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South Africa - A Top Birding Destination

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willlane in South Africa,, Wildlife,,
November 01st, 2011 at 5:18pm
Tags: birds,

Whenever I am fortunate enough to visit a game reserve, I always carry a bird book with me. It seems to make sense to do so in a country that is ranked 25 in the world for having the highest number of bird species. There are currently just under 860 recorded species of birds in South Africa, of which 30 are endemic to the region. Many bird enthusiasts visit the country to catch sightings of birds from the Cape Sugarbird to the more widespread Bokmakierie. The country's biodiversity and numerous biomes means that many bird species are prevalent in particular areas, where they can live freely and remain relatively untouched by invaders or humans.

To a non-South African one of the most notable features of South Africa's birdlife is the striking colours of many species from sought after birds found exclusively in game reserves to more common garden birds. There are of course a multitude of neutral coloured birds that make identification difficult but usually there is at least one clearly distinguishable feature such as a white ring around the eye or a crimson underwing, which makes identification easier.    

Crested Barbet

The highveld province of Gauteng plays host to an incredible array of birdlife. Planting indigenous flora in a garden area can result in a number of species making it their home. Some, such as the Crested Barbet look as if they have been imported from a tropical forest, so vibrant is their vibrant colour scheme. Others, like the sociable Olive Thrush are abundant throughout South Africa and clearly identifiable not only by their appearance but also their early morning song. 

Olive Thrush

The highveld extends into the Kruger National Park and because of this, many of the common garden birds are found there too. In addition to highveld, other terrain such as lowveld, bushveld and savannah also exists in the Kruger Park, land that is home to some 520 bird species. Birders will be spoilt for choice as they search for raptors like the Bateleur or European Bee Eaters, who fly thousands of kilometers to spend a few precious months in the warm African climate, before turning back. 

 

Bateleur

In contrast, Kwazulu Natal offers more humid conditions. This Province also has diverse vegetation, including lush sub tropical regions stretching inland from the Indian Ocean and the swampy greater wetlands area of St Lucia, not to mention the awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountain Range. As such, the area attracts a wide variety of indigenous birds. The majority have evolved primarily to suit their geographical location, although many common birds have been able to acclimatise to these conditions as well.

Such is the diversity of the nine provinces in South Africa that some birds of the same species appear in different forms in various parts of the country. A fantastic example of this is the Loerie, which is dull grey in Gauteng, emerald green in the forest areas of the Eastern Cape and iridescent blue and red in Kwazulu Natal. Successful birds have adapted over the millennia to accommodate new habitats. As an example, the Cape Robin has found it relatively easy to reside successfully countrywide, even though other types of Robin also exist in particular areas. 

 

Grey Loeries

 Colour in birds' plumage may be used to fend off predators, attract the opposite sex, shown as a sign of aggression, or for any other reason we have yet to determine. Although taken for granted by many humans, birds play a huge part in the world but are often overlooked. The next time you're in nature, take a few moments to close your eyes and appreciate the different bird calls you can hear, then try to imagine a world without birds. We would certainly be bereft of one of nature's  wonders.  

 

 Cape Robin

 

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Recent Comment

  • 1: 

    The large part of tourism is connected to the wildlife. South Africa is one of the most famous tourist destination. It is a most beautiful and interesting place for bird lover.  Birds destination are the major attraction of South Africa.  They have many birds destinations. I am planning to visit South Africa.
    Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

    Traveller
    travel12
    January 25th, 2012 at 12:01pm

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