Long-billed Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens)

Long-billed Crombec

It is a smallish, plump, seemingly tailless bird, with brownish-gray upperparts, light brownish-orange underpart. Pairs are often seen hopping along branches, foraging for invertebrates, or consuming plant matter. The bird species thrive in woodlands, savannas, gardens, scrubs, and thickets. Read further to know more about the Long-billed Crombec. What is a Long-billed … Read more

Marsh Owl (Asio capensis)

Marsh Owl

It is a relatively large, brown owl, with distinct tiny ear tufts. While mainly nocturnal, it is sometimes seen active before dusk and after dawn. Prefers moist grasslands, marshes, and cultivated lands. It is known to store food items in enclosed spaces or “caches” for later consumption. Not vociferous and generally silent … Read more

Green Wood Hoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus)

Red-billed Wood hoopoe

It is a long, metallic green-and-black bird with a distinct elongated, retrorse, red-orange bill, and red feet. This bird is a hefty flier, with its lengthy, saggy, white-tipped tail swinging loosely while in flight. Pretty gregarious, pairs and small flocks of up to 14 individuals can be seen thriving in woodlands, savannas, … 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

Spotted Dikkop (Burhinus capensis)

Spotted Dikkop

It is a tall, orange-brown, plover-like bird that thrives in drier habitats, avoiding the wetlands. It boasts huge yellow eyes, perfect for its nocturnal lifestyle. During the days, its puzzling plumage, allowing it to hide undercover effectively. Once the dark sets in, it comes outs again preying on insects. This bird is … Read more

Southern White-faced Owl (Ptilopsis granti)

White-faced Owl

It is a large owl coming from scops family, but still related to the larger species of owl. It has a grayish back, dull and barred below, accentuated by a black-and-white face. It thrives in the thorny savannas and arid dense-leaved woodlands. This bird closely resembles the Northern White-faced Owl and was … Read more