, Okavango and Victoria Falls Overland VI

10th October to 27th October 2015 (18 days)

Pel's Fishing Owl by Greg de Klerk

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader: Greg de Klerk

Top 5 of the tour as voted for: Top 5 Mammals of the tour as voted for: 1. Pel’s Fishing Owl 1. 2. Southern Carmine Bee-eater 2. African Elephant 3. Swamp 3. Lion 4. 4. Greater Kudu 5. Giant Kingfisher 5. -eared Fox

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Tour Summary

Our incredible tour started on a hot morning at the Livingstone sewerage works where we encountered both the Broad-billed and Lilac-breasted Rollers along the entrance road before exploring the very productive waterbird habitat. The settling ponds offered a variety of environments from reed beds to open lily-clad pans and a muddy wading region where many migrants were present. Despite the heat, the sewerage works produced a few excellent , including Lesser Yellowlegs, Lesser Moorhen, White-winged Tern, Large flocks of Pin-tailed Whydah and Red-billed Quelea, Yellow-billed Kite, Long-toed Lapwing and Black Crake. Our next stop was within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the very dry Victoria Falls. The drought in the area meant the normally spectacular falls were no more than a trickle. The species of birds found around the falls, however, made up for the disappointment. Here we were entertained by the beautiful Schalow’s Turaco, Trumpeter Hornbill, Violet-backed and Red- winged Starlings, Grey-backed Camaroptera, the northern race of African Skimmers by Greg de Klerk Village Weaver with the entirely black head and the cute Yellow-breasted Apalis. We also had an encounter of the primate kind, when a cheeky Chacma gained access to our vehicle and made off with a bag of scented wet wipes (I’m certain he was not very happy to discover that contents were rather inedible). We then headed off to the Palm on the border of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where we located Collared Palm Thrush, Bearded Scrub Robin, Southern Black Tit, Reed Cormorant and a brief view of a Purple Heron before returning to the Protea Livingstone Hotel for dinner. The next morning we enjoyed a wide breakfast spread before departing for Katima Mulilo via the Shesheke Border Post. The broad-leaved through which we drove produced some excellent birding with species like Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, White-backed Vulture, African Harrier-Hawk, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Vocal Grey Go-away- , European Bee-eater, White-crested Helmetshrike and the impressive while a breeding herd of African Elephants also crossed our path. Having passed through the border control after a short wait, we stopped for lunch at the Protea Zambezi Hotel where we were treated to views of Black-collared Southern Carmine Bee-eaters by Greg de Klerk Barbet, African Hoopoe, Black-backed Puffback and a host of Sunbirds including the tiny Collared Sunbird, the bigger Marico Sunbird, Purple-banded Sunbird and White-bellied Sunbird. We then made a brief stop at a local

Trip Report - RBT Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland VI 2015 3 woodland where we had stellar views of Racket-tailed Roller, Bennett’s Woodpecker and Southern Red-billed Hornbill. Our final destination at Kalizo Lodge, allowed us the leisure to stroll the grounds before sunset where we had the fortune to view Square-tailed Nightjar, Crested Barbet, White-browed Robin-Chat and Hartlaub’s Babbler before settling down to a homely meal and a comfortable bed. Our second day at Kalizo Lodge started with a pre-breakfast visit to one of the local wetlands. Here we had excellent views of Whiskered Tern, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Giant and Pied Kingfishers, a brief view of a Fan-tailed Widowbird and the surprise of the morning, a Spotted-necked Otter. We pushed on to another wetland where the evidence of the dry conditions was stark, with a puddle being all that remained of an extensive wetland. Here we were greeted by a small group of Rufous- bellied Heron and some rather active Luapula Cisticolas. We then returned to camp for a sumptuous breakfast before taking a mid-morning walk, Copper Sunbird by Grek de Klerk birding the camp. During our walk we were extremely fortunate to get views of Shelley’s Sunbird as well as Copper and White-bellied Sunbird, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Swamp Boubou, Striated Heron, White-crowned Lapwing, Brown Firefinch and a confiding group of Common Waxbill. After a light lunch the adventure continued to another wetland which was covered bank to bank in Storks, Egrets and various other waterfowl. African Skimmer, Marabou Stork, Great Egret, Whiskered Terns, Yellow-billed Storks, Ruff, Marsh, Wood and Common Sandpiper all provided amazing viewing opportunities before we ended the afternoon at the incredible pink wave of the Southern Carmine Bee-eater breeding colony. After another fine dinner we headed out in the dark to locate one of the more difficult birds of the tour and were treated to a wonderful view of a single Swamp Nightjar before retiring after another successful day. The next morning dawned with another pre-breakfast visit to the Southern Carmine Bee-eater breeding colony. We watched as Yellow-billed Kites mounted marauding raids and caused waves of pink pandemonium as the Bee-eaters took flight to escape. We arrived back to a hearty breakfast before setting off on a long drive to Divundu. We had some wonderful sightings of Shikra, Green-capped Eremomela, Striped Kingfisher, Bradfield’s and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills, Retz’s Helmetshrike, Helmeted Burchell's Courser by Greg de Klerk Guineafowl, , Dark Chanting Goshawk, Red-crested Korhaan, Green Wood Hoopoe and fly-by views of African Hawk- Eagle and Bateleur as we journeyed through the Caprivi Strip. After a long stretch of barren land we found a small breeding herd of African Elephant, a small group of the rare Roan Antelope and on arrival in Divundu, we had outstanding scope views of a Rock Pratincole. The final few kilometres

Trip Report - RBT Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland VI 2015 4 passed as we arrived at our comfortable air-conditioned accommodation, Mahangu Lodge, where we once again settled in for a delicious dinner and a much needed night’s rest. The dawn chorus woke us at Mahangu Lodge and we all met for a good breakfast with Meve’s Starling, African Paradise Flycatcher and a pod of Hippopotamus in attendance. We then explored the gardens of Mahangu where Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Meyer’s Parrot, Ashy Flycatcher, Arrow-marked Babbler and Cardinal Woodpecker displayed beautifully for us. We then departed to Mahango Game Reserve for a short drive but were interrupted by the stunningly beautiful view of two Temminck’s Coursers and a miniature Grey Penduline Tit who called out loudly Lion and Springbok by Greg de Klerk over the savanna. Herds of Sable Antelope, Roan Antelope, African Elephant and Southern Lechwe mixed with the large groups of White-faced Duck, Spur-winged Goose, African Spoonbill, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Southern Pied Babbler, Violet-backed Starling, White-headed Vulture and an enchanting Common Ostrich family with 21 chicks! We stopped for lunch at the Kwetche Viewpoint in the shade of a Jackalberry Tree before we arrived at the Muhembo Border Post where we passed into . On the road to Shakawe we had a good sighting of a Purple Roller before exploring the gardens at Drotsky’s Cabins. Here we found Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Red-faced Mousebird, Lesser Striped Swallow, Little and White-fronted Bee-eater. Our transport to Xaro Lodge, a small boat, gave us the opportunity to again find some great species of bird and we saw a magnificent Goliath Heron, African Skimmers, Long- toed Lapwing, Pied and Giant Kingfisher and a very active White-fronted Bee-eater breeding colony and the secretive White-backed Night Heron hidden within thick shrubs overhanging the water. Nearby, Hippopotamus were also on display for us. We arrived at our amazing accommodation with a stunning sunset as the backdrop before dinner, before another successful nocturnal search produced a pair of African Wood Owl. The following morning we explored the gardens of Xaro Lodge. After a small thunderstorm during the night, the resulting cloud cover caused a sluggish start to the day but our persistence was rewarded when an African Barred Owlet was located, calling loudly from the cover of a small tree. After an enjoyable breakfast we were ushered onto our boat for our first boat trip upstream toward Shakawe. The Okavango River and the associated papyrus and bulrush-covered river banks provided us with super views of a confiding Greater Swamp Warbler, Chirping Cisticola, Slaty Egret, Hadada Ibis, Common Greenshank, Ruff, Long-toed Lapwing, excellent views of Goliath Heron and African Fish Eagle. Undoubtedly the star of the day was a solitary Pel’s Fishing Owl, which although difficult to see Black-faced Babbler by Greg de Klerk provided satisfying views for all after some nifty boat work and some ducking and diving between seats. After a wholesome lunch back a Xaro Lodge, we embarked on our second boat ride downstream. Here the birding was affected by a recent fire which destroyed massive swathes of

Trip Report - RBT Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland VI 2015 5 habitat leaving charred earth. We did however get some great views of Brown-throated Martin in this area which was otherwise devoid of life. The occasional Malachite Kingfisher, a Black-winged Kite and a large flock of Spur-winged Goose were found as we moved away from the fire decimated area toward the lily-clad backwaters. It was in these backwaters that we had unbelievable views of the stunning African Pygmy Goose, an African Jacana with chicks and a Little Rush Warbler displaying over the bulrushes. As we returned to the lodge we had brief flyby views of two Dwarf Bitterns, the first we could not relocate but the second sat atop a Papyrus head, offering us another awesome sighting. We returned to Xaro for dinner and were again entertained by the resident African Wood Owls and a rather noisy Hippopotamus floating downstream. Our final morning at Xaro Lodge had us exploring the riverine forest trail where we had views of three Pel’s Fishing Owls, African Yellow White-eye, Red- billed Spurfowl, Green Wood Hoopoe, a brief view of Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Gabar Goshawk, Retz’s Helmetshrike and Crested Barbet before we returned for breakfast and our departure from Xaro Lodge. We passed back through the Muhembo border, encountering Greater Blue-eared Starling, and began our drive west along the Caprivi Strip toward Rundu. It was swealteringly hot Honey Badger by Greg de Klerk as we drove but we still managed to spot a Brown Eagle and a host of Bee-eaters including the Little, European, Southern Carmine and Swallow-tailed. The major surprise of the day was a Sharp-tailed Starling on a back road near Rundu which sat out in the open briefly and then flew off. We arrived at N’Kwazi lodge and checked-in before heading to the Rundu sewerage works. The water level was low here too and green algae covered the entire surface affecting our birding opportunities but we still managed to see Hottentot and Cape Teals, Red-knobbed Coot, Black-winged Stilt, Little Grebe, Lesser Swamp Warbler and two Coucal before heading back to camp where three Common Genet visited us during dinner. We started day eight with a walk around the N’Kwazi gardens and were immediately treated to excellent views of Arrow-marked and Hartlaub’s Babbler, Meyer’s Parrot, Coppery-tailed Coucal, flocks of Reed Cormorant, African Jacana, African Paradise Flycatcher, Brown-throated Weaver, Common Moorhen, a flying Black-crowned Night Heron, a visiting group of Brown-throated Weaver and a single Black Crake during breakfast. We then departed N’Kwazi through Rundu and toward Etosha National Park. While in transit we stopped and had a few very successful birding outings. In the broad- leaved woodland outside Rundu we Rüppell's Parrot by Greg de Klerk recorded Tinkling Cisticola and a pair of striking Rufous-bellied Tit. We were also lucky to observe Southern Red-billed, Southern Yellow-billed, African Grey, Bradfield’s and our first Monteiro’s Hornbill. After a few long hours of travelling we arrived at Mushara Lodge and were immediately welcomed by an accommodating Crimson-breasted Shrike and families of Black-faced

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Babblers and Red-billed Spurfowl. We then settled into an outdoor boma dinner before retiring in anticipation of an early morning start. We met for an early breakfast at Mushara the following day with the intention of seeking out the elusive Burchell’s Sandgrouse and both Double-banded and Burchell’s Courser. We entered Etosha National Park and headed for Namutoni Camp and were lucky to find a pair of Kirk’s Dik-dik and a small group of Giraffe on the roadside. A stop at Klein Namutoni waterhole allowed us to view a pack of Spotted Hyena, Black-backed Jackal and Springbok. We also had a good number of birds on view; Tawny Eagle, Kittlitz’s Plover, Cape Teal, Marabou Stork and Little Grebe were all in attendance. We then continued to Klein Okevi waterhole and had excellent views of Greater Kudu and Gemsbok (Oryx) drinking in the presence of Namaqua Sandgrouse, Namaqua Dove, Yellow Canary, Great Sparrow, Violet-eared and Black-faced Waxbills and a single Burchell’s Sandgrouse. Unhappy with the outcome of the Burchell’s Sandgrouse at Klein Okevi, we headed for Tsumcor where we had a group of five Burchell’s Sandgrouse arrive to drink with a massive flock of Southern Grey-headed Sparrows and a herd of Plains Zebra. Satisfied with our views of the Burchell’s Sangrouse, we left Tsumcor Greater Flamingo by Greg de Klerk heading for Andoni Plains, and found a single Red-crested Korhaan before arriving on the plains. On the open grasslands we found Grey-backed Sparrowlark, Red-capped Lark and Eastern Clapper Lark while near a small waterhole we found a flock of Blue Crane, Desert Cisticola, Three-banded Plover, Little Stint, Pink-billed Lark and Cape Crow among the masses of Plains Zebra, Springbok and a pair of Common Ostrich. We then headed to a nearby spring finding both Double-banded and a large group of Burchell’s Courser, crowded into the very small shadow of an electricity transformer, en route. At the spring a flock of Pied Avocet actively fed, while a single Saddle-billed Stork was located in the background and allowed us good scope views. We then stopped for lunch and a refreshment break before returning to Namutoni Camp a short while later, with the threat of a large thunderstorm in the background. We were able to find Swallow- tailed Bee-eaters, a single Martial Eagle and a group of Kori Bustard before stopping at the camp where we found an active Banded family foraging near the camp waterhole. Also in attendance were a Grey Heron and a group of Red-breasted Swallows. We then headed to Twee Palms where we were specifically searching for a Red- necked Falcon and were duly rewarded with an individual who flew and perched on an open palm frond. Having seen a great variety of and birds, we returned to Mushara Lodge for dinner and a good night’s African Elephant Breeding Herd by Greg de Klerk sleep. The storm failed to materialise overnight and the following morning we arrived at Etosha’s Von Lindequist Gate where we entered the eastern part of the park to begin our exploration. The drought being experienced in the region was

Trip Report - RBT Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland VI 2015 7 particularly evident as the usually moist woodland habitat was rather dry, although bird and mammal sightings were frequent. At Chudob waterhole we were fortunate to encounter a small pride of Lion interacting with a pack of Spotted Hyena and the scurrying Black-backed Jackal. After many photographs we moved west toward Goas waterhole, locating a male Black Rhino before arriving at Halali Camp, our base for the evening. Our drive took us through mixed grassland and Mopane bushveld with a diverse group of birds ranging from the conspicuously perched Common Buzzard, African Cuckoo, Swallow-tailed and European Bee- eaters. After a break for lunch we proceeded to explore Halali Camp. Our search turned up an African Scops Owl, Damara Red- billed Hornbill, Violet Wood Hoopoe and Southern White-crowned Shrike. We sat down to a delicious dinner before embarking on an enjoyable night drive which produced Rufous-cheeked and Fiery- White-tailed Shrike by Greg de Klerk necked Nightjar, while mammal highlights included Bat-eared Fox, a Lioness, a single Black Rhino and a small breeding herd of African Elephant. After another busy day, we all happily made our way to our wonderful accommodation to sleep. Having missed the Bare-cheeked Babbler on our first attempt, we set out to locate the elusive species before breakfast (one of our party having located a pair earlier in the morning). Alas, it was not to be but we did manage to find a Cinnamon-breasted Bunting. After a great breakfast we left Halali, heading for Okaukuejo Camp. The landscape steadily changed to shrubby, dry grassland and before long an alert male Cheetah was in our sites, his interest in a small group of Springbok evident. After a short while, he lay down in the shade and we moved on, locating Rufous-naped Lark, Red- billed Teal, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, another Red-necked Falcon and a Greater Kestrel. A host of seed eaters were also in attendance and we had excellent views of Red-headed Finch, Scaly- feathered Weaver and White-browed Sparrow-Weaver. After a good lunch and a short afternoon break in Okaukuejo, where we were entertained by Chestnut- vented Warblers and some were lucky to find a Chestnut Weaver, we took a drive from Okaukuejo Camp to Gemsbokvlakte water hole and had success in locating Yellow Mongoose and South African Ground Squirrel while also finding an attractive Rufous-eared Warbler, some dull looking Chat Flycatchers and some great views of the western race of the Southern Fiscal, with their characteristic white eyebrow stripe. Giant Kingfisher by Greg de Klerk We also had a single Spotted Eagle-Owl, comfortably tucked away within a Sociable Weaver nest and almost undetectable. On our return to camp, a vigil at the camp waterhole produced massive flocks of Double-banded Sandgrouse arriving to drink while Fork-tailed Drongo, Egyptian Goose and Little Grebe were also present along with a constant stream of Black-faced

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Impala, Giraffe and Black-backed Jackal. We headed to the restaurant for dinner a short while later before a retiring for the evening. The early wake-up on our second morning at Okaukuejo allowed us to have an early breakfast and a morning camp walk, which produced Rock Martin, Acacia Pied Barbet, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Yellow-bellied Eremomela and a Pearl-spotted Owlet. The cool temperatures at the start of the morning drive immediately paid dividends with a solitary but very active Honey Badger foraging for food and a pair of Bat-eared Foxes which had not yet settled from their evening activities. We were also treated to excellent views of Pink- billed Lark, a nesting Gabar Goshawk, large numbers of Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark, Rufous-eared Warbler and Namaqua Sandgrouse before arriving back at camp for lunch and a much needed afternoon siesta. Our afternoon drive, although quieter in the heat, still produced some great birds with Greater Kestrel, Cape Crow, Tawny Eagle and Namaqua Martial Eagle by Greg de Klerk Sandgrouse all easily located while a breeding herd of Elephant and two very sleepy Lion ended our day off positively before we headed off to dinner on our final night in Etosha National Park. The morning started with an early breakfast and a departure from Okaukuejo Camp and Etosha National Park through Anderson Gate. Our route began with a stop at Toshari Lodge where we had brilliant views of a single Rüppell’s Parrot feeding on Syringa fruit while we were also entertained by a pair of Pririt Batis. We began the second leg of our journey but stopped a few minutes later when we found a bird party near the road. By a pure bit of inspiration and luck, we played the call of the Bare-cheeked Babbler and within moments we were surrounded by a flock of ten birds calling and providing some excellent views. Happy with our morning’s birding, we stopped in Outjo where we did some curio shopping before setting off again for Omaruru. A side road provided some excellent raptor viewing as we encountered Black-chested Snake Eagle, Martial Eagle on a kill and Pale Chanting Goshawk while other great species included Southern Pied Babbler, Violet-eared Waxbill, Black-faced Waxbill and a host of Red-eyed Bulbul. We stopped for lunch at Omaruru where we had Groundscraper Thrush and Grey Go-Away- Birds providing our entertainment before heading for Ai Aiba Lodge. As we entered the Erongo Conservancy, a Verreaux’s Eagle was pointed out flying high over the mountains; we then proceeded to the lodge where we were fortunate to see Rosy-faced Lovebird and Freckled Nightjar before Orange River Francolin by Greg de Klerk dinner. We settled for the evening in our luxurious accommodation with the calls of the ringing through the mountains as we drifted off to sleep.

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As the sky lightened the following morning a walk around Ai Aiba frustratingly produced very little which we could add to our lists. We had good views of Rosy-faced Lovebird, White-tailed Shrike, Speckled Pigeon, Pale-winged Starling and Green- winged Pytilia but the Hartlaub’s Spurfowl remained elusive. After a good breakfast, we departed Ai Aiba, heading toward Spitzkoppe. On the side of the road we had excellent views of Carp’s Tit, Crimson-breasted Shrike and Augur Buzzard. As we approached Spitzkoppe we had distant views of Lappet- African Scops Owl by Greg de Klerk faced Vulture and good views of Rüppell’s Korhaan, Karoo Chat and Short-toed Rock Thrush. At Spitzkoppe we took a trail along the edge of the granite inselbergs and were very lucky to locate four Herero Chats and a pair of White-tailed Shrike. We then stopped for lunch and were joined by Chestnut-vented Warbler, Cardinal Woodpecker, Common Scimitarbill and Layard’s Warbler. From there we started our drive toward the Atlantic Ocean through the Dorob National Park. Along the way we located Tractrac Chat, Stark’s Lark and Namaqua Sandgrouse. As we arrived at the much cooler coastline, a visit to the Mile 4 Salt Pans produced a flock of Gray’s Lark, Greater Flamingo and at a shipwreck we found a colony of nesting Cape Cormorants. We finally arrived at Pelican Bay Hotel where we had an excellent dinner at the Little Bistro followed by another much needed rest before an early morning and a full day of activities the following day. We awoke before the sun had risen on our first full day at Walvis Bay with the target being Namibia’s only endemic bird, the Dune Lark. Having arrived at Rooibank we waited for the light to filter through before we began our search, combing the dunes through the fine, drizzling rain, for anything that might move. We were surprised suddenly when two birds ran into our path and provided great views of these specialist desert birds. We then headed back to Pelican Bay for breakfast before exploring the lagoon. The weather was still cloudy and the tide was coming in as we began birding at the lagoon where we viewed Bar-tailed Godwit, Grey Plover, Greater Flamingo, Common Tern, Hartlaub’s and Kelp Gull at close range. We continued along the lagoon and had a sea of pink interrupt our viewing as a flock of Lesser Flamingo came into view. Here we also had the pleasure of watching Ruddy Turnstone, White-fronted Plover, Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. A drive toward the Walvis Bay saltworks produced sightings of Chestnut-banded Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Pied Avocet and Black-winged Stilt. We located a tern roost which held Caspian, Greater Crested, Sandwich and Common Tern. We also had flyby views of a Peregrine Falcon and a quick view of an Afro-Australian Fur Seal before returning to the hotel for lunch. In the afternoon we headed off to Welwitschia Drive via the lagoon where a pair of fast-flying Damara Tern were conspicuously visible. After a lengthy drive, we found the ancient Welwitschia miribalis, and viewed the strange moon landscape later that afternoon before returning to the hotel to freshen up. Dinner at the Raft that evening was enjoyable, although we were all rather tired after the early wake-up call and we all happily retired for the evening. After a pleasant breakfast, we located a small flock of Orange River White-eye, before we departed the Protea Pelican Bay Hotel headed for Solitaire, Namibia’s smallest town, through the Namib-Naukluft National Park. Although the landscape was barren we were able to view Rüppell’s Korhaan, many Pied Crows, Rock Kestrel and Karoo Long-billed Lark found between many Sabota Lark sightings and the amazing Cast Iron Owl, ensured we were all awake and active. We arrived at Solitaire for our lunch break where we once again were joined by a bird party including Chat Flycatcher, Southern Masked Weaver and Sociable Weaver. We then tested the local confectionary at the Solitaire bakery before making our final trip of the day to Namib Grens via the Remshoogte

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Pass. Along the way we had the chance to view Red-billed Teal, Three-banded Plover, Long-billed Pipit and a pair of Pygmy Falcon investigating a Sociable Weaver nest. We arrived in the late afternoon our villas in Namib Grens where some of us found Dassie Rats near our rooms. We settled for a hearty home cooked dinner before heading to our villas for the night. At first light the following morning we walked through the granite-strewn landscape between the villas at Namib Grens in search of some new species to add to our bird lists. White-backed Mousebird and Rockrunner, visible on top of a large boulder, were the highlights of the morning, while we also encountered Lark-like Bunting in large concentrations and frustratingly, we heard but couldn’t locate a Bokmakierie. We headed down to breakfast and managed to find a Karoo Scrub Robin in the gardens as we finished our meal. After our final stop at the villas we departed Namib Grens for the Namibian capital, Windhoek. The road was active with raptors and scavengers. We encountered numerous Pale Chanting Goshawk, a single Pygmy Falcon, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Tawny Eagle and a host of White-backed and Lappet-faced Vulture feeding on a Kudu carcass near the road. We arrived at Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve in time for a light lunch at their restaurant before heading out and investigating this reserve. We located a few bird parties which were composed of Blue, Black- faced, Violet-eared and Common Waxbills, Black-throated Canary, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Green- winged Pytilia, Dusky and Marico Sunbirds. We also had good views of Short-toed Rock Thrush, Familiar Chat, Pearl-spotted Owlet and Common Ostrich. We then departed Daan Viljoen Nature Reserve for the Windhoek water treatment plant. Here we encountered a large number of South African Shelduck, Cape Shoveler, Black-crowned Night Heron, African Sacred Ibis, Grey Heron, Western Cattle Egret and a Western Osprey which flushed from one the trees at the edge of the settling ponds. Greater Striped Swallow, Little Swift and African Palm Swift kept us entertained with their aerial acrobatics as the light faded. We arrived at Pension Palmquell a short while later before dining at the local, atmospheric Joe’s Beerhouse where we Racket-tailed Roller by Greg de Klerk celebrated an excellent birding tour with new friends. Some very tired bodies settled into bed later that evening as the final day of the tour dawned on the horizon. The final morning was bright but partly cloudy with the threat of rain in the air. While sitting for breakfast, Southern Masked Weaver, Long-billed Crombec, White-backed Mousebirds and a Scarlet-chested Sunbird moved through the trees overhead. The final stop of the tour was Avis Dam (in this case Avis Dam was non-existent as a result of the drought so evident in the rest of the country). As we arrived at the dam, the calls of a covey of Orange River Francolin rang out from nearby. We set off in search of this elusive species, while also adding Bradfield’s and Alpine Swifts to our lists as they passed overhead, before flushing a pair of Francolin from their hiding place. Some careful approach work allowed us to get up close and view these wonderful birds. On our way back toward the dam wall, Pin-tailed Whydah flocks and a displaying Zitting Cisticola kept us occupied, while a pair of Cape Penduline Tits made a brief appearance before we departed from Avis dam back to our accommodation and onwards to our departure flights following a very enjoyable tour of these three magnificent countries.

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Annotated List of Birds recorded

Nomenclature and follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2013. IOC World Bird List (v 5.4) Birds of the World: Recommended English Names (2006) Princeton University Press.

Notes are provided where Clements differs; alternatively Clements names are in parenthesis.

Key: E: regional endemic, RNE: regional near-endemic, NP: National Park, GP: Game Park.

Total species recorded: 369 (364 seen, 5 heard only)

Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich Struthio camelus Seen in Etosha NP and Mahango GR and Daan Viljoen NR.

Ducks & Geese Anatidae

White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata Seen in Mahango GR. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and Mahango GR. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus Seen at various wetlands across the tour. South African Shelduck Tadorna cana Seen at Windhoek Water Treatment Works. African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Cape Teal Anas capensis Seen in Walvis Bay, Rundu Water Treatment Works and Etosha NP. Cape Shoveler Anas smithii Seen at Windhoek Water Treatment Works. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha Seen at numerous wetlands across the tour. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Red-billed Duck. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota Seen at Rundu Water Treatment Works.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Seen throughout the tour.

Pheasants, Fowl & Allies Phasianidae Orange River Francolin Scleroptila gutturalis Seen well at Avis Dam. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Francolinus. Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena Seen at Mushara Lodge. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Francolinus. Red-billed Spurfowl Pternistis adspersus Seen on most days of the tour. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Francolinus and gives it the common name Red-billed Francolin. Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii Seen in Etosha NP, Mahango GR and at Kalizo Lodge.

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NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Francolinus and gives it the common name Swainson’s Francolin.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Found at numerous waterbodies throughout the tour.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus This species was very common in Walvis Bay. Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Abundant in Walvis Bay lagoon.

Storks Ciconidae African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and Kalizo Lodge in the surrounding Wetlands. Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis Seen at Andoni Spring. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer Seen at Kalizo Lodge in the surrounding wetlands, the Okavango Panhandle and Etosha NP. Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis Seen in the receding wetlands at Kalizo Lodge and in the floodplain in Mahango GR.

Ibises & Spoonbills Threskiornithidae African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Seen at Livingstone Water Treatment Works, the Okavango Panhandle and Windhoek Water Treatment Works and on the floodplains in Mahango GR. NOTE: Clements calls it Sacred Ibis Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Seen in the Okavango Panhandle near Shakawe. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Seen in the wetlands near Kalizo Lodge and at Livingstone Water Treatment Works. African Spoonbill Platalea alba Seen in the wetlands around Kalizo Lodge and in the Kavango River in Mahango GR.

Bitterns & Herons Ardeidae Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. White-backed Night Heron Gorsachius leuconotus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax Seen in at N’Kwazi and at Windhoek Water Treatment Works. Striated Heron Butorides striatus Seen near Kalizo Lodge. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and at Livingstone Water Treatment Works and Kalizo Lodge. Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and Kalizo Lodge. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Seen at scattered wetlands throughout the tour. NOTE: The IOC splits Cattle Egret into 2 species, the nominate form Western Cattle Egret and the Asian/Australasian Eastern Cattle Egret Bubulcus coromandus. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Seen at scattered wetlands throughout the tour. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala

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Seen in flight on the road between Livingstone and the Shesheke Border Post and on the Zambezi River bank at Kalizo Lodge. Goliath Heron Ardea purpurea Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and Mahango GR. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Seen in Livingstone near Victoria Falls and the Okavango Panhandle. Great Egret Ardea albus Seen around Kalizo Lodge. NOTE: Formerly the IOC split Great Egret into two species, the nominate form Western Great Egret and the Asian/ Australasian Eastern Great Egret Ardea modesta. This spilt is no longer accepted. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Seen in the Okavango Panhandle, Mahango GR and at Livingstone Water Treatment Works. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Mesophoyx. Slaty Egret Egretta vinaceigula Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Little Egret Egretta garzetta Seen in the Okavango Panhandle, Windhoek, Rundu and Livingstone Water Treatment Works and Walvis Bay.

Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta Seen at various wetlands and waterholes during the trip.

Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Seen at Walvis Bay.

Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle, at Kalizo Lodge and Windhoek Water Treatment Works. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Long-tailed Cormorant. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus Seen at Kalizo Lodge and at Walvis Bay. NOTE: The IOC splits the white-breasted African subspecies into a full species from the widely distributed Great Cormorant P. carbo. Clements does not accept this split. Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis Seen in their thousands at Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

Anhingas Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa Seen in the Okavango Panhandle, Livingstone and Windhoek Water Treatment Works.

Ospreys Pandionidae Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus A single bird at Windhoek Water Treatment Works. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Osprey.

Kites, Hawks, Eagles & Vultures Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Seen at scattered locations across the tour NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Black-shouldered Kite. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus Seen at Mahango GR and the at the Shesheke Border Post. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus

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Seen a number of times on tour including Etosha NP and a dead Kudu Carcass near Namib Grens. White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis Seen in Mahango GR. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus Scattered sightings throughout the tour. Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis Seen in the Khomas Hochland near Namib Grens and between Walvis Bay and Erongo. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Black-breasted Snake-Eagle. Circaetus cinereus Seen along the Caprivi Strip. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus Seen a number of times, especially along the Caprivi Strip. Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus We had three fantastic sightings with the first as we entered Etosha near Mushara Lodge. Wahlberg’s Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi A pair seen in flight between Shesheke and Livingstone. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax Seen daily in Etosha NP, also in Mahango GR. NOTE: The nominate form African Tawny Eagle A. r. rapax may be split from the Asian Tawny Eagle A. r. vindhiana, although this is not done by IOC nor Clements. Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii Seen at Erongo Conservancy near Ai Aiba. African Hawk-Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster Seen near Erongo, Namib-Naukluft National Park and in Etosha NP. Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar Seen near Rundu and in Etosha. Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates Seen near Rundu. Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus Seen almost daily on the second half of the tour. Shikra Accipiter badius Seen near Kalizo Lodge and outside Rundu. African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and near Kalizo Lodge. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius The most common raptor along the Caprivi Strip. NOTE: This race we observed during the tour is considered by some authorities to be a full species, namely: Yellow- billed Kite M. m. aegyptius and is not recognized by Clements. The Clements common name for this species is Black Kite. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Seen along the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Regularly found in Etosha NP Augur Buzzard Buteo augur An adult bird seen perching at Ai Aiba. .

Bustards Otididae Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori Seen regularly in Etosha NP. Rüppell's Korhaan (NE) Eupodotis rueppellii Seen in the Namib Desert and near Spitzkoppe. NOTE: Clements common name is Rueppell's Bustard Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista Seen in Bwabwata NP and Etosha NP. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Eupodotis and the scientific name is Eupodotis ruficrista and uses the common name of Red-crested Bustard.

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Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides Seen near Namib Grens and in Etosha NP. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Eupodotis and the scientific name is Eupodotis afraoides and a common name of White-quilled Bustard. Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster Seen at Kalizo Lodge.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae African Rail Rallus caerulescens Heard a pair of birds at Livingstone Water Treatment Works. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris Seen at various wetlands along the tour. African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis Seen at Livingstone and Windhoek Water Treatment Plants and in the Okavango Panhandle. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Seen at Livingstone and Windhoek Water Treatment Works, N’Kwazi Lodge and in Etosha NP. Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata Seen at Livingstone Water Treatment Works. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata Seen at Rundu and Windhoek Water Treatment Works.

Cranes Gruidae Blue Crane Grus paradisea Seen in Etosha NP near Andoni plains.

Thick-knees & Stone-Curlews Burhinidae Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus Seen along the Okavango River and Kalizo Lodge. Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis Seen in Etosha NP.

Stilts & Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Seen at scattered wetlands throughout the tour. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Seen at Walvis Bay and in the Okavango Panhandle.

Plovers & Lapwings Charadriidae Long-toed Lapwing Vanellus crassirostris Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and at Livingstone Water Treatment Works. Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus Seen on all but one day of the tour. White-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps Seen at Kalizo Lodge. NOTE: Clements common name is White-headed Lapwing. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus Seen every day in Etosha NP, and also at Mahango GP. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola Seen at Walvis Bay. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Black-bellied Plover. Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Seen at Etosha NP. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula A couple of birds present at Walvis Bay.

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Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris Seen at suitable wetlands throughout. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus Seen at Walvis Bay. Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus Seen at Walvis Bay.

Jacanas Jacanidae African Jacana Actophilornis africanus Seen at Etosha NP and daily for during the first week of tour.

Sandpipers, Snipes Scolopacidae Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica A group of eight birds seen at Walvis Bay. NOTE: Subspecies lapponica is the species we encountered. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Seen at Walvis Bay. Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis Seen at Livingstone Water Treatment Plant and the Okavango Panhandle. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Seen at Walvis Bay, Etosha NP, the Okavango Panhandle and Livingstone Water Treatment Plant. Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes A single bird at the Livingstone Water Treatment Works. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Seen at similar sites to the previous species. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Seen at various suitable wetland sites during the first half of the tour. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres Seen at Walvis Bay. Sanderling Calidris alba A few birds seen at Walvis Bay. Little Stint Calidris minuta Most numerous little wader in Walvis Bay with a few others seen in Etosha NP. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea We saw this wader at Walvis Bay. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Seen at Windhoek and Livingstone Water Treatment Works, Kalizo wetlands and at Walvis Bay. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Calidris and the scientific name is Calidris pugnax.

Coursers & Pratincoles Glareolidae Burchell’s Courser (NE) Cursorius rufus Seen in Etosha NP and on Andoni Plain. Temminck’s Courser Cursorius temminckii Seen near the Mahango GR. Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus Seen in Etosha NP and on Andoni Plain. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus, namely Smutsornis. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola Seen at Kalizo Lodge. Rock Pratincole Glareola nuchalis Seen at Divundu on the rocks near the shoreline. NOTE: Subspecies nuchalis is the species we encountered.

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Gulls, Terns, Skimmers Laridae African Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris Seen at Kalizo Lodge, Mahangu Lodge and in the Okavango Panhandle. Hartlaub's Gull (NE) Chroicocephalus hartlaubii This small gull was common along the Atlantic Coast. Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus Also common along the Atlantic Coast. Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Seen in Walvis Bay. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Seen well at Walvis Bay. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Great Crested Tern. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Seen in Walvis Bay. Damara Tern Sternula balaenarum Seen in Walvis Bay. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Seen in Walvis Bay. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Seen at Kalizo Lodge in the surrounding wetlands and along the floodplain at Mahango GR. White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus Seen at Livingstone Water Treatment Works and Kalizo Lodge wetlands.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Namaqua Sandgrouse (NE) Pterocles namaqua Seen daily in Etosha NP, also in near Spitzkoppe. Double-banded Sandgrouse (NE) Pterocles bicinctus Seen in large numbers in Etosha NP. Burchell’s Sandgrouse (NE) Pterocles bicinctus Seen in Etosha NP.

Doves & Pigeons Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia Seen in regularly in small towns. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Rock Pigeon. Speckled Pigeon Columba Seen almost daily during the final week from Ai Aiba to Windhoek. Mourning Collared Dove Streptopelia decipiens Seen at Kalizo Lodge Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata This was common in moist woodland east of Rundu. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Seen almost daily. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis This widespread species was seen almost daily on the tour. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos Seen in Etosha NP, the Okavango Panhandle and Mahango GR and at Victoria Falls. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis We had scattered sightings from Etosha NP, Kalizo Lodge and Windhoek. African Green Pigeon Treron calvus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle.

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Turacos Musophagidae Schalow’s Turaco Tauraco schalowi This species was seen at Victoria Falls. Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor This species was seen almost daily.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis Seen at Rundu Sewerage works. Coppery-tailed Coucal Centropus cupreicaudus Seen daily along the Zambezi and Okavango Rivers. African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis Seen in Etosha NP. Typical Owls Strigidae African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis Seen in Halali Camp in Etosha NP. Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus Found in a Sociable Weavers’ nest in Etosha NP. Pel’s Fishing Owl Scotopelia peli Seen exceptionally well in the Okavango Panhandle. African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum Seen in Etosha NP, Mahango GR and Daan Viljoen NR. African Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense Seen in the Okavango Panhandle.

Nightjars Caprimulgidae Rufous-cheeked Nightjar rufigena Seen in Etosha NP. Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis Seen in Etosha NP Swamp Nightjar Caprimulgus natalensis Seen at Kalizo Lodge. Freckled Nightjar Caprimulgus tristigma Seen at Ai Aiba Lodge. Square-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii Seen at Kalizo Lodge.

Swifts Apodidae African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Seen regularly throughout the tour. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Seen flying with a mixed group of swifts at Avis Dam. Bradfield’s Swift Apus bradfieldi Seen flying with a mixed group of swifts at Avis Dam Little Swift Apus affinis Seen at Avis Dam and near Mahango GR. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer Seen near Kalizo Lodge.

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Mousebirds Coliidae White-backed Mousebird (NE) Colius colius We saw this at Avis Dam and Namibgrens. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus Seen in Livinstone, Etosha NP and the Okavango Panhandle.

Rollers Coraciidae Purple Roller Coracias naevius Seen on most days of the tour. Racket-tailed Roller Coracias spatulatus Seen in a local woodland near Katima Mulilo and in the Bwabwata NP. Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus Seen regularly during the first half of the tour! Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus Regularly encountered at Livingstone, Kalizo Lodge and the Okavango Panhandle.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris Seen at Kalizo Lodge. Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti Seen in the local woodland near Katima Mulilo. Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata Seen along the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima Seen along the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Very common along the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus This beautiful Bee-eater was seen around Windhoek, Khomas Hochland, Etosha NP and the Caprivi Strip. Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle, Livingstone and at Kalizo Lodge. White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and at Kalizo Lodge. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Seen in Katima Mulilo, Etosha NP and Windhoek. Southern Carmine Bee-eater Merops nubicoides Seen at Kalizo Lodge and in the Okavango Panhandle.

Hoopoes Upupidae African (Eurasian) Hoopoe Upupa africana Seen in Daan Viljoen NR, Etosha NP, Mahango GR, Rundu and the Okavango Panhandle. NOTE: The Hoopoe complex has had a confusing taxonomic history, with one to four species being recognized by various authorities. Clements splits the group into two forms, Madagascar U. marginata and Eurasian U. epops. The white- winged African forms are often split by other authorities as West African Hoopoe U. senegalensis with the fourth species being African Hoopoe U. africana (which we recorded). However, the most generally accepted treatment is that of three species, Madagascar, Eurasian and African.

Wood Hoopoes Phoeniculidae Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and Kalizo Lodge. Violet Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus damarensis Seen in Halali Camp in Etosha NP.

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Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Seen in Kalizo Lodge and Spitzkoppe.

Ground Hornbills Bucocorvidae Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri We saw four birds en route to the Shesheke Border.

Hornbills Bucerotidae Damara Red-billed Hornbill (NE) Tockus erythrorhynchus Seen in Etosha NP. NOTE: The Red-billed Hornbill complex has recently been split into several species, including the nominate T. erythrorhynchus and Damara Hornbill T. damarensis which occurs in Western Namibia. Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris Seen in Etosha NP and the Caprivi Strip. Monteiro’s Hornbill (NE) Tockus monteiri Seen at Windhoek, Ai Aiba and Avis Dam. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas Seen often throughout the tour. Bradfield's Hornbill (NE) Tockus bradfieldi Seen in the Caprivi Strip. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus Seen at numerous open woodland sites across the tour. Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator A pair seen at Victoria Falls.

African Barbets Lybiidae Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus Seen near the Shesheke border. Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas We encountered this fairly often in dry woodland on the second half of the tour. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Pied Barbet. Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and the Caprivi Strip. Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and at Kalizo Lodge.

Honeyguides Indicatoridae Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor Seen at Kalizo Lodge.

Woodpeckers & Allies Picidae Bennett's Woodpecker Campethera bennettii Seen in the Caprivi Strip and near Katima Mulilo. Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and Etosha NP. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and in the Caprivi Strip. Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus Heard but not able to locate in the Okavango Panhandle.

Falcons & Kestrels Falconidae Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus Seen in the Khomas Hochland and below Spreetshoogte Pass.

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Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus Seen in the Khomas Hochland, Namib-Naukluft NP, Spitzkoppe and Erongo. Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides Seen in Namib-Naukluft and Etosha NPs. Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera Seen at Twee Palms and Salvadora waterhole in Etosha NP. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus A single bird seen in Etosha NP. Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Seen at Walvis Bay.

Cockatoos, Parrots Psittacidae Rosy-faced Lovebird (NE) Agapornis roseicollis Seen best at Ai Aiba. Meyer's Parrot Poicephalus meyeri Seen near Rundu, Mahango GR and along the Caprivi Strip. Rüppell's Parrot (NE) Poicephalus rueppellii Seen at a lodge south of Etosha NP. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Reuppell’s Parrot.

Wattle-eyes & Batises Platysteiridae Chinspot Batis Batis molitor Seen in broad-leaved woodland in the Caprivi Strip. Pririt Batis Batis pririt Seen at Avis Dam, Daan Viljoen NR, Erongo and Etosha NP. White-tailed Shrike (NE) Lanioturdus torquatus Seen at Ai Aiba and Spitzkoppe.

Helmetshrikes Prionopidae White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus Seen along the Caprivi Strip and in Livingstone. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is White Helmetshrike. Retz’s Helmetshrike Prionops retzii Seen along the Caprivi Strip and in the Okavango Panhandle.

Bush-shrikes & Allies Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti Seen well at Kalizo Lodge. Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and Muhango Lodge. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus to IOC, namely: Telophorus and gives it the name Sulphur- breasted Bushshrike. Bokmakierie (E) Telophorus zeylonus Heard at Namib Grens but unable to locate it. Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis Seen at near Katima Mulilo. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus Seen at Kalizo Lodge. Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla Seen near Livingstone and Katima Mulilo. Swamp () Boubou Laniarius bicolor This bird was common in thick, riverine woodland along the Okavango and Zambezi rivers. Crimson-breasted Shrike (NE) Laniarius atrococcineus Seen in a number of places including Etosha NP and Namibgrens. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Crimson-breasted Gonolek.

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Brubru Nilaus afer Heard in Etosha NP and the Caprivi Strip. NOTE: This previously monotypic genus might be split 4 ways: Northern Brubru N. a. afer, Black-browed Brubru N.a. nigritemporalis, Brubru N.a. affinis and Southern Brubru N.a. brubru. Only the Southern Brubru occurs in southern Africa. IOC does not accept these splits.

Shrikes Laniidae Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus Seen almost daily east of Rundu. NOTE: Clements places this species in the genus Corvinella. Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens Seen in Etosha NP. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is White-crowned Shrike. Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris Seen regularly between Etosha NP and Windhoek. NOTE: Common Fiscal has been split into two species, the nominate L. collaris, which we saw, and Northern Fiscal L. humeralis. The race which we observed during the tour is L. c. subcoronatus (“Latakoo Fiscal”), an arid zone race that has a strong white supercilium.

Drongos Dicruridae Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis We saw this species almost every day.

Crows Corvidae Cape Crow Corvus capensis Seen in Namib-Naukluft and Etosha NPs. Pied Crow Corvus albus We encountered this species over a wide range of habitats on most days of the tour.

Tits Paridae Southern Black Tit Melaniparus niger Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and near Katima Mulilo. Carp’s Tit (NE) Melaniparus carpi Seen at Ai Aiba and Spitzkoppe Rufous-bellied Tit Melaniparus rufiventris Seen outside Rundu in the broad-leaved woodland. Ashy Tit Melaniparus cinerascens Heard but could not locate at Avis Dam

Penduline Tits Remizidae Grey Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli Seen in woodland near Katima Mulilo. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is African Penduline-Tit. Cape Penduline Tit Anthoscopus minutus Seen at Avis Dam. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Southern Penduline-Tit.

Larks Alaudidae Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata Seen in Etosha NP. Gray’s Lark Ammomanopsis grayi Seen at Mile 4 Salt Pan and along Welwitschia Drive. Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata Seen near Solitaire.

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Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis Seen at a water point in Etosha NP. Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix verticalis Seen in Etosha NP. Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota The most common Lark from Etosha to Windhoek. NOTE: Some authorities consider the thick-billed form, Bradfield’s Lark M. bradfieldi of Namibia a separate species. This is not widely accepted. Fawn-coloured Lark Calendulauda africanoides Seen in Etosha NP. Dune Lark (E) Calendulauda erythrochlamys Seen at Rooibank. Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata Seen on Andoni Plains. Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana Seen in Etosha NP. Stark’s Lark (NE) Spizocorys starki Seen near Spitzkoppe. Pink-billed Lark Spizocorys conirostris Seen in Etosha NP. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea Seen en masse in Etosha NP. NOTE: The African Red-capped Lark complex C. cinerea, was lumped within the Greater Short-toed Lark complex C. brachydactyla but is now considered distinct by most authorities. Several distinctive groupings have now been split off from Red-capped Lark, including Blanford’s Lark of C. blanfordi.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans A common bird that we saw daily in the drier western half of Namibia. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Black-fronted Bulbul. Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor This species took over from the previous one in the eastern half of the tour, from Rundu onwards. NOTE: Another very confusing polytypic species complex. Several Asian and African forms have already been recognized as distinct species within the super-species Common Bulbul P. barbatus. The form that we saw P. tricolor has been split as Dark-capped Bulbul by the IOC authority. Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris Seen near Rundu, Mahango GR and in the Okavango Panhandle and Victoria Falls. Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris Seen well at Kalizo Lodge.

Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola Seen at the Okavango Panhandle and Kalizo Lodge. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Plain Martin. Banded Martin Riparia cincta We recorded this species along the Okavango River. White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis Seen at Windhoek Water Treatment Works.. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii This dainty swallow was common along the Okavango and Zambezi Rivers. NOTE: This species complex may be split, based on the African nominate form that would become African Wire-tailed Swallow and the Asian Wire-tailed Swallow that would be H. filifera. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Seen daily toward the end of the tour.

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NOTE: This confusing polytypic complex is being reviewed for multi-species splitting. Within African populations, 3 potential species exist. The southern African nominate form H. f. fuligula remains Rock Martin, northern populations would become Red-throated Rock Martin H. pusilla. Palaearctic birds become Pale Crag Martin H. obsoleta. Common House Martin Delichon urbicum Seen at Livingstone in the rural farmland. Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata Seen flying by at both Windhoek Water Treatment Works and Avis Dam. Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica Seen daily from Rundu east. Red-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa Seen in Etosha NP at Namutoni. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Rufous-chested Swallow. Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis Seen at Rundu Water Treatment Works.

Crombecs, African Warblers Macrosphenidae Rockrunner (NE) Achaetops pycnopygius Seen well at Namib Grens calling and displaying. Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens Seen in the Katima Mulilo, Windhoek and Etosha NP. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Cape Crombec.

Leaf Warblers & Allies Phylloscopidae Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus A single bird recorded at Mahangu Lodge.

Reed Warblers & Allies Acrocephalidae Greater Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus rufescens Incredible views of this skulking species in the Okavango Panhandle. Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris Seen at Rundu and Windhoek Water Treatment Works.

Grassbirds & Allies Megaluridae Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala Seen briefly along the Okavango River.

Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana Seen at Windhoek SW, Mahango GR and Kalizo Lodge. Tinkling Cisticola Cisticola rufilatus Seen in woodland along the Caprivi Strip and near Rundu. Luapula Cisticola Cisticola luapula Seen near Kalizo Lodge. NOTE: The Okavango-Zambian race of the widespread Winding Cisticola C. galactotes, has recently been accorded full species status as Luapula Cisticola C. luapula. Clements does not recognize this split. Chirping Cisticola Cisticola pipiens Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Seen at Avis Dam. Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus Seen on Andoni Plain. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava We found this in the Okavango Panhandle and in Livingstone. Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans Recorded almost every day in dry woodland during the second half of the tour.

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Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida Seen in Livingstone. Rufous-eared Warbler (NE) Malcorus pectoralis Seen in Etosha NP. Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata Seen in and near Etosha NP and in the Okavango Panhandle and Spitzkoppe. NOTE: The IOC now recognizes the nominate green-backed forms of this widespread African warbler as distinct from the grey-backed forms C. brevicaudata. We encountered the grey-backed form during our tour. Clements does not recognize this spilt. Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis Seen at Ai Aiba and Etosha NP. Green-capped Eremomela Eremomela scotops Seen in the Caprivi Strip. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Greencap Eremomela.

Babblers, Parrotbills Timaliidae Black-faced Babbler (NE) Turdoides melanops Seen at Mushara Lodge just outside eastern Etosha NP. Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and in the Caprivi Strip. Hartlaub's Babbler Turdoides hartlaubii Seen almost daily in the Okavango Panhandle and Caprivi Strip. Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor Seen briefly in Mahango GR and near Spitzkoppe. Bare-cheeked Babbler Turdoides gymnogenys Seen on a side road outside Etosha NP, also seen in Halali.

Sylviid Babblers Sylvidae Chestnut-vented Warbler Sylvia subcaerulea Seen at Daan Viljoen NR, Avis Dam, Spitzkoppe and Etosha NP. NOTE: The Clements gives the common name of Rufous-vented Warbler. Layard’s Warbler (NE) Sylvia layardi This bird showed at the Spitzkoppe Mountains, here at the northern limit of its range. The race in question is aridicola.

White-eyes Zosteropidae Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus Seen in Walvis Bay. African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis Seen along the Caprivi Strip, near Rundu and in the Okavango Panhandle.

Starlings Sturnidae Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea Seen in the Caprivi Strip, near Kalizo Lodge and Rundu and in large numbers at Windhoek SW. Cape Starling Lamprotornis nitens Seen almost daily for most of the tour, a common species. Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus Seen daily in the Caprivi Strip and the Okavango Panhandle. Meves's Starling Lamprotornis mevesii Seen daily in the Caprivi Strip and the Okavango Panhandle. Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis Seen in Etosha NP, Mahango GR and near Kalizo Lodge. Sharp-Tailed Starling Lamprotornis acuticaudus A single bird found near Rundu. Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster

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Found regularly on the Caprivi Strip and Okavango Panhandle. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio Seen in Livingstone. Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup Seen in the Khomas Hochland, Spitzkoppe and Erongo.

Oxpeckers Buphagidae Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus Seen in the Caprivi Strip, Mahango GR and the Okavango Panhandle.

Thrushes Turdidae Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa Seen at Namibgrens, along the Caprivi Strip and in Etosha NP NOTE: Clements places this species in the genus Psophocichla. Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyana Seen in the Caprivi Strip.

Chats & Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Karoo Scrub Robin (NE) Cercotrichas coryphaeus We had great views at Namibgrens. Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata Seen in Livingstone. Kalahari Scrub Robin Cercotrichas paena Seen in Daan Viljoen NR and Etosha NP. White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys Seen near Katima Mulilo and in Etosha NP. These birds belong to the race ovamboensis, which has a plain breast, lacking the streaking of other races. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Red-backed Scrub-Robin. Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Chat Flycatcher (NE) Bradornis infuscatus Seen in the Khomas Hochland, near Spitzkoppe and Etosha NP. Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis Seen almost daily during the second half of the tour. Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata Seen in the woodland around Kalizo Lodge. Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens Seen at Muhangu Lodge. White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini Seen daily around Rundu and along the Caprivi Strip. Collard Palm Thrush Cichladusa arquata We saw two birds in Livingstone. Short-toed Rock Thrush Monticola brevipes Seen at Avis Dam, Daan Viljoen NR and Spitzkoppe. NOTE: The South African isolate race M. b. pretoriae is sometimes split as Pretoria Rock Thrush. Karoo Chat Emarginata schlegelii Seen near Spitzkoppe. NOTE: Clements places this species in the genus Cercomela. Tractrac Chat Emarginata tractrac Seen near Mile 4 Salt Pan and in Dorob National Park. NOTE: Clements places this species in the genus Cercomela. Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora Seen in Etosha NP and the Khomas Hochland.

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NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Southern Anteater-Chat. Mountain Wheatear (NE) Myrmecocichla monticola Seen at Avis Dam, Remshoogte Pass and Spitzkoppe. NOTE: Clements places this species in the genus Oenanthe. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata Seen in Etosha NP. Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris Seen at Avis Dam, Daan Viljoen NR and Erongo. NOTE: Clements places this species in the genus Cercomela.

Herero Chat Namibornis herero Seen at Spitzkoppe.

Sunbirds Nectariniidae Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and at Katima Mulilo. Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina An individual male seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis Seen at Windhoek SW and Goanikontes Oasis. Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis Seen at Windhoek SW, near Rundu, the Caprivi Strip and Okavango Panhandle. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Mariqua Sunbird. Secondly, some authorities split this complex into 2 full species, namely: the race C. m. suahelicus which occurs in East Africa would become Swahili Sunbird and the nominate form which would remain as Marico Sunbird. Shelley’s Sunbird Cinnyris shelleyi A single bird seen at Kalizo Lodge. Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus Seen in Katima Mulilo. White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala Seen in Katima Mulilo and near Rundu. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is White-breasted Sunbird. Dusky Sunbird (NE) Cinnyris fuscus A common species in the dry west of the tour. Copper Sunbird Cinnyris cupreus Seen in Katima Mulilo.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali Seen over about half of the tour. Sociable Weaver (NE) Philetairus socius Seen at Solitaire and in Etosha NP. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Social Weaver. House Sparrow Passer domesticus Seen in association with human settlement during the throughout the tour. Great Sparrow (NE) Passer motitensis Seen at Daan Viljoen NR and in Etosha NP. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Great Rufous Sparrow and some authorities including Clements split this African sparrow into five species. Shelley’s Rufous Sparrow P. shelleyi occurs largely in Ethiopia, Great Rufous Sparrow P. motitensis occurs in Southern Africa, Rufous Sparrow P. rufocinctus occurs in East Africa, Kordofan Rufous Sparrow P. cordofanicus occurs in Sudan and Socotra Sparrow is endemic to Socotra. Cape Sparrow (NE) Passer melanurus Seen in Walvis Bay and at Spitzkoppe. Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus We had a few at our hotel in Livingstone. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus

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Seen daily in Etosha NP, also in Daan Viljoen NR, Kalizo Lodge and Katima Mulilo. NOTE: The Grey-headed Sparrow complex P. griseus has been split into five full species with the most southerly African form being classified as P. diffusus.

Weavers & Widowbirds Ploceidae Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger Seen in Katima Mulilo. Scaly-feathered Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons Seen in the Khomas Hochland and Etosha NP. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Scaly Weaver. Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons Seen around Kalizo Lodge and the Okavango Panhandle. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Grosbeak Weaver. Holub’s Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops Seen near Kalizo Lodge. Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus Seen at our lodge near Rundu. Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and around Kalizo Lodge. Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus Seen throughout most of the tour. Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus A stunning male seen at Victoria falls. (nigriceps subspecies) Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus Seen by some in Etosha NP. Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps Seen near Katima Mulilo. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Common and widespread from Livingstone to Etosha NP. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix Seen at Livingstone Water Treatment Works. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Red Bishop. Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris Seen near Katima Mulilo.

Waxbills & Allies Estrildidae Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba Seen at Daan Viljoen NR, in Etosha NP and Erongo. Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala Seen in the Khomas Hochland and Etosha NP. Brown Firefinch Lagonosticta nitidula Seen at Kalizo Lodge and in the Okavango Panhandle. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala Seen in Livingstone. Jameson’s Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia Seen en route to Katima Mulilo. Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis Seen frequently across the tour. NOTE: The Clements common name for this species is Southern Cordonbleu. Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus Seen in Etosha NP, Mahango GR and Daan Viljoen NR. NOTE: Clements places this species in the genus Granatina. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Seen at Livingstone, Kalizo and the Okavango Panhandle. Black-faced Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos

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Seen in Etosha NP, Daan Viljoen and Spitzkoppe.

Indigobirds & Whydahs Viduidae Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura Seen in en masse at both Livingstone Water Treatment Works and Avis Dam. Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia Seen at Etosha NP and Daan Viljoen NR.

Wagtails & Pipits Motacillidae Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis Common at most waterbodies across the tour. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp Seen along the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers. Rosy-throated Longclaw Macronyx ameliae Seen at Kalizo Lodge. African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus Seen in Etosha NP, near Kalizo Lodge and at Avis Dam and Mahango GR. Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis Seen at Daan Viljoen NR and Remshoogte Pass. Buffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis Seen near Kalizo Lodge.

Finches Fringillidae Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis Seen in Etosha NP and Daan Viljoen NR. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus to the IOC nomenclature, namely: Serinus. This species complex is sometimes split with the South African form remaining in the Black-throated Canary group as opposed to Reichenow’s or Kenya Yellow-rumped Seed-eater S. reichenowi. Several endemic Ethiopian forms are sometimes lumped into the nominate S. atrogularis group including Yellow-throated Seed-eater S. flavigula, Salvadori's Seed-eater S. xantholaemus and Yellow-rumped Seed-eater S. xanthopygius. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus to the IOC nomenclature, namely: Serinus. Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris Seen in Etosha NP. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus to the IOC nomenclature, namely: Serinus. White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis Seen at Namibgrens and Ai Aiba. NOTE: Clements places this species in a different genus to the IOC nomenclature, namely: Serinus.

Buntings Emberizidae Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani Seen at Ai Aiba and Namibgrens. Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi Seen in Etosha NP. Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis Seen at Avis Dam. Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris Seen at Etosha NP.

Annotated List of Mammals recorded (47 Species)

Note: Names and taxanomical order of the land mammals follow that of ‘ The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals’; additional names are given in parenthesis and are likely to appear in other popular field guides.

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Dogs and Allies Canidae Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis Seen on a couple of occasions in Etosha NP. Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas Seen in Etosha NP.

Cats Felidae African Wild Cat Felis sylvestris Seen on an Etosha NP night drive. Lion Panthera leo A total of 11 were seen in Etosha NP. Cheetah Acinonyx Jubatus One of the highlights of the trip – seen between Namutoni and Halali in Etosha NP.

Mongooses Herpestridae Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo Seen in and near Etosha NP. Yellow Mongoose (RNE) Cynictis penicillata Seen in Etosha NP. Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus Seen at Mushara Lodge. Common Dwarf Mongoose Helogale Parvula Seen and photographed by Bobby at Mushara Lodge.

Hyaenas Hyaenidae Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta We had good sightings in Etosha NP.

Weasels, Skunks & Otters Mustelidae Spotted-necked Otter Lutra maculicollis We had a brief sighting at Kalizo Lodge. African Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis Seen by some in the Okavango Panhandle on the lawn. Honey Badger Mellivora capensis Seen well in Etosha NP.

Sea Lions Otariidae Afro-Australian (Cape) Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus Seen offshore at Walvis Bay.

Genets & Civets Viverridae Common Genet Genetta genetta Seen at our lodge in Rundu

Bovids and Horned Ungulates Bovidae Impala Aepyceros melampus We saw the typical subspecies (A. m. melampus) in Daan Viljoen NR, Chobe NP and Mahango GR and the black-faced subspecies (A. m. petersi) in Etosha NP. Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus Seen in Daan Viljoen NR, and later in Etosha NP. Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis An abundant species in Etosha NP, also seen on the edge of the Namib Desert. Common (Blue) Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus

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Seen in Etosha NP and Mahango GR. Topi (Tsessebe) Damaliscus lunatus Seen in Mahango GR. *Blesbok Damaliscus dorcas Not counting towards the trip total, however we did see four of these stunning antelope on a farm in the Khomas Hochland. Endemic to , these were obviously introduced animals. Roan Antelope Hippotragus equinus Seen in Mahango GR. Sable Antelope Hippotragus niger Seen in Mahango GR. Southern (Red) Lechwe Kobus leche Seen in Mahango GR. Kirk’s (Damara) Dik-dik Madoqua kirkii Seen at Ai Aiba Lodge and near Etosha NP. Note: According to a paper by Kumamoto et al. Molecular evidence suggests M. kirkii may be split into four distinctive species with M. damarensis the nominate species we encountered in Etosha, however, only M. kirkii is currently recognised and may require reassessment in the near future. Gemsbok Oryx gazelle Seen in Etosha NP, Daan Viljoen NR and the Namib Desert. Steenbok Raphicerus campestris These small antelope were seen in Etosha NP. Common (Grey) Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia Seen in and near Etosha NP. Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros We had many sightings of this elegant antelope throughout the tour.

Giraffes Giraffidae Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis Seen in Daan Viljoen NR, Etosha NP and Mahango GR. Note: According to a paper by Brown et al. (see http://www.biomedcentral.com/1741-7007/5/57) the Giraffe should be split into six separate species. Following this classification, the giraffe we saw would be called Angolan Giraffe.

Hippopotamuses Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius Seen along the Kavango and Zambezi Rivers.

Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus We had scattered sightings in and outside of reserves throughout the tour.

Old World Fruit Pteropodidae Peter’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus crypturus Seen at Kalizo Lodge. Rusty Pipistrelle Bat Pipistrellus rusticus Seen at Xaro Lodge

Hyraxes Procavidae Rock Procavia capensis Seen at Namibgrens, and Ai Aiba.

Hares and Rabbits Leporidae Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis

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Seen in Etosha NP. Horses Equidae Common (Plains/Burchell's) Zebra Equus quagga burchelli Seen in Etosha NP and Mahango GR. Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Equus zebra hartmannae Seen in Daan Viljoen NR and Namib-Naukluft NP.

Rhinoceroses Rhinocerotidae Black (Hooked-lipped) Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis Seen in Etosha NP. and Monkeys Cercopithecidae Chacma Baboon Papio cynocephalus ursinus Seen in Windhoek, the Khomas Hochland, Etosha NP, at Victoria Falls and Mahango GR. Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus pygerythrus Seen daily in the for the first half of the tour. NOTE: Some authors consider the Vervet Monkey in northern Namibia to be the Malbrouck Monkey [Chlorocebus cynosures] a spilt from the Vervet Monkey, which some authors consider conspecific with Vervet Monkey; furthermore some authors have 5 sub-species in Southern Africa with the one in Namibia being ngamienis.

Elephants Elephantidae African Elephant Loxodonta africana Seen in Etosha NP, the Okavango Panhandle and Bwabwata NP.

Dassie Rat Petromuridae Dassie Rat Petromus typicus We saw this, the only living representative of the Petromuridae family, at Namib Grens.

Squirrels Sciuridae South African Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris Seen near Avis Dam, in the Namib Desert, Spitzkoppe and Etosha NP. Smith’s Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi Seen almost daily in the first half of the tour.

Cane Rats Thryonomyidae Greater Cane Rat Thryonomys swinderianus Seen near our lodge in Rundu.

REPTILE SPECIES LIST (10 Species) Namib Rock Agama Agama planiceps Seen at Ai Aiba Lodge. Ground Agama Agama aculeata Seen in Etosha NP. African Striped Skink Trachlylepis striata Seen in Etosha NP. Ovambo Tree Skink Trachlylepis binotata Seen in Etosha NP. Crocodylus niloticus Seen along the Kavango River. Nile (Water) Monitor Varanus niloticus Seen in the Okavango Panhandle and at Kalizo Lodge. Rock (White-throated) Monitor Varanus albigularis

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We had a great sighting of one of these in Etosha NP. Helmeted (Marsh) Terrapin Pelomedusa subrufa Seen in Etosha NP. Black Dendroaspis polylepis Seen in the Okavango Panhandle. Green Water Snake Philothamnus hoplogaster Seen along the Kavango River.

Rockjumper Birding Ltd C/o Summit Trust Mauritius Limited Labourdonnais Village Mapou Mauritius Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: 1-888-990-5552 Email: [email protected] Alternative email: [email protected] Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com