Coppery-tailed Coucal (Centropus cupreicaudus)

Coppery-tailed Coucal

It is a large coucal with a huge bill, and a distinct copper-colored tail, where it got its name. Thrives in dense waterside vegetation, such as in swamps, wetlands, vleis, and flooded plains. It is conspicuous in flight due to its massive size. Relatively timid, may occasionally go out in the open. … Read more

Red-billed Teal (Anas erythrorhyncha)

Redbilled Teal

It is a small duck with whitish cheeks, a conspicuous chocolate brown cap, and a pinkish-red bill where it got its name. This bird prefers foraging in freshwater bodies, with plant matter and seeds forming the bulk of its diet. During its flight, light brownish yellow wings stand out opposing its all-brown … Read more

White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus)

White-browed Coucal

It is a large, full-bodied, gawky bird from the cuckoo family, with a spotted rump and uppertail tectrices, making it easily recognizable from other coucals. Plus, it has its distinct white eyebrow, where it gots its name. It produces profound, descending “bu-bu-bu bu bu bu” notes, which often falls and rises in … Read more

Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus)

Spotted Eagle Owl

It is a large-grayish brown owl, with erect ear-tufts, and striking yellow eyes, and is the commonest large-owl in its range, thriving in thinly-wooded habitats. It has a finely-spotted lower breast and belly, and known for their distinct, soft, ringing, “whooo-whooo’ call, seemingly sounding like “whooo are you?” Read further to know … Read more

Red-breasted Swallow (Cecropis semirufa)

Red-breasted Swallow

It is a large swallow with brick-red underparts and rump and dark blue upperparts. This bird is distinguishable from its cousins through the metallic-blue marks on the side of its heads, covering its eyes and ears. It is a tenacious flyer, swooping and changing its course frequently over open habitats, such as … Read more

Purple Roller (Coracias naevius)

Purple Roller

It is a bushy roller with distinct white eyebrows, and pale purple-cinnamon plumage, dappled with white streaks. Its blue wings and tail are conspicuous when it performs its rolling gymnastic flight displays. Often seen singly or in pairs, these birds thrive in open savannas, such as drier woodlands and thornveld. While it … Read more