 there the following day.
Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala)
Up to 6 recorded daily in the Kruger N.P. between 16 & 18/4.
African Firefinch (Lagonosticta rubricata)
1 Xumeni Forest 05/04
Blue-breasted Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus angolensis)
1 Mkuzi 11/04, up to 50 recorded on four dates in the Kruger N.P. & common around Nylsvley.
Black-tailed Waxbill (Estrilda perreini)
2 Cape Vidal 10/04
Swee Waxbill (Estrilda melanotis)
6 Umlalazi N.R. 05/04 & 2 Magoebaskloof 20/4.
Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild)
Common in suitable habitiat (damp grassland & reedbeds) around Wakkerstroom, Nylsvley & Underberg.
Zebra Waxbill (Amandava subflava)
20 Underberg 07/04 around 'The Swamp'
African Quailfinch (Ortygospiza atricollis)
3 Underberg 07/04, around 'The Swamp' only seen in flight.
Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata)
1 Umlalazi N.R. 09/04 & 2 Magoebaskloof 20/4.
Black-and-white Mannikin (Lonchura bicolor)
3 Kruger N.P. 14/04 by the pool near the nursery at Skukuza.
Cut-throat (Amadina fasciata)
2 Nylsvley 21/04
Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybeata)
8 Kruger N.P. 13/04, in the evening at lower Sabi camp.
Variable Indigobird (Vidua funerea)
4 at Pafuri in the Kruger N.P. on 18/04
Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura)
2 Underberg 07/04 & 1 there the next day. All full males.
Eastern Paradise-whydah (Vidua paradisaea)
1 Mkuzi 11/04 & singles on three dates in the Kruger N.P. All full breeding males.
Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis)
2 Underberg 05/04 & a flock of approx 50 there on the 07/4.
Forest Canary (Serinus scotops)
5 Xumeni Forest 05/04 & 1 there the next day.
Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus)
2 Mkuzi 11/04 , common in the Kruger N.P. & around Magoebaskloof.
Yellow Canary (Serinus flaviventris)
Common in Lesotho on 06/04
Streaky-headed Seedeater (Serinus gularis)
1 Xumeni Forest 05/04
Drakensberg Siskin (Serinus symonsi [totta])
Common in Lesotho on 06/04
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi)
1 Sani Pass 06/04, 1 in the Kruger N.P. on 15/4 & 10 around Punda Maria on 17/4.
Cape Bunting (Emberiza capensis)
6 Lesotho 06/04
Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris)
2 Mkuzi 12/04 & up to 2 on three dates in the Kruger N.P.
Systematic list of mammals
Sloggett's Rat - Common around buildings at the top of the Sani Pass.
Red Squirrel - Cape Vidal
Tree Squirrel - Kruger N.P.
Porcupine - 2 or 3 in the Kruger N.P. - on night drives.
Scrub Hare - Mkuzi & Kruger - on night drives.
African Elephant - About 10 sightings of 1 to 3 animals.
Burchell's Zebra - Common in Mkuzi & Kruger N.P.
White Rhinoceros - 2 adults & 1 young at Mkuzi - on the night drive.
Hippopotamus - Common in suitable habitat Mkuzi & Kruger N.P.
Warthog - Fairly common Mkuzi & Kruger N.P.
Giraffe - Common in Mkuzi & Kruger N.P.
Blue Wilderbeest - Common in Mkuzi & Kruger N.P.
Blesbok - Wakkerstroom- introduced back on to some farms
Red Duiker - Several sightings at Cape Vidal.
Common Duiker - Several sightings at Cape Vidal.
Sharpes Grysbok - 1 Kruger N.P. - on night drive.
Impala - Mkuzi & very common in the Kruger N.P.
Grey Rhebok - 2 Sani Pass.
African Buffalo - 1 herd of 80+ in the Kruger N.P.
Kudu - Kruger N.P.
Nyala - Mkuzi & Kruger N.P.
Bushbuck - Mkuzi & Kruger N.P.
Eland - 2 Sani Pass
Reedbuck - Mkuzi & nr the Sani Pass
Mountain Reedbuck - 1 Sani Pass
Waterbuck - Mkuzi
Spotted Hyaena - 1 patrolling the perimeter fence at Letaba & a pair on the night drive Skukuza.
Lion - 1 female on the night drive at Skukuza.
Large-spotted Genet - 1 Umlalazi near the chalet when driving to town after dark. 1 Mkuzi & 1 Kruger N.P. on night drives.
Banded Mongoose - Family party at Mkuzi.
Dwarf Mongoose - Kruger N.P.
Chacma Baboon - Sani Pass, Mkuzi & Kruger N.P.
Vervet Monkey - Fairly common.
Samango Monkey - Common around Cape Vidal.