South Africa Eastern South Africa & Western Cape Extension IX 4th November to 23rd November 2016 (18 Days) Trip Report
Bateleur by Clayton Burne Trip report compiled by Greg de Klerk
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 2 ______Tour Summary The Eastern South Africa and Western Cape comprehensive tour is designed to focus on South Africa’s most diverse and dynamic habitats and the associated species. From the epic Sani Pass at 2,784m above sea level to the dry Sand Forest of the KwaZulu-Natal north eastern coastline and the endemic rich Fynbos of the Western Cape, we had the opportunity to explore the full spectrum as we traversed the country during our 18-day tour, connecting with a vast array of bird species.
Our tour started with a quiet and calm arrival day in the bustling metropolis of Johannesburg. Here, we were able to bird conveniently in the gardens of our well-appointed guest house. The array of species available in this urban space is phenomenal and we were excited to connect with Karoo Thrush, Red-headed Finch, Grey- headed Gull, Pin-tailed Whydah, Southern Grey- headed Sparrow, Southern Red Bishop, Speckled Pigeon, Village & Southern Masked Weavers in full breeding attire, Laughing, Red- eyed & Ring-necked Doves, Cape White-eye, African Reed Warbler, Little Swift, Lesser Striped Swallow, Cape Robin-Chat, and Red- faced & Speckled Mousebirds. We all met for a welcome dinner later that evening before settling Southern Red Bishop by Adam Riley in for a good night’s rest.
We woke early the next morning with the intent of starting the tour with as many new species as we could muster. After a short trip, we arrived at the Zaagkuildrift Road, a patch of arid Acacia savanna which runs parallel to a small, dry riverbed and a great wetland. This represented our only opportunity to connect with many species only found in the more arid environment, usually associated with the western half of South Africa. Our day of birding here proved very successful, as we encountered Namaqua Dove, Red-billed Quelea, Cape Penduline Tit, Lesser Striped & Red-breasted Swallow, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Marico & Ashy Flycatcher, Cape & Burchell’s Starlings, African Reed Warbler, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Black-throated Canary, African Pipit, Helmeted Guineafowl, Egyptian & Spur-winged Goose, Knob-billed & Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed Teal, White-browed Scrub Robin, White- throated & Cape Robin-Chat, White-bellied Sunbird, Blue & Violet-eared Waxbill, Red- billed Firefinch, Crested Francolin, Swainson’s Spurfowl, African Sacred, Hadada & Glossy Ibises, African Spoonbill, Western Cattle Egret, Black-headed Heron, Little Egret, Reed Cormorant, Black-winged Kite, Black-chested & Brown Snake Eagles, Yellow-billed Kite, African Fish Eagle, Common Buzzard, Green- winged Pytilia, Zitting Cisticola, Cape Wagtail, Swainson’s Spurfowl by Leon Fouche
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 3 ______Blacksmith, Crowned & African Wattled Lapwing, African Jacana, Common Greenshank, Wood Sandpiper, Little Stint, Ruff, Ring-necked Dove, Jacobin Cuckoo, Pied Crow, and the first of many Grey Go-away-birds.
We also managed excellent views of African Palm, Little & White-rumped Swift, a vocal Brown-hooded Kingfisher, the comical Southern Red-billed, Southern Yellow-billed & African Grey Hornbills, a stunning Crested Barbet, both Rufous-naped & Sabota Larks, a busy trio of Burnt-necked Eremomela, the first of many Magpie Shrikes, the first arriving Lesser Grey Shrikes, Southern Fiscal, Dark-capped Bulbuls, Fork-tailed Drongo, African Paradise Flycatcher, and the noisy Rattling Cisticola; while the Hirundines were also full of activity, providing Barn, White-throated & Pearl-breasted Swallow. Yellow-billed Hornbill by Markus Lilje We also had much success in connecting with many of the area’s specials, including a couple of displaying Northern Black Korhaan, the stunning Crimson-breasted Shrike, a raucous family of Southern Pied Babbler, a male Black-chested Prinia in breeding plumage, a very active Grey-backed Camaroptera, a vocal Kalahari Scrub Robin, busy White-browed Sparrow-Weavers at their nests, a solitary Great Sparrow, a small flock of Scaly-feathered Weaver, and a lovely view of Desert Cisticola; while also locating Giraffe, Vervet, Common Wildebeest, Impala and Blesbok before stopping for a good lunch in the field.
After lunch, we departed the area and headed toward Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. The gardens are found in the centre of Krugersdorp in Johannesburg and are surrounded by open cliff faces and the Witpoortjie Falls. Aside from the scenic beauty, the cliffs also provide a reliable nesting site for the Verreaux’s Eagle, which sadly remained out of sight, but the quiet river and associated riverine vegetation held many species, including African Black Swift, Fiscal Flycatcher and Cape Robin-Chat. However, before any further birding could be done, a large storm broke over the area. After a great day of birding, we returned to our guesthouse for a wonderful dinner and a good night’s rest as the anticipation grew with the knowledge that we’d be visiting the Kruger National Park the following day.
Some early morning garden birding allowed us to connect with the Karoo Thrush, Pin-tailed Whydah and Red-headed Finches before we departed Johannesburg and headed east, to the Kruger National Park. But first, our route out of Gauteng took us through some fallow wheat White-throated Swallow by Markus Lilje fields, where we managed to connect with
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 4 ______Helmeted Guineafowl, Egyptian Goose, White-breasted Cormorant, Red-knobbed Coot, Cape Crow, Capped Wheatear and Long-tailed Widowbird. A short while later, we stopped at the gateway to Kruger, Nelspruit, for lunch.
After a wonderful lunch, we made our way toward the world-renowned Kruger National Park, a reserve of 2.8 million hectares (6.9 million acres) covered by a mixture of Acacia Savanna and Grassland Savanna associated with the granite soils prevalent in the region. We entered at Orpen Gate and proceeded to locate Tawny Eagle, Bateleur, African Hawk-Eagle, Red-crested Korhaan, White-backed Vulture, Southern Black Tit, a pair of Double-banded Sandgrouse, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Lilac- breasted Roller, Little & European Bee-eater, Chinspot Batis, Black-backed Puffback, Brubru, Lilac-breasted Roller by Dubi Shapiro Black-headed Oriole, Common House Martin, Violet-backed Starling, Red-billed Oxpeckers, Pale Flycatcher, Yellow-throated Petronia, and a few Golden-breasted Buntings; while also managing great views of a few of the more common mammals, including Waterbuck, Greater Kudu, Nyala, Steenbok, Common Warthog, Common Dwarf, Slender & Banded Mongoose, Chacma Baboon, and a rather special sighting of a Sharpe’s Grysbok moving quietly through the thickets. Of course, the biggest attractions are the larger mammals in Kruger National Park, and we were not disappointed when we managed to locate African Buffalo and African Elephant all before arriving at Satara Rest Camp. In the last remaining hours of the day, we managed to locate a Pearl-spotted Owlet and a Mourning Collared Dove before we settled in for a good dinner, in the company of our local guide, Elvis, later enjoying a welcome rest for our wary bodies.
An early morning drive allowed us to encounter many species associated with the grassland savanna biome characteristic of this region. Thankfully, a tinge of green had returned, as a few areas had received some rainfall, however, much of the landscape remained barren, but showed signs that the severe drought that had gripped South Africa was slowly coming to an end. We headed north toward Olifants Camp in the hope of finding some interesting species, and were rewarded with great views of Common Ostrich, White-headed & Lappet-faced Vultures, Purple Roller and Wahlberg’s Eagle. The open grasslands are also home to one of the Pearl-spotted Owlet by Leon Fouche world’s heaviest flying birds, the Kori Bustard, which gave us excellent views. We then stopped for breakfast, where we added Marabou Stork, Grey & Goliath Heron, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Brown-headed Parrot, Mocking Cliff Chat, Marico Sunbird,
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 5 ______Lesser Masked Weaver and African Pied Wagtail. After a great breakfast, we headed out along the Olifants River, where we recorded Saddle-billed & Yellow-billed Stork, Pied Kingfisher, Common Sandpiper, Three-banded Plover, Hamerkop, Squacco & Striated Heron, African Spoonbill, Whiskered Tern and Wire-tailed Swallow. Although conditions were a bit cold and windy, we still encountered a Spotted Hyena, a single Honey Badger and a Hippopotamus, which complimented our birding perfectly before we returned to camp for lunch.
We settled into our comfortable accommodation for a midday siesta, before a mid-afternoon walk around the camp provided us with sightings of Greater Blue-eared Starling, African Scops Owl, Mourning Collared Dove, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver and Yellow-fronted Canary. Orange- breasted Bushshrike, Spectacled Weaver, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Black-backed Hamerkop by Adam Riley Puffback, Diederik Cuckoo, and Green Wood Hoopoe were seen before setting out for a brief afternoon drive, which yielded a pride of Lion before we returned to our camp for dinner and a rather successful night drive, during which we connected with another Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, White-tailed Mongoose, South African Large-spotted Genet and a few Scrub Hares. We finally laid our heads to rest before a journey south the next day.
The next day, we departed Satara Restcamp heading south toward Skukuza via Tshokwane. The main road kept us running parallel to a riverbed as we transitioned from grassland savanna to woodland savanna, characterised by larger broad-leaved trees. Along the way, we were very fortunate to encounter further sightings of Lion and a Klipspringer standing atop large granite boulders; while also managing to locate a few White Rhinoceros and a lovely male Leopard, which was joined by a Thick-billed Cuckoo in a dry riverbed. We were also extremely lucky with the birdlife along the route, managing to record Natal Spurfowl, African Harrier-Hawk, Hooded Vulture, Martial Eagle, Marsh Sandpiper, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Alpine Swift, Woodland Kingfisher, Common Scimitarbill, Bearded & Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Retz’s Helmetshrike, Grey- headed Bushshrike, Black-crowned Tchagra, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Green-backed Camaroptera, Kurrichane Thrush, Grey Tit- Flycatcher, Southern Black Flycatcher, and Yellow-throated Longclaw, before arriving at our camp where we enjoyed a great lunch and a brief siesta.
After a good stop for lunch and a walk around camp, we managed to find African Green Pigeon, Purple-crested Turaco, Bearded Scrub Robin, Collared Sunbird, Water Thick-knee, Black-collared Barbet, Sand Martin, Red-faced Cisticola, African Reed Warbler, Sombre Grey-headed Bushshrike by Markus Lilje
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 6 ______Greenbul, and Terrestrial Brownbul. We decided to take a drive along the Sabie River a couple of minutes later, which proved very rewarding. Along this stretch of road, we found African Black Duck, African Openbill, Great Egret, Black Crake, White-crowned Lapwing and Malachite Kingfisher, before settling for dinner on our final night in Kruger National Park while Greater Thick-tailed Galago and Cape Porcupine made an appearance in camp.
The next morning, we started early as we took the time to explore the camp gardens, adding Giant Kingfisher, White-browed Robin-Chat, Scarlet- chested Sunbird, Yellow-fronted Canary and a few of the more common species, including African Green Pigeon, Black-collared Barbet and White-bellied Sunbird, before breakfast in the company of a Black Cuckoo and three African Clawless Otters. We then departed Kruger and our drive to the reserve exit provided good encounters with White-crested Helmetshrike, Stierling’s Wren-Warbler and a few good looks at some earlier recorded species, including Giant Kingfisher by Leon Fouche Golden-breasted Bunting, Tawny Eagle, Yellow- billed & Marabou Storks, Grey Heron, Great & Little Egret, and Hooded & White-backed Vulture, with a supporting cast of Lion, African Buffalo, Nyala, Impala, Bushbuck, Greater Kudu, Waterbuck and Steenbok. Satisfied with our time in Kruger, we began our scenic trip to the Highland Grasslands of Wakkerstroom.
A couple of productive stops along the way produced African Stonechat, Cape Shoveler, Hottentot Teal, Greater Flamingo, Southern Bald & Glossy Ibis, Long-crested Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Common Moorhen, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Greater Striped Swallow, Bronze Mannikin, Common Swift and Pied Starling; while we were also able to record Blue Korhaan, Grey-crowned Crane and a surprise immature Pallid Harrier as we approached our accommodation. We arrived at our wonderful lodgings in the late afternoon, where we enjoyed a flavourful dinner before enjoying a much needed sleep after a long day of travel.
The early morning started in the company of local guide, Lucky, with beautiful clear skies in Wakkerstroom, and allowed us to locate Secretarybird, Denham’s Bustard, Blue Crane, Rock Kestrel, Cape Batis, Olive Bushshrike, Banded Martin, African Yellow Warbler, an incredible view of Barratt’s Warbler, Wailing, Levaillant’s, Pale-crowned & Wing-snapping Cisticola, Quailfinch, Cape Canary, Drakensberg Prinia, Bush Blackcap, Ant-eating Chat, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Malachite Sunbird, Fan-tailed & Red-collared Widowbird, Eastern Long-billed Lark, and the handsome endemic, Yellow- Secretarybird by Adam Riley
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 7 ______breasted Pipit. We returned to the lodge for breakfast a short time later to an amazing spread, while managing to connect with Cape Weaver and Amethyst Sunbird from the dining area. Aware of the high possibility of thunderstorms in the evening, with the potential accompanying winds, we made the decision to try connecting early with two major targets of the Highveld Grasslands. We headed off in the direction of Fickland Pan and along the way, managed to locate Grey-winged Francolin, Montagu’s Harrier, Spotted Thick-knee, Black- winged Lapwing, Cape Longclaw, Spike-heeled, Eastern Clapper & Red-capped Lark, and Buff- streaked & Yellow-crowned Bishop. We arrived at Fickland Pan and went in search of one of the major target species of the high altitude grasslands, and had excellent views of the endemic Rudd’s Lark scurrying through the grass in a mouse like fashion, before meeting a Spike-heeled Lark by Keith Valentine second Rudd’s Lark with which it began to fight. We then settled for a good lunch in the field with a view of Fickland Pan, which was teeming with birds, including Little & Great Crested Grebe, Red- knobbed Coot, Greater Flamingo, Spur-winged & Egyptian Goose, South African Shelduck, Cape & Red- billed Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard and the “pin-tailed” Maccoa Duck.
The afternoon saw us heading off in direction of Daggakraal, connecting with Mountain Wheatear in the process. Here we managed to find and view the endangered and endemic Botha’s Lark after a brief search, which also presented us with excellent views of African Pipit. With a storm developing, we decided to try our luck in Dirkiesdorp with a search for the White-bellied Bustard. As we were travelling, a large bird flew over us and we stopped as a pair of White-bellied Bustard landed nearby in a field, providing excellent views. With a bit of time remaining, we decided to try for another special and headed off to another area, locating Common Eland, Black Wildebeest and Grey Rhebok along the way, before we arrived at an area covered by large granite rocks and a steep gradient down to a valley. Here we connected with an African Rock Pipit before returning to the guest house to freshen up for another excellent meal and great night’s sleep.
Our final morning in Wakkerstroom offered some great birding in the immediate surrounds of the town and the local wetlands. With the weather remaining clear, we managed to add Red-winged Francolin, Little Bittern, Black- crowned Night Heron, Red-chested Flufftail, African Rail, African Swamphen, African Snipe, Red-throated Wryneck, a young Lanner Falcon, Bokmakierie, Cape Grassbird, South African Juvenile Lanner Falcon by Glen Valentine Cliff Swallow, Common Starling, Olive Thrush, Streaky-headed Seedeater, and Lesser Swamp & Little Rush Warbler during the morning, before returning to the lodge for breakfast. After an enjoyable breakfast,
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 8 ______we departed the grasslands of Wakkerstroom, heading east toward Mkuze. We continued to bird through the day, stopping regularly to view Black-bellied Starling, Specatcled Weaver, African Yellow White-eye and Willow Warbler.
With a good meal behind us, we arrived in a very humid Mkuze and immediately decided to explore our surroundings. The magical Sand Forest biome, in which our accommodation was based, holds some incredible species and we were able to locate Rudd’s Apalis, the comical Crested Guineafowl and vocal Square-tailed Drongo around the lodge. A late afternoon storm developed while we ate dinner, and we then retired to get as much sleep as possible with an early start the next day.
The next morning, we woke to amazing clear skies and a light breeze as we entered Mkuze Rudd’s Apalis by Hugh Chittenden Game Reserve. Mercifully, the park had flourished with a large amount of rain, and the drought that had been evident during the previous tour had clearly ended. The Mkuze River was flowing and the vegetation was lush and green while all the waterholes were full. The morning started well, with views of Burchell’s Coucal, African Cuckoo, Flappet Lark, Trumpeter Hornbills, Woolly-necked Stork, Great White & Pink-backed Pelican, African Darter, Striped Kingfisher, African Dusky Flycatcher, Terrestrial Brownbul and Red-fronted Tinkerbird as we began exploring the Sand Forest biome, before we stopped for a break at a hide. With the wind increasing, it was becoming increasingly difficult to hear calls, but I was alerted to the presence of another target species as it called its quiet, tinkling call, and a few moments later, we were viewing the incredible Pink- throated Twinspot.
We then proceeded into the reserve and investigated the various pans within. Here we encountered Lemon- breasted Canary, Gorgeous Bushshrike, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Purple-banded Sunbird, Dark-backed Weaver, White-winged Widowbird and Red- billed Oxpecker. Ensumo Pan was full, but only Black-winged Stilts and a few Three-banded Plovers, a Goliath Heron and a flock of African Openbill were present. A Senegal Lapwing, Black Cuckooshrike, Brown-crowned Tchagra, and Cardinal Woodpecker were all present along the way. As we left the park, we stopped at Muzi Pan to connect with Collared Pratincole, African Openbill, White-winged Tern and a few Pink- backed Pelicans. After a fantastic day of birding, we returned to the lodge and settled in for dinner.
The next morning, a brief stroll in the lodge Purple-banded Sunbird by Adam Riley grounds produced Crested Guineafowl, Blue-
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 9 ______Mantled Crested Flycatcher and Eastern Nicator before we headed off to False Bay Park and managed to locate Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, and Neergaard’s & Grey Sunbirds; while we also found Natal Red & Common Duiker in the thickets. We returned to camp for breakfast before we departed for St Lucia.
We arrived in time to locate Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Common Tern, and Southern Brown-throated, Thick-billed & Eastern Golden Weaver along the St Lucia estuary. We checked into our accommodation and then set off to explore the coastal forest in the surrounding area. The forest was a hive of activity and we managed to connect with Livingstone’s Turaco, Southern Boubou, Black Saw-wing, Red-capped Robin-Chat, African Goshawk and White-eared Barbet. We arrived back at our accommodation Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird by David Hoddinott to freshen before dinner and a rather wet night drive, which produced Swamp & Fiery-necked Nightjar, while a few smaller creatures featured in the form of a Spotted Hyena and a Setaro’s Dwarf Chameleon. Happy with the day’s events, we drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, we rose early and set off to investigate the climax coastal forest around the lodge before breakfast, while a weather cell produced cold conditions. We were rewarded with excellent views of Brown Scrub Robin and Olive Sunbird. We also had leisure to check the estuary mouth, which yielded Rufous-winged Cisticola, Common Ringed, Three-banded & Kittlitz’s Plovers, Purple Heron, Sanderling and Caspian Terns before enjoying a wonderful breakfast spread back at our lodgings. We then made our way across to Cape Vidal for the afternoon. Again, the weather was extremely unpredictable and we drove through torrential rainfall and sunshine as we traversed the coastal grasslands with interspersed forest patches, while managing to connect with a magnificent Black-bellied Bustard, Croaking Cisticola, Fan-tailed Widowbird, and both Southern- banded & Brown Snake Eagle, before stopping for a wet lunch break where we recorded Woodward’s Batis. After lunch, we were fortunate to locate a Black Rhinoceros, Red Bush Squirrel and Blue Monkey before we returned to St Lucia and headed off to dinner.
An early morning departure allowed us to beat the rush hour Woodward’s Batis by Clayton Burne traffic and pass through the vast Eucalyptus and Pine plantations rapidly as we made our way to Eshowe and the pristine, climax scarp forest of Dlinza Forest Reserve. Arriving as the gates opened, we embarked on a lovely trail that allowed us to connect with African Olive Pigeon, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Olive Woodpecker, Green-backed Camaroptera, Olive Thrush and
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 10 ______Chorister Robin-Chat; while a dainty Blue Duiker moved quietly through the forest. A short while later, we stopped for lunch in Mtunzini while recording Palm-nut Vulture in the Raphia Palms. After we had satiated our hunger, we began our long drive through to Hilton before arriving at our overnight stop and enjoying a fantastic dinner.
A beautiful morning greeted us, as we began by birding at the Howick Falls area, which produced a nesting Crowned Eagle. We moved to the areas around the Karkloof conservation area a short while later. The magnificent conditions allowed us to explore the mistbelt forest and agricultural land and we managed to add Familiar Chat, Red-collared Widowbird, Malachite Kingfisher, White Stork, and Grey & Blue Crane before we arrived at Benvie Gardens. We quickly set about birding and manged to add Knysna Turaco, African Emerald Crowned Eagle by Adam Riley Cuckoo, Brown-throated Martin, Bar-throated Apalis, Orange Ground Thrush, Grey Cuckooshrike, Mountain Wagtail, Forest Canary and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds. After a magnificent morning, we settled for lunch, joined by Forest Canary and Cape White-eye.
We then began the drive to Underberg, stopping at Impendle Nature Reserve where we watched three pairs of Blue Swallow, a Denham’s Bustard, Yellow Bishop and many Common Quail. Along the way, we stopped at Marutsa Forest, which was quiet but produced Swee & Common Waxbill. Ultimately, another storm broke and made any further birding impossible. We arrived at our lovely accommodation at the foot of Sani Pass just as heavy rain set in. We had a delightful meal and a good night’s sleep before a very exciting birding day to follow.
It was an early morning start to one of the highlights of the tour, a day trip up Sani Pass. The magnificent blue skies were ideal for birding, although the strong gusting wind was not welcome, and we connected with Red-necked Spurfowl, Brown- backed Honeybird, Ground Woodpecker, Red- throated Wryneck, White-necked Raven, Barrat’s Warbler, Drakensberg Prinia, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Cape Rock Thrush, Malachite Sunbird, African Firefinch, Yellow Bishop, Streaky-headed Seedeater, and Cape, Yellow & Brimstone Canaries as we climbed the mountainside. As we approached the top of the pass, a splendid Drakensberg Rockjumper came bounding down a rock strewn ravine and while we watched, Drakensberg Siskin and Cape Drakensberg Rockjumper by Adam Riley Bunting also came into view.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 11 ______Reaching the top of the pass, the wind picked up substantially across the scrubby Karoo-like environment, while heavy cloud began to build, but we still managed to connect with Black Stork, Bearded Vulture, Mountain Pipit, Sickle-winged Chat and Large-billed Lark before settling into a good spot for lunch. We then ventured out as the storm passed and managed to find Cape Vulture, Layard’s Warbler and Grey Tit before returning to Underberg, where we connected with a family of Wattled Crane and a Half-collared Kingfisher before returning to our guesthouse where we enjoyed a magnificent dinner.
The following day, we enjoyed an early breakfast before we departed Underberg to connect with our flight from King Shaka International Airport to Cape Town and bid farewell to two of the participants. On arrival in Cape Town, we found strong South Easterly gale force winds, which meant our Pelagic was cancelled and birding would be quite a challenge. We immediately met two new participants for the tour before heading off to the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. After a great lunch, we set out to explore this magnificent garden nestled in the Cape Sugarbird by Glen Valentine shadow of Table Mountain and managed to connect with the endemic Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Spurfowl and Cape Bulbul; while Common Chaffinch, Swee Waxbill, and Brimstone & Forest Canary all showed beautifully, before we headed to our guest house overlooking False Bay. We arrived at our guesthouse late in the afternoon and immediately settled in, where some members recorded Cape Petrel, Cape Gannet, Greater Crested Tern, Cape Cormorant and African Oystercatcher before heading out for a delicious dinner.
The next morning, we headed out along the coastline of False Bay to explore the Hottentot’s Holland Mountain range. We began by searching the vast cliff faces of Rooi-Els, but strong gale force winds continued to blow, making birding very difficult and we sadly dipped on the Cape Rockjumper, although we did manage to connect with Cape Siskin and Karoo Prinia before arriving at the Stony Point penguin colony, near Betty’s Bay, where we managed to get superb views of the African Penguins. This colony is probably South Africa’s only penguin colony that has seen significant increases in the number of breeding pairs over the last two decades. We also connected with the marine species of cormorant that breed here: Crowned, Cape & Bank Cormorant were all seen well. The resident Rock Hyraxes also provided some entertainment.
The beautiful, fynbos-based Harold Porter Botanical Gardens, provided a great setting for Cape Petrel by Glen Valentine
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 12 ______lunch and our next birding stop, allowing us to get close to Familiar Chat, Fiscal Flycatcher, Swee Waxbill and Sombre Greenbul before we headed off to explore Sir Lowry’s Pass to attempt the Cape Rockjumper once again, however, it was clear that the wind was getting stronger and stronger and when we arrived to a wind strong enough to impede our walking ability, we abandoned the area and returned to Simon’s Town, where some guests managed views of a White-chinned Petrel. Finally, we settled to enjoy an excellent dinner before a fantastic night’s rest.
The next morning dawned with excitement as we made our way to Cape Point to attempt some land-based pelagic birding from the Cape coastline. The wind was howling gusts of up to 70km/h, but we still got distant views of Cape Gannet, Shy Albatross and Greater Crested Tern Shy Albatross by Glen Valentine from the point. We then found a more sheltered spot from the wind, where we found Sooty Shearwater and Southern Giant Petrel flying by. After a few hours of trying to find some seabirds, we headed off to Kommetjie, a quiet coastal town, where we connected with African Black Swift, Black Oystercatcher, Whimbrel and Crowned Cormorant, before stopping for an excellent lunch.
With a large part of the day still available, we decided to visit the Strandfontein water treatment plant, which produced Common Starling, Egyptian Goose, Little, Great Crested & Black-necked Grebe, Cape & Red-billed Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard, Helmeted Guineafowl, Bar- tailed Godwit, Marsh & Curlew Sandpiper, Pied Avocet, Sandwich Tern, and Greater & Lesser Flamingo, before heading out to dinner and returning to camp for a wonderful sleep on our last evening in this wonderful region.
After an excellent breakfast, we departed Simon’s Town, bound for the west coast. Our journey took us to the wetlands near Blouberg Beach. Here we viewed Great-crested Grebe, Black-crowned Night Heron, Western Cattle Egret, Common Moorhen, and Red-knobbed Coot, and added White-backed Duck to our tally. Arriving at West Coast National Park, we immediately connected with Karoo Scrub-Robin and White-backed Mousebird in the coastal fynbos, while also recording Sacred Ibis, Common Ostrich, African Marsh Harrier, Yellow Canary and a petite Steenbok before lunch.
Just before lunch, we connected with our two main targets, an immature Black Harrier – which caused much debate at lunch, and Southern Black Korhaan – which we needed to walk after Southern Black Korhaan by Clayton Burne to locate in a thicket it had flown into. At the
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 13 ______restaurant, we had a fair amount of success, locating Yellow Bishop, Southern Fiscal and Cape Weavers while enjoying a light meal. With the tide going out late in the lagoon, we made a plan to still connect with Ruddy Turnstone, Sanderling, Ruff, South African Shelduck, Grey & Black-headed Heron, Great & Little Egret, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Terek & Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Sanderling, Little Stint, Common Ringed, Grey, Kittlitz’s & Three-banded Plovers, and Greater & Lesser Flamingo. We finally decided to depart the park and head to Ceres late into the afternoon. We arrived at our accommodation in the late afternoon and immediately settled in for the night in anticipation of an interesting day in the Karoo.
The Tanqua Karoo would play host to us for a full day trip. The open expanse, punctuated with low, shrubby vegetation and an absence of large trees, makes this area seem uninviting, but there were many species to be seen. The Namaqua Warbler was the first species to grab our attention as it flitted between the Phragmites reeds and grasses near the road. The nearby rocky outcrops also provided us with excellent views of Mountain Wheatear, while Grey- backed Cisticola and a White-throated Canary flitted nearby. An Acacia-lined dry river course produced a single Grey Tit, Fairy Flycatcher and Rufous-eared Warbler by Glen Valentine Pririt Batis. Further along the road, Rufous- eared Warbler displayed atop some sparsely covered low shrubs while Karoo & Tractrac Chats, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Booted Eagle and Long- billed Crombec all kept us entertained. A Large-billed Lark mixed with a nearby Karoo Lark. The Karoo Eremomela was one of the highlight species of the day as we traversed this arid environment. Satisfied with a great day of birding, we slowly made our way back to Ceres via the Gydo Pass, where a pair of Protea Canaries were located. We arrived back at camp and enjoyed a celebratory farewell dinner on our final night on tour.
Our final morning was a relaxed start, allowing us to savour a good rest and reflect on an incredible tour through this dynamic country. After a delicious breakfast, we departed Ceres via the Du Toit’s Kloof Pass, where we managed to connect with a single Protea Canary before taking the final stretch of road to Cape Town. After a memorable eighteen days across five provinces, a vast number of diverse biomes, some fantastic scenery, during which time we recorded 477 species of bird and 48 mammal species, the tour concluded as we arrived at Cape Town International Airport.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 14 ______Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded.
List powered through the report generator of our partner iGoTerra.
Birds (477 in total: 477 seen) Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2015. IOC World Bird List (v 5.2).
Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced
IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient
Ostrich Struthionidae
Common Ostrich Struthio camelus australis
(4) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae
White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata
(4) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and St. Lucia Estuary 14.11.
White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus leuconotus
(1) Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis niger
(12) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 15 ______(19) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants- Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, St. Lucia Estuary 14.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Stony Point 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
South African Shelduck Tadorna cana
(3) Fickland Pan 10.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Cape Teal Anas capensis
(3) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
African Black Duck Anas sparsa sparsa
(1) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11.
Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata undulata
(11) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Underberg 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Cape Shoveler Anas smithii
(4) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota
(1) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11.
Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma brunnea
(2) Fickland Pan 10.11 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Maccoa Duck (NT) Oxyura maccoa
(2) Fickland Pan 10.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 16 ______Guineafowl Numididae
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris coronatus
(14) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Nelspruit 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani edouardi
(4) Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies Phasianidae
Grey-winged Francolin Scleroptila afra
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Red-winged Francolin Scleroptila levaillantii levaillantii
(2) Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena sephaena
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11.
Cape Spurfowl Pternistis capensis
(4) Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Cape Point 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Natal Spurfowl Pternistis natalensis natalensis
(2) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Red-necked Spurfowl Pternistis afer castaneiventer
(2) Sani Pass 17.11 and 1 Underberg 18.11.
Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii swainsonii
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11 and Dirkiesdorp 10.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 17 ______Common Quail Coturnix coturnix africana
(3) 1 Wakkerstroom 10.11, Impendle NR 16.11 and 1 Sani Pass 17.11.
Penguins Spheniscidae
African Penguin (EN) Spheniscus demersus
(1) Stony Point 19.11.
Albatrosses Diomedeidae
Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris
(1) Cape Point 20.11.
Shearwaters and Petrels Procellariidae
Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus
(1) Cape Point 20.11.
Cape Petrel Daption capense capense
(1) Simon's Town 18.11.
White-chinned Petrel (VU) Procellaria aequinoctialis
(1) Simon's Town 19.11.
Sooty Shearwater (NT) Puffinus griseus
(1) Cape Point 20.11.
Grebes Podicipedidae
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis capensis
(6) Fickland Pan 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus infuscatus
(4) Fickland Pan 10.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis gurneyi
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 18 ______(1) Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Flamingos Phoenicopteridae
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
(6) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Karkloof 16.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Lesser Flamingo (NT) Phoeniconaias minor
(2) Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Storks Ciconiidae
Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis
(5) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus lamelligerus
(2) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Black Stork Ciconia nigra
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus microscelis
(6) Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11, Howick Falls 16.11 and King Shaka International Airport 18.11.
White Stork Ciconia ciconia ciconia
(3) Karkloof 16.11, Ceres 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
(3) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer
(3) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 19 ______Ibises and Spoonbills Threskiornithidae
African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
(13) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Southern Bald Ibis (VU) Geronticus calvus
(3) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash hagedash
(20) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Wakkerstroom 9.11, Daggakraal 10.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
(8) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Simon's Town 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
African Spoonbill Platalea alba
(7) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, St. Lucia Estuary 14.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae
Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus payesii
(1) Wakkerstroom 11.11.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax nycticorax
(2) Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Striated Heron Butorides striata atricapilla
(3) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 20 ______Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
(3) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
(20) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Stony Point 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea cinerea
(12) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Underberg 16.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
(15) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, Hilton 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Simon's Town 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
(3) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea purpurea
(2) St. Lucia Estuary 14.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Great Egret Ardea alba melanorhynchos
(7) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 14.11, Sani Pass 17.11 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta garzetta
(14) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP 7.11, Kruger NP 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Stony Point 19.11, Kommetjie 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 21 ______Hamerkop Scopidae
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta umbretta
(2) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11.
Pelicans Pelecanidae
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
(5) Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, St Lucia 14.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
(3) Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11 and St. Lucia Estuary 14.11.
Boobies and Gannets Sulidae
Cape Gannet (VU) Morus capensis
(4) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11 and Cape Point 20.11.
Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae
Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus africanus
(15) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St. Lucia Estuary 14.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Crowned Cormorant Microcarbo coronatus
(2) Stony Point 19.11 and Kommetjie 20.11.
Bank Cormorant (EN) Phalacrocorax neglectus
(1) Stony Point 19.11.
White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus
(7) ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Stony Point 19.11, Kommetjie 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Cape Cormorant (NT) Phalacrocorax capensis
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 22 ______(4) Simon's Town 18.11, Stony Point 19.11, Kommetjie 20.11 and Simon's Town 21.11.
Anhingas Anhingidae
African Darter Anhinga rufa rufa
(4) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Secretary-bird Sagittariidae
Secretarybird (VU) Sagittarius serpentarius
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Osprey Pandionidae
Western Osprey Pandion haliaetus haliaetus
(2) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus caeruleus
(7) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus typus
(3) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Karkloof 16.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis
(1) Mtunzini 15.11.
Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Hooded Vulture (EN) Necrosyrtes monachus
(2) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
White-backed Vulture (NT) Gyps africanus
(4) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 23 ______Cape Vulture (VU) Gyps coprotheres
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
White-headed Vulture (VU) Trigonoceps occipitalis
(2) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11 and Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Lappet-faced Vulture (VU) Torgos tracheliotos tracheliotos
(2) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11 and Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Southern Banded Snake Eagle (NT) Circaetus fasciolatus
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Bateleur (NT) Terathopius ecaudatus
(5) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Crowned Eagle (NT) Stephanoaetus coronatus
(1) Howick Falls 16.11.
Martial Eagle (NT) Polemaetus bellicosus
(1) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis
(4) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Pongola 11.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11 and Underberg 18.11.
Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi
(4) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 24 ______Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
(1) Gydo Pass 22.11.
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax rapax
(5) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster
(3) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11 and Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus
(1) Karoopoort 22.11.
African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro tachiro
(1) iGwalagwala trail 13.11.
African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus
(3) Fickland Pan 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Black Harrier (VU) Circus maurus
(1) West Coast NP 21.11.
Pallid Harrier (NT) Circus macrourus
(1) Wakkerstroom 9.11.
Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius parasitus
(18) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants- Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Simon's Town 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 25 ______African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
(9) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, 1 St Lucia 13.11, Karkloof 16.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo vulpinus
(15) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus
(7) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Ceres 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Bustards Otididae
Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori kori
(1) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11.
Denham's Bustard (NT) Neotis denhami stanleyi
(2) Dirkiesdorp 10.11 and Impendle NR 16.11.
White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis barrowii
(1) Dirkiesdorp 10.11.
Blue Korhaan (NT) Eupodotis caerulescens
(2) Wakkerstroom 9.11 and Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista
(2) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11 and Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Southern Black Korhaan Afrotis afra
(1) West Coast NP 21.11.
Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides afraoides
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 26 ______(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster notophila
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Flufftails Sarothruridae
Buff-spotted Flufftail Sarothrura elegans elegans
(2) 1 iGwalagwala trail 13.11 and 1 Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 14.11.
Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa rufa
(1) Wakkerstroom 11.11.
Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae
African Rail Rallus caerulescens
(2) Wakkerstroom 11.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra
(2) Kruger NP 8.11 and Wakkerstroom 11.11.
African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis
(2) Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus meridionalis
(5) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
(11) ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, observed Underberg 16-18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Cranes Gruidae
Grey Crowned Crane (VU) Balearica regulorum regulorum
(6) Observed Wakkerstroom 9-11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11 and Underberg 18.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 27 ______Blue Crane (VU) Grus paradisea
(5) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Underberg 17.11, Ceres 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Wattled Crane Grus carunculata
(1) Underberg 17.11.
Thick-knees Burhinidae
Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus vermiculatus
(4) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis
(2) Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Oystercatchers Haematopodidae
African Oystercatcher (NT) Haematopus moquini
(4) Simon's Town 18.11, Stony Point 19.11, Kommetjie 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
(8) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
(2) Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae
Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus
(15) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Stony Point 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 28 ______White-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps
(1) Kruger NP 8.11.
Senegal Lapwing Vanellus lugubris
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Black-winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus minor
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus
(6) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus lateralis
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and 1 Sani Pass 17.11.
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola squatarola
(1) West Coast NP 21.11.
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula tundrae
(1) West Coast NP 21.11.
Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius
(3) Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris tricollaris
(8) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Jacanas Jacanidae
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 29 ______(6) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae
African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis nigripennis
(2) Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Skitterykloof 22.11.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica lapponica
(2) Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus phaeopus
(2) Kommetjie 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
(3) Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
(9) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
(6) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
(1) West Coast NP 21.11.
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
(5) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Pongola 11.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres interpres
(1) West Coast NP 21.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 30 ______Sanderling Calidris alba alba
(4) St. Lucia Estuary 14.11, Simon's Town 19.11, Simon's Town 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Little Stint Calidris minuta
(10) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, St. Lucia Estuary 14.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
(2) Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Ruff Philomachus pugnax
(7) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Fickland Pan 10.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola fuelleborni
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Laridae
Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus poiocephalus
(6) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Sunrock Gesthouse 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 6.11, St. Lucia Estuary 14.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Hartlaub's Gull Chroicocephalus hartlaubii
(3) Stony Point 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
(5) St. Lucia Estuary 14.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Stony Point 19.11, Kommetjie 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
(2) St. Lucia Estuary 14.11 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii bergii
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 31 ______(4) Simon's Town 18.11, Simon's Town 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
(3) Simon's Town 19.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo hirundo
(4) St Lucia 13.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Stony Point 19.11 and Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida delalandii
(9) Kruger NP 7.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Underberg 17.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Ceres 22.11.
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Skuas and Jaegers Stercorariidae
Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus
(1) Simon's Town 20.11.
Sandgrouse Pteroclidae
Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus
(1) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11.
Pigeons and Doves Columbidae
Rock Dove Columba livia livia
(11) Observed Sunrock Gesthouse 4-6.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Underberg 18.11, observed Simon's Town 19-21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea phaeonota
(14) Observed Sunrock Gesthouse 4-6.11, observed Wakkerstroom 9-11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11, Underberg 18.11, observed Simon's Town 19-21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 32 ______(2) Dlinza Forest NR 15.11 and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
Mourning Collared Dove Streptopelia decipiens ambigua
(3) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11 and Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11.
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
(14) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11, 1 Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 14.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11 and observed Ceres 21- 23.11.
Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola
(15) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Nelspruit 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Simon's Town 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis senegalensis
(15) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants- Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Karkloof 16.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Karoopoort 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos
(3) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11.
Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria
(2) 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11 and 1 Mkuze GR 12.11.
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis capensis
(3) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
African Green Pigeon Treron calvus delalandii
(3) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 33 ______Turacos Musophagidae
Livingstone's Turaco Tauraco livingstonii reichenowi
(2) iGwalagwala trail 13.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 14.11.
Knysna Turaco Tauraco corythaix
(1) Karkloof 16.11.
Purple-crested Turaco Tauraco porphyreolophus porphyreolophus
(5) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 13.11 and Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Cuckoos Cuculidae
Burchell's Coucal Centropus burchellii burchellii
(2) Mkuze GR 12.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Levaillant's Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii
(1) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus serratus
(4) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Thick-billed Cuckoo Pachycoccyx audeberti validus
(1) Kruger NP 8.11.
Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius
(9) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, 1 Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 13.11, 1 iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 34 ______(4) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, 1 Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, iGwalagwala trail 13.11 and 1 iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus
(2) 1 Dlinza Forest NR 15.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus clamosus
(4) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, 1 Kruger NP 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius
(10) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, 1 Kruger NP 8.11, 1 Wakkerstroom 10.11, 1 Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iGwalagwala trail 13.11, 1 iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, 1 Dlinza Forest NR 15.11, Karkloof 16.11 and 1 Sani Pass 17.11.
African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Owls Strigidae
African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis senegalensis
(1) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11.
Southern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis granti
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Verreaux's Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus
(2) Kruger NP 6.11 and Kruger NP 7.11.
African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii woodfordii
(1) 1 St Lucia 13.11.
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum licua
(2) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 6.11 and 1 Kruger NP 7.11.
Nightjars and Allies Caprimulgidae
Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 35 ______(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11.
Swamp Nightjar Caprimulgus natalensis natalensis
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11.
Swifts Apodidae
African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus
(11) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Sunrock Gesthouse 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Pongola 11.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
(4) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Wakkerstroom 9.11, Howick Falls 16.11 and Kommetjie 20.11.
Common Swift Apus apus apus
(5) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Pongola 11.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
African Black Swift Apus barbatus barbatus
(7) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Karkloof 16.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Kommetjie 20.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Little Swift Apus affinis
(14) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11 and Simon's Town 19.11.
Horus Swift Apus horus horus
(1) Underberg 16.11.
White-rumped Swift Apus caffer
(10) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Cape Point 20.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 36 ______Mousebirds Coliidae
Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus
(14) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Hilton 16.11, Underberg 17.11, Underberg 18.11 and Cape Point 20.11.
White-backed Mousebird Colius colius
(1) West Coast NP 21.11.
Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus
(6) 1 Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11 and Skitterykloof 22.11.
Trogons Trogonidae
Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina narina
(1) 1 iGwalagwala trail 13.11.
Rollers Coraciidae
Coracias naevius mosambicus
(3) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus caudatus
(4) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11.
Kingfishers Alcedinidae
Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris
(4) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti chelicuti
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 37 ______Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis cyanoleuca
(1) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta natalensis
(2) Mkuze GR 12.11 and iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11.
Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus cristatus
(2) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Half-collared Kingfisher Alcedo semitorquata
(1) Underberg 17.11.
Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima maxima
(1) Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis rudis
(5) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, St. Lucia Estuary 14.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Bee-eaters Meropidae
Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus meridionalis
(3) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
(5) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, 1 iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Hoopoes Upupidae
African Hoopoe Upupa africana
(8) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Wakkerstroom 9.11, 1 Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, 1 Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Woodhoopoes and Scimitar-bills Phoeniculidae
Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 38 ______(2) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11 and Kruger NP 8.11.
Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
(2) Kruger NP 8.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Ground Hornbills Bucorvidae
Southern Ground Hornbill (VU) Bucorvus leadbeateri
(3) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11 and Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Hornbills Bucerotidae
Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas leucomelas
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11.
Crowned Hornbill Lophoceros alboterminatus suahelicus
(2) 1 Mkuze GR 12.11 and iGwalagwala trail 13.11.
African Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus epirhinus
(4) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11.
Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator
(4) Mkuze GR 12.11, iGwalagwala trail 13.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 14.11 and 1 Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
African Barbets Lybiidae
White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis leucotis
(2) iGwalagwala trail 13.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus bilineatus
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 39 ______(3) St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Mtunzini 15.11.
Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus pusillus
(3) Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11 and 1 Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus torquatus
(4) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii vaillantii
(6) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 6.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Wakkerstroom 11.11.
Honeyguides Indicatoridae
Brown-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus regulus
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus
(1) Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Greater Honeyguide Indicator indicator
(2) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and 1 Mkuze GR 12.11.
Woodpeckers Picidae
Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis ruficollis
(2) Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni
(3) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and iGwalagwala trail 13.11.
Ground Woodpecker Geocolaptes olivaceus
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 40 ______Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus
(1) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus griseocephalus
(1) Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Falcons and Caracaras Falconidae
Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus
(6) Wakkerstroom 10.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus biarmicus
(1) Wakkerstroom 11.11.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
(1) Simon's Town 19.11.
African & New World Parrots Psittacidae
Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus cryptoxanthus cryptoxanthus
(2) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae
Cape Batis Batis capensis
(2) Dirkiesdorp 10.11 and Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11.
Woodward's Batis Batis fratrum
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Chinspot Batis Batis molitor
(4) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Pririt Batis Batis pririt
(1) Skitterykloof 22.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 41 ______Helmetshrikes and Allies Prionopidae
White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus poliocephalus
(2) Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Retz's Helmetshrike Prionops retzii
(1) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Bushshrikes and Allies Malaconotidae
Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti
(1) Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11.
Olive Bushshrike Chlorophoneus olivaceus
(1) Dirkiesdorp 10.11.
Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus similis
(5) 1 Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and 1 Mkuze GR 12.11.
Four-colored Bushshrike Telophorus quadricolor quadricolor
(2) Mkuze GR 12.11 and iGwalagwala trail 13.11.
Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus
(4) Wakkerstroom 11.11, Simon's Town 18.11, 1 Simon's Town 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis
(2) Mkuze GR 12.11 and Mtunzini 15.11.
Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus
(1) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla
(9) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 42 ______Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus
(5) iGwalagwala trail 13.11, St Lucia - Sugarloaf Campsite 14.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11, Underberg 18.11 and Cape Point 20.11.
Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Brubru Nilaus afer
(5) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, 1 Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, 1 Mkuze GR 12.11 and Mtunzini 15.11.
Cuckoo-shrikes Campephagidae
Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia caesia
(2) 1 Dlinza Forest NR 15.11 and 1 Karkloof 16.11.
Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Shrikes Laniidae
Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11.
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris
(15) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Hilton 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Old World Orioles Oriolidae
Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus larvatus
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 43 ______(3) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Drongos Dicruridae
Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii ludwigii
(5) Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
(9) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11 and Underberg 18.11.
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae
Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas
(1) Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11.
African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis
(8) Walter Sisulo botanical garden 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Dlinza Forest NR 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11 and Underberg 18.11.
Crows, Jays, and Magpies Corvidae
Cape Crow Corvus capensis capensis
(6) ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Karkloof 16.11, Underberg 17.11 and Underberg 18.11.
Pied Crow Corvus albus
(14) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis
(7) Sani Pass 17.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11 and observed Ceres 21- 23.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 44 ______Rockjumpers Chaetopidae
Drakensberg Rockjumper Chaetops aurantius
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Fairy Flycatchers Stenostiridae
Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita
(1) Skitterykloof 22.11.
Chickadees and Tits Paridae
Southern Black Tit Melaniparus niger
(4) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Grey Tit Melaniparus afer
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Penduline-Tits Remizidae
Grey Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli hellmayri
(2) 1 Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and 1 Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11.
Cape Penduline Tit Anthoscopus minutus
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Nicators Nicatoridae
Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis
(1) Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11.
Larks Alaudidae
Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata
(2) Daggakraal 10.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Eastern Long-billed Lark Certhilauda semitorquata
(2) Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Wakkerstroom 11.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 45 ______Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota
(4) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Karoo Lark Calendulauda albescens
(1) Eierkop 22.11.
Rudd's Lark (VU) Heteromirafra ruddi
(1) Fickland Pan 10.11.
Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata fasciolata
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Flappet Lark Mirafra rufocinnamomea
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Botha's Lark (EN) Spizocorys fringillaris
(1) Daggakraal 10.11.
Pink-billed Lark Spizocorys conirostris
(1) 1 Fickland Pan 10.11.
Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris
(2) Sani Pass 17.11 and Eierkop 22.11.
Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea cinerea
(3) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Bulbuls Pycnonotidae
Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis
(5) Simon's Town 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Karoopoort 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor layardi
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 46 ______(15) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11 and Underberg 18.11.
Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus
(6) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, 1 Karkloof 16.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11 and Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11.
Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris
(6) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris
(5) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Swallows Hirundinidae
Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera holomelas
(5) iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11 and Rooi-Els 19.11.
Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola paludicola
(5) Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Sand Martin Riparia riparia riparia
(2) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Banded Martin Riparia cincta cincta
(2) Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica rustica
(20) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants- Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, iSimangaliso
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 47 ______WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis
(11) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii smithii
(6) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and St Lucia 13.11.
Blue Swallow (VU) Hirundo atrocaerulea
(1) Impendle NR 16.11.
Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula
(5) Walter Sisulo botanical garden 5.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11 and Ceres 21.11.
Common House Martin Delichon urbicum urbicum
(4) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11.
Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata
(9) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Impendle NR 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica unitatis
(11) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Red-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa semirufa
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 48 ______(6) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, St Lucia 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
South African Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon spilodera
(1) Wakkerstroom 11.11.
Crombecs, African warblers Macrosphenidae
Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer
(3) Wakkerstroom 11.11, 1 Karkloof 16.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens
(7) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Leaf-Warblers Phylloscopidae
Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla
(1) Marutswa NR 16.11.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus yakutensis
(2) Pongola 11.11 and 1 Mkuze GR 12.11.
Reed-Warblers and Allies Acrocephalidae
Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris
(4) Wakkerstroom 11.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus
(4) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and 1 Ceres 22.11.
African Yellow Warbler Iduna natalensis natalensis
(2) Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Wakkerstroom 11.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 49 ______Grassbirds and Allies Locustellidae
Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala
(5) Wakkerstroom 11.11, 1 Underberg 16.11, Underberg 18.11, 1 Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Barratt's Warbler Bradypterus barratti
(2) Dirkiesdorp 10.11 and 1 Sani Pass 17.11.
Cisticolas and Allies Cisticolidae
Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops nyasa
(2) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana
(7) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and St Lucia 13.11.
Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla
(2) West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais
(3) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Rufous-winged Cisticola Cisticola galactotes galactotes
(1) St. Lucia Estuary 14.11.
Levaillant's Cisticola Cisticola tinniens
(5) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis natalensis
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis terrestris
(3) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Fickland Pan 10.11 and 1 Sani Pass 17.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 50 ______Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Cloud Cisticola Cisticola textrix
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Pale-crowned Cisticola Cisticola cinnamomeus egregius
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Wing-snapping Cisticola Cisticola ayresii ayresii
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava
(5) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, 1 iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Mtunzini 15.11.
Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa
(7) Sani Pass 17.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Drakensberg Prinia Prinia hypoxantha
(3) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Karkloof 16.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata
(1) Karoopoort 22.11.
Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica
(2) 1 Hilton 15.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Rudd's Apalis Apalis ruddi fumosa
(4) Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 51 ______Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida
(5) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11 and St Lucia - Sugarloaf Campsite 14.11.
Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis
(1) Eierkop 22.11.
Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura
(7) Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iGwalagwala trail 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Stierling's Wren-Warbler Calamonastes stierlingi pintoi
(1) Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11.
Cinnamon-breasted Warbler Euryptila subcinnamomea
(1) 1 Skitterykloof 22.11.
Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis
(1) 1 West Coast NP 21.11.
Karoo Eremomela Eremomela gregalis gregalis
(1) Eierkop 22.11.
Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis usticollis
(3) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11 and Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Laughingthrushes Leiothrichidae
Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii jardineii
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11.
Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 52 ______(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Old World Warblers Sylviidae
Bush Blackcap (NT) Lioptilus nigricapillus
(2) Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Chestnut-vented Warbler Sylvia subcaerulea
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Layard's Warbler Sylvia layardi
(2) Sani Pass 17.11 and Skitterykloof 22.11.
Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies Zosteropidae
Cape White-eye Zosterops virens
(10) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Hilton 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Cape Point 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis
(2) Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11 and 1 Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 13.11.
Sugarbirds Promeropidae
Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer
(3) Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11 and Cape Point 20.11.
Gurney's Sugarbird Promerops gurneyi gurneyi
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Starlings Sturnidae
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis tristis
(12) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Sunrock Gesthouse 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Pongola 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Hilton 16.11 and King Shaka International Airport 18.11.
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 53 ______(8) Wakkerstroom 11.11, Underberg 17.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and Kruger NP 8.11.
Black-bellied Starling Notopholia corrusca corrusca
(5) Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Cape Starling Lamprotornis nitens
(8) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and Mtunzini 15.11.
Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus nordmanni
(3) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11, Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen Gate 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Pied Starling Lamprotornis bicolor
(8) Observed Wakkerstroom 9-11.11, Underberg 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster verreauxi
(8) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Hilton 16.11.
Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio morio
(14) Walter Sisulo botanical garden 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, observed Wakkerstroom 9-11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Simon's Town 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, Simon's Town 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Du Toitskloof Pass 23.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 54 ______Oxpeckers Buphagidae
Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus
(6) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Thrushes and Allies Turdidae
Orange Ground Thrush Geokichla gurneyi
(1) Karkloof 16.11.
Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyana
(2) Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11 and Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11.
Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus
(5) Wakkerstroom 11.11, Hilton 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11 and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi
(4) Observed Sunrock Gesthouse 4-6.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae
Karoo Scrub Robin Cercotrichas coryphoeus
(2) West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata quadrivirgata
(5) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Kalahari Scrub Robin Cercotrichas paena
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys leucophrys
(6) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, 1 Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 55 ______Brown Scrub Robin Cercotrichas signata
(1) St Lucia - Sugarloaf Campsite 14.11.
Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus
(3) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina
(3) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Pale Flycatcher Melaenornis pallidus
(1) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11.
Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Fiscal Flycatcher Melaenornis silens
(1) Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11.
Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta
(2) Sani Pass 17.11 and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra
(8) Walter Sisulo botanical garden 5.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11 and Cape Point 20.11.
White-throated Robin-Chat Cossypha humeralis
(3) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini
(2) 1 Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 56 ______(4) Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 14.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Chorister Robin-Chat Cossypha dichroa
(2) Dlinza Forest NR 15.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Cape Rock Thrush Monticola rupestris
(2) Sani Pass 17.11 and Underberg 18.11.
Sentinel Rock Thrush Monticola explorator
(4) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Sani Pass 17.11 and Rooi-Els 19.11.
African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus
(7) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Underberg 18.11 and Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11.
Buff-streaked Chat Campicoloides bifasciatus
(4) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Impendle NR 16.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Sickle-winged Chat Emarginata sinuata
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Karoo Chat Emarginata schlegelii
(1) Karoopoort 22.11.
Tractrac Chat Emarginata tractrac
(1) Eierkop 22.11.
Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
(1) Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11.
Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora
(3) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Mountain Wheatear Myrmecocichla monticola monticola
(2) Daggakraal 10.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 57 ______Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata
(1) ALZU Petroport N4 6.11.
Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris
(4) Sani Pass 17.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Sunbirds and Spiderhunters Nectariniidae
Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris
(7) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iGwalagwala trail 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea
(3) Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11 and Simon's Town 21.11.
Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea
(3) 1 Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 13.11, St Lucia - Sugarloaf Campsite 14.11 and Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Grey Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii
(2) iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina
(6) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 14.11, Hilton 15.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis gutturalis
(2) Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11.
Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa famosa
(6) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11 and Gydo Pass 22.11.
Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybeus
(8) Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Gydo Pass 22.11 and Du Toitskloof Pass 23.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 58 ______Neergaard's Sunbird Cinnyris neergaardi
(1) iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11.
Greater Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris afer
(2) En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis mariquensis
(5) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and iSimangaliso WP - False Bay Park 13.11.
Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus
(2) Umkhumbi Lodge 12.11 and 1 iGwalagwala trail 13.11.
White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala
(5) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Old World Sparrows Passeridae
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali mahali
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
(14) Observed Sunrock Gesthouse 4-6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants 7.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, Hilton 15.11, Simon's Town 19.11 and observed Ceres 21-23.11.
Great Sparrow Passer motitensis
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus
(13) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, West Coast NP 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Ceres 23.11.
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 59 ______(9) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, Karkloof 16.11 and Underberg 17.11.
Yellow-throated Petronia Gymnoris superciliaris
(3) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Weavers and Allies Ploceidae
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger
(1) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11.
Scaly-feathered Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons
(2) St Lucia 13.11 and Mtunzini 16.11.
Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis
(3) Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, 1 Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis
(6) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Eastern Golden Weaver Ploceus subaureus subaureus
(2) St Lucia 13.11 and St. Lucia Estuary 14.11.
Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus marleyi
(1) St Lucia 13.11.
Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius cabanisii
(2) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11 and Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11.
Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 60 ______(6) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus
(9) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 6.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mtunzini 15.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolor
(4) Mkuze GR 12.11, iGwalagwala trail 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea lathamii
(9) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, St Lucia 13.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Underberg 18.11 and Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11.
Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer taha
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix
(12) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Underberg 18.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis
(6) Impendle NR 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris axillaris
(6) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, St Lucia 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Karkloof 16.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus albonotatus
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens ardens
(3) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Karkloof 16.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 61 ______Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne progne
(7) ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11 and Underberg 18.11.
Waxbills and Allies Estrildidae
Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba melba
(4) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala
(3) Observed Sunrock Gesthouse 4-6.11.
Pink-throated Twinspot Hypargos margaritatus
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala rendalli
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11.
African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata rubricata
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis niassensis
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus
(1) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11.
Swee Waxbill Coccopygia melanotis
(4) 1 Dlinza Forest NR 15.11, Marutswa NR 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11 and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
(2) Karkloof 16.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis digressa
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 62 ______(2) Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata scutata
(2) Wakkerstroom 9.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Red-backed Mannikin Lonchura nigriceps
(1) Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Indigobirds Viduidae
Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
(10) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, En route - Carolina - Ermelo 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Wagtails and Pipits Motacillidae
Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis capensis
(15) Sunrock Gesthouse 4.11, Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, ALZU Petroport N4 6.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Mtunzini 15.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Stony Point 19.11, Kommetjie 20.11, Rietvlei Wetlands (WC) 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara torrentium
(1) Karkloof 16.11.
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp
(6) Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11 and St. Lucia Estuary 14.11.
Cape Longclaw Macronyx capensis
(3) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11 and Impendle NR 16.11.
Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus
(2) Kruger NP - Tshokwane 8.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 63 ______(10) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Karkloof 16.11, Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Mountain Pipit Anthus hoeschi
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
African Rock Pipit Anthus crenatus
(2) Wakkerstroom 10.11 and 1 Sani Pass 17.11.
Yellow-breasted Pipit (VU) Anthus chloris
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Finches, Euphonias Fringillidae
Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs gengleri
(1) Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
Forest Canary Crithagra scotops
(2) Karkloof 16.11 and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and ALZU Petroport N4 6.11.
Lemon-breasted Canary Crithagra citrinipectus
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica
(6) Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Cape Siskin Crithagra totta
(2) Rooi-Els 19.11 and Cape Point 20.11.
Drakensberg Siskin Crithagra symonsi
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 64 ______Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris
(3) Sani Pass 17.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Ceres 22.11.
Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphurata
(1) Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
Streaky-headed Seedeater Crithagra gularis
(1) Wakkerstroom 11.11.
White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis
(2) 1 West Coast NP 21.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Protea Canary Crithagra leucoptera
(1) Skitterykloof 22.11.
Cape Canary Serinus canicollis canicollis
(9) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Wakkerstroom 11.11, Karkloof 16.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11, Cape Point 20.11, West Coast NP 21.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Buntings, Sparrows and Allies Emberizidae
Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis
(5) Sani Pass 17.11, Rooi-Els 19.11, Ceres 21.11, Ceres 22.11 and Du Toitskloof Pass 23.11.
Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris
(3) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 65 ______Mammals (57 in total: 57 seen)
Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced
IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient
Wolves, Coyote, Foxes, Jackals Canidae
Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas
(1) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11.
Cats Felidae
Caracal Caracal caracal
(1) Cape Point 20.11.
Wild Cat Felis silvestris
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Lion Panthera leo leo
(3) Kruger NP 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP 9.11.
Leopard Panthera pardus pardus
(1) Kruger NP 8.11.
Mongooses Herpestidae
Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Common Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula
(2) Kruger NP 6.11 and Kruger NP 7.11.
Cape Grey Mongoose Herpestes pulverulentus
(2) Strandfontein Sewage Works 20.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 66 ______Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus
(1) Kruger NP 6.11.
White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda
(1) Kruger NP 7.11.
Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo
(5) Observed Kruger NP 6-8.11, St Lucia - Sugarloaf Campsite 14.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Meerkat Suricata suricatta
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Hyenas, Aardwolf Hyaenidae
Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta
(3) Kruger NP 7.11, Kruger NP 8.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11.
Weasels, Skunks, Otters Mustelidae
African Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis
(1) Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Honey Badger Mellivora capensis
(1) Kruger NP 7.11.
Sea Lions Otariidae
Afro-Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus
(3) Simon's Town 18.11, Cape Point 20.11 and Simon's Town 21.11.
Vivets, Genets Viverridae
South African Large-spotted Genet Genetta tigrina
(1) Kruger NP 7.11.
Rorquals Balaenopteridae
Bryde's Whale Balaenoptera edeni
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 67 ______(1) Simon's Town 20.11.
Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae
Impala Aepyceros melampus melampus
(7) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11.
Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis
(2) West Coast NP 21.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Natal Red Duiker Cephalophus natalensis
(3) iGwalagwala trail 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11.
Black Wildebeest Connochaetes gnou
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Common Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus
(7) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus
(2) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11 and Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus ellipsiprymnus
(5) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus
(1) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11.
Grey Rhebok Pelea capreolus
(2) Wakkerstroom 10.11 and Impendle NR 16.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 68 ______Blue Duiker Philantomba monticola
(1) Dlinza Forest NR 15.11.
Steenbok Raphicerus campestris campestris
(5) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11 and West Coast NP 21.11.
Sharpe's Grysbok Raphicerus sharpei
(1) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11.
Southern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum
(4) Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11, Karkloof 16.11 and Sani Pass 17.11.
Mountain Reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula fulvorufula
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia
(1) iGwalagwala trail 13.11.
African Buffalo Syncerus caffer caffer
(5) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Nyala Tragelaphus angasii
(7) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 6.11, Kruger NP 7.11, Kruger NP 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Common Eland Tragelaphus oryx
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus
(5) Kruger NP 7.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, St Lucia 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 69 ______(7) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Giraffe, Okapi Giraffidae
Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa
(6) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Hippopotamuses Hippopotamidae
Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius capensis
(5) Kruger NP 7.11, Kruger NP 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, St Lucia 13.11 and St. Lucia Estuary 14.11.
Pigs Suidae
Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii
(6) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Mkuze GR 12.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae
Peters's Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus crypturus
(1) Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Hylaxes Procaviidae
Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis
(4) Wakkerstroom 10.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Stony Point 19.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Rabbits, Hares Leporidae
Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis
(2) Kruger NP 7.11 and Kruger NP 8.11.
Zebras, Horse, Asses Equidae
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 70 ______Plains Zebra Equus quagga
(8) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11 and Mtunzini 15.11.
Rhinceroses Rhinocerotidae
White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum
(2) Kruger NP - Satara-Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Old World monkeys Cercopithecidae
Blue Monkey Cercopithecus mitis
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Vervet Chlorocebus pygerythrus
(11) Zaagkuildrift Road 5.11, observed Kruger NP 6-8.11, Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11, Umkhumbi Lodge 11.11, Mkuze GR 12.11, St Lucia 13.11, iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11, Kingfisher Lodge, St Lucia 15.11 and Karkloof 16.11.
Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus ursinus
(7) Observed Kruger NP 6-8.11, Kruger NP - Phabeni Gate 9.11, Sani Pass 17.11, Harold Porter Botanical Garden 19.11 and Cape Point 20.11.
Galagos Galagidae
Thick-tailed Greater Galago Otolemur crassicaudatus crassicaudatus
(2) Kruger NP - Skukuza 8.11 and Umkhumbi Lodge 12.11.
Elephants Elephantidae
African Elephant Loxodonta africana
(4) Kruger NP - Orpen-Satara road 6.11, Kruger NP - Olifants-Satara Rd 7.11, Kruger NP - Satara- Skukuza Rd 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 71 ______Old World Porcupines Hystricidae
Cape Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis
(1) Kruger NP 8.11.
True Mice and Rats, Gerbils, Spiny Mice, Crested Rat Muridae
Sloggett's Vlei Rat Otomys sloggetti
(1) Sani Pass 17.11.
Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio
(1) Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
Squirrels Sciuridae
Smith's Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi
(3) Observed Kruger NP 6-8.11.
Red Bush Squirrel Paraxerus palliatus
(1) St Lucia - Sugarloaf Campsite 14.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 72 ______Reptiles (15 in total: 15 seen)
Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced
IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient
Crocodiles and relatives Crocodylidae
Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus cowiei
(4) Observed Kruger NP 7-9.11 and St. Lucia Estuary 14.11.
Agamas Agamidae
Southern Tree Agama Acanthocercus atricollis atricollis
(2) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11 and Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Southern Rock Agama Agama atra atra
(3) Sani Pass 17.11, Rooi-Els 19.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Chameleons Chamaeleonidae
Setaro's Dwarf Chameleon Bradypodion setaroi
(1) iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 13.11.
Spinytail Lizards Cordylidae
Highveld Crag Lizard Cordylus melanotus
(1) Wakkerstroom 10.11.
Geckos Gekkonidae
House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia
(2) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 6.11 and Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 7.11.
Plated Lizards Gerrhosauridae
Giant Plated Lizard Gerrhosaurus validus
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 73 ______(1) Kruger NP 8.11.
Skinks Scincidae
Red-sided Skink Trachylepis homalocephala
(1) Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens 18.11.
African Five-lined Skink Trachylepis quinquetaeniata
(1) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11.
Variable Skink Trachylepis varia
(1) Kruger NP - Satara Restcamp 8.11.
Monitor Lizards Varanidae
Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus
(1) Kruger NP - Skukuza 9.11.
Afro-American Sideneck Turtles Pelomedusidae
Helmeted Turtle Pelomedusa subrufa nigra
(2) Kruger NP 8.11 and Mkuze GR 12.11.
Tortoises Testudinidae
Angulated Tortoise Chersina angulata
(2) West Coast NP 21.11 and Karoopoort 22.11.
Speke's Hinge-back Tortoise Kinixys spekii
(1) Umkhumbi Lodge 13.11.
Leopard Tortoise Stigmochelys pardalis
(3) Kruger NP 8.11, Kruger NP 9.11 and iSimangaliso WP - Cape Vidal 14.11.
Trip Report – RBT South Africa ESA & Western Cape Ext IX 2017 74 ______Amphibians (1 in total: 1 seen)
Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced
IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient
Moss frogs Rhacophoridae
Grey Foam-nest Treefrog Chiromantis xerampelina
(1) Mkuze GR 12.11.
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