Kalahari Trails has recorded over 220 species of birds. We have many local as well as vagrants from all over Africa visiting our farm. We have waterholes that birders, nature lovers and photographers can safely and quietly visit and sit and watch all the activities. We also have some nests scattered around our farm, that can also be photographed while respecting the birds and the environment.

 

 

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BIRDS SEEN AT KALAHARI TRAILS – 

 

B = Recorded as breeding at least once

 

Dates are given for sightings of vagrants (V)

 

Dates of arrival are given for seasonally resident migrants

 

Birds with no dates given are resident or regular visitors

 

HERONS (Ardeidae)

 

• Little Bittern ( Ixobrychus minutus ) 14.12.1999 – V
• Grey Heron ( Ardea cinerea ) 4.2.2002 – V
• Black-headed Heron ( Ardea melanocephala ) 2.6.2005 (juv.) 8.6.2006, 18.4.2011 (juv)
• Purple Heron ( Ardea purpurea ) 29.3.2002, 26.10.2006 – V
• Cattle Egret ( Bubulcus ibis ) Adult 27.2.2003, 12.5.2006 – V

 

STORKS (Ciconiidae)

 

• White Stork ( Ciconia ciconia ) 18.3.2003 – V
• Abdim’s Stork ( Ciconia abdimii ) 29.2.2000, 80+ feeding 2.2.2011, 80+ 16.1.2012
• flock of 40+ resting 4.2.2006

 

HAMMERKOP (Scopidae)

 

• Hammerkop ( Scopus umbretta ) – V

 

IBISES AND SPOONBILLS (Plataleidae)

 

• Hadeda Ibis (Bostruchia hagedash) 28.11.2006, 30.11.2008, 2.1.2011 (3 indiv.) 11.1.2011, 6.12.2011.

 

GEESE & DUCKS (Anatidae)

 

• Egyptian goose ( Alopochen aegypticus )
• Black duck ( Anas sparsa ) 19.12.1999 – V V
• Spur-winged goose ( Plectopterus gambiensis ) 13.3.2001 2A + 1 J – V

 

GREBES( Podicipedidae )

 

• Dabchick ( Tachybaptus ruficollis ) 24.6.2001 – V

 

RAILS (Rallidae)

 

• Lesser Moorhen ( Gallinula angulata ) 3.3.2000 – V

 

PLOVERS (Charadriidae)

 

• Little Stint ( Calidris minuta ) 15.2.2006 – V
• Blacksmith Plover ( Vanellus armatus ) 12.2.2010 – V
• Crowned Plover ( Vanellus coronatus ) (3 nests Oct. 2005) resident as of 2006 – B
• Three-banded Plover ( Charadrius tricollaris ) 15.12.2000, 11.3.2008,14.10.2009
• Ringed Plover ( Charadrius hiaticula ) 18.3.2003 – V

 

SANDPIPERS (Scolopacidae)

 

• Common Sandpiper ( Actictis hypoleucos ) 27.12.2000 – V
• Curlew Sandpiper ( Actictis ferruginea ) 15.10.2005 – V

 

DIKKOPS (Burhinidae)

 

• Spotted Dikkop ( Burhinus capensis ) – B

 

COURSERS (Glareolidae)

 

• Burchell’s Courser ( Cursonius rufus ) 26.5.03(5 indiv), 2.2 2007 (1 indiv) 15.5.2007 (3 indiv)
• Double-banded Courser ( Smutsornis africanus ) 8.2008 1 chick – B
• Bronze-winged Courser (Rhinopterus chalcopterus) March – May 2006 – V
• Temmink’s Courser (Cursonius temminki) 13.1.2011 (3 indiv) – V

 

BUSTARDS (Otididae)

 

• Kori Bustard ( Ardeotis kori ) – B
• Ludwig’s Bustard ( Neotis ludwigii ) (winter visitor as of 2000)
• Northern Black Korhaan ( Eupedotis afroides) – B
• Red-crested Korhaan ( Eupedotis ruficrista ) – B

 

CRANES (Gruidae)

 

• Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus) 16.10.2005 – V

 

QUAILS (Phasanidae)

 

• Common Quail ( Coturnix coturnix ) 9.3.2000 – B
• Kurrichane Button Quail (Turnix sylvatica) 7.10.2000, 4.5.2006, 18.6.2009, 2.3.2010, 18.4.2011 – B?

 

OSTRICH (Struthionidae)

 

• Ostrich ( Struthio camelus )

 

SECRETARY BIRDS (Sagittariidae)

 

• Secretary Bird ( Sagittarius serpentarius ) 1 chick in 1999, 2002, 2007, 2009, 2011 – B

 

RAPTORS (Accipitridae)

 

• White-headed Vulture ( Trigonoceps occipitalis ) 22.9.1999 (1 juv) – V
• White-backed Vulture ( Gryps africanus ) 2005 (3 nests) 1 nest 2008 – B
• Lappet-faced Vulture ( Torgos trachiliotis ) Oct 2004, Oct 2005, mating 15,7.2006, 1 chick in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 – B
• Cape Vulture ( Gyps coprotheres ) 1.8.2002 (1 juv), 3.4.2007 (2 ad), 7.1.2008 (3 ad), 27.3.2008 (6 ad), 18.6.2008 (2 ad) – V

 

• Booted Eagle ( Hieraetus pennatus ) 8.3.2000, 6.1.2009, 20.10.2009 – V
• Martial Eagle ( Polemaetus bellicosus )
• Tawny Eagle ( Aquila rapax ) B 2010, chick flown 11.2010, new female 2011, sitting 5.8.2011, brood failed
• Steppe Eagle ( Aquila nipalensis ) juv. 24.12.2002
• African Hawk Eagle ( Hieraetus fasciatus ) 3.1999 (1 ad) – V
• Bataleur ( Terathops eucaudatus ) 10.3.2007 (juv), 8.4.2009 (juv)
• Black-breasted Snake Eagle ( Circaetus gallicus ) 16.8.2003, 14.3.2008
• Brown Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinereus) 30.10.2001, 5.5.2010 (juv)

 

• Black Harrier ( Circus maurus ) 16.2.2001, 27.12.2002, 15.5.2006, 12.4.2014
• Pallid Harrier ( Circus macrourous ) female 17.12.2000 (seen often up to March 2001), 4.3. and 10.3.2003, 12.9.2009

 

• Jackal Buzzard ( Buteo rufifuscus ) 12.3.2001 – V
• Steppe Buzzard ( Buteo buteo vulpinus ) 3.2003 (2 ad)
• Black-shouldered Kite ( Elanus caerulaeus ) (Large numbers summer 2000-2001)
• Yellow-billed Kite ( Milvus migrans parasitus ) 2.9.1999
• Black Kite ( Milvus migrans migrans ) 25.2.2000, 10.12.2008, 13.1.2010 (3 indiv), 12.2.2014

 

• Lanner Falcon ( Falco biarmicus ) 19.12.2008 (4 indiv)
• Red-necked Falcon ( Falco chiquera ) regularly as of 27.3.2001, pair 29.1.2010
• ? Peregrine Falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) 19.11.02 – V
• Western Red-footed falcon ( Falco vespertinus ) 5-15.10.2003 (ad.male)3.2008 (5 indiv termite flight) 14.1.2009 (juv), 20+ 4.2.2014
• Rock Kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus ) 8.4.2011 – V?
• Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni) 5.2.2012 (70-80 indiv flying west)
• Greater Kestrel ( Falco rupicoloides ) (common winter visitor)
• Hobby Falcon ( Falco subbutea ) resighted 22.3.2000 hawking Wattled starlings
• Pygmy Falcon ( Polinierax semitorquatus ) – B
• Pale Chanting Goshawk ( Melierax canorus ) – B
• Gabar Goshawk ( Microniseus gabar ) melanistic form seen 10.7.2006 – B
• Little Banded Goshawk (Shikra) ( Accipiter badius ) 6.1.2003,16.5.2003, 11.10.2007, 23.7.2011(2 indiv), 19.10.2008 (2 indiv), 1.11.2009 (2 indiv). 7.2.2011 (1 indiv), 20.9.2012, 3.4.2013
• Gymnogene (Polyboroides typus) 7.12.2011 (juv chased by Crowned plovers)

 

SANDGROUSE (Pteroclididae)

 

• Burchell’s Sandgrouse ( Pterocles burchelli ) 3.11.2005, Flocks 2006
• Namaqua Sandgrouse ( Pterocles namaqua ) – B

 

PIGEONS & DOVES (Columbidae)

 

• Cape Turtle Dove ( Streptopelia capicola ) – B
• Laughing Dove ( Streptopelia senegalensis ) – B

 

• Namaqua Dove ( Oena capensis ) – B
• Rock Pigeon ( Columba guinea )
• Feral Pigeon ( Columba livia ) 9.1.2007, 10.9.2008 (regular vagrant since 2009)

 

CUCKOOS ( Cuculidae)

 

• African Cuckoo ( Cuculus gularis ) 4.10.2003, 3.11.2005 (2 indiv), 14.11.2007 (2 indiv) 3.10.2010 (3 indiv). Summer resident as of 2011. – B?
• Diedrick Cuckoo ( Chrysococcyx caprius )
• Greater Spotted Cuckoo ( Clamator glandarius ) 20.3.2000 (ad. + juv) 6.2.2010 (ad + juv). 3.11 (2 ad + juv), 24.3.2014 (juv.) – B?.
• Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) 1.3.2010 (2 indiv) white morph, 3.2012 (1 ad), 22.4.2014 – V
• Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus) 5.11.2011 (resident until Feb. 2012), 11.10.2013, – V

 

OWLS (Tytonidae)

 

• Spotted Eagle Owl ( Bubo africanus ) – B
• Giant Eagle Owl ( Bubo lacteus ) 28.12.2000, 21.7 – 2.9.2003, 27.12.2005, resident 2006 Breeding as of 2006 (1 chick 2006, 2 chicks 2007, 1 chick 2010) – B
• Pearl-spotted Owl ( Glaucidium perferlatum ) – B
• Whitefaced Owl ( Otus leucotus ) – B
• Barn Owl ( Tyto alba ) – B

 

NIGHTJARS (Caprimulgidae)

 

• Rufous-cheeked Nightjar ( Caprimulgus rufigena ) arrival 22.9.01,13.10.02, 2.10.2003, 19.10.04, 8.10.05, 14.9.2006, 28.9.2007, 29.8.2008, 27.10.2011
• Fiery-necked Nightjar ( Caprimulgus pectoralis ) Feb + March 2000
• Freckled Nightjar ( Caprimulgus tristigma ) 14.4.2006 – V
• European nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) 26.9.2010

 

SWALLOWS & MARTINS (Hirundinidae)

 

• European Swallow ( Hirundo rustica ) resight 27.10.05, flocks 11.2005, 12.2012
• Brown-throated Martin ( Riparia paludicola )
• Rock Martin ( Hirundo fuligula ) – B
• Pearl-breasted Swallow ( Hirundo dimidiata ) 7.9.1999 – V
• White-throated Swallow ( Hirundo albigularis ) 18.12.1999, 30.3.2010
• Greater Striped Swallow ( Hirundo cucullata ) 3.9.2001, Pair 18.1.2010, Pair 27.1.2011
• European Sand Martin ( Riparia riparia ) 22.3.2000, 6 indiv. 28.12.04, flock 80+ 23.3.04

 

SWIFTS (Apodidae )

 

• Bradfield’s Swift ( Apus bradfieldi ) – V
• Eurasian Swift ( Apus apus )
• Alpine Swift ( Apus melba ) 20.9.2006 in flock of White-rumped swifts
• Little Swift ( Apus affinis ) – V
• White-rumped Swift ( Apus caffer ) 27.4.02, 19.4.2004, 15.4.2006, 20.9.2006

 

MOUSEBIRDS (Coliidae)

 

• Red-faced Mousebird ( Urocolias indicus ) 12.12.2000, flocks regular April – August yearly

 

BEE-EATERS (Meropidae)

 

• Swallow-tailed Bee-eater ( Merops hirundeus ) – B
• European Bee-Eater ( Merops apiaster ) 9.2.2001 (7 indiv.), 4.10.03 (2 indiv.) 19.9.2006 (6+indiv) 15.9.2007 (2 indiv) as of 21.9.2008 2 indiv. Resident 3.9.2009 (4 indiv) 6.9.2011 (11 indiv resident),
• Little Bee-Eater ( Merops pusillus ) 21.1.01 (2 indiv.)? (not confirmed)

 

KINGFISHERS (Halcyonidae)

 

• Striped Kingfisher ( Halcyon chelicuti ) 3.2000 (3 indiv), 4.3.2006 – 6.2006 (pair), 18.4.2014 – V
• Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) 26.3.2011(1 indiv) – V

 

ROLLERS (Coraciidae)

 

• Purple Roller ( Coracius naevia ) 3.2000, 18.8.2006, 3.7.2007, 6.7.2009,1.9.2012, 5.2013
• Lilac-breasted Roller ( Coracius caudata ) 1 chick 2008+ 2010 – B

 

WOOD HOOPOES (Phoeniculidae) & HOOPOES (Upupidae)

 

• Scimitar-billed Wood Hoopoe ( Phoeniculus cyanomelas ) – B
• Hoopoe ( Upupa epops )( africanus ?) – B
• Violet Wood Hoopoe ( Phoeniculus damarensis ) 2 indiv. 1.4.2002, – V
• Red-billed Wood Hoopoe ( Phoeniculus purpureus ) 30.4.2006 (2 indiv), 28.3.2011 (2 indiv)

 

HORNBILLS (Bucerotidae)

 

• Grey Hornbill ( Tockus nasutus )
• Yellow-billed Hornbill ( Tockus leucomelas ) 1 chick Dec 2011 – B

 

BARBETS (Capitonidae)

 

• Pied Barbet ( Tricholaema leucomelas ) – B
• ?Crested Barbet ( Trachyphonus vaillantii ) 19.3.2000 (not confirmed)

 

HONEYGUIDES

 

• Greater Honeyguide ( Indicator indicator ) 14.3.2000 (1 indiv in mixed species flock) V

 

WAGTAILS (Motacillidae)

 

• Cape Wagtail ( Motacilla capensis ) – V

 

WOODPECKERS (Picidae)

 

• Cardinal Woodpecker ( Campethera fuscescens ) – B ?
• Golden-tailed Woodpecker ( Campethera abingoni ) (Common 4 – 6 2004, summer resident from 2005 on) – B?
• Bennett’s woodpecker (Campathera bennettii) 9.3.2013 female

 

LARKS & PIPITS (Alaudidae)

 

• Fawn-coloured Lark ( Mirafra africanoides ) – B
• Sabota Lark ( Mirafra sabota ) – B
• Clapper Lark ( Mirafra apiata ) 19.3.2000
• Longbilled Lark ( Mirafra curvirostris ) 4.12.1999 – V
• Monotonous Lark ( Mirafra passerina ) 12.3.2000 (large numbers) , 3.2.2011
• Red-capped Lark ( Calandrella cinerea )
• Spike-heeled Lark ( Chersomanes albofusciata ) – B
• Pink-billed Lark ( Spirocorys conirostris ) 10.2005, resident as of 2006 – B
• Black-eared Finchlark ( Eremopterix australis ) 14.7.2002, 26.6.2004,18.2.2007
• Grey-backed Finchlark ( Eremopterix verticalis ) (large numbers in winter) – B
• Chestnut-backed Finchlark ( Eremopteryx leucostis ) 18.7.2002 (1 male in flock of grey-backed finch larks)
• Grassveldt Pipit ( Anthus cinnamomeus )
• Buffy Pipit ( Anthus vaalensis ) 19.4.2008
• Long-billed pipit ( Anthus similis ) 29.3.2002

 

DRONGOS (Dicruridae)

 

• Fork-tailed Drongo ( Dicrurus adsimilis ) – B

 

CROWS (Corvidae)

 

• Black Crow ( Corvus capensis )
• Pied Crow ( Corvus albus ) 17.11.2005 (1 ad), 4.4.2010 (3 indiv), 18.4.2011 (2 indiv)

 

ORIOLES (Oriolidae)

 

• European Oriole ( Oriolus oriolus ) 26.2.2000 (1 juv), 16.2.2001 (ad male), 24.2.2004 (ad male) 4.5.2011(1 juv –female?)

 

BULBULS (Pycnonotidae)

 

• Red-eyed Bulbul ( Pynonotus nigricans ) – B

 

TITS (Paridae)

 

• Ashy Tit ( Parus cinerascens ) – B

 

BABBLERS (Timaliidae)

 

• Pied Babbler (Turdoides bicolor) 3 indiv. As of 18.11.2012

 

THRUSHES (Turdidae)

 

• Groundscraper Thrush ( Turdus litsitsirupa ) 6.2004, resident as of 2005 – B
• Short-toed Rock Thrush ( Monticola brevipes ) 6.1999, 25.3.2011 – V
• Familiar Chat ( Cercomela familiaris ) – B
• Karoo Chat ( Cercomela schlegelii )? (not confirmed)
• Anteating Chat ( Myrmecochla formivora ) – B
• Capped Wheatear ( Oenanthe pileata ) (common winter visitor)
• Mountain Chat ( Oenanthe monticola ) (nests 2003, 2004, 2010) – B
• Kalahari Robin ( Erythropygia paena ) – B

 

WARBLERS (Sylviidae)

 

• Icterine Warbler ( Hippolais icterina ) 8.3.2000, 14.2.2008
• Yellow-bellied Eremomela ( Eremomela icteropygialis ) 20.9.1999, common as of 2001
• Long-billed Crombec ( Sylvietta rufescens ) 10.3.2003, 22.9.2005, 17.2.2006 B as of 2006
• Cape penduline Tit ( Anthoscopus minutus ) 20.9.1999, Nest 2.3.2012 – B
• Titbabbler ( Parisoma subcaerulum ) – B
• Tinkling Cisticola ( Cisticola rufilata ) – B
• Desert Cisticola ( Cisticola aridula ) – B
• Black-chested Prinia ( Prinia flavicans ) – B
• Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava) 15.4.2012 (2 indiv.) 26.3.2013 (1 Indiv)
• Pririt Batis ( Batis pririt ) – B
• Rufous-eared Warbler ( Malcorus pectoralis ) – B
• Fairy Flycatcher ( Stenostira scita ) 9.9.2005 – V
• Chat Flycatcher ( Melaenornis infuscatus )’ (common winter visitor)
• Marico Flycatcher ( Melaenornis mariquensis ) – B
• Spotted Flycatcher (Musciscapa striata ) arrival:15.3.2000, 1.2.2002, 22.2.2003, 3.1.2005
• Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) 28 – 30.3.2010 (juv? female?)

 

SHRIKES (Lanidae)

 

• Crimson Boubou Shrike ( Laniarius atrococcineus ) – B
• Fiscal Shrike ( Lanius collaris ) – B
• Brubru ( Nilaus afer ) – B
• Bokmakerie ( Telephorus zeylonus ) – B
• Lesser Grey Shrike ( Lanius minor ) 7.3.06,large numbers 2 -3.2010, common summer migrant
• Red-backed Shrike ( Lanius collurio ) 1.3.06, 1.12.2011,
• Three-streaked Tschagra ( Tschagra australis ) 19.3.2000, 1.12.2011 – V

 

STARLINGS (Sturnidae)

 

• Cape Glossy Starling ( Lamprotornis nitens ) – B
• Wattled Starling ( Creatophora cinerea ) Large numbers Feb.-March 2000, Jan. 2003, common summer visitor
• Violet-backed starling (Cynnyricinculus leucogaster) 10- 14.11.2011 – V

 

SUNBIRDS (Nectariniidae)

 

• Dusky Sunbird ( Nectarinea fusca ) – B
• Marico sunbird (Cynnyris mariquensis) 18 – 25.9.2008 (pair) , 30.8.2012 (5 indiv.) – V

 

WHITE-EYES (Zosteropidae)

 

• Cape White-eye ( Zosterops pallida ) 11.5.2007 – V

 

WEAVERS & SPARROWS (Plocidae)

 

• Red-billed Quelea ( Quelea quelea ) Albino seen 26.4.2004 (very large flocks 11 + 12.2011)
• Scaly feathered Finch ( Sporopipes squamifrons ) – B
• Cape Sparrow ( Passer melanurus ) – B
• Great Sparrow ( Passer motitensis ) 18.2.1999
• Grey-headed Sparrow ( Passer griseus ) – B
• House Sparrow ( Passer domesticus indicus ) 17.3.2000 (1 male) 3.4.2007 (1 male)
• White-browed Sparrow weaver (Plocepasser mahali ) – B
• Masked Weaver ( Ploceus velatus ) – B
• Sociable Weaver ( Philetairus socius ) – B
• Red Bishop ( Euplectes oryx ) 3.2000 (1 male) – V

 

FINCHES (Estrilidae)

 

• Red-headed Finch ( Amadina erythrocephalus ) – B
• Violet-eared Waxbill ( Uraeginthus granatinus ) – B
• Melba Finch ( Pytilia melba ) – B
• Black-cheeked Waxbill ( Estrilda erythronotus ) 25.8.2001 (4 indiv.),3.7.2003 (4 indiv) 25.6.2004 (6 indiv), 7. – 11. 2005 small flocks, year-round resident as of 2006 – B?
• Common Waxbill ( Estrilda astrild ) 6 indiv. 13.6.2002
• Quail finch (Ortygospiza atricollis) 6.4.2007 (1 indiv) – V

 

WHYDAHS (Viduidae)

 

• Shaft-tailed Whydah ( Vidua regia ) – B

 

CANARIES & BUNTINGS (Fringillidae)

 

• Black-headed Canary ( Serinus alario ) 15.4.2003 (1 male), 3.5.03 (2 male, 2 female), 2.10.03, regularly seen as of 2004 – B?
• Yellow canary ( Serinus flaviventris ) – B
• White-throated Canary ( Serinus albogularis ) – B
• Black-throated Canary ( Serinus atrogularis ) – B?
• Lark-like Bunting ( Emberiza impetuani ) Common in winter
• Cape Bunting ( Emberiza capensis ) – V
• Rock Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi) 17.2.2007 (with flock of Lark-like Buntings)
• Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris) 21.5.2011 (1 indiv) – V