Gauteng is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a great place to observe some of South Africa’s most beautiful avian life. From majestic raptors to colorful songbirds, Gauteng has something for every bird-watcher.
Whether you’re a novice or an experienced birder, Gauteng offers plenty of opportunities to get out and explore some of the region’s amazing bird life.
With its diverse habitats, rich biodiversity, and abundance of bird species, Gauteng is the ideal destination for any bird-lover.
1. Weavers
The Ploceidae family is made up of small passerine birds, which are commonly referred to as weaverbirds, weaver finches, or bishops. These names are derived from the nests constructed by these birds, which are incredibly intricate and made from vegetation.
The nests are woven together with incredible detail and precision, making them very unique and impressive. The Ploceidae family is made up of birds from all around the world, with some of the most common species being the African weaverbirds and the Baya weavers found in Asia.
These birds are adept at weaving their nests and use a variety of vegetation to construct them. They often use grasses, twigs, and leaves to build their nests, which are incredibly strong and can last for many years.
The nests are also used to protect the eggs and young birds from predators. Weaverbirds are an important part of the ecosystem, as they provide food for other animals and help to spread seeds and pollen.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Ploceidae |
2. Bee-eater
Bee-eaters are a diverse group of birds that belong to the family Meropidae. They are found in a variety of habitats across Africa, Asia, southern Europe, Australia, and New Guinea.
These birds are known for their bright and colorful plumages, slender bodies, and long, central tail feathers. The bee-eaters are divided into three genera and comprise thirty species in total. The bird’s plumage can range from bright green to turquoise, yellow, red, and brown.
The long beaks of these birds help them catch bees and other insects on the wing. They can be found near open habitats such as farmland, fields, and grasslands. Bee-eaters often live in colonies of up to 100 members.
These colonies make up a large portion of their diet as they eat large amounts of bees and other insects. They also feed on small reptiles, amphibians, and other small animals. The bee-eaters’ diet depends on the region they inhabit and the season.
Bee-eaters are known for their beautiful and complex courtship displays. They usually nest in tunnels dug into earth banks, cliffs, and termite mounds. The female lays three to five eggs and the eggs are incubated by both parents.
These birds are important pollinators and help to disperse the seeds of various plants. They are also important to the ecology of their habitats and help to keep insect populations in check.
Overall, the bee-eaters are a fascinating group of birds with a wide variety of colors, behaviors, and habitats. They are an important part of the ecosystem and their presence plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy balance in nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
3. Oxpecker
Oxpeckers are two species of birds that form the genus Buphagus and the family Buphagidae. In the past, these birds were commonly classified as a subfamily, Buphaginae, within the starling family, Sturnidae.
Oxpeckers are found in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia and are known for their habit of perching on large herbivores, like buffalo and cattle, and eating parasites and insects off their skin. They also feed on ticks, fleas, and other pests that the animals may have.
This helps the animals by removing these pests and allowing them to stay healthier. In addition, the oxpeckers also perform a service for the farmers by alerting them to any potential predators or dangers in the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Buphagidae |
| Genus | Buphagus |
4. Cape Starling
The Cape starling is a species of starling found in Southern Africa and is also known by other names such as red-shouldered glossy starling and Cape glossy starling. As a species of starling, it belongs to the family Sturnidae.
This species of starling is found in different habitats across Southern Africa, including woodlands, bushveld, and suburban areas. It has a glossy plumage with a distinctive red shoulder patch, which is how it got its other common name.
The Cape starling is a medium-sized bird, about 25 cm in length, and is mostly black in color with a purple sheen. It has a yellow beak and a white eye ring. In the wild, it feeds on insects, fruits, and nectar.
These birds are highly social and can often be seen in flocks while foraging together. The Cape starling is an important species for the ecosystem, playing a role in seed dispersal and helping to control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Lamprotornis |
| Species | L. nitens |
5. Red-eyed Dove
The red-eyed dove is an avian species found in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a fairly common bird with a widespread distribution throughout the region. Its population is considered to be stable, and for this reason, it is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
This classification means that the red-eyed dove is not considered to be threatened with extinction and is of low conservation concern. The species has been listed as Least Concern since 2004, which indicates that its population has remained relatively stable since then.
The red-eyed dove is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive red eye and greyish-brown plumage. It feeds on seeds, insects, and fruits, and is usually found in grasslands, woodlands, and other open habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. semitorquata |
6. Common Myna
The common myna, also known as the Indian myna, is a species of bird belonging to the Sturnidae family. Native to Asia, this species is an omnivore and is commonly found in open woodlands.
It is known to have a very strong territorial instinct, allowing it to adapt well to urban environments. The common myna is usually a medium-sized bird, about 20-24 cm in length, with a grey body and black head. Its wings are brown, while its tail is black and white.
It is known to be quite vocal and can be heard making loud, raucous calls. Its diet consists of a variety of fruits, insects, small animals, and even scraps of human food. The common myna is a very social species.
It usually forms large flocks with other birds and pairs off to breed. It builds its nest in hollow trees or other sheltered areas. The female lays two to six eggs, which are incubated for around two weeks.
The young hatchlings are fed by both parents until they fledge at around 5-6 weeks old. The common myna is an extremely adaptable species and can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban parks and gardens.
It is known to be quite aggressive and will often chase other birds away from its territory.
It is also known to be quite bold and can be seen stealing food from humans and animals. Overall, the common myna is a fascinating species that has adapted extremely well to changing environments and can now be found in many parts of the world.
With its strong territorial instinct and omnivorous diet, it is an important part of many ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Acridotheres |
| Species | A. tristis |
7. Ashy Tit
The ashy tit is a species of bird belonging to the family Paridae, which consists of small passerine birds found throughout the world. It is mainly found in southern Africa, specifically in Angola, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe.
This species of bird prefers to inhabit subtropical or tropical dry forests and dry savannas, where it can find the food and shelter it needs to survive.
The ashy tit is a small bird, usually grayish-brown in color with a black head, and its diet consists mainly of insects, seeds, and fruits. It is a social bird, often found in small flocks, and it is known for its loud, chattering calls.
This species is considered to be of least concern, and its population is relatively stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Paridae |
| Genus | Melaniparus |
| Species | M. cinerascens |
Conclusion
Gauteng is home to a wide variety of birds, from the majestic African Fish Eagle to the tiny African Pygmy Kingfisher. These birds are an integral part of the Gauteng landscape and contribute to the beauty of the province.
It is important that we protect these birds and their habitats so that future generations can enjoy them for years to come.