Mpumalanga is a paradise for bird watchers, boasting an impressive variety of birds that can be found in its lush landscapes. From the majestic crowned eagles to the vibrant and colorful sunbirds, the province is home to a rich variety of bird species.
Mpumalanga’s diverse habitats are a perfect spot for birding, with habitats ranging from wetlands to grasslands and from subtropical forests to the breathtaking mountains of the Drakensberg.
Whether you are an experienced bird-watcher or a novice, Mpumalanga has something for you. Here you can find a wide range of bird species, including water birds, raptors, game birds, and songbirds.
This guide will provide an introduction to the birds of Mpumalanga and offer advice on where and when to go to spot them.
1. Southern Ground Hornbill
The southern ground hornbill is a large species of hornbill found only in Africa. It is the largest species in the hornbill order, with a range that covers much of the southern region of the continent. It is found from Kenya in the east to South Africa in the south.
This species of ground hornbill is one of two species found within Africa, the other being the Abyssinian ground hornbill. The southern ground hornbill is a large bird with a wingspan of up to five feet.
Its feathers are predominantly black, with white and red patches on its wings and neck. It has a long, curved bill and a bare facial skin patch, and wattles of yellow and red. Its legs are short and its claws are adapted for digging.
The southern ground hornbill is omnivorous, eating a variety of insects, small reptiles and mammals, and even some fruits and seeds. It is mainly a terrestrial bird, but it is also capable of flight and can reach speeds of up to 40 mph.
It has an impressive vocal range and is known for its loud, booming call. The southern ground hornbill is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, due to habitat destruction and hunting pressure.
It is a social bird, living in groups of up to 20 individuals, and its large size and loud call make it a conspicuous species. It is an important species in the ecosystems it inhabits, and its conservation is essential for the future of Africa’s wildlife.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucorvidae |
| Genus | Bucorvus |
| Species | B. leadbeateri |
2. Grey-crowned Crane
The grey-crowned crane is a species of bird belonging to the crane family, Gruidae.
It is also known by a variety of other names, such as the African crowned crane, golden crested crane, golden-crowned crane, East African crane, East African crowned crane, African crane, Eastern crowned crane, Kavirondo crane, South African crane, and crested crane.
This species of crane is native to Africa and is a large bird, with an adult standing at a height of up to 1.6 meters. It has a long neck, long legs, and a large wingspan, and is typically grey and white in color.
The male and female have similar plumage, and the male has a prominent red patch on its crown. The grey-crowned crane mainly feeds on insects, small animals, and seeds, and is mainly found in grasslands and wetlands.
This species is considered vulnerable due to habitat destruction and hunting and is protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Balearica |
| Species | B. regulorum |
3. Yellow-billed Duck
The yellow-billed duck is a medium-sized dabbling duck that can grow to be between 51 and 58 centimeters long. It is a very common resident breeder in the southern and eastern parts of Africa.
Unlike some other birds, the yellow-billed duck does not migrate but will move around in the dry season to find water sources. Its social nature is evident when it is not breeding, as it usually forms large, collective flocks.
In this way, the yellow-billed duck can benefit from the protection of being in a group and make it easier to find food sources. This species is quite adaptable and has been known to live in a variety of habitats, from marshes and lakes to ponds and rivers.
It is also omnivorous, which allows it to eat a wide range of foods, including aquatic plants, insects, and small vertebrates. All of these characteristics make the yellow-billed duck an important part of the African ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. undulata |
4. Egyptian Goose
The Egyptian goose is a species of Anatidae, a family of waterfowl such as ducks, geese, and swans. It is native to Africa but has become popular as an ornamental bird.
As a result, it has been introduced to many places outside its natural range, including the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world. The Egyptian goose is a large species of Anatidae, with a length of up to 28 inches (71 cm).
It has a long neck, and its head and upper neck are covered in white feathers. The body is mainly brown, with white and black markings. The wings are long and pointed, and the tail is short and wedge-shaped. The legs and feet are orange-red.
The Egyptian goose is usually found in wetlands, such as marshes, ponds, and lakes. It feeds on plants and small aquatic animals such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. It also scavenges for food in human settlements.
The Egyptian goose is a highly social bird and often forms large flocks. Breeding pairs form strong bonds, and some pairs remain together for life. They nest in hollows in the ground, or in thick vegetation. The female lays 4-6 eggs, which both parents incubate for 28 days.
The chicks are able to fly at four weeks old. The Egyptian goose is an important species in Africa’s wetlands and is an important source of food for humans and other predators.
However, it is threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and predation by introduced species such as cats and foxes. In some areas, it is considered a pest, as it feeds on crops and can damage property.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Alopochen |
| Species | A. aegyptiaca |
5. Blue Crane
The blue crane, scientifically known as Anthropoides paradiseus, is a species of bird native to South Africa. It is also known as the Stanley crane and the Paradise crane. It is the national bird of South Africa and has been recognized as such since 1961.
The bird is easily identified by its bright blue-gray plumage, long neck, and long legs. It has a wingspan of up to 1.7 meters and stands an impressive 1.2 meters tall.
The blue crane is a species of concern, as it is listed as Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The species has been experiencing a decrease in population due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and human disturbance.
As a result, conservation efforts have been put in place to protect and restore the blue crane’s natural habitat. These efforts include habitat restoration, re-establishment of migration routes, and protection from predators.
With the help of these initiatives, the future of the blue crane looks hopeful.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Grus |
| Species | G. paradisea |
6. Spotted Eagle-owl
The spotted eagle-owl, also known as the African spotted eagle-owl and the African eagle-owl, is a medium-sized species of owl, one of the smallest of the eagle owls. It is distinguished by its spots, which are usually dark brown, and its yellow eyes.
Its length is 45 cm and its weight ranges from 454 to 907 grams, making it quite lightweight. Its wingspan is from 100 to 140 cm, which allows it to fly across vast distances. It prefers wooded habitats, where it can hunt for small rodents and insects.
It is also known for its loud, low-pitched hooting call, which can be heard over long distances. The spotted eagle owl is an important part of the African ecosystem, helping to keep it balanced and healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Bubo |
| Species | B. africanus |
7. Helmeted Guineafowl
The helmeted guineafowl is a popular member of the Numididae family of birds. It is native to Africa, south of the Sahara, and has been widely domesticated and introduced into many other parts of the world.
The West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia, and Europe have all seen the helmeted guineafowl brought in as a domesticated species. The helmeted guineafowl is the only member of the genus Numida in the Numididae family, making it quite a distinctive species.
It is often identified by its unique helmet-like crest, which can be raised or flattened depending on the bird’s mood.
The helmeted guineafowl is also known for its loud call and its ability to run quickly. The helmeted guineafowl is mostly found in open grassland habitats, although it is also found in woodlands and forests. It feeds on a variety of insects, invertebrates, seeds, and fruits.
It is a social bird and often forms small flocks with other members of its species. The helmeted guineafowl has been widely domesticated and is kept as a pet in some parts of the world. It is also a popular game bird and is often hunted for sport.
The species is an important source of food and income for many communities in Africa and other parts of the world. Overall, the helmeted guineafowl is a unique and popular bird species.
It is a valuable part of the natural environment and is also an important species in terms of its domestication and uses in hunting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
| Genus | Numida |
| Species | N. meleagris |
8. White-faced Whistling Duck
The white-faced whistling duck is a species of duck that is found in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. This species is very sociable, often traveling in large groups.
At certain places that are favorable to this species, it is common to see enormous flocks of these ducks, numbering up to a thousand or more, flying in at the start of the day.
These large gatherings are a beautiful sight to behold and are a reminder of the amazing diversity of wildlife that exists in the world. The white-faced whistling duck is a relatively large duck and is easily distinguishable due to its striking white face.
They have long legs and necks, and they have wings that make a distinctive whistling sound when they fly.
This species of duck is also known to be very vocal, with both males and females making various loud calls. The white-faced whistling duck is a species of duck that is highly adapted to its environment.
It is considered to be an omnivorous species, meaning that it eats both plants and animals. It is known to feed on aquatic plants, insects, small fish, and even small mammals.
This species is also known to be very tolerant of adverse conditions, such as high temperatures and low water levels. The white-faced whistling duck is an important species in its environment, as it helps to keep aquatic plants and other organisms in balance.
Without these ducks, there would be an increase in the number of predators, which can have a negative impact on the overall health of the local environment.
It is also important for humans to be aware of the importance of these ducks, as their presence can help maintain healthy ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. viduata |
9. Red-knobbed Coot
The red-knobbed coot or crested coot is a species of bird found in the Rallidae family. This species is primarily found in Africa and the southernmost part of Spain. It prefers to inhabit freshwater lakes and ponds and make its home near the water’s edge.
In order to protect its young, the red-knobbed coot builds a nest of dead reeds. The nest is usually built near the water’s edge or, less commonly, afloat.
The red-knobbed coot typically lays around seven eggs at a time. This species is well adapted to its environment, as it is able to swim and dive well and can even perch on the surface of the water.
It can also feed both on land and in the water, ranging from vegetable matter to small aquatic creatures. The red-knobbed coot is a fairly large bird, measuring up to fifty centimeters long. It has a distinctive red knob on its forehead and is mostly grey in color.
The red-knobbed coot is a fairly common species and is often seen in large flocks. Its population is considered stable and it is not currently considered a threatened species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Fulica |
| Species | F. cristata |
10. African Pygmy Goose
The African pygmy goose is a species of perching duck found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the smallest of all of Africa’s waterfowl and is even one of the smallest waterfowl species in the whole world.
The pygmy goose has a beak that is similar to that of geese, but its closest relatives are actually the dabbling ducks and other species known as ‘ducks’. The African pygmy goose has a unique physical appearance. It is small in size, with a body length of only nine inches.
Its head and neck are generally grey, while its chest, wings, and back are a beautiful chestnut or brown color.
Its bill and feet are yellow, while its eyes are a bright reddish-orange. The African pygmy goose is found in wetlands and shallow pools across sub-Saharan Africa, including parts of Ethiopia, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is a migratory species, and during the summer months, it can be found in more northern regions. It feeds mainly on aquatic insects, crustaceans, and aquatic plants. The African pygmy goose is a species of conservation concern due to its small population size and habitat loss.
It is protected by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) and is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. Conservation efforts to protect this species include habitat protection, research, and public education.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Nettapus |
| Species | N. auritus |
11. African Black Duck
The African black duck is a species of duck in the genus Anas. It is most closely related to the mallard group but has some distinct differences in both its behavior and its physical characteristics.
For this reason, the African black duck is placed in a subclass of its own, called Melananas, until more research can be done to determine its exact classification. The African black duck is found in Africa and parts of the Middle East, including Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula.
It usually lives in wetlands, such as lakes, marshes, and swamps. It has a glossy black plumage and a white eye ring, with the males having a green head and neck during the breeding season.
Its behavior is quite different from that of its mallard relatives, as it is more solitary and shy. The African black duck has a few unique features that make it different from other ducks. For example, its wings are shorter and rounder, and its tail is longer and more pointed.
Its bill has a distinct notch, which is thought to aid in feeding.
The African black duck also has a unique call, which is a low, deep quack. Overall, the African black duck shows some distinct differences from other ducks in the genus Anas, which means that further research is needed to determine its exact classification.
Until then, it will remain in the subgenus Melananas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. sparsa |
12. Black Stork
The black stork is a species of bird that is part of the Ciconiidae family. This family is comprised of large wading birds, and the black stork is no exception.
It was first described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in the 10th edition of his Systema Naturae, which was published in 1758. The black stork is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to 1.8 meters and a body length of between 70 and 90 centimeters.
It is a dark gray bird with a white belly and a glossy black head, neck, and wings. It has a long, down-curved bill and a red face and legs. The black stork is a rare species that is found in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and it prefers wetlands and wooded areas.
It usually feeds on fish, small mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates. The black stork is a shy bird and is rarely seen in the wild, but it is considered to be a species of least concern by the IUCN.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. nigra |
13. Common Ostrich
The common ostrich is an incredible bird found in certain parts of Africa. It is a flightless species and is the largest living bird in the world, with an adult reaching up to 2.7 meters (9 feet) in height.
It is one of two species of ostriches, the other being the Somali ostrich, both of which are the only living members of the genus Struthio in the ratite order of birds. This order includes the emu, rhea, and kiwi, all of which are flightless birds.
Ostriches have a distinctive long neck, long legs, and a small head with a sharp beak. They are strong and powerful birds and can reach speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 mph).
They primarily feed on plants and insects but can also consume small reptiles, mammals, and eggs. They have a unique way of communicating with a variety of sounds, including hissing, clicking, and grunting.
The common ostrich is an important part of African culture and is kept as livestock by some communities. They are also hunted for their meat, feathers, and eggs, which are considered a delicacy.
The species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. Conservation efforts to protect the species are ongoing and include legislation to protect their habitats, as well as captive-breeding programs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
| Species | S. camelus |
14. Ephippiorhynchus Senegalensis
The saddle-billed stork, also known as saddlebill, is a large, impressive bird belonging to the stork family Ciconiidae.
It is widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa, from Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in the north to South Africa in the south, and from The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and Chad in the west.
It is primarily a resident breeder, meaning that it remains in the same area to nest and raise its young. The saddle-billed stork is an impressive sight with its large, colorful bill and long legs. Its bill is yellow with a black band at the tip and a bright red lower mandible.
Its body is mainly white with black, red, and black-and-white striped wings. The legs are long and black.
The saddle-billed stork is one of the largest species in the stork family, standing up to four feet tall.The saddle-billed stork is an omnivorous species, feeding on fish, frogs, insects, reptiles, small mammals, and carrion.
It often hunts for food in shallow wetlands but also searches for food in grasslands and forests. It is a powerful hunter, able to take prey larger than itself. It also feeds on vegetation, including fruit and grains.
The saddle-billed stork is a social bird, often seen in large flocks, and breeds in colonies of up to several hundred pairs. It builds a large nest of sticks and twigs, usually in a treetop or on a tall termite mound.
The female lays 2 to 4 eggs, which are incubated for 29 to 32 days. The chicks fledge after 8 to 10 weeks. The saddle-billed stork is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning that it is not threatened with extinction.
Despite this, it faces some threats, including habitat loss due to human activities such as deforestation and wetland drainage, as well as hunting for its feathers and eggs. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure that this beautiful bird remains a part of our environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ephippiorhynchus |
| Species | E. senegalensis |
15. Little Swift
Source: ebird.org
The little swift is a species of swift found in Africa and southwestern Asia, as well as southern Europe. These birds are able to live in a variety of habitats, both in urban areas and at rocky cliffs.
When breeding, they build nests in a manner typical of all members of the order Apodiformes. This order includes swifts, treeswifts, and hummingbirds, and all of these birds nest in a similar fashion, typically creating a cup-like structure made of mud or other materials.
The little swift is a relatively small species, with a wingspan of only 15–17 cm. They are primarily insectivorous and feed on a variety of insects in the air. In addition, they will also feed on spiders, small lizards, and other small prey.
These birds are highly adapted to their aerial lifestyle, and are among the fastest-flying birds in the world, reaching speeds of up to 111 km/h.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. affinis |
16. Cape Shoveler
Source: wikipedia.org
The Cape shoveler, or Cape shoveller, is a species of duck from the genus Spatula. This species is native to South Africa and is often found in Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, southern Angola, Lesotho, Mozambique, and Zambia.
It is a medium-sized duck, measuring 51–53 cm in length, and is non-migratory, staying in the same location year-round. Despite this, some local seasonal movements may occur. The Cape shoveler is an omnivore, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and crustaceans.
It nests near water, and the female incubates the eggs for around 25 days before they hatch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. smithii |
17. Common Swift
The common swift is a medium-sized bird that is not closely related to the barn swallow or house martin. It is, however, slightly larger than these two species. Despite this difference in species, the common swift and the swallow, and the martin have many similarities.
This is because of a process known as convergent evolution, which occurs when two unrelated species develop similar traits to survive in a shared environment.
In this case, the barn swallow, house martin, and common swift have adapted to similar environments and have developed similar characteristics as a result. For example, they all have the same general body shape to better suit their airborne lifestyles.
Ultimately, the similarities between the common swift and the other birds are due to shared environmental pressures, which have shaped their evolution in a similar manner.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. apus |
18. Black-winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a species of wading bird that belongs to the avocet and stilt family. It is found in a wide range of habitats, from shallow wetlands to coastal lagoons. It is also known by its scientific name H. himantopus.
It is a single species which is almost universally found across the world. The black-winged stilt is a medium-sized wader that is easily recognizable due to its long legs. Its plumage is mainly white with a black cap, black wings, and a black line running down its back.
The legs of the black-winged stilt are typically bright pink. It is a gregarious species and can be found in small to large groups. The black-winged stilt is a visually striking species, and it is an important species for wetlands.
It feeds on aquatic invertebrates as well as small fish, frogs, and other aquatic species.
It nests on the ground, often near water, and the female will lay three to five eggs in a nest made of vegetation. The black-winged stilt is considered to be a species of least concern in terms of conservation.
This is because it inhabits so many different kinds of habitats and is widely distributed. However, some populations may be declining in certain areas due to human disturbance, pollution, and habitat destruction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
19. Nightjars
Nightjars are a type of bird that are active primarily during the night, or twilight, hours. They are medium-sized birds, usually ranging from 16 to 25 cm in length.
nightjars belong to the family Caprimulgidae and order Caprimulgiformes – both of which are taxonomic classifications of birds, indicating that nightjars are closely related to other bird species. Nightjars are unique in their physical characteristics.
They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. This adaptation helps them to fly silently, making them difficult for predators and prey to detect in the dark.
Additionally, their short legs prevent them from walking very well, so they rely on their wings for getting around. Nightjars feed on a variety of prey including insects, frogs, lizards, and small rodents.
They have special adaptations to help them catch their prey, such as a wide mouth and a long tongue.
They also have special feathers called “silent feathers” which help to reduce noise when they fly. Nightjars are an important species in many ecosystems, as they help to control insect and rodent populations. They also provide food for other species such as owls and hawks.
As a result, it is important to protect nightjars and their habitats from destruction or pollution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
20. European Nightjar
The European nightjar is a member of the nightjar family, which is composed of a wide range of birds that are mainly found in the Old World.
This species is found across most of Europe and the Palearctic, which covers a large area that stretches from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean. It is also found in Mongolia and the northwestern part of China.
The European nightjar is a crepuscular and nocturnal bird, meaning that it is most active during the twilight hours and the night. It is distinguishable by its mottled grey-brown plumage, which helps it to camouflage itself among the trees while hunting for its prey.
The nightjar spends most of its time in open, grassy habitats such as heaths, moorlands, and steppes. During the day, it roosts in trees or bushes, and its plumage helps it to blend in with its surroundings.
During the breeding season, the nightjar will make its presence known by its loud, eerie calls. The nightjar feeds mainly on insects, which it captures by launching itself from a perch and then swooping down on its prey.
The European nightjar is a fascinating species that is well adapted to its environment, and it plays an important role in maintaining the balance of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. europaeus |
21. Fiery-necked Nightjar
The Fiery-necked Nightjar is a species of bird, belonging to the family Caprimulgidae, that is native to Africa south of the equator. It is characterized by its unique orange-red plumage on its neck, giving it its name.
The Fiery-necked Nightjar is also well-known for its distinctive call, which is often rendered as “good-lord-deliver-us”. This call is a low, repetitive, and raspy sound that is heard both day and night.
The Fiery-necked Nightjar is an aerial insectivore, relies on flying insects for its diet. They can usually be found perched in open areas such as shrubs, trees, or wires, during the day. They are also very active during the night when they will search for food.
The Fiery-necked Nightjar is a species of least concern, and its population is stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. pectoralis |
22. Laughing Dove
The Laughing Dove is a species of small pigeon that can be found across a wide range of habitats in Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Western Australia. It has a distinctive call which gives it its name.
This species of bird is a resident breeder, meaning that it does not migrate but rather stays in a single area all year round. It has become a common sight in Western Australia, particularly in and around Perth, after being released from Perth Zoo in 1898.
The Laughing Dove is an adaptive species and has been able to establish itself in the wild quite successfully. Its diet consists of a variety of items, including grains, insects, fruits, and seeds.
It is not considered a threat to other species and is often seen in gardens and parks, where it is welcomed as a colorful addition.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. senegalensis |
23. Freckled Nightjar
The Freckled Nightjar is a species of bird found in the family Caprimulgidae, which is part of the nightjar bird family. It is found in the Afrotropics, an area covering Africa, the Middle East, and parts of India and Sri Lanka.
This species of nightjar has a wide distribution but is also patchy in certain areas, meaning it is not found in all parts of the Afrotropics. The Freckled Nightjar is a medium-sized bird, with an average length of about 25 cm.
They have a mottled brown and grey plumage, with white spots and streaks on their wings and tail. These distinctive markings are how it got its name, as they resemble freckles.
They also have long tails and short bills, which they use to hunt insects in the air. The Freckled Nightjar is a nocturnal bird, meaning it is active at night and rests during the day. It nests on the ground, usually in dense vegetation or in rocky crevices.
They feed on small insects, such as moths, crickets, dragonflies, and beetles. The Freckled Nightjar is generally not considered to be threatened, however, its population is declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
As a result, it is listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. tristigma |
24. Klaas’s Cuckoo
Klaas’s cuckoo is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae, which is found in sub-Saharan Africa. This species of cuckoo is known for its preference for wooded regions. The species was named after Klaas, a Khoikhoi man.
Klaas collected the first specimen of Klaas’s cuckoo, which is known as the type specimen. This specimen is used as a reference for the species and is used to identify other members of the species.
Klaas’s cuckoo is an interesting species of cuckoo, with its range in sub-Saharan Africa and its preference for wooded regions. Its name serves as a reminder of the important role that Klaas played in the discovery of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Chrysococcyx |
| Species | C. klaas |
Conclusion
Mpumalanga is a haven for birders, offering an abundance of bird species and habitats. The area also boasts a range of conservation areas, parks, and reserves that make it an ideal place to spot birds.
With its diverse habitats and bird species, Mpumalanga is the perfect place to observe and appreciate the beauty of birds in their natural environment.