Birdwatching in South Africa

Jacanas

African Jacana

The African Jacana is monotypic and hails from the family Jacanidae which consists six genera and eight species. These unusual wading birds are identified by their long legs and extremely long slim toes and claws which enable them to distribute their weight evenly, thereby allowing them to walk across water on thin and flimsy floating vegetation.

Grebes

Black Necked Grebe

The black-necked grebe is a highly-sociable, small and dark member of the grebe family. Known as the 'eared grebe' in America.

Gulls and terns

Black-Headed Gull

The title of Black-headed Gull is rather a misnomer for this bird as its head is not black but a dark brown colour and only in adult birds during the breeding season. It is not present during the winter months or in other plumages. Unlike many gulls it is not restricted to coastal regions and is widespread inland in both rural and urban areas.

Avocets and stilts

Avocet

A conservation success story reintroduced this elegant wading bird back to our shores after the second World War.

Owls

Barn Owl

Heart-shaped face and dark eyes belie a silent killer.

Sandpipers, snipes and phalaropes

Bar-tailed Godwit

A large wading bird, notorious for the boldness of breeding individuals.