View the above photo record (by Ralie Claassen) in FrogMAPhere.
Find Poynton’s River Frog in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Pyxicephalidae
POYNTON’S RIVER FROG – Amietia poyntoni
Channing & Baptista, 2013
Habitat
A. poyntoni is predominantly found in the Grassland and Nama Karoo biomes. Its natural habitat includes streams and rivers in open areas. Readily colonises artificial water bodies such as farm dams, fishponds and wells.
Behaviour
Poynton’s River Frog is active both day and night. It is active and vocal throughout much of the year. Sits in concealed positions at the waters edge. Jumps into water at the slightest disturbance where it hides at the bottom in soft sediment.
Amietia poyntoni – Karoo National Park, Western Cape Photo by N. Spangenberg
Status and Conservation
Amietia poyntoni is currently considered Near Threatened.
Distribution
This species is near-endemic to South Africa. It occurs widely in the interior and central plateau, from Limpopo and Mpumalanga to the Western Cape. Also occurs in southern and central Namibia.
Distribution of Amieta poyntoni. Taken from the FrogMAP database as at March 2022.
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (FrogMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
More common names: Poynton se rivierpadda (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format for this species text:
Tippett RM. Poynton’s River Frog Amietia poyntoni. BDI, Cape Town. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/28/poyntons-river-frog-amietia-poyntoni/
View the above photo record (by Michael Cunningham) in FrogMAPhere.
Find the Phofung River Frog in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Pyxicephalidae
PHOFUNG RIVER FROG – Amietia hymenopus
(Boulenger, 1920)
Habitat
A. hymenopus inhabits Alti Mountain Grassland vegetation, in topography characterized by steep slopes and fast-flowing streams. Annual precipitation is 500–750 mm and occurs as summer thunderstorms and winter snowfalls. Adults forage in grassland on the plateaux and on gentle slopes. When breeding, they may be found in seepage areas, along the rocky banks of gently flowing streams, or near the edges of pools.
Typical habitat – Bokong Nature Reserve, Lesotho Photo by Michael Cunningham
Behaviour
Breeding occurs after the first spring rains in September, through to January. Unlike other members of this genus, A. hymenopus lays its eggs in the water. Clutches of 200–500 eggs are attached to rock in flowing water or deposited in shallow, stagnant pools at the sides of streams. Eggs may also be laid in many smaller batches of 7–15 (Channing 1979). The development of the tadpoles has not been documented.
Status and Conservation
A. hymenopus occupies uplands that are generally free of impacts that would affect it negatively. The species occurs in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. It is not believed to be threatened, and no special conservation action is recommended. However, the number of atlas records for this species is very limited and it is recommended that additional surveys be conducted to determine the true extent of the species’ range and the size of its populations. The presence of chitrid fungus infections in Ametia vertebralis (see species account), a species that inhabits the same uplands, indicates that Amietia hymenopus should also be monitored for this pathogen. Little is known of the life history of A. hymenopus and this also handicaps conservation assessment.
A. hymenopus is endemic to the high slopes of the Drakensberg and Lesotho highlands. The southernmost record from Barkley East (3027DC) appears isolated, but this is probably due to inadequate sampling. The species occurs at altitudes of 1800–>3000 m.
Very few records were collected during the atlas period. The atlas data are reliable but incomplete.
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (FrogMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
More common names: Phofung-rivierpadda (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format for this species text:
Tippett RM. Phofung River Frog Amietia hymenopus. BDI, Cape Town. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/27/phofung-river-frog-amietia-hymenopus/
Recommended citation format:
This species text has been updated and expanded from the text in the 2004 frog atlas. The reference to the text and the book are as follows:
Bates MF 2004 Amietia hymenopus Phofung River Frog. In Minter LR et al 2004.
Minter LR, Burger M, Harrison JA, Braack HH, Bishop PJ, Kloepfer D (eds) 2004. Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and Avian Demography Unit, Cape Town.
View the above photo record (by Alan Manson) in FrogMAPhere.
Find the Cape River Frog in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Pyxicephalidae
CAPE RIVER FROG – Amieta fuscigula
(Duméril and Bibron, 1841)
Habitat
A. fuscigula inhabits grassland, fynbos and karoo scrub in flat and mountainous regions. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance and is frequently associated with human habitation. Readily colonises farm dams, ditches and ponds.
Breeding takes place in shallow water along the edges of pools, dams, streams and slow-flowing rivers. These frogs breed in both standing water in both flat and steeply sloped areas. The same habitat is used throughout the year.
Behaviour
The adults spend the day floating among vegetation or basking on rocks above the water. Larger individuals may be found on banks or in vegetation above the water, leaping to the safety of the nearest pool when disturbed. This species has long hind legs and a fair amount of webbing between the toes, and is well adapted to jumping and swimming.
Males typically call from floating vegetation or from shallow water at the edge. Clutches of 400–500 eggs are laid in shallow, standing water. Tadpoles may grow to 165 mm in length.
These frogs consume large numbers of flying and crawling insects. In turn, they constitute an important prey item for otters, large birds and snakes.
Status and Conservation
This common species is found in most rivers, ponds, farm dams and other wetlands within its range. It is found in many protected areas. A. fuscigula is not generally threatened. The species is listed as of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Amietia fuscigula – Groot Wintershoek Mountains, Western Cape Photo by Andrew & Heather Hodgson
Distribution
A. fuscigula is largely restricted to the Western Cape, where it is common and widespread. Extends marginally into the southern parts of the Eastern Cape.
The distribution data are comprehensive, but care needs to be taken in areas where this species may be confused with A. delalandii, A. poyntoni or A. vandijki. These species share a number of colour patterns, and smaller individuals of A. fuscigula may be confused with larger individuals of other Amietia species.
There is currently no map available for this species.
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (FrogMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
More common names: Kaapse rivierpadda (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format for this species text:
Tippett RM. Cape River Frog Amietia fuscigula. BDI, Cape Town. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/27/cape-river-frog-amietia-fuscigula/
View the above photo record (by Alan Manson) in FrogMAPhere.
Find Delalande’s River Frog in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Pyxicephalidae
DELALANDE’S RIVER FROG – Amieta delalandii
(Duméril and Bibron, 1841)
Habitat
A. delalandii inhabits the Grassland and Savanna biomes, and forest fringe. Annual rainfall in these areas is 500–900 mm. The species tolerates some habitat disturbance and is frequently associated with human habitation, taking up residence in ditches and ponds, often where reeds and water lilies are present.
Breeding takes place in shallow water along the edges of pools, dams, streams and slow-flowing rivers. These frogs breed in both standing water in flat areas and running water traversing slopes of more than 14 degrees (Channing 1979). The same habitat is used throughout the year
Behaviour
The adults spend the day floating amongst vegetation or basking on rocks above the water. Larger individuals may be found on banks or in vegetation above the water, leaping to the safety of the nearest pool when disturbed. This species has long hind legs and a fair amount of webbing between the toes, and is well adapted to jumping and swimming.
A. delalandii is active throughout the year and breeding has been recorded in all months of the year (Channing 1979). Males typically call from floating vegetation or from shallow water at the edge. Clutches of 400–500 eggs are laid in shallow, standing water. Tadpoles may grow to 80 mm in length (Wager 1986).
Amieta delalandii – Near Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Faansie Peacock
Being a common species that is active all year round, these frogs consume large numbers of flying and crawling insects. In turn, they constitute an important prey item for otters (Rowe-Rowe 1977a, b), large birds and snakes.
Status and Conservation
This widespread species is found in all rivers, ponds, farm dams and other wetlands within its range. It is found in many protected areas. Localized threats include acid pollution from old gold-mine dumps. A. delalandii is not generally threatened
Amieta delalandii – Near Babanango, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Gerhardt Diedericks
Distribution
This widespread species is distributed from Ethiopia, south through East Africa to southern Africa, and westward to Angola (Poynton 1964). It occurs mainly in the eastern half of the atlas region, from just within the eastern border of Western Cape Province, northward at all altitudes up to 2000 m. A. delalandii has been recorded from the Vaal and Gariep (Orange) river drainages westward to the coast.
The distribution data are comprehensive, but care needs to be taken in areas where this species may be confused with A. fuscigula or A. poyntoni. These two species share a number of colour patterns, and smaller individuals of A. fuscigula may be confused with larger individuals of A. delalandii.
Distribution of Amieta delalandii. Taken from the FrogMAP database. October 2022.
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (FrogMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Acknowledgements:
The use of photographs by Alan Manson, Faansie Peacock and Gerhardt Diedericks is acknowledged.
More common names: Common River Frog, Angola River Frog, Common Rana (Alternative English Names); Gewone Rivierpadda (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format for this species text:
Channing A, Tippett RM. Delalande’s River Frog Amieta delalandii. BDI, Cape Town. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/26/common-river-frog-amietia-delalandii/
Recommended citation format:
This species text has been updated and expanded from the text in the 2004 frog atlas. The reference to the text and the book are as follows:
Channing 2004 Amieta delalandii Delalande’s River Frog. In Minter LR et al 2004.Minter LR, Burger M, Harrison JA, Braack HH, Bishop PJ, Kloepfer D (eds) 2004. Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and Avian Demography Unit, Cape Town.
View the above photo record (by Michael Adams ) in FrogMAPhere.
Find the Delicate Leaf-folding Frog in the FBIS database (Freshwater Biodiversity Information System) here.
Family Hyperoliidae
DELICATE LEAF-FOLDING FROG – Afrixalus delicatus
Pickersgill, 1984
Habitat
A. delicatus inhabits Coastal Bushveld-Grassland: a mosaic of forest patches, evergreen thicket and secondary woody vegetation set in a grassy matrix, that extends along the KwaZulu-Natal coast from sea level to an altitude of 300 m. The annual rainfall exceeds 1000 mm and there is an abundance of surface water that collects in a variety of natural wetlands and artificial impoundments. When breeding, this species seems to show a preference for relatively permanent bodies of water such as ponds, vleis and marshes, particularly those with emergent vegetation that includes Polygonum pulchrum and Ludwigia stolonifera used during oviposition. (Telford 1982; Backwell 1991).
Behaviour
A favourite retreat in winter is the leaf axils of Strelitzia and bananas; little else is known about the behavioural ecology of A. delicatus during the non-breeding season.
Afrixalus delicatus – Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Felicity Grundlingh
Breeding takes place September–February in South Africa. Males congregate on emergent vegetation at their breeding sites in the evening and call until about 00:30, although calling activity is more subdued after midnight or once most of the males have paired. In South Africa, calling males within a chorus form groups of about eight individuals with a density of 2–3.2 males/m2 (Backwell and Passmore 1991), and about 25% of males are satellites (Backwell 1991). In Kenya, choruses consist of many hundreds of males with aggregation densities of 15–>40/m2 (M.P. pers. obs.).
The eggs are white, enveloped in vertically folded leaves of grasses and herbs, up to 15 cm above the water. The mean clutch size is 93 (Wager 1965; Telford 1982; Pickersgill 1984; Backwell and Passmore 1991).
During the day, both sexes retire to leaf axils of vegetation in or near standing water, although some individuals may be found in exposed positions on the shaded sides of Cyperus or Typha leaves (M.P. pers. obs.). A. delicatus is believed to feed largely on mosquitoes (Wager 1965) and other small insects. The predators of this species are unknown.
Afrixalus delicatus – pair during amplexus Near Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Photo by Nick Evans
Status and Conservation
A. delicatus occurs in a number of reserves, particularly in northern KwaZulu-Natal, such as those at Kosi Bay, St Lucia, Dukuduku and Mtunzini. However, further south its survival is threatened by sugar farming that has resulted in extensive habitat loss, draining of wetlands, and burning. Urban sprawl places additional pressure on breeding populations. In urban areas, A. delicatus survives as isolated populations largely associated with well-vegetated water hazards on golf courses and stagnant seepages at the fringes of farmland.
Afrixalus delicatus – Richards Bay, KwaZu;u-Natal Photo by Cornelia Rautenbach
Distribution
A. delicatus is distributed along the coastal plain of Mozambique (Pickersgill 1984; Poynton and Broadley 1987), and is also known to occur in southern Malawi, ranging northward along the East African coast to southern Somalia (M.P. unpubl. data). In the atlas region, ubiquitous populations of A. delicatus occur along the coastal belt of northern KwaZulu-Natal, reaching Mount Edgecombe (2931CA) in the south.This species is syntopic with A. s. spinifrons at many localities where the ranges of these two species overlap (M.P. pers. obs.).
A. delicatus is also similar, morphologically, to A.aureus, and is sympatric with that species over part of its range. However, the latter seems to prefer drier habitat and does not usually utilize the same breeding sites (Pickersgill 1984; M.P. pers. obs.). Also, the advertisement call of A. aureus lacks a “zip” component and cannot be confused with A. delicatus.
The accurate identification of A. delicatus and A.s.spinifrons requires careful morphological examination and recording of the advertisement call. However, most of the atlas data were obtained from identified museum material or from field workers familiar with these species, and may therefore be regarded as reasonably accurate and complete
Distribution of Afrixalus delicatus. Taken from the FrogMAP database, April 2022.
Further Resources
Virtual Museum (FrogMAP > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
More common names: Delicate Spiny Reed Frog (Alternative English Name), Delikate Blaarvouendepadda (Afrikaans)
Recommended citation format for this species text:
Pickersgill M, Bishop PJ, Tippett RM. Delicate Leaf-folding Frog Afrixalus delicatus. BDI, Cape Town. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/24/delicate-leaf-folding-frog-afrixalus-delicatus/
Recommended citation format:
This species text has been updated and expanded from the text in the 2004 frog atlas. The reference to the text and the book are as follows:
Pickersgill M, Bishop PJ 2004 Afrixalus delicatus Delicate Leaf-folding Frog. In Minter LR et al 2004.
Minter LR, Burger M, Harrison JA, Braack HH, Bishop PJ, Kloepfer D (eds) 2004. Atlas and Red Data Book of the Frogs of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and Avian Demography Unit, Cape Town.
Cover photo: Hadada Ibis – BirdPix 101445 – Neels Jackson
Identification
The Hadada Ibis gets its name from its loud three to four note call uttered in flight, especially in the mornings and evenings when they fly out or return to their roost trees. The calls of Hadada Ibises are considered a sign of approaching rains in parts of Lesotho.
It is a large, grey-to-partly brown bird. Males and females are alike in plumage. It has a narrow, white, roughly horizontal stripe across its cheeks. This is sometimes called the “moustache” though it does not reach the mouth corners. The feathers on its wings have an iridescent green and purple sheen and it has a long, curved greyish-black bill with a patch of red, only prominent during breeding season, on the top part of its bill.
Main photo: BirdPix 149281 – Anthony Paton, Bedfordview, Gauteng, 20 August 2016. Flying Hadada: BirdPix 44590 – Gregg & Desire Darling, Jeffreys Bay, Eastern Cape, 30 September 2017.
Habitat
The Hadada Ibis generally prefers open grassland with well-wooded valleys and patches of dense woodland (to use as nesting sites). It also occurs in forest clearings, wetlands with short grass, vleis, irrigated croplands, sports fields, pastures, and lawns in urban areas.
The distribution range of the Hadada has increased in southern Africa by nearly two and a half times in the 20th century due to the introduction of trees in habitats that were once treeless and the expansion of urban areas (and therefore gardens and parks). Irrigation projects may also have helped in their expansion as they appear to need moist and soft soils in which to probe for food.
Probing for food on a grass lawn: BirdPix 105543 – Les Underhill, Cape Town, Western Cape, 09 February 2020.
Hadada habitats. Left: BirdPix 5338 – Darling Desire, Oyster Bay, Eastern Cape, 09 November 2013. Top right: BirdPix 11918 – Dave Kennedy, Krugersdorp, Gauteng, 14 December 2010. Bottom right: BirdPix 13121 – John Fincham, Katimo Molilo, Namibia, 02 August 2014.
Distribution
Hadadas occur across Africa south of the Sahel. In southern Africa, they are common northern Botswana, the Caprivi Strip (Namibia), northern and southern Zimbabwe, Mozambique and much of South Africa, excluding parts of the arid Karoo.
In South Africa the core of their range is in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, mainly in the areas with moist grassland habitats and easily accessible water sources. The map below displays the distribution data from the second Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2).
SABAP2 distribution map for Hadada Ibis, downloaded on 23 March 2022. Details on how to interpret the map can be found here.
The Hadada Ibis has increased in abundance across most of the western half of South Africa in recent decades. There is a paper in the journal Biodiversity Observations which demonstrates the changes between the first and second bird atlas projects, SABAP1 and SABAP2.
Behaviour
Hadada Ibises roost in groups in trees. They fly out in the mornings with loud calls and return in the evenings with regularity. They are monogamous, solitary nesters, and probably form a life-long pair bond.
They feed on insects, millipedes, earthworms, and other invertebrates, using their long scimitar-like bill to probe soft soil. Hadadas readily feed on snails and can clear garden beds around residential homes. A gardener’s best friend! They are particularly welcomed on golf greens because they are great at extracting moth and beetle larvae that feed on the roots of the grass and other vegetation.
Foraging in a wetland: BirdPix 189067 – Pieter Cronje, Lake Naivasha, Kenya, 16 October 2021. Probing for food on a grass lawn: BirdPix 105543 – Les Underhill, Cape Town, Western Cape, 09 February 2020.
A Hadada’s nest consists of a platform of sticks with a central bowl lined with grass, lichen, weeds, leaves and other plant debris. It is typically placed in the fork of a horizontal tree branch, or occasionally on other suitable structures such cliffs, dam walls, or even telephone poles.
It lays 1-5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents for about 25-28 days. The chicks are fed by both parents and they leave the nest at about 33-40 days old, becoming fully independent at roughly 60 days old.
Hadada Ibis on its nest: BirdPix 28794 – Dieter Oschadleus, Cape Town, Western Cape, 06 August 2016.
Further Resources
Species Text from the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), 1997
Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Other common names: Hadeda (Afrikaans); Ing’ang’ane (Xhosa); iNkankane (Zulu); Ibis hagedash (French); Hagedasch-Ibis (German).
A list of bird species in this format is available here.
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M and Daniel K 2022. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash. Bird Feeder Project. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available Online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/24/hadada-ibis-bostrychia-hagedash/
Cover photo of Bronze Mannikin: BirdPix 90010 – Dave Rimmer
Identification
The Bronze Mannikin or Bronze Munia Spermestes cucullata is a small passerine (i.e. perching) bird. Male and female Bronze Mannikins look alike. They have grey bills and blackish heads with white underparts and brown barring on their sides. They can also be identified by the metallic green patch of feathers on their shoulders.
Immature birds are a more plain buffy brown, with dark grey-brown upperparts and a black bill.
Main photo: BirdPix 137820 – Craig Peter, Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, 29 October 2020. Inset photo bottom left: BirdPix 105697 – Lia Steen, Port Edward, KwaZulu-Natal, 25 February 2020. Inset photo top left: BirdPix 20526 – Dave Rimmer, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, 26 August 2015.
It generally prefers grassy habitats with a few scattered bushes and trees, like at the edges of thickets or evergreen forests. They are also found in savanna habitats, suburban gardens, and along the border between natural vegetation and cultivated land. Bronze Mannikins are dependant on water so if you have a bird bath in your garden they are likely to visit!
Photo left: BirdPix 13076 – Werner Van Goethem, Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary, Gauteng, 23 February 2014. Top right: BirdPix 6412 – AP Labuschagne, Polokwane, Limpopo, 11 May 2009. Bottom right: BirdPix 46753 – Norman Barrett, Leopards Hill, Lusaka Province, Zambia, 17 November 2012.
Bronze Mannikins at a bird bath – BirdPix 60059 – Ryan Tippett, Pennington, KwaZulu-Natal, 03 August 2018.
Distribution
They occur across much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia and south to southern Africa. Here they are very common in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, watini and eastern South Africa, while rather scarce in northern and south-eastern Botswana and the Caprivi Strip of Namibia due to the more arid conditions in those areas.
In South Africa the core of their range is in the east from KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo Province, according to distribution data from the Second Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2). There are records of Bronze Mannikins in and around Cape Town, where they were introduced in 2015. The release reportedly took place in Rondebosch, a suburb in the “southern suburbs” of Cape Town; by 2023 the introduced range had extended a few suburbs to the north and to the south, from about Observatory to Wynberg, and is steadily expanding.
SABAP2 distribution map for Bronze Mannikin, downloaded on 22 March 2022. Details on how to interpret the map can be found here.
Behaviour
Bronze Mannikins are conspicuous and gregarious birds, often found in small flocks. They mainly eat grass seeds and the occasional insect. They do most of their foraging on the ground, often taking advantage of bird feeders in gardens. Before going to roost at nightfall, they usually visit a water source. They sometimes associate with other birds like waxbills or other mannikin species, and they may also use their vacated nests.
Flocks of Bronze Mannikins. Bottom left: BirdPix 29278 – Lia Steen, Shellybeach, KwaZulu-Natal, 15 August 2016. Top right: BirdPix 31248 – Lia Steen, Whiteriver, Mpumalanga, 01 January 2016.
During the breeding season (August to May) the male gathers the nesting material which the female uses to build the nest. The nest is an untidy ball-shaped structure which is usually made of green grass inflorescences but sometimes contains pine needles and wild Asparagus stems. Bronze Mannikins typically build their nests in a bush, tree, or man-made structure, like a post or beam of a building.
They lay 2-8 eggs, which are incubated by both the male and female for about 12-16 days. Both parents feed the chicks on a diet of mainly seeds The chicks leave the nest after about 15-21 days and become fully independent roughly 4 weeks later.
Parents feeding their young. Left: BirdPix 51966 – Ilse Hulme, Weenen Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, 02 April 2018. Right: BirdPix 197150 – Lia Steen, Shellybeach, KwaZulu-Natal, 22 November 2021.
Bird feeder party! BirdPix 18924 – Dave Kennedy, Margate, KwaZulu-Natal, 10 July 2015.
Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name)
Other common names: Gewone Fret (Afrikaans); Ingxenge (Xhosa); Zadzasaga (Shona); Capucin Nonnette (French); Kleinelsterchen (German).
A list of bird species in this format is available here.
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M and Daniel K 2022. Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata. Bird Feeder Project. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/23/bronze-mannikin-spermestes-cucullata
The Common (or European) Starling Sturnus vulgaris can be identified by its short tail, pointed head, triangular-shaped wings, and pale speckles on its wings and body. Common Starlings look black in colour, when seen at a distance, but at closer range they are glossy with a sheen of purple and green (this is known as iridescence). Adult birds have blackish bills when not breeding and yellow bills when breeding.
In the air, their flight is often fast and direct. On the ground they move about confidently, often at a run. They have quite a range of vocalizations.
Main photo: BirdPix 26351 – Stuart Shearer, Greyton, Western Cape, 05 February 2013. Inset photo: BirdPix 29270 – Dieter Oschadleus, Cape Town, Western Cape, 03 September 2016.
Juvenile birds are grey-brown in colour with speckling only appearing at about one year of age.
Main photo: BirdPIx 7111 – Doug Harebottle, Cape Town, Western Cape, 23 March 2014. Inset photo: BirdPix 34230 – Dieter Oschadleus, Cape Town, Western Cape, 08 January 2017.
Habitat
In South Africa, they are mainly found in and around cities and towns. Their favoured habitats are grass lawns and sports fields where they often look for food, mainly invertebrates, by probing into the ground with their sharp bills.
Common Starling foraging on a lawn: BirdPix 54668 – C Meyer, Stellenbosch, Western Cape, 03 June 2018.
Distribution
Common Starlings are native to Eurasia, north Africa, and Japan, but were introduced to Australia, New Zealand, North America, Argentina, and South Africa. They are considered a serious agricultural pest, in some of these regions, but not so much in South Africa. They were introduced to Cape Town in 1897 by Cecil John Rhodes. The story of their range expansion is here.
They mainly occur in the southern half of South Africa, especially along the coastline, and they are by far most commonly found in urban and agricultural areas. Common Starlings are always closely associated with humans. They do well in urban areas.
SABAP2 distribution map for Common Starling, downloaded 18 March 2022. Details for map interpretation can be found here.
Common Starlings are gregarious and noisy birds. They are often found in pairs or small groups. Flock size is highly variable but they can form massive, noisy flocks (known as murmurations), especially near their roosting sites.
Noisy birds! Left photo: BirdPix 123222 – Gerald Gaigher, Jongensfontein, Western Cape, 01 August 2020. Right photo: BirdPix 5369 – Dawie De Swardt, Barkley East, Eastern Cape, 13 November 2013.
Gregarious birds. BirdPix 155118 – Gerald Gaigher, Paarl, Western Cape, 05 February 2021
They mainly eat insects and other invertebrates which they supplement with fruit, seeds and nectar. Common Starlings do most of their foraging on the ground, plucking up food items or probing the soil for underground prey.
They build an untidy nest in a natural or artificial cavity, during breeding season (September to December). They lay about four or five glossy, pale blue eggs, which take two weeks to hatch. The young remain in the nest for another three weeks before fledging.
More common names: Europese Spreeu (Afrikaans); Étourneau Sansonnet (French); Star (German); Spreeuw (Dutch).
A list of bird species in this format is available here.
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M and Daniel KA 2022. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris. Bird Feeder Project. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/22/common-starling-sturnus-vulgaris/
The Cape Robin-Chat can be identified by its dark grey back, orange throat, white “eyebrows” and its orange rump and tail feathers. It has pale grey underparts and dark legs and feet. Males and females are alike.
Photo: BirdPix 18069 – Gregg & Desire Darling, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, 06 June 2015.
Juvenile birds are browner with buff spotting and no distinct facial markings. They have dull buffy brown underparts with mottling on the chest. Their tails are rufous with grey feathers down the centre.
The Cape Robin-Chat has a wonderful melodious call consisting of a few phrases. They often mimic other birds too. Take a listen here.
Habitat
Cape Robin-Chats can be found in a wide variety of habitats, but they prefer areas with quite dense undergrowth and scattered trees, bushes, rocks or other structures to use for perching, along with surface water for drinking and bathing. They love suburban gardens and can become quite tame.
Photo left: BirdPix 11937 – Dave Kennedy, Weltevreden Park, Johannesburg, Gauteng, 27 May 2014. Photo right: BirdPix 52856 – Anthony Archer, Orkney, Free State Province, 03 May 2018. Photo centre: BirdPix 89082 – Keir Lynch, Bredasdorp, Western Cape, 20 August 2019.
Cape Robin-Chat jumping about in the branches of a tree: BirdPix 180376 – Johan & Estelle van Rooyen, Riversdale, Western Cape, 27 July 2021.
Distribution
Occurs in patches from southern Sudan to Kenya, eastern DRC and Tanzania, with the largest population in southern Africa. It occurs across most of South Africa as indicated by the SABAP2 map below. The blue and green squares are the areas with the highest reporting rates for Cape Robin-Chat.
SABAP2 distribution map for Cape Robin-Chat, downloaded 08 March 2022. Details for map interpretation can be found here.
Behaviour
The Cape Robin-Chat moves about singly with a hopping gait, and often perches in prominent positions. It regularly jerks up its tail in an upright position, almost as if standing to attention. When landing on a perch or on the ground it often flicks its wings and rapidly fans its tail. Cape Robin-Chats take a bath daily, so if you have a bird bath in your garden, keep an eye out for this water-loving bird.
Cape Robin-Chat with its tail flicked up: BirdPix 27988 – Gregg Darling, St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape, 02 July 2016.
They mainly eat insects and other invertebrates, supplemented with fruit and seeds plucked from bushes, trees or from the ground. They do a lot of foraging in leaf litter, flicking through plant debris in search of food.
Cape Robin-Chat taking a bath: BirdPix 45220 – Desire Darling, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, 21 October 2017. Cape Robin-Chat with mealworm: BirdPix 84134 – Gerald Wingate, Bellville, Western Cape, 27 April 2019.
The Cape Robin-Chat is a highly territorial and solitary nester. The male aggressively defends his territory against other males as well as other species, such as white-eyes, sunbirds and doves! The nest is built, usually by the female, by gathering a clump of material together and then she shuffles her body into the nest to form a cup shape. The nest is usually made out of bark fragments, twigs, dry grass, fern fronds, rootlets, dead leaves, moss and seed pods and lined with finer fibres.
Cape Robin-Chat nest with eggs: BirdPix 146927 – Anthony Paton, Maanhaarrand, North West Province, 02 January 2010.
Further resources
Species text from the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), 1997.
Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name).
More common names: Gewone Janfrederik (Afrikaans); Ugaga (Xhosa); umBhekle (Zulu); Cossyphe du Cap (French); Kaprötel (German); Kaapse Lawaaimaker (Dutch).
Recommended citation format: Loftie-Eaton M and Daniel KA 2022. Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra. Bird Feeder Project. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available Online at http://thebdi.org/2022/03/08/cape-robin-chat-cossypha-caffra/
The Ring-necked Dove, also known as the Cape Turtle Dove, is a very common bird species that occurs all over South Africa. It can be identified by its brownish-grey wings, lavender-grey underparts, the black half collar on the back of its neck, and its dark eyes with a thin dark stripe leading to its bill. In flight, its white outer tail feathers are also an easy identifier (the tail of the fairly similar Red-eyed Dove has a dark band with a pale edge). But, if in doubt, try to listen out for its call, a rhythmic, three-syllabled crooning. Some people put the call into words: “Tell Fa-ther” or Work Hard-er”, with the emphasis on the second syllable! Take a listen here. Males and females are alike.
Main photo: Gregg & Desire Darling, Wilderness, Western Cape, 02 November 2014. Photo inset: Tony Archer, Klerksdorp, North West Province, 02 March 2019.
Habitat
Ring-necked Doves occur almost everywhere in South Africa in a variety of habitats. They can be found in most types of woodland, farmland, suburban parks and gardens. They also often nest, roost, and forage in and around alien trees, such as Port Jackson Acacia saligna, Rooikrans Acacia cyclops, Pinus sp. and Eucalyptus sp.
Ring-necked Dove perched in a tree: Johan Heyns, Heidelberg, Gauteng, 29 September 2012
Distribution
In continental Africa, the Ring-necked Dove occurs from Ethiopia south through Tanzania, southern DRC, Zambia, Angola, and all the way to southern Africa. It is one of the most prolific birds in southern Africa, occurring across the entire region in woodland, savanna, farmland, urban parks and gardens. The SABAP2 distribution map below confirms its widespread range across all sorts of habitats.
SABAP2 distribution map for Ring-necked Dove, downloaded 07 March 2022. Details for map interpretation here.
Behaviour
Ring-necked Doves are usually found alone or in pairs. However, they do form larger flocks–sometimes comprising hundreds of birds!–especially around sources of food and water. These doves roost in treetops at night and forage for food on the ground by day. Peak foraging times are early morning and late afternoon. They mainly eat seeds, supplemented with fruit, nectar, leaves and invertebrates. When walking, their heads bob back and forth with each little step.
Pair of Ring-necked Doves perched on a branch: Phillip Nieuwoudt, Rustenburg, North West Province, 29 December 2020. Large flock of Ring-necked Doves: David Kennedy, Kgalagadi National Park, Northern Cape Province, 31 October 2010. Lone Ring-necked Dove foraging: Vaughan Jessnitz, Hoedspruit, Limpopo Province, 25 August 2011.
During breeding, the female usually constructs the nest, taking about 3-8 days to build it. The nest is a small platform of twigs, grass, roots and sometimes pine needles, usually about 15 cm wide. It is typically placed in the fork of a tree, surrounded by dense foliage and often in suburban gardens or parks. Both parents incubate the eggs and take care of the chicks after hatching. The chicks are dependent on their parents for approximately 12 days after hatching.
Ring-necked Dove nest with eggs: Dewald du Plessis, Doornkloof, Free State Province, 29 June 2014.
Ring-necked Dove on its nest: Vaughan Jessnitz, Gravelotte, Limpopo Province, 01 March 2021.
Further Resources
Species text from the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), 1997.
Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name).
More common names: Cape Turtle Dove (Alt. English); Gewone Tortelduif (Afrikaans); Ihobe (Xhosa); iHophe, uSamdokwe (Zulu); Tourterelle du Cap (French); Kapturteltaube (German).
Recommended citation format: Daniel KA and Loftie-Eaton M 2022. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola. Bird Feeder Project. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available Online at https://thebdi.org/2022/03/08/ring-necked-dove-streptopelia-capicola/
List of bird species in this format is available here.
