The Eastern Cape of South Africa is home to a great variety of birds. This area is known for its array of endemic species, as well as a wide array of migratory species.
The Eastern Cape is home to some of the rarest and most endangered avian species in the world, including the Cape Vulture, Blue Crane, and the Black Harrier. There are also many other species of waterfowl, waders, raptors, and passerines that can be found in the region.
With its variety of habitats, the Eastern Cape provides birders with a wide range of opportunities to observe a variety of bird species. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, you’ll be sure to find something to enjoy in this incredible region.
1. Cape Sugarbird
Source: ebird.org
The Cape sugarbird is a species of bird that is found only in a narrow region of South Africa. It is one of the eight bird species that are endemic to the Fynbos biome, which is located in the Western Cape and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa.
This biome is a unique and highly diverse region, with over 8,500 vascular plant species. It is also home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians.
The Cape sugarbird is an integral part of this unique system, and its presence in the Fynbos biome is important for maintaining the delicate balance of the environment.
The species is highly adapted to the Fynbos environment and is easily recognizable by its black-and-white plumage. It feeds mainly on nectar from proteas and other flowers, and its long bill enables it to reach the nectar stored deep in the flowers.
It is also a strong flier, and can often be seen soaring through the sky in search of food. The Cape sugarbird is an important part of the Fynbos biome, and its presence is essential for maintaining the unique biodiversity of this region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Promeropidae |
| Genus | Promerops |
| Species | P. cafer |
2. Cape Weaver
The Cape weaver is a species of bird that belongs to the weaver family, Ploceidae. This species of bird is found primarily in southern Africa and is characterized by its bright colors and unique mating rituals.
The Cape weaver is usually yellow or orange in color and has a strong black beak and red eyes. It is a monogamous species, meaning that the males and females are usually paired in a long-term relationship.
The Cape weaver builds a large, intricate nest made of grasses, feathers, and mud which can measure up to two feet in diameter. This nest is built as a place of protection for the eggs and young chicks while the male and female take turns gathering food for the family.
Overall, the Cape weaver is an interesting species of bird that plays a vital role in the ecosystem of southern Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Ploceidae |
| Genus | Ploceus |
| Species | P. capensis |
3. Cape Longclaw
The Cape longclaw, also known as the orange-throated longclaw, is a species of bird belonging to the Motacillidae family. This family is composed of long claws, pipits, and wagtails.
The Cape longclaw is found in two African countries, Zimbabwe and South Africa, specifically in the southern and eastern regions of the latter.
In terms of its preferred habitat, the Cape longclaw is usually found in coastal and mountain grasslands, often close to nearby bodies of water. This species has adapted to the grassland environment, allowing it to live in a variety of different climates.
It is also capable of surviving in higher altitudes, with some of them being spotted as high as 3,000 meters above sea level. The Cape longclaw is a ground feeder, meaning it will eat whatever it can find on the ground, such as grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects.
It is also known to eat fruit, seeds, and nectar. The Cape longclaw is an important species in the African grassland ecosystem.
Its presence is essential for maintaining healthy populations of grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects, which are important sources of food for the Cape longclaw and many other bird species.
Furthermore, its presence helps to maintain a balanced grassland environment, as its presence can help to keep grasslands from becoming overgrown. The Cape longclaw is a species of conservation concern and is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
This species is threatened by habitat destruction due to agricultural expansion, overgrazing, and the introduction of non-native species. It is also threatened by the destruction of its wetland habitats due to pollution.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the Cape longclaw and its habitat, in order to ensure its survival in the future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Macronyx |
| Species | M. capensis |
4. Ant-eating Chat
The ant-eating chat, or southern anteater-chat, is a species of bird that belongs to the family Muscicapidae. This species can be found living in a variety of habitats across Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
These areas have subtropical or tropical climates, which provide dry shrubland and dry lowland grassland that the ant-eating cat needs to survive.
The ant-eating chat is adapted to these conditions, as it can forage through the shrubs and grass to find the ants that it feeds on. The birds are also able to nest in these areas, which helps them to protect their young and maintain their population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Myrmecocichla |
| Species | M. formicivora |
5. Drakensberg Siskin
The Drakensberg siskin is a species of finch native to a portion of Southern Africa. It is an endemic resident breeder, meaning that it is only found in the eastern Cape Province Transkei and western Natal in South Africa and in Lesotho.
This species of finch is a small passerine bird, meaning it is part of the largest order of birds, Passeriformes. It is a ground-dwelling species that inhabits a variety of habitats, including grasslands, woodlands, and agricultural areas.
The Drakensberg siskin is mainly grey-brown above and whitish below. It has a yellow forehead, throat, and breast with a black face mask. It has a grey-brown head with a yellow-olive crown. Its back and wings are brownish-olive and its tail is grey-brown.
Its bill is short and pointed and its legs and feet are dark grey. The Drakensberg siskin feeds on the ground on grass and weed seeds, as well as small invertebrates. It forages in flocks and is also known to attend weaver colonies.
Breeding pairs are monogamous and pairs stay together for several years. The nesting season begins in August and lasts until January. The nest is a cup-shaped structure made of grass and twigs lined with fine grass and hair.
The female lays two to four eggs and both parents share in incubation and care of the young. The Drakensberg siskin is not considered to be threatened and its population is stable. However, it is vulnerable to habitat loss due to deforestation and agricultural activities.
Therefore, it is important that its habitat is protected in order to maintain its population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Crithagra |
| Species | C. symonsi |
6. African Fish Eagle
The African fish eagle, also known as the African sea eagle, is a majestic species of eagle found throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This eagle species is particularly prevalent in areas with large bodies of open water and plentiful food sources.
This species is so revered in the countries of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, that it has been designated as the national bird of each of those nations. This species is also known by many different names in different languages, given its wide range.
The African fish eagle is a powerful bird of prey, boasting a wingspan of up to 6 feet and weighing around 6.5 pounds. It has a distinctive white head and tail, with a brown body and wings. Its hooked yellow bill and yellow feet give it a majestic appearance.
The African fish eagle mainly feeds on fish, but it will also hunt small mammals and amphibians. It uses its powerful talons to snatch its prey from the water or land. The African fish eagle will often build its nest in large trees near a water source.
The female will lay two to three eggs, with the male and female both helping to incubate them. The chicks will fledge after two months and the parents will continue to provide food for the young for several months afterwards.
The African fish eagle is an impressive bird with a wide range and a beloved status in certain countries. Its impressive hunting skills, striking appearance, and loyal parenting skills make it a species worthy of respect and admiration.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Icthyophaga |
| Species | I. vocifer |
7. Crowned Eagle
The crowned eagle is found in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in the eastern part of the region. It is also known as the African crowned eagle or the crowned hawk-eagle. This large bird of prey prefers to live in riparian woodlands and various forests.
These areas provide plenty of food and shelter for the crowned eagle, creating an ideal habitat for it to thrive. The crowned eagle is a powerful hunter. It has keen eyesight and can spot prey from a distance.
Its powerful talons and strong wings allow it to swoop down quickly and snatch its prey. It typically feeds on small mammals, reptiles, and even other birds. The crowned eagle is an impressive creature. Its large size and striking coloration make it a remarkable sight in the sky.
It has a dark brown body and wings, but the head is adorned with a distinctive crown of yellow feathers. This gives the crowned eagle a regal appearance, hence its name. The crowned eagle is an important part of the African ecosystem.
It plays an important role in controlling populations of smaller animals, helping to keep numbers in check. It is also a popular bird among birders and photographers, who can observe the crowned eagle in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Stephanoaetus |
| Species | S. coronatus |
8. Greater Double-collared Sunbird
The greater double-collared sunbird is a beautiful species of bird that belongs to the sunbird family. This species of sunbird is quite small, with an average length of around 4.5 inches.
They are brightly colored birds, with a glossy green back and wings, and a bright orange breast. They have a distinctive double collar of feathers around their neck that is black and white.
They have a long thin curved beak, perfect for reaching into flowers to feed on nectar. The greater double-collared sunbird is mainly found in Sub-Saharan Africa and is most commonly found in the wetter parts of the region where there are plenty of flowers for it to feed on.
They are also found in parts of South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. This species of sunbird typically lives in woodlands, savannas, and gardens, where they can find plenty of food and shelter. The greater double-collared sunbird is quite unique in its behavior.
They are quite active birds, and they are very territorial, defending their territory aggressively against other birds. They are monogamous, forming pairs that remain together for life.
They are also very vocal birds, producing a variety of high-pitched chirps and melodic whistles. Overall, the greater double-collared sunbird is a stunningly beautiful bird that is an important part of African ecosystems.
They are a unique and fascinating species that is a joy to watch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
| Genus | Cinnyris |
| Species | C. afer |
9. Cape Wagtail
The Cape wagtail, or Wells’s wagtail, is a common bird found in southern Africa. It feeds mainly on insects, so it can be found near the water’s edge, lawns, and gardens, where it can find food.
It is a territorial species, meaning that it usually stays in the same area all year round, but it can migrate to other areas at different altitudes or form small flocks during the non-breeding season.
This behavior is usually seen during cold winter months, as a way of staying warm and finding more food. The Cape wagtail is a small bird, about 18 cm in length, with a long, narrow tail, and its plumage is mostly grey and white.
Despite its small size, it is a bold and fearless bird, with a distinct chirping call that can be heard from a distance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Motacilla |
| Species | M. capensis |
10. Bar-throated Apalis
The bar-throated Apalis is a small African bird that is part of the passerine family. Passerines are small to medium-sized birds which have adapted to living in a wide variety of habitats.
The bar-throated Apalis belongs to the genus Apalis, which is part of the Cisticolidae family. This family of birds is found in the eastern and southern parts of the Afrotropics, which is the region of tropical and subtropical climates found in Africa.
The bar-throated Apalis is native to this region and is known for its bright yellowish-green plumage, white throat, and belly, and its distinctive black and white stripes on its wings.
The bar-throated Apalis feeds on insects and other small invertebrates and is often seen foraging in grasslands and woodlands. As a result of its small size, it is vulnerable to predation by larger birds and mammals.
Despite this, the bar-throated Apalis is still a common species in its range and is considered to be of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Cisticolidae |
| Genus | Apalis |
| Species | A. thoracica |
11. African Dusky Flycatcher
The African dusky flycatcher is a species of small passerine bird that belongs to the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. This bird is notorious for its unique dusky-brown coloring, earning it the alternative name of dusky-brown flycatcher or dusky alseonax.
It is a resident breeder in Africa, with its range stretching from Nigeria, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Ethiopia all the way down to South Africa. This species of flycatcher is especially abundant in areas of open woodland, wooded grassland, and savannah.
It is a generally peaceful bird, with its diet consisting mainly of insects such as beetles, cicadas, and other invertebrates. The African dusky flycatcher is a monogamous species, with the pair forming lasting bonds and raising their young together.
They typically build their nests in the fork of a tree or bush, weaving together twigs and leaves to form a cup. The female lays eggs in this nest and then both parents take turns incubating them until they hatch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Muscicapa |
| Species | M. adusta |
12. Klaas’s Cuckoo
Klaas’s cuckoo is a bird species belonging to the family Cuculidae, which includes many other species of cuckoo. It is found in the wooded regions of sub-Saharan Africa, where it is native.
The specific name of the species was chosen to honor Klaas, a Khoikhoi man who collected the first specimen of the bird. This specimen, known as the type specimen, is the main reference for scientists to understand the characteristics of this species.
The type specimen is kept in a museum and is used to compare other specimens of the same species. Klaas’s cuckoo is a medium-sized bird, with a length of about 28 cm. It is mostly greyish in color and has a black and white barred tail.
The bird has a distinctive call, which is usually heard in the early morning or late afternoon when the bird is looking for food.
It feeds on insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and ants. The habitat of the species is mainly in wooded areas, where it prefers to stay hidden in the trees. It is not a migratory species and spends most of its life in its preferred habitat.
It is not considered to be endangered, though its numbers may be declining in certain areas due to habitat destruction. Klaas’s cuckoo is a fascinating species, and its namesake is a reminder of how important it is to conserve the habitats of these birds.
The type specimen collected by Klaas is a lasting legacy and serves as a reminder that the preservation of biodiversity is essential to the balance of ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Chrysococcyx |
| Species | C. klaas |
13. Lemon Dove
The lemon dove is a species of bird in the Columbidae family and can be found in the mountain forests of sub-Saharan Africa. It is sometimes referred to as the cinnamon dove, due to its cinnamon-brown breast.
The São Tomé lemon dove is generally considered to be a subspecies of this bird. The plumage of the lemon dove is mostly brownish-grey in color, with the breast area a distinct cinnamon brown.
The bird is able to blend in with its natural environment, making it difficult to spot. The lemon dove is a shy bird and is reluctant to approach humans, preferring to stay hidden in its habitat. Its diet consists mainly of fruits, seeds, and flower nectar.
The lemon dove is a solitary creature and is usually only seen in pairs during the breeding season..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. larvata |
Conclusion
The Eastern Cape is home to a wide variety of birds. From the iconic Blue Crane to the African Fish Eagle, the Eastern Cape is a great place for bird-watching. With its diverse habitats, the Eastern Cape is an important area for bird conservation.
With its wide variety of birds, the Eastern Cape is an ideal place for bird watching and bird study.