Kruger birding for beginners: 10 common birds you should know

Do you ever find yourself staring up at the sky or wandering through nature, wondering about the different types of birds you see but don’t recognize? If so, you’re not alone! Birdwatching is a fascinating hobby that allows you to connect with nature and learn about the incredible variety of birds that inhabit our world.

Today, I want to introduce you to ten common birds that you’re likely to encounter on your birding adventures in Kruger National Park. By familiarizing yourself with these species, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a seasoned birdwatcher!

1. African Fish Eagle

The African Fish Eagle is a majestic bird with its distinctive white head and brown body. Known for its remarkable fishing skills, it’s often seen near bodies of water, where it hunts for fish. Their loud, melodious calls can be heard echoing through the park, making them easy to locate.

2. Lilac-breasted Roller

The Lilac-breasted Roller is a small, colorful bird that stands out with its vibrant shades of blue, purple, and green. You’ll often find them perched on tree branches or utility wires, where they scan the surrounding area for insects to feed on.

3. African Jacana

The African Jacana is a fascinating wader bird with long legs and toes. It’s best known for its ability to walk on floating vegetation, using its wide feet as platforms. Look out for their distinctive golden feathers and red eyes when exploring the wetland areas in Kruger National Park.

4. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

If you’re looking for a bird with an interesting appearance, the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill fits the bill. With its bright yellow beak and striking black and white feathers, it’s hard to miss. They are often seen hopping around on the ground, feeding on insects and small reptiles.

5. Burchell’s Coucal

The Burchell’s Coucal is a large, spiky-tailed bird that prefers to keep to the dense bush and grassy areas of Kruger National Park. They have distinct red eyes and a deep, resonant call that can be heard in the early morning hours.

6. African Spoonbill

With its long, spoon-shaped bill, the African Spoonbill is a unique-looking bird that feeds by sweeping its bill through shallow water to catch small aquatic creatures. You’ll often spot them in the wetland areas of Kruger, gracefully moving along the water’s edge.

7. Grey Lourie

Also known as the “Go-Away Bird” due to its distinctive call, the Grey Lourie is an unmistakable bird with its mohawk-like crest and vibrant green and grey feathers. Keep an eye out for them perched on tree branches, where they forage for fruits and seeds.

8. Red-backed Shrike

The Red-backed Shrike is a small, predatory bird known for impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire. Its reddish-brown back and black mask make it easy to identify. Look for them in open woodlands or savannah areas.

9. African Wattled Lapwing

The African Wattled Lapwing is a ground-dwelling bird that can be identified by its long legs, wattle-like facial appendages, and distinctive call. Look for them in grasslands and open areas, where they feed on insects and small invertebrates.

10. Purple-crested Turaco

The Purple-crested Turaco is a beautiful bird with its deep purple crest, red and yellow bill, and vibrant green feathers. They are often seen hopping from branch to branch in search of fruits and insects. Keep an ear out for their unique, low-pitched call.

These ten birds are just a small taste of the incredible diversity of bird species you can encounter in Kruger National Park. By observing and learning about these common birds, you’ll begin to unlock the secrets of the avian world and develop a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature.

You know, Kruger National Park is a real paradise for birdwatchers. There are about 500 different bird species in that place. But, I get it, birdwatching isn’t for everyone. I mean, we’ve all been stuck behind a bunch of people in a car, all of them with their binoculars out, desperately trying to see a bird. And then, when you finally see what they’re looking at, it’s just some plain bird sitting on a tree. Bummer, right? But, here’s the thing – even if you can only identify a few birds, it can totally change your Kruger experience. Trust me, it’s worth getting on the birdwagon. Who knows, maybe you’ll leave the park with a “Birder on Board” sticker on your car.

Now, let’s talk about ten birds that are super easy to recognize and that you can find in Kruger all year round:

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill

When you explore Kruger National Park, one of the first birds that will catch your eye is the yellow-billed hornbill. You can often find them scavenging for food on the ground and hanging out near the roads. These hornbills are quite common in the park, and they can be a bit bothersome with their presence in the camps and picnic areas.

What sets them apart:
-They have a large, hooked yellow bill
-A red patch around their eyes
-Black and white feathers

Yellow-billed hornbills are social birds and are often seen in small groups. They have a unique “clucking call” that multiple birds will join in, swaying back and forth as they reach a crescendo before slowly fading away. You might also spot them alongside the red-billed hornbills, which look quite similar but are a bit smaller and have a distinctive red bill.

Lilac-breasted roller

Hey there! Take a look at this amazing photo of a lilac breasted roller I found by Anton Crone. These birds are some of the most stunning and vibrant creatures in the park. Their lilac chest, green head, and turquoise underbelly make them really stand out against the backdrop of Kruger’s grasslands. You can often find them perched on open branches or telephone poles along the road. They like to prey on insects like grasshoppers and locusts, and will swoop down from their high perches to catch them. When they fly, you can’t miss their eye-catching light and dark blue underwing. So beautiful! Let’s talk about how to identify these birds: – First, they have a vivid lilac chest. – Second, their head is green. – Third, their underbelly is a beautiful turquoise color. – Fourth, they have bright blue underwings. – Lastly, they have long straight tail shafts. Sometimes, people mistake lilac breasted rollers for the less common Purple roller. However, the Purple roller is bigger, has less vivid colors, and a square tail instead of tail shafts. It’s important to note that the lilac breasted roller’s call doesn’t match its beauty. They make harsh rattling vocalizations. Such a surprising contrast, right?

The Cape glossy starling

Hey there! Let’s talk about a really cool bird called the Cape glossy starling. Isn’t that a fun name? I think so! So, what makes this bird so special? Well, stick around and I’ll tell you all about it!

Now, when you first see a Cape glossy starling, you can’t help but notice its striking colors. This bird has beautiful glossy feathers that shine in the sunlight. It’s like they have their own personal disco party going on! With hues of purple, green, and blue, the Cape glossy starling really knows how to stand out in a crowd.

But it’s not just the looks that make this bird fascinating. The Cape glossy starling is also quite the performer! It has a lovely song that it loves to sing for all to hear. It’s a mix of whistles, clicks, and trills that will make you want to dance along. This bird knows how to put on a show!

Now, where can you find this amazing creature? Well, the Cape glossy starling is native to the southern parts of Africa. It loves to hang out in woodlands and forests, where it can show off its shiny plumage. So, next time you’re in that part of the world, keep an ear out for its delightful melody!

One more thing before I go – did you know that the Cape glossy starling is a social bird? That’s right! It loves to hang out with its friends and family. They form large groups called flocks, where they eat, play, and just have a grand ol’ time together. It’s like one big happy bird party!

So, there you have it – the Cape glossy starling. A bird that’s not only beautiful to look at but also knows how to put on a show. Next time you’re in Africa, keep an eye out for this stunning creature. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Hey there! Let’s talk about the cape glossy starling, the most commonly spotted starling in Kruger National Park. You’ll find them hanging around the camps and picnic areas. But beware, they’re just like those mischievous hornbills! These starlings have a fancy coat that changes color depending on the lighting. In dim light, they appear dark blue, but in good light, they shimmer with a peacock blue-green hue. What a show!

Now, how can you spot these glossy stars? Look out for the following features:

• Glossy blue-green plumage
• Uniform feathers, unlike other starlings such as the blue-eared starlings (who are also pretty, but less common)
• A bright yellow eye that really catches your attention

You’ll usually find these starlings in pairs or small groups. Listen closely, and you might catch their pleasant warbling and whistling calls.

Now, moving on to another bird you might spot in Kruger: the red-billed oxpecker.

Check out these birds! They’re pretty cool. Want to know how to find them? Well, you’ve got to start by looking at the animals. These birds can be found chilling on the backs, heads, and ears of impala, buffalo, giraffe, and other mammals. They spend their time picking off ticks and other gross bugs from the animals’ hides. Not only that, but they’ll even help clean up any wounds the animals might have. It’s like a spa day for everyone! The birds get a tasty meal, munching on hundreds of ticks a day, and the animals get rid of those annoying parasites. It’s a win-win situation. Without the birds, the animals would have to spend a lot more time grooming themselves. Thanks to these little helpers, they can spend more time relaxing and less time fussing with their appearance.

Here’s how you can recognize them:
-They have a bright red bill.
-Their eyes are surrounded by a fleshy yellow wattle.
-They have plain brown olive feathers with a light cream underbelly.
-Their tails are short.

If you listen closely, you might hear them making a distinct “tsik-tsik” sound. That’s a signal that game guides often keep an ear out for because it could mean there are animals nearby. So, keep your eyes and ears open and you might just get a glimpse of these awesome birds!

Now let me tell you about the Blue Waxbill.

Hey there! Take a peek at the photo above. Beautiful, isn’t it? Those adorable little birds are known as blue waxbills, and I have some fascinating details about them to share with you.

When it comes to identifying these charming creatures, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, look at their size. They’re tiny! But don’t let their small stature fool you – their powder blue plumage is distinctive and absolutely stunning. Keep an eye out for them near waterholes, as that’s where they like to hang out. You’ll often find them in pairs or small groups, playfully hopping between low tree branches and water sources. Trust me, they’re a delight to watch!

Now, let’s talk about their identifying features:

• Powder blue face, breast, and rear
• Pale brown wings and head
• Small dark brown eyes
• Grey legs

When it comes to their diet, blue waxbills mainly feast on grass seeds. You’ll spot them on the ground, pecking away happily. And if you listen closely, you might hear their high-pitched “tsee tsee tsee” call, which they make in rapid succession.

So, there you have it – an introduction to the enchanting blue waxbills. Keep your eyes peeled for these little wonders during your outdoor adventures. I’m sure you’ll spot them once you know what to look for!

Now, let’s move on to another fascinating bird – the African darter.

Check out this incredible photo of an African darter I found by Anton Crone! This waterbird, also known as the snake bird because of its unique S-shaped neck, is a regular sight in the Kruger National Park and other parts of South Africa. You’ll have a good chance of spotting them if you head to one of the peaceful dams or waterside hides within the park.

Let me share some identifying features of the African darter:

• They have a long, curved neck that resembles the letter S.
• Their beak is straight and sharp.
• As adults, they are mostly black with white spots and streaks.
• Male darters have a rust-colored neck and a white stripe running from their eye down the side of their head.
• Females and young darters are plain brown.

You might mistake darters for cormorants, another kind of bird that lives in water and looks quite similar. However, there are a few things that set them apart. Darters and cormorants both live in Kruger, but you can tell them apart by looking at their bills. Cormorants have bills that are a little bit curved, while darters have straight bills that they use to spear fish. Darters also have longer and skinnier necks. Sometimes, you might even see darters and cormorants hanging out together because they live in the same place.

Crested Barbet

Hey there! I wanted to tell you about these cool birds called crested barbets. They’re super cute with their red, yellow, black, and white feathers. You can usually find them hanging out in wooded savannahs and riverine forests, but they also like to chill in Kruger’s rest camps. They have some pretty cool features, check it out:

• A speckled red and yellow face with a pointy black crest
• Black and white feathers on the wings
• Black and white plumage on the chest, kind of like a napkin, and a red and yellow belly
• A small red patch on their rump and long, black and white tail feathers

You know what’s really cool? These barbets love to hop around on the ground, looking for food. Sometimes, you might even catch them hanging out in hollow tree holes where they nest. And oh boy, their call is something else. It’s like a dry insect-like trill that just keeps going, kind of like a muffled alarm clock. It’s pretty wild!

Oh, and speaking of cool birds, there’s another one I wanted to tell you about. It’s called the southern ground hornbill. Isn’t that a rad name? These birds are amazing. They’re big and beautiful, with black feathers and a bright red face. You’ll usually find them strutting around in grasslands and savannahs, looking all majestic.

Look at this photo of Anton Crone. It shows a bird called the southern ground hornbill. They aren’t very common, but you can often spot them in Kruger. These birds are even bigger than their cousins that live in trees. In fact, they’re the biggest hornbill in the world! But here’s the sad part – there aren’t many of them left in South Africa. Experts think there are only around 400 breeding females left. So, it’s really important to protect them.

If you visit Kruger, you might be lucky enough to see a group of these beautiful birds. They usually travel in threes – a mom and dad hornbill and their child. You might spot them walking on the road or even up in the trees. Keep your eyes peeled!

Here’s what you need to know about ground hornbills:

If you ever come across a large bird that looks like a turkey, it might be a ground hornbill. These birds are about one meter tall and have black feathers. What really stands out is their bright red face with a red throat pouch. Female ground hornbills also have a mostly red face and throat pouch, but with a small blue patch below their black bill. Juveniles, on the other hand, have pale yellow skin and pouch on their faces.

When they fly, ground hornbills have a large wingspan, and you can see white feathers under their wings. One interesting fact about them is that they eat different kinds of animals, from insects to small reptiles, rodents, and frogs. In Kruger, they even scavenge on roadkill, like snakes that got run over. They have various sounds they make, but the most common one is a four-note call that’s very low. It’s so loud that you can hear it up to three kilometers away. You usually hear this call in the early hours of the morning in Kruger.

If you’re visiting Kruger National Park, it’s important to report any sightings of ground hornbills. By doing so, you can help researchers keep track of their whereabouts, behaviors, and population.

To report a sighting, simply email [email protected] or send a message on WhatsApp to 079 754 6234. Make sure to include the date, location, and number of birds you observed. If you have any photos, feel free to share them as well.

Now, let’s talk about another fascinating bird you might see during your visit: the African Fish Eagle.

Look at this incredible photo of a fish eagle taken by Anton Crone. These majestic birds are a common sight in Kruger National Park, especially near rivers and dams. You’ll likely hear them before you see them, as their distinctive call carries far and wide.

When it comes to identifying fish eagles, there are some key features to look out for. They have a white head and upper breast, with a brown lower breast. Their wings are dark brown, and they have a beautiful yellow beak with a black tip. You can also spot them by their bright yellow legs.

One interesting behavior of fish eagles is that they often appear in pairs. When they vocalize, they throw their heads back, adding to their charisma. As their name suggests, these eagles specialize in hunting fish, often snatching them right out of the water. But they aren’t above stealing prey from other birds, like the goliath heron.

Check out this photo of a bateleur, a common raptor found in Kruger. When I see them, they’re usually gliding just above the ground, and I can easily tell it’s a bateleur due to its distinct appearance. They have a bulky build and are pretty easy to distinguish from other raptors, except for the young ones, which can be a bit confusing with their dull brown or mottled feathers.

If you want to identify a bateleur, look for these features:

– Black feathers on the head and chest

– Red skin on the face

– A yellow beak with a black tip

– Red legs

– When seen from below, males have wider black wings, while females have mostly white wings with a thin black edge.

Bateleurs primarily eat rodents and other small animals, but they also scavenge for dead animals. The name “bateleur” comes from the French word for “juggler” or “entertainer” because of their aerial acrobatics and the way they twist and rock while flying.