There’s no denying it, Kruger has A LOT of birds. Kruger Nationwide Park in South Africa is without doubt one of the largest recreation reserves in Africa and covers a variety of habitats. It’s no shock that Kruger has one of many highest variety of hen species in Southern Africa.
A minimum of 613 hen species have been documented within the park (in line with Avibase) although about 85 of these are thought of extraordinarily uncommon (or unintended) sightings. In the event you contemplate that there are solely 10,906 accepted hen species in all the world (in line with Cornell Lab’s Birds of the World record), which means practically 6% of the world’s birds have proven up in Kruger!
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If you’re in Kruger to do some birding, head out to the north a part of the park. Birding within the north of Kruger is world class and other people journey from everywhere in the world to go birdwatching. There are many safari lodges in Kruger the place you’ll be able to loosen up after a tough day of birding!
Listed below are a few of the birds in Kruger you would possibly discover throughout your subsequent Kruger safari.
Birds of Kruger Nationwide Park
Ostrich
What higher strategy to begin the birds of Kruger record than with the most important hen on this planet: the ostrich! (Struthio camelus.) Additionally they make the greatest eggs on this planet.
These birds are enormous, not afraid of the noon warmth, and stroll round in open areas, so you could have a terrific probability of seeing ostriches at any time in Kruger. It might be about as shut as you’ll get to seeing a dinosaur in motion.
Francolins and Spurfowl
Francolins and spurfowl are a whole lot of enjoyable. You’ll typically hear them squawking loudly at daybreak or nightfall lengthy earlier than you see them. But when they’re transferring quietly, you’ll should look rigorously to identify these cryptically-colored birds strolling amongst the undergrowth (they appear form of like chickens working round). They often change into fairly tame round relaxation camps the place you will get get a superb have a look at them. There are 12 species of francolins and spurfowls in Kruger (together with the blue quail).
Swainson’s spurfowl
The Swainson’s spurfowl is a standard resident within the park and will be seen in pairs or small flocks. They like woodland and savanna habitats.
Natal spurfowl
This spurfowl prefers thickets in savanna, woodlands, and on the fringe of forests. Throughout winter months they feed on plant matter, whereas in the summertime they complement their food regimen with bugs.
Geese and Geese
Kruger has a whole lot of rivers, dams, and waterholes so you’ll be able to spot all kinds of waterfowl. There have been 19 species of geese and geese documented within the park! Right here’s one in all our favorites…
African pygmy goose
Although it’s known as a goose, the African pygmy goose (Nettapus auritus) is extra carefully associated to geese and is technically termed a “perching duck”. It’s the smallest waterfowl in Africa and one of many smallest on this planet! Plus it’s actually cute.
Jacanas
Whereas the lesser jacana has appeared within the park, it’s thought of uncommon or unintended. The one Jacana you’re prone to see in Kruger is the African jacana…
African Jacana
The African jacana (Actophilornis africanus) is immediately recognizable wading throughout lily pads with its insanely lengthy toes and claws!
Grebes
There are three species of grebes present in Kruger they usually’re a few of our private favorites.
Little Grebe
The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis) might seem like a small duck however the grebes will not be very carefully associated to geese in any respect. Also referred to as a “dabchick”, the little grebe has an enormous vary throughout a lot of Africa, Europe, and Asia!
Storks
There are 8 species of storks in South Africa and all of them are present in Kruger: White stork, Saddle-billed stork, Woolly-necked stork, Marabou stork, Yellow-billed stork, African open invoice, Black stork, and Abdim’s stork. Seek for storks in Kruger by wanting round aquatic habitats or search for their giant nests in timber.
White stork
Normally present in flocks of 10-50 birds, the White stork (Ciconia ciconia) is a migrant and is discovered within the park from October to Could. They’re insect eaters however will sometimes take mice and small reptiles.
Marabou stork
Marabou storks (Leptoptilos crumenifer) will not be identified for being the prettiest of the stork bunch and their featherless faces is perhaps why. The simplest of the storks to establish due to their pendulous pink throat sac and their bulbous orange-red air-sac partly hidden beneath their feathers on their hind neck. Marabou storks are scavengers however generally they’ll hunt small mammals or reptiles.
Herons and Egrets
Black-headed heron
A typical resident, the Black-headed heron (Ardea melanocephala) is lively each diurnally and nocturnally. Discovered alongside the sides of wetlands.
Black-headed herons feed on small reptiles, small mammals, and birds.
Cormorants and Darters
African darter
The African darter (Anhinga rufa) is the one hen of the Anhinga genus in South Africa.
Secretary Birds
Secretary birds are terrestrial raptors and are at all times a spotlight of our journey if we see one. They hunt for snakes and lizards in grasslands and savannah. That is how they obtained their scientific title Sagittarius serpentarius.
You will discover them in grasslands and open savannah whereas they hunt. They’re usually discovered alone whereas they forage.
Verify on extra secretary hen information to study extra about these birds.
Lapwings
Lapwings are long-legged plovers present in grassland or alongside wetlands. They’re identified to be one of many noisiest birds round.
Blacksmith Lapwing
The Blacksmith lapwing will get its title due to its name, because it resembles a blacksmith’s hammer. Discovered alongside marshes and moist grasslands they feed on aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
Coursers
Temminck’s courser
Sandgrouse
Sandgrouse are granivorous birds that may be discovered both foraging on the bottom or round water our bodies as they drink often. Throughout breeding season and chicks have hatched, males go to waterholes to soak their stomach feathers in water to deliver to the younger.
Double-banded sandgrouse
The one species of sandgrouse present in Kruger, the Double-banded sandgrouse’s most popular habitat is the savanna and Mopane woodland. Granivorous, prefers the seeds of leguminous timber and shrubs.
The male has a black and white breast band whereas the feminine’s physique is barred.
Doves and Pigeons
African mourning collared dove
Namaqua dove
Owls
There are 12 species of owls in South Africa, and you could find ALL these species in Kruger. So, in case you are on an owl quest, Kruger is the place to be.
One of the best ways to see owls in Kruger is by becoming a member of evening recreation drives, and in addition by strolling quietly round your relaxation camp at evening.
African scops owl
The African scops owl (Otus senegalensis) is the smallest owl in Southern Africa. It has small ear tufts that they’ll generally lay flat.
You possibly can see the African scops owl throughout night drives in Kruger or in case you are fortunate, they’ll be hanging out on a tree at your campsite. We noticed the owl within the picture whereas tenting at Letaba restcamp.
Pel’s Fishing owl
The Pel’s Fishing owl (Scotopelia peli) is on each birder’s record after they go to Kruger and will not be simple to identify.
They’re the second largest owl in Southern Africa they usually feed nearly solely on fish.
We got here throughout this Pel’s Fishing owl throughout an evening drive whereas we had been staying at The Outpost Lodge. This owl was perched on a department above the Luvuvhu River whereas attempting to find fish.
Rollers
Lilac-breasted Curler
European Curler
Purple Curler
Kingfishers
Just a few species of kingfishers are discovered within the park. Scope the riverbanks through the breeding season as some species nest in excavated tunnels.
Not all kingfishers eat fish! For instance, the Woodland kingfishers feed on bugs, frogs, and small birds!
Big kingfisher
The most important of the kingfishers, the Big kingfisher is a standard resident at altitudes increased than 1,500m. You possibly can inform females from males by their breasts. Females have mottled breasts, whereas males have rufous coloured breasts (just like the one within the picture). Females have a rufous stomach, whereas males have a mottled stomach.
The Big kingfisher feeds on primarily fish, but additionally hunts for crabs, frogs, and aquatic invertebrates.
Woodland Kingfisher
The Woodland kingfisher is a migrant and is just present in Kruger from October to April. They feed on bugs, small snakes, frogs, and small birds.
Bee-eaters
Bee-eaters are some of the colourful birds you’ll come throughout in Kruger. In chilly winter mornings, you could find small teams of them lined on a department whereas protecting one another heat and absorbing the warming rays of dawn.
Bee-eaters feed on bees and wasps and their nests are excavated tunnels in riverbanks and quarries.
Southern Carmine bee-eater
The most important African bee-eater, the Southern carmine bee-eater (Merops nubicoides) is a migrant and will be seen in Kruger Park from August/September till March/April.
These bee-eaters breed in large colonies on riverbanks.
White-fronted Bee-eater
The white-fronted bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) is a standard resident of Kruger Nationwide Park and located alongside river banks in dry woodland.
Hornbills
There are six hornbill species in South Africa, and all of them will be present in Kruger.
These arboreal or semi-terrestrial birds are giant (the Southern floor hornbill is big) and have an omnivorous food regimen.
Their giant payments are very distinct, with a maxillary casque (bigger in males), and regardless that these look fairly strong, their payments are mild and honey-combed with air pockets.
Hornbills are monogamous they usually nest in tree and rock cavities. When nesting, the feminine closes herself up within the nest by blocking it aside from a slender gap that the male makes use of to feed her by means of. She is going to keep in it for about 2.5 months. This conduct ensures the chicks are absolutely protected towards predators.
Southern floor hornbill
The most important of the South African hornbills, the Southern hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeareti) is an endangered hen and any encounter with these unimaginable animals is memorable.
You possibly can see them strolling across the savanna in small teams. We noticed the person within the picture with one other grownup and a juvenile (juveniles have yellow markings as a substitute of pink). We noticed them for some time as they had been foraging for bugs. As soon as that they had discovered one, they’d carry it round (as within the picture) as in the event that they had been very pleased with their discover.
Southern red-billed hornbill
The Southern red-billed hornbill (Tockus erythrorhunchus) is a medium hornbill that may be distinguished by its yellow eyes, pink beak, and a black patch in its decrease mandible.
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
With a variety much like that of the African gray hornbill, the Southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) is a really curious hen and it is vitally entertaining to observe.
Throughout one in all our visits to the Kgalagadi Transfontier Nationwide Park, we had been staying at a cabin at Urikaruus Wilderness Camp when a faucet on the window glass woke us up. There have been two southern yellow-billed hornbills ‘knocking’ at our window! We suspected they noticed their very own reflection within the glass and weren’t amused by it!
Every time we see these hornbills, we try to observe them for some time as they like to analyze every part they usually entertain us for hours.
African gray hornbill
With a variety similar to that of Southern yellow hornbills, the African gray hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus) is distinguishable from different hornbills by the white markings within the decrease mandible.
Topped hornbill
Present in woodlands the Topped hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus) has darkish brown plumage, a white stomach, it’s the one hornbill in Kruger that has a yellow strip on the base of its invoice.
Shrikes
Magpie Shrike
Swallows
Barn swallow
Starlings
Burchell’s starling
Better Blue-eared Starling
Oxpeckers
Oxpeckers are identified to hold round buffalo, giraffes, and different mammals as they pluck their fur for nests in tree cavities and feed on their ticks and different ectoparasites.
Crimson-billed oxpeckers and Yellow-billed oxpeckers are present in Kruger and may hybridize.
Crimson-Billed Oxpecker
With a yellow wattle across the eye and a darkish rump, the Crimson-billed oxpeckers are the most typical within the park.
Yellow-billed oxpeckers don’t have any yellow wattle across the pink eye, and the bottom of their beak is yellow.
Weavers
In Kruger, you could find 8 totally different species of weavers: Crimson-headed weaver, Southern masked weaver, Village weaver, Lesser masked weaver, Thick-billed weaver, Spectacled weaver, Cape weaver, and Holub’s golden weaver.
Weavers are well-known for his or her intricate woven nests. In the event you see a male beginning a nest, cease and marvel at its expertise!
Southern Masked Weaver
Probably the most widespread weaver in South Africa, the Southern masked weaver will be discovered within the open savanna, the place he favors Acacia timber. Feeds on bugs, seeds, and nectar.
With pink eyes, a yellow stomach, and a black masks, it may be confused with the Village weaver. One strategy to inform them aside is to take a look at their fore crown. The Southern masked weaver has a black fore crown, whereas the Village weaver has a yellow fore crown.
Barbets
There are three species of Barbets in Kruger: Crested barbet, Black-collared barbet, and Acacia pied barbet.
Barbets are frugivores (feed totally on fruits) however will even eat small bugs and nectar. Barbets will be present in each forests and savanna. They’re tree cavity nesters, the place they’ll lay 3 to 5 white eggs.
Crested Barbet
The Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii) is a standard resident in Kruger that favors dry acacia forests. Will excavate a gap on the underside of a useless stump for nesting.
Black-collared Barbet
The Black-collared barbet (Lybius torquatus) is a standard resident of Kruger and is commonly present in pairs or small flocks. They favor moist woodlands. Additionally they excavate holes in useless stumps.
Woodpeckers
There are 6 species of woodpeckers present in Kruger: Bearded woodpecker, Bennett’s woodpecker, Golden-tailed woodpecker, Cardinal woodpecker, Olive woodpecker, and Floor woodpecker.
Bennett’s Woodpecker
Simply recognized by its brown cheeks & throat, pink eyes, and speckled underparts. Their favourite meals are ants and their eggs and pupae. Present in deciduous woodlands.
It may be mistaken with Bearded woodpeckers, however a straightforward strategy to inform them aside is by their underpart. The Bearded woodpecker has barred underparts whereas Bennett’s woodpecker’s underparts are speckled.
Orioles
Orioles are solitary passerines that favor forest canopies. There are three species of orioles present in Kruger Nationwide Park, the Black-headed oriole, the African Golden oriole, and the Eurasian Golden oriole (migrant and unusual, solely discovered from October to April).
Black-headed Oriole
Very simple to establish, with black head and chest, yellow stomach, coral beak, and greenish again. the Black-headed oriole (Oriolus larvatus) is a standard resident in Kruger. Present in woodlands and savannah it feeds on bugs, fruits, and nectar. In the event you see one with an orange brow, look carefully! It’s nectar coating its face feathers.
Drongos
Fork-Tailed Drongo
These daring birds are simply recognized by their forked tail, darkish coloration, and pink eyes. Throughout molt their tail seems to be double-forked.
Distinguishable from the Sq.-tailed Drongo by their extra deeply forked tail.
Babblers
Each species of South African babblers are present in Kruger: the Arrow-marked Babbler and the Southern Pied Babbler.
Arrow-marked Babbler
The Arrow-marked Babbler is a standard hen in Kruger. Present in small teams round savannah and riparian thickets.
Queleas and Bishops
These are small to medium-sized birds and are at all times present in very giant and generally combined flocks.
Southern Crimson Bishop
Very simple to establish by its vivid pink coloration, the Southern Crimson Bishop will be discovered alongside marshy grasslands and wetlands in Kruger. Distinguishable from the Black-winged Crimson Bishop by their black forecrown. Black-winged Crimson Bishop has a pink forecrown.
Crimson-billed queleas
These birds have a black facial masks, a pink eye ring, and a vivid pink invoice. They’re discovered nearly in all places in Southern Africa and are at all times current in very giant teams.
Subsequent time you go to Kruger Nationwide Park, ensure you have your hen information and your binoculars. Take a while to go to the hen hides which are discovered across the park and take heed to their calls. You would possibly discover your lifer hen!
Cristina Garcia
Zoologist and wildlife photographer. She has labored within the area with jackals, wolves, cheetahs, & leopards. She serves on the Board of Administrators of SEE Turtles, a non-profit sea turtle conservation group.
Learn her posts at Journey For Wildlife and see extra of her work at Really Wild, & Our Wild Yard.
