South Africa’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from its low coastal forests to its high-altitude grasslands and mountain peaks, provide a haven for birdwatchers and nature-lovers seeking awe-inspiring avian encounters. Whether it’s the elusive Narina Trogon, the comical Southern Bald Ibis, the majestic Bearded Vulture, or another species you’d absolutely love to see in your lifetime, each bird adds to the experience of getting out and exploring our country’s natural wonders. ANDY WASSUNG, Communications Manager at BirdLife South Africa marvels about some of our ‘bucket-list birds’.
We South Africans are blessed to share our country with an incredible diversity of birds, ranging from the largest living bird (the Common Ostrich) to the bird with the largest wingspan (the Wandering Albatross) to one of the most diminutive, the Cape Penduline-tit. There’s the kaleidoscopic Lilac-breasted Roller, which seems to boast every colour known to man, and the relatively drab Red-billed Quelea, which might not wow with its colours but is sure to leave one speechless if seen in its thousands.
We are extremely lucky to have over 870 recorded bird species in South Africa, but it would take a few articles to do justice to them all… so I’ve decided to zoom in on a few bucket list birds – from the most stunning to the most strange-looking.
Narina Trogon
First up, is the Narina Trogon, which should be no stranger to those readers already keeping a birding life list. With its vibrant green and crimson plumage, this master of camouflage is truly one of the jewels of our forests and is highly sought after by birders. Its deep, enchanting call from within dense foliage taunts the birders who seek it, and those fortunate enough to be graced by its presence (especially if it doesn’t turn its back on them) will definitely have bragging rights over their friends for some time.
Southern Bald Ibis
Transitioning from our impenetrable indigenous forests to more open landscapes, meet the Southern Bald Ibis – a rather odd-looking bird with a face that certainly stands out in the crowd! Mainly found in the high-altitude grasslands and rocky slopes of the Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, this endemic bird flaunts a distinctive bald red face, setting it apart from other ibises. It is sadly considered Vulnerable, and in our attempt to conserve this species, BirdLife South Africa relies on citizen scientists to provide us with information on the locations of breeding Southern Bald Ibis around the country. So, if you know of a colony and would be interested in assisting with nest monitoring work, please do get in touch.
Bearded Vulture
Looking up from the grasslands into the rugged mountains of the Drakensberg, you may be lucky enough to lay eyes on one of the kings of our skies, the Bearded Vulture (also known as a Lammergeier). Its allure as a bucket-list bird can be partly attributed to the fact that its range is limited to the mountainous areas bordering Lesotho and the fact that its population has declined drastically as a result of habitat loss and poisoning, among other reasons, making it Critically Endangered in our region. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensuring the survival of the Bearded Vulture, making encounters with this remarkable raptor a rare and cherished experience for those exploring our mountains.
Tips for spotting bucket-list birds
Research: Before setting out on your birding adventure, familiarise yourself with the habitats and behaviours of the species you’re targeting. Knowing where and when to look increases your chances of a successful sighting. An easy way to do this is to head over to gobirding.co.za and type the species you’re looking for into the search bar, then browse the range of birding sites and accommodations linked to it.
Local guides: Consider enlisting the expertise of local birding guides, whose knowledge of their areas and nearby birding hotspots will enhance your chances of spotting specific specials. On GoBirding, simply use the drop-down menu to filter the map by ‘Community Bird Guide’.
Patience: Bird-watching is an exercise in patience. Be prepared to spend time observing and listening, especially when it comes to successfully finding something like a Narina Trogon. It may be sitting quietly right above your head in a thick forest canopy while you walk past, head down in your low-light camera settings.
