Dainfern Nature Association Booklet
ESTATE LIVING • WILDLIFE • TREES • BIRDS • TRAIL MAP WILDLIFE LIST A TO Z
IMAGE DESCRIPTION NAME SIGHTINGS
The bull frog is one of the biggest frogs and can weigh up to 2kgs. It has a large mouth, sharp teeth and very little webbing on its feet. It is quite aggressive especially the males who will defend his eggs if approached. The African bullfrog is carnivorous and will feed on anything
Bull Frog it can fit into its mouth. The male only makes calls during rainy season. ESTATE LIVING • WILDLIFE • TREES • BIRDS • TRAIL MAP
Found singly, in pairs or in small groups the hedgehog is mainly nocturnal. They are extremely inactive in winter however not uncommon to sight on the estate during summer. Omnivorous they will eat termites, insects, snails, frogs, lizards and small rodents. They also DNA CONTACTS
Hedgehog enjoy birds eggs, certain wild fruits and any manner of vegetable matter. Monica Condy Chairlady 082 459 1539 Nocturnal and very gregarious they occur mostly in pairs or family groups. They are very Roy Lailvaux Deputy Chairman 082 553 0686 vocal using both scent and sound to communicate when out feeding at night. They are [email protected] arboreal so are excellent jumpers and rarely need to venture to the ground. They feed on Baby insects, flowers, fruits and acacia gum. They make their nests out of grass and leaves in the Linda Munro Secretary [email protected] Lesser Bush Lesser hollows or holes of trees. André Marx Bird List 083 411 7674 Christine Shaw Events/Quiz 011 469 3401 Lizards are one of biggest groups of reptiles found on earth with over 4000 species. Lizards are egg laying animals with scaled skin. Many of them live on trees, while some live in water. Olivia Denny Trails 082 735 5385 They are found in almost every part of earth. Each of them has different characteristics Sean James Turfnet 082 878 9281
Lizards related to body structure, habitat and many more factors. They have the ability to shed their Tony Border Newsletter [email protected]
tails to run away from their predators. This action is called, autonomy. Val & Malte Members 011 469 0533 "I go to nature every day for Of the ten species of Mongoose endemic to South or Southern Africa you are most likely Hauptmann inspiration in the day’s work." to (and quite frequently) sight in Dainfern the Slender or Black tipped Mongoose. The Colleen Kreser Publication 082 898 6566 - Frank Lloyd Wright Slender Mongoose is diurnal and solitary with a wide habitat tolerance. They will eat snakes, Injured Birds & Creatures rodents, insects and scorpions. They are also known to take to the trees in search of birds
Mongoose - Free Wildlife 082 561 3681 eggs. (It is also possible to sight the Yellow, White Tailed or Water Mongoose in the area.) Clubhouse Reception 011 875 0401 Those in Dainfern who have never seen a porcupine in its natural habitat are desperate CONTENTS to see one; those in Dainfern that have seen Porcupine in their natural habitat (which is invariably their newly planted shrubs) don’t want to see them again! Frequent visitors to SECURITY CONTACT Wildlife A to Z ...... 2 newly planted gardens porcupine are frequently sighted on the Estate. The porcupine is the largest African rodent, nocturnal they can be found alone, in pairs or even in small groups. DNA and Security Contacts ...... 3
Porcupine Security Control Room:
They will frequent holes or rocky crevices during the day. A lover of newly planted bulbs they Estate Living ...... 4 /5 will also eat tree bark and are known to gnaw on bones. 081 030 0251 & 011 469 0099 Security Manager: 011 875 0452 or 011 875 0611 General Estate Rules / Security ...... 6 The Terrapin spends its time both on land and in water, but it always lives near water, along Golf Club ...... 7 rivers, ponds, and lakes. A terrapin turtle needs to go onto land to breed and just like sea turtles, the female goes ashore to lay her eggs. When the ground is hard, she will urinate Snakes: Security 011 875 0600 Recreation ...... 8/9 repeatedly to soften the ground and then 'bulldoze' the mud into a nest with the front of DNA What, Where and How ...... 10/11 Terrapin her under-shell.Terrapins eat small frogs, fish, aquatic and other insects. Actually, almost Bats: Julio 082 359 1295 / www.batsgauteng.co.za
Nature Trails ...... 12/13 anything ... which earned them the nickname “vultures of the waterways”! For injured birds and wildlife: Map of the Estate ...... 14/15 The Water Monitor or as we fondly refer to it in South Africa as the Leguaan, is Africa’s largest The Friends of Free Wildlife lizard with its distinctive tail that is longer than its body. A frequent sight in Dainfern they - Margi 082 561 3681 Photographic Competition ...... 16/17 can be seen ambling across roads and fairways and are commonly found in residents fish Tree List A to Z...... 18/19 ponds, for good reason, they eat frogs, small fish, crabs and even birds. Interestingly they lay We would like to thank everyone who has contributed their Bird List A to Z...... 20-27 about 40 eggs, normally in active termite mounds in this way, the eggs are incubated at a photographs. These photos have accumulated over the How to recognise birds...... 28
constant temperature. The incubation time of the eggs varies, and the young may hatch any Water Monitor Water years and we are delighted to show case them . time between 4 to 12 months later. - 2 - - 3 - ESTATE LIVING
THE CLUBHOUSE The Clubhouse includes a member's bar, conference and lounge facilities, where sumptuous meals are also served on the terrace, which overlooks the magnificent golf course and Jukskei River. This convenient location provides residents and their families with an opportunity of being able to socialise without having to leave the security offered by an PAVILLION Estate environment. Provides a multi-purpose field for sports. Kids parties and other day time events can be arranged.
PREMIER RESIDENTIAL GOLF ESTATE Dainfern is a mature, secure Golf and Residential Estate which has evolved over 1200 homes since its inception in 1992. The Estate offers an unparalleled lifestyle and recreational experience centred around the Gary Player designed golf DAINFERN COLLEGE course enhanced by nature trails, parks and Dainfern College is an Independent School, educating sports facilities all located in its own 320 hectare FUNCTIONS AND CONFERENCES pupils from Grade 0-12. The school is situated in "suburb". Dainfern Country Club offers fully catered Seminars, attractive surroundings adjoining Dainfern Estate and PARKS has exceptional facilities. Dainfern represents a variety of architectural Conferencing, Business Breakfasts, Cocktail Parties Dainfern is a sanctuary within the energetic, vigorous styles and tastes, creating a unique and personal and Corporate Golf prize giving functions. Dainfern College celebrates Character, Competence, metropolis of Johannesburg where children can safely experience. The Estate is divided into villages, Smaller private functions are catered for on the Community and Diversity. ride their bikes in the streets or play in one of the each having their own character. terrace. eleven playgrounds and parks the Estate offers.
- 4 - - 5 - GOLF CLUB
Dainfern’s 72 par 18 hole golf course is regarded as one of South Africa’s top 100 courses. Designed by golfing legend, Gary Player, who has designed over 300 courses worldwide. The course tests the skills of proficient golfers, with play crossing the Jukskei River six times. The course has some of the most scenic yet challenging holes in the country and is one of South Africa’s most exciting golf venues. It was the second Golf Estate to be launched in South Africa and the first in Gauteng. Dainfern continually strives to maintain its championship profile by putting emphasis on the visual aspect of the course as well as the playability of the course. We have done this by the planting of trees, building new cart paths and new bunkering SECURITY to toughen up certain holes. A focal point of the Estate is the Juskei River, which flows through One of the best-selling features of Dainfern is and has the layout with the elavated tee positions that provide magnificent always been the security of the Estate. Residents are views of the surrounding High-veld terrain. The golf course is one of able to live their lives with no anxiety. The Estate enjoys Gauteng's 'must-play' layouts and offers a green lung in the midst of GENERAL ESTATE RULES a 24 hour, seven day a week security service that is the Johannesburg conurbation. strengthened by a leading paramedic service. Contact 011 875 0401 to play a round of golf. Dainfern have rules of conduct which must be The Estate has a 7.5km perimeter fence that has abided by. These rules can be obtained from the microphonic sensors, 24 cameras and a highly Estate office. sophisticated access / egress system. THE MOST COMMON RULES ARE: ED HOLDING GOLF SHOP Abide to the 40km speed limit The unique pro-shop provides a No dogs off leashes lovely clothing range featuring No loud music the leading brands together with House colours golfers accessories. Keep side walks maintained No cutting of trees on sidewalks without permission No Fishing - 6 - - 7 - DAINFERN TENNIS Dainfern has four tennis courts – 3 located up at the Pavilion in Highgate Village and 1 located between the Clubhouse and Carmel Village. We have a professional coach available to give lessons to you and your family members.
DAINFERN SQUASH Dainfern has 2 squash courts located at the Clubhouse. Our coach is available to provide lessons to anyone from the age of 4 to the age of 84 and he can provide squash racquets for small children. We have 2 league teams entered in the Gauteng League who have played extremely good squash and the teams are always ranked near the top of their league. For more information on lessons or league. DAINFERN FOOTBALL CLUB RECREATION The Dainfern Football Club came into being in 2003 and has, over the years, produced some amazing soccer players. The Football Club is Complimentary Lifestyle events take place throughout the year and are affiliated with the Rand Central Local Football Association (RCLFA) league an important element in forging a strong sense of community – annual and our teams play all the RCLFA affiliated teams, which matches take events include The Easter Egg Hunt, Mother’s & Father’s Day celebrations, place between March and October of each year. a Christmas Market, Halloween Trick or Treating, and Carols by Candlelight. Players from 3 years to 34 years of age are welcome to join our Club and The DHA host a Family Fun Day at the Pavilion every so often which sees be a part of the Dainfern Lions Football Club magic! In 2017 our first over 2000 people descending on the Pavilion for a day of fun, entertainment girls only team was established – girls between the ages of 8 and 11 are and shopping. welcome to join the team! A number of our players have been selected to represent the RCLFA in international games. For more information DAINFERN ACTIVITIES please go to www.dainfernlions.co.za Dainfern has a number of activities for its residents throughout the week from Pilates, Yoga, Karate, Ballet and Church services and prayer groups. DAINFERN TOASTMASTERS Dainfern Toastmasters host a Toastmasters meeting at the Clubhouse. Anyone is DAINFERN RUNNING CLUB welcome to join. Dainfern Running Club holds a weekly time trial usually from 6pm in summer and 5:45pm in winter. Runners can run a distance DAINFERN BRIDGE of 5km, 3km or 1.5km for the very SWIMMING POOLS Bridge belongs to the family of trick-taking card games and is a young runners. The members of Dainfern has 2 swimming pools and development of Whist. Bridge requires four players - formed into two the Dainfern Running Club are lessons are on offer. partnerships. You sit opposite your partner. All the equipment you need extremely friendly and motivational is a pack of cards, which get dealt out round the table so that everyone and will make you feel part of the The pools are situated at the Pavillion has thirteen - their HAND. The cards should then be sorted into suits; family. and next to the Clubhouse. spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs.
- 8 - - 9 - is an important part of our lives but because we live in this lovely area and amongst a very diverse community there are certain rules in place so that we can all live in harmony. The Nature Association, however, doesn't just focus on events to raise awareness of nature but puts any money raised to good use on the Estate - removing invasive kikuyu from the nature sensitive areas (a huge, and WHAT, WHERE AND HOW ... expensive, task) rehabilitating nature sensitive areas, creating walking trails, planting trees and much more. Do you all know the What, Where and How about the Dainfern Nature Association? There are always plans afoot to do more so read 'In Focus' to keep abreast of the latest developments. RESIDENT PARTICIPATION Apart from supporting the Nature Association by attending functions there are a number of residents who have played an enormous role in enhancing nature sensitive areas (with the approval and blessing of the Nature Association) by removing kikuyu and encouraging natural grass as well as planting a host of indigenous trees. This kind of involvement has helped the Nature Association enormously and is appreciated. Just please remember that approval is required for any activity outside your property. Please contact the Nature Association first in committee of dedicated voluntary residents and supported what you see today - a source of Estate (listing all the order to avoid mistakes. by management. Both residents and management give a activities available here) and Supplier information - and it lot of time towards ensuring that these designated, nature goes towards providing the funding the Nature Association As you can see resident participation is welcomed and sensitive areas are maintained and cared for. so desperately needs, in order to function satisfactorily. encouraged; the committee is not for a select few. The Nature Association acts as the custodian of certain areas Other functions put on by the Nature Association are WHERE of the Estate and as such belongs to us all so if you not great money spinners but are more of service to have any suggestions, wish to help or even serve on the Nature sensitive areas are right throughout the Estate. residents, to get to know you and to remind you all the committee please let us know. In fact some of you who haven't had the opportunity to Nature Association exists and is working hard! In the past understand their significance perhaps wonder why there we have held various talks ranging from the Zulu Wars to is 'just bush' in the middle of smooth mowed kikuyu. Look the Galapagos Islands to stories by Oom Schalk Lourens WAY FORWARD carefully and delight in the joy that the huge urbanisation to the Johannesburg String Quartet and even to art The Nature Association owes its success to a few special rush in this big city has not taken over and destroyed the exhibitions. More recently a very popular event has been residents (both past and present) and it has been because special areas of unique highveld bakenveld, hosts of wild a talk on birds followed up by walks through the Estate of the dedication of these individuals that the Association flowers, beautiful indigenous trees etc which proved a and adjacent areas spotting the birds in their habitat; and goes from strength to strength so please continue to home for some wonderful bird life, water monitors, bats, residents have enjoyed looking at 'The Night Skies' and support it and join in wherever you can. WHAT bush babies and more. have been encouraged to 'Relook, Rethink, Recycle'. When the Dainfern Estate was first developed it was The Nature Association believes that it is most important recognised that the area had some unique biospheres The development taking place on the Estate resulted in that it works in harmony with management and golf for the that should be preserved. The area was carefully HOW small mammals and even birds retreating to safer habitats good of all. We live on a very special Estate so let us take environmentally surveyed and when the lovely golf course The Nature association receives no funding from the DHA but we are delighted to report that this situation is being care that we maintain and nurture it so that is may be a joy was developed these special areas were preserved and (although certain projects are undertaken jointly) so to be reversed, Bush Babies and owls have been reintroduced, for many years ahead … able to look after our heritage the committee has to raise and the wealth of birds on the Estate is a delight. Do watch designated on the Estate plan. These areas have been Please enjoy this booklet with the map of the lovely money. Hence the advent of 'In Focus', that invaluable out for the water monitor (Leguaan) which frequents our handed to us all to nurture and enjoy. walking trails, plus bird, wild life and tree lists - there is so magazine which we all eagerly look forward to receiving streams. To succeed in reinstating wild life needs the much to see and do. Enjoy! So the Nature Association was born and now plays an each month. The magazine has grown from a simple cooperation of us all which is why we keep asking you important role on the Estate. The Association is run by a couple of sheets of paper with line advertisements into to maintain control of your dogs at all times. Owning pets The Dainfern Nature Association
- 10 - - 11 - NATURE TRAILS SEE MAP ON PAGES 14 & 15 The Dainfern Nature Association with approval from the DHA decided over 12 years ago that it would be a wonderful ideato create nature trails within the Estate. This would take time, planning and money. However • Olive's Walk - Start at Bentwood Close, road to with funds from the In Focus magazine and a dedicated team the trails Rain Shelter and 7th Tee Box - NO Bikes - Dogs on were slowly created along with a map made up of all the nature trails we leashes. currently have. • Rocky Ridge, Stream Walk - Sensitive Area - NO Bikes - Dogs on leashes. • Combretum River Trail - Sensitive Area - NO Bikes - Dogs on leashes. • Casuarina Lane to Highgate Dam. • Butterfly Walk's name speaks for itself. Flowers and trees planted to attract insects and butterflies. A beautiful spot to sit amongst nature. • Grassland Area to Willowgrove River Walk. • Hook Thorn / Caffra Walk cut through 14th Fairway. • Buffalo-Thorn River Trail. • Birdhide Trent Stream Walk. • Workers track to Clubhouse. • Cormorant River Walk to the Driving Range. • Sensitive Saw Grass Area - NO Bikes - Dogs on leashes. • Candle Thorn Walk - along 4th Fairway to Saw Grass (note the rare Acacia hebeclada / Candle- pod acacia.) • Poplar Marsh - Cross main road to Willow Stream - 9th Fairway. • 2nd and 3rd Fairway Walk.
So waste no time and venture into our lovely Nature Areas marked out for you to explore on the map in the middle page, and see if you can identify the many beautiful walks, and trees, that surround us, not forgetting to be quiet to listen for the sounds of the many birds and little creatures that you may encounter along your way.
- 12 - - 13 - MAP OF THE ESTATE NATURE TRAILS & GOLF COURSE MAPS Butterfly Walk
- 14 - - 15 - PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION
PHOTOGRAPHING OUR BEAUTIFUL ESTATE As mentioned previously the Dainfern Nature Association print the monthly In focus magazine. A photographic competition runs throughout the year and the winning picture is printed on the front cover of the magazine. Residents are invited to submit their pictures of landscape, nature & wildlife from within the Estate to [email protected]
- 16 - - 17 - TREE LIST NAME DESCRIPTION TREE NO. TREE OFFICIAL OFFICIAL NATIONAL NATIONAL SIGHTINGS LATIN COMMON
Diospyros lycioides subsp. Bushveld Bluebush 605.2 Evergreen NAME Guerkei DESCRIPTION 657 Ehretia rigida subs. Nervifo Puzzlebush Deciduous TREE NO. TREE OFFICIAL OFFICIAL NATIONAL NATIONAL SIGHTINGS LATIN COMMON 601 Euclea undulata Common Guarri Evergreen
162 Acacia caffra Common Hook Thorn Deciduous 594 Euclea crispa subs. Crispa Blue Guarri Evergreen 166 Acacia galpinii Monkey Thorn Deciduous 245 Erythrina lysistemon Common Coral Tree Evergreen 170 Acacia hebeclada Candle Thorn Deciduous 178 Ficus sycomorus Cluster Fig Evergreen 172 Acacia karroo Sweet Thorn Deciduous 463 Grewia occidentalis Cross-berry Evergreen 183 Acacia robusta Splendid Acacia Deciduous 399 Gymnosporia buxifolia Common Spike-thorn Evergreen 182 Acacia rehmanniana Silky Acacia Deciduous 402.3 Gymnosporia poliacantha Northern Hedge Spike-thorn Evergreen 187 Acacia sieberiana var. woodii Paper-barked Thorn Deciduous 670 Halleria lucida Tree Fuchia Evergreen 188 Acacia tortilis Umbrella Thorn Deciduous 568 Heteromorpha trifoliate Parsely Tree Deciduous 189 Acacia xanthophloea Fever Tree Deciduous 397 Ilex mitis Cape Holly Evergreen 76 Aloe bainesii Aloe Evergreen 494 Kiggelaria africana Wild Peach Evergreen 81 Aloe marlothii Aloe Evergreen 145 Leucosidea sericea Oldwood Evergreen 76 Aloe arborescens Aloe Evergreen 226 Mundulea sericea Cork Bush Evergreen 208.2 Bauhinia Galpinii Pride of de Kaap Evergreen 410 Mystroxylon ethiopicum Highveld Kooboo-berry Evergreen 208.5 Bauhnia natalensis Natal bauhinia Evergreen Olea europaea subsp. 617 Wild Olive Evergreen 724 Brachylaena discolor Wild Silver Oak Evergreen Africana 636 Buddleja saligna False Olive Evergreen 215 Peltophorum africanum Weeping Wattle Deciduous 637 Buddleja salviifolia Sagewood Evergreen 433 Pappea capensis Jacket-plum Deciduous 222 Bolusanthus speciosus Tree Wisteria Evergreen 16 Podocarpus falcatus Outeniqua Yellowwood Evergreen 259 Calodendrun Capense Cape Chestnut Deciduous 17 Podocarpus henkelii Kenkel's Yellowwood Evergreen 905 Carissa Bispinosa Num-Num Evergreen 18 Podocarpus latifolius Real Yellowwood Evergreen 39 Celtis africana White Stinkwood Deciduous 452 Rhamnus prinoides Dogwood Evergreen 536 Combretum erythrophyllum River Bush Willow Deciduous 380 Rhus chirindensis Red Currant Evergreen 538 Combretum hereroense Russet Bush Willow Deciduous 368 Rhus lancea Karee Evergreen 539 Combretum imberbe Leadwood Evergreen 387 Rhus leptodictya Mountain Karee Evergreen 563 Cussonia paniculata Transvaal Cabbage Tree Deciduous 389 Rhus undulata Kuni Bush Evergreen 564 Cussonia spicata Common Cabbage Tree Deciduous 392 Rhus pyroides var. Pyroides Firethorn Evergreen 521 Dais cotinifolia Poppon Tree Deciduous 396 Rhus pendulina White Karee Evergreen 469 Dombeya cymosa Natal Dombeya Evergreen 392 Rhus pyroides Wild Current Evergreen 471 Dombeya rotundifolia Wild Pear Evergreen 733 Tarchonanthus camphoratus Camphorbush Evergreen 602.2 Diospyros austro-africana Jackal Bush Evergreen 447 Ziziphus mucronata Buffalo-thorn Evergreen
- 18 - - 19 - Small LBJ in open grassland; Cisticola, Desert Woestynklopkloppie V Forages low in grass BIRD LIST distinctive call Rufous crown, dark streaked back, Cisticola, Levaillant's Vleitinktinkie U Waterside sedges and reeds KEY TO STATUS CODE longer tail V = Vagrant. Few sightings or accidental visitor Small LBJ over grassland; distinctive Bouncing' aerial display and call Cisticola, Zitting Landeryklopkloppie U C = Common. Regularly recorded CM = Common migrant. Mainly Sep-March display and call in summer U = Uncommon. Occasionally recorded UM = Uncommon migrant. Mainly Sep-March Black with white bill, red knobs Coot, Red-knobbed Bleshoender U Conspicuous, swims in open on head Black except for brown speckled Cormorant, Reed Rietduiker C Fishes from rocks near water NAME PROMINENT wings; juvenile pale HABITAT Cormorant, FEATURES Witborsduiker U White throat and breast, large size Often perch or nest in dead trees White-breasted
STATUS & HABITS ENGLISH AFRIKAANS (Usually Male Birds Only) SIGHTINGS Black head, rust back, white breast, Skulks in dense vegetation; Coucal, Burchell's Gewone Vleiloerie C red eyes bubbling call in summer SPECIES A - D Courser, Temminck's Trekdrawwertjie V Rufous crown, pale appearance Erect stance, bobs head and tail Dark above, conspicuous dark chest Often in pairs in woodland and Crake, Black Swartriethaan V Black body, pink legs, yellow beak Skulks around edges of wetlands Apalis, Bar-throated Bandkeelkleinjantjie U band, pale eye dense vegetation Crow, Cape Swartkraai U All black crow Usually solitary Babbler, Grey with faint white streaks, Scavenger; solitary but occasion- Pylvlekkatlagter U Noisy groups in woodland Crow, Pied Witborskraai C Black with white collar and breast Arrow-marked red eye ally flocks Solitary or in pairs; favours Throat and breast pale grey; Barbet, Acacia Pied Bonthoutkapper V Bright red crown, white underparts Cuckoo, Common Europese Koekoek UM Shy and elusive Acacia woodland barred tail Pairs or small groups in wood- All black with pale tips to tail Shy, frequents dense foliage; Barbet, Black-collared Rooikophoutkapper C Bright red forehead, face & neck Cuckoo, Black Swartkoekoek UM land; notable call feathers distinctive call Head crest, wings black with white Single or pairs in woodland/ Green and bronze plumage, white Perches in tops of trees; Barbet, Crested Kuifkophoutkapper C Cuckoo, Diderick Diederikkie CM scallops garden underparts, red eye distinctive call Bee-eater, European Europese Byvreter CM Turquoise forehead and underparts Gregarious, roosts in tall trees Black and white plumage; crest; Cuckoo, Levaillant's Getreepte Koekoek UM Woodland; loud call Bee-eater, Predominantly green, red throat, Small groups occur in open striped breast Rooikeelbyvreter V White-fronted white forehead and chin grassland/woodland Cuckoo, Red-chested Piet-my-vrou CM Rufous chest, barred belly Shy & seldom seen; distinctive call Males a brilliant red in breeding Gregarious, bee-like flight; Bishop, Southern Red Rooivink C plumage reed beds Darter, African Slanghalsvoël C Long neck with characteristic kink Dives well, spears fish Bishop, Gregarious, bee-like flight; rank Forages on ground; characteristic Goudgeelvink U Yellow crown, black face Dove, Cape Turtle Gewone Tortelduif C Black collar on hindneck, dark eye Yellow-crowned grassland/wetlands call Small size, conspicuous buff wing Solitary in reed-beds or sedges; Small size, rufous chest with black Bittern, Little Woudapie U Dove, Laughing Rooiborsduif C Feeds on ground - tame patches in flight skulking marks Forages on ground; very vocal Wary, lands heavily; Bokmakierie Bokmakierie U Yellow throat, black bib Dove, Red-eyed Grootringduif C Black collar on hindneck, red eye far-carrying call characteristic call Black above, peachy-orange below, Dove, Rock (Feral Boubou, Southern Suidelike Waterfiskaal C Secretive, highly vocal Tuinduif C Variable, refer to book Depends on human habitation bold wing stripe Pigeon) Black with white spots on back, Feeds by head-dipping or Bulbul, Dark-capped Swartoogtiptol C Dark head crest, yellow vent Woodland, gardens, parks Duck, African Black Swarteend C orange legs and feet up-ending Bunting, Klipstreepkoppie V Black and white streaked head Rocky or stony ground Introduced species. Males with Cinnamon-breasted Duck, Mallard Groenkopeend C All wetlands green head, yellow bill Variable brown, paler band across Buzzard, Steppe Bruinjakkelsvoël CM Open country, grassveld Duck, White-faced chest Nonnetjie-eend U White face and long dark neck Gregarious, stands high Whistling Buzzard, European Small head for a raptor, obvious Wespedief UM Shy, will perch in tall trees Honey yellow eye, bare legs, barred tail Duck, Yellow-billed Geelbekeend C Bill yellow with black spot Gregarious or in pairs Forages mainly on ground; SPECIES E - H Canary, Black-throated Bergkanarie C Blackish throat, bright yellow rump gregarious Hunts fish from perch; Eagle, African Fish Visarend V White head, chest and tail Canary, Yellow-fronted Geeloogkanarie U Bold facial markings Gregarious, forages on ground characteristic call Small LBJ in open grassland; Solitary, aerial display over Yellow beak and legs - all white Cisticola, Cloud Gevlekte Klopkloppie V Egret, Western Cattle Bosluisvoël C Gregarious feeds in open grass distinctive display and call grassland in summer bird
- 20 - - 21 - Heron, Black-crowned Swartkroonreier U Black crown and back, white below Largely nocturnal NAME PROMINENT Night HABITAT Black crown and neck, pied FEATURES Heron, Black-headed Swartkopreier C Usually in fields away from water underwing
STATUS & HABITS ENGLISH AFRIKAANS (Usually Male Birds Only) SIGHTINGS Heron, Goliath Reuse Reier U Very large, grey and chestnut Stands in water for long periods Shy, undercover in quiet Heron, Green-backed Groenrugreier C Underparts appear grey/green streams/rivers Egret, Great (White) Grootwitreier U All white, legs black; large size Shy and solitary White neck with black stripes, grey Egret, Little Kleinwitreier U Black beak and legs, yellow toes Active aquatic feeder Heron, Grey Bloureier U Wades in shallow water underwing Intermediate in size, greenish legs, Egret, Yellow-billed Geelbekwitreier U Favours marshy habitat; solitary Heron, Purple Rooireier U rufous appearance, striped face Wades in marshy places all yellow bill Short neck, all-white, brown on Small raptor, male all grey; female Favours grassland areas where Heron, Squacco Ralreier V Shy, forages in marshy areas Falcon, Amur Oostelike Rooipootvalk UM mantle and back spotted. Red feet and bill. feeds on insects; mainly overflying. Typical 'falcon' moustache, streaked Flies rapidly in areas of woodland Whitish underparts, russet crown, Hobby, Eurasian Europese Boomvalk UM Falcon, Lanner Edelvalk U Hunts in flight, or from perch underparts, rufous thighs and grassland black falcon mask Honeybird, Slender pointed bill, dull brown, Catches insects from perch, Finch, Red-headed Rooikopvink C Males with obvious red head Gregarious; seedeater Skerpbek Heuningvoël U Brown-backed white outer tail feathers attends bees nests Males with pinkish plumage on Firefinch, Jameson's Jamesonse Vuurvinkie U Gregarious; bush areas Mail with pink bill, white outer tail Attends bees nests; distinctive crown Honeyguide, Greater Grootheuningwyser U feathers call Fiscal, Southern Pied appearance, hooked bill, white Fiskaallaksman C Hunts from conspicuous perch Olive grey back with gold wash, (Fiscal Shrike) 'V' on back Honeyguide, Lesser Kleinheuningwyser U Solitary; parasitises barbets stubby bill Distinctive pink plumage; two Usually shallow pans; overflying Flamingo, Greater Grootflamink U Obvious head crest, long pointed tone bill birds in Dainfern Hoopoe, African Hoep-Hoep C Ground feeder bill Flycatcher, African Deep rufous plumage - blue bill Paradysvlieëvanger CM Vocal; graceful flight Gregarious, gardens; whistled Paradise and eye ring Hornbill, African Grey Grysneushoringvoël U Dark bill with creamy markings call Small grey and black bird with Forages inside leafy canopy; Flycatcher, Fairy Feevlieëvanger UM Hornbill, Southern Geelbekneushor- pinkish belly patch, white wingbar winter visitor to highveld V Prominent yellow bill Woodland; vagrant to area Yellow-billed ingvoël Similar to Common Fiscal but thin Conspicious and tame; usually Flycatcher, Fiscal Fiskaalvlieëvanger C White with black neck and head, Gregarious scavenger in flycatcher bill in pairs Ibis, African Sacred Skoorsteenveër C curved bill wetlands Thin flycatcher bill, streaked Catches insects in flight, wing Flycatcher, Spotted Europese vlieëvanger UM Ibis, Glossy Glansibis U Bronze brown, metallic green wings Forages by probing in mud forehead flicking Probes deep in soil for food; Ibis, Hadeda Hadeda C Dark back, metallic purple in wing SPECIES G - K loud call Go-away-bird, Grey Kwêvoël C All grey, pronounced head crest Alert and inquisitive; gardens Male all black with pale bill and Margins of estate where there Indigobird, Purple Witpootblouvinkie U Brown mask on eyes, brown chest Grazes on shoreline in pairs; also legs; female cryptically coloured are bushes and grassland Goose, Egyptian Kolgans C patch gregarious Gregarious, hovers in wind; Kestrel, Lesser Kleinrooivalk UM Grey head, rufous back in male Large size; black and white Gregarious, marshy areas overflying bird in Dainfern Goose, Spur-winged Wildemakou U plumage adjacent to wetlands Kingfisher, Pointed red bill, brown head, blue Hunts insects from perch in Bruinkopvisvanger C Occasionally in wooded areas Brown-hooded wings woodland Goshawk, Gabar Kleinsingvalk U Red cere and red legs, white rump and gardens White spotted black upperparts, Kingfisher, Giant Reuse Visvanger U Shy, solitary; favours rivers Grebe, Little Kleindobbertjie U Rufous neck, blackish back Quiet dams; dives frequently chestnut below Greenshank, Common Groenpootruiter UM Greenish/Grey legs and feet Forages in water Kingfisher, Shy, favours quiet river areas Blouvisvanger U Black bill, brilliant blue upperparts Gregarious, groundfeeder, runs Half-collared with undergrowth Guineafowl, Helmeted Gewone Tarentaal C Red helmet with horn, blue face often Red bill in adult, turquoise crown, Solitary, fishes over rivers and Kingfisher, Malachite Kuifkopvisvanger U Gull, Grey-headed Gryskopmeeu U Grey head, back and upper wing Gregarious, forages over water blue back dams Hamerkop Hamerkop U Brown, hammer-like head Forages in shallow water Kingfisher, Pied Bontvisvanger U Distinctive pied appearance Hovers over water Yellow face, barred chest, white tail Woodland, gardens; raids weaver Insectivorous; occurs in wood- Harrier-Hawk, African Kaalwangvalk U Kingfisher, Woodland Bosveldvisvanger UM Light blue above, red and black bill bar in flight nests land; trilling call Helmet-Shrike, Pied appearance with crest and All-brown with square tail, mainly Usually gregarious, soaring Withelmlaksman V Gregarious; occurs in woodland Kite, Black Swartwou UM White-crested yellow eye wttle black bill overhead Uniform black plumage, yellow All-brown with forked tail, yellow Heron, Black Swartreier U Forms canopy with wings Kite, Yellow-billed Geelbekwou CM Soars, scavenger toes. (also known as Black Egret) bill
- 22 - - 23 - Small wader showing two black Edges of wetlands with Plover, Three-banded Driebandstrandkiewiet C NAME PROMINENT breast bands sandbanks; Jukskei River HABITAT Dark brown, male with red eye, FEATURES Pochard, Southern Bruineend U Open water, dives silver bill
STATUS & HABITS ENGLISH AFRIKAANS (Usually Male Birds Only) SIGHTINGS Long tail cocked upwards, black Prinia, Black-chested Swartbandlangstertjie U Bush areas and gardens chest band in summer Prinia, Tawny-flanked Bruinsylangstertjie C Long tail cocked, buffy flanks Rank undergrowth and gardens Red eyes, grey back, black Kite, Black-shouldered Blouvalkie U Hovers or hunts from perch Dense foliage in gardens; shoulders Puffback, Black-backed Sneeubal U Black and white, red eyes clicking call Lapwing, African Lelkiewiet C White forehead, yellow wattle Open areas Highly gregarious; forages in Wattled Quelea, Red-billed Rooibekkwelea U Strong red bill, black face in male open areas with seeds Lapwing, Blacksmith Bontkiewiet C Distinctive pied appearance Open areas near water Colourful orange throat, white Red legs and bill, black crown Robin-Chat, Cape Gewone Janfrederik C Keeps to dense undergrowth Lapwing, Crowned Kroonkiewiet C Open areas, parks and fields eyebrow, orange in tail ringed white Beautiful turquoise plumage with Obvious crest, shows rufous in Sings from exposed perch in Roller, Lilac-breasted Gewone Troupant U Open areas, perches prominently Lark, Rufous-naped Rooineklewerik U lilac breast wings summer; habitat disappearing Bobbing action, white shoulder Edges of wetlands with Grassland areas; habitat Sandpiper, Common Gewone Ruiter UM Longclaw, Cape Oranjekeelkalkoentjie V Orange throat with black surround patch sandbanks disappearing Olive brown back, spotted white, Small; brown and white with Sandpiper, Wood Bosruiter UM Marshy edges of wetlands Mannikin, Bronze Gewone Fret C Gregarious, feeds in flocks eyebrow two-tone bill Seedeater, Martin, Afrikaanse Oewer- Brown with white belly, dark Streepkopkanarie U White eyebrow, grey cheeks Sociable, unobtrusive C Gregarious, feeds near water Streaky-headed Brown-throated swael underwing coverts Perches within canopy of tree; Martin, Common Shikra Gebande Sperwer U Russet banded underparts, red eye Huisswael UM Blue-black above, white rump Gregarious, feeds over grass hunts birds House Water surface - dabbling with Brown with square tail which has Usually around cliffs/buildings, Shoveler, Cape Kaapse Slopeend U Broad black bill, pale grey head Martin, Rock Kransswael U beak immersed small white spots can range further Shrike, Pairs occur in thornveld areas; Red bill with yellow tip, white Rooiborslaksman V Crimson underparts, black above Moorhen, Common Grootwaterhoender C Swims in open water Crimson-breasted vagrant undertail Perches on bush or telephone Shrike, Lesser Grey Gryslaksman UM Black forehead, face, wings and tail Mousebird, Red-faced Rooiwang Muisvoël C Bare red face, grey back, long tail Gregarious; gardens wire Mousebird, Speckled Gevlekte Muisvoël C Uniform brown, black and white bill Gregarious; gardens Shrike, Red-backed Rooiruglaksman UM Grey head, rufous back Perches lower down in bush Dark appearance, legs, face and Commensal with man; Snipe, African Large bill, striped appearance, very Vagrant to wetland areas with Myna, Common Indiese Spreeu C Gewone Snip V beak yellow aggressive (Ethiopian) direct flight rank grassland Neddicky Nedikkie U Grey plumage, dull rufous head Small; dry rattling call Head, face and breast black with Frequents well treed gardens Sparrow, Cape Gewone Mossie C Nightjar, European Europese Naguil UM Cryptic plumage, refer to book Roosts on branch, feeds at night white 'C' and bird feeders Oriole, Black-headed Swartkopwielewaal U Bright yellow, black head Woodland; liquid call Feeds by hopping on ground; Sparrow, House Huismossie C White cheeks, black bib, grey crown Owl, Western Barn Nonnetjie-Uil U Pale heart-shaped facial disc Nocturnal; screeching call around habitation Active morning/late afternoon, Sparrow, Southern Forages on ground; occurs in Owl, Marsh Vlei-Uil U Dark 'spectacles', barred belly Gryskopmossie C Slim build, grey head, rufous wings grassland and marsh Grey-headed bush and gardens Grey flecked, prominent 'ears', Nocturnal; perches on prominent Sparrowhawk, Black Swartsperwer U Large black and white raptor Keeps to cover, flies rapidly Owl, Spotted Eagle Gevlekte Ooruil U yellow eyes perch/building Small dove-sized raptor, white tail Dashes about in dense cover Sparrowhawk, Little Kleinsperwer C SPECIES P - S spots, yellow eye after birds All-green with dark ring around Conspicuous, occurs in gardens Sparrowhawk, Grey upperparts, barred underparts, Agile and graceful in flight; Parakeet, Rose-ringed Ringnekparkiet C Ovambosperwer C neck in male with tall trees Ovambo long tail gardens, hunts birds Large white bird, spoon-shaped Dark purplish plumage, yellow bill Dense foliage in gardens; also Spoonbill, African Lepelaar U Forages on surface water Pigeon, African Olive Geelbekbosduif C bill, red legs and feet known as Rameron Pigeon Spurfowl Swainson's Bosveldfisant U Red-necked, black bill and legs Shy, occurs in more open areas White speckles on wine coloured Roosts on high buildings; also Pigeon, Speckled Kransduif C wings, red eye patch in gardens Starling, Cape Glossy Kleinglansspreeu C Iridescent blue and green Forages arboreally or on ground Grassland; undulating display Starling, Pied Witgatspreeu V Black with white vent, pale eye Gregarious, in open areas Pipit, African Gewone Koester U Streaked back, white outer tail flight in summer Starling, Red-winged Rooivlerkspreeu C Red-brown flight feathers Flight fast and direct; gregarious
- 24 - - 25 - NAME Thrush, Karoo Bruinlyster C Olive-brown, orange bill, grey vent Gardens; usually on ground PROMINENT Tit-Babbler, Forages in midstratum, favours HABITAT Bosveldtjeriktik U Grey, with chestnut vent FEATURES Chestnut-vented Acacia thickets Large raptor with two-tone under- Overflying vagrant in Dainfern
STATUS & HABITS ENGLISH AFRIKAANS (Usually Male Birds Only) Vulture, Cape Kransaasvoël V SIGHTINGS wing, distinctive shape area; ranges from Magaliesberg Wagtail, Cape Gewone Kwikkie C Grey above, grey bib Wags tail when standing Large black and yellow wattle on Catches live prey on ground; Small warbler, soft churring call Starling, Wattled Lelspreeu V Warbler, African Reed Kleinrietsanger CM Skulks in low reeds head and throat gregarious from reeds Wetlands; forages in shallow Warbler, (European) Small warbler, pointed bill, soft Secretive; in dense vegetation Stilt, Black-winged Rooipootelsie U Very long red legs, pied plumage Europese Rietsanger UM water Marsh jumbled call away from water Black head, white and rufous Forages from a perch in Warbler, (European) Stonechat, African Gewone bontrokkie U Europese Vleisanger UM Streaked crown Singly in dense vegetation underparts grassland Sedge Red bill and legs; white with black Mostly overflying birds; normally Fairly nondescript, no obvious Sings from concealed place; Stork, White Witooievaar UM Warbler, Garden Tuinsanger UM on wings grassland markings often in gardens Sunbird, Amethyst Swartsuikerbekkie C Sooty black, purple chin Restless and very active; gardens Largest of the warblers, buffy Singly in dense vegetation; loud Warbler, Great Reed Grootrietsanger UM Sunbird, White-bellied Witpenssuikerbekkie C Metallic green head and upperparts Restless and very active; gardens underparts grating call White below, red throat and Warbler, Lesser Swamp Brown above, buff white below, Forages low in reedbeds; musical Swallow, Barn Europese Swael CM Low quick agile flight Kaapse Rietsanger CM forehead (C. Reed) eye stripe call Swallow, Greater Pale rufous rump, whitish cheek Flight slow and leisurely, Warbler, Little Rush Grootstreepswael CM Kaapse Vleisanger UM Dark, broad tail Reedbeds; harsh, rattle-like call Striped patches, less streaked 'chirrup' call (Afr. Sedge) Swallow, Lesser Rufous head and cheeks, heavily Flies with other swallows, Warbler, Willow Hofsanger CM Distinct eyebrows, notch in tail Active leaf gleaner Kleinstreepswael UM Striped streaked breast nasal call Brown above, blue face, throat Waxbill, Blue Gewone Blousysie U Gregarious, forages on ground Swallow, Red-breasted Rooiborsswael UM Entirely chestnut underparts Flight slower with gliding and breast Swallow, South African Brreeds under bridges, often Forages low down; highly Familieswael UM Square tail, pale rufous rump Waxbill, Common Rooibeksysie U Red belly, eye patch and bill Cliff around water gregarious Swallow, White underparts, black breast Flight quick and agile; associated Weaver, Cape Kaapse Wewer U Orange-brown mask, pale eye Breeds near water in reeds Witkeelswael CM White-throated band with water Weaver, Southern Yellow with red eye and black Breeding colonies near water Swartkeel Geelvink C Swamphen, African Mainly deep blue-purple, large Shy, keeps to dense marshy Masked mask; greenish back and in gardens Grootkoningriethaan V Purple red beak vegetation Male dark brown with white in Weaver, Thick-billed Dikbekwewer C Active in reedbeds All dark brown/black, crescent Highly gregarious; leaves wings, heavy bill Swift, African Black Swartwindswael U wings breeding cliffs in winter Variable - black or silver-grey with Found around rocky areas and Wheatear, Mountain Bergwagter U Roosts and breeds under palm white cap and rump exposed buildings Swift, African Palm Palmwindswael C Grey brown, slender body, long tail leaves White-eye, Cape Kaapse Glasogie C Yellow/green above, white eye ring Forages restlessly, gregarious All dark swift, uniform dark back/ Whitethroat, Common Witkeelsanger UM White throat, rufous in wings Found in scrub thickets Swift, Common Europese Windswael UM Flocks in summer secondaries Male with pied plumage, red bill, Bouncy flight, aggressive; often Whydah, Pin-tailed Koning Rooibekkie C Black body, short square tail with Highly gregarious; roosts and long tail around bird feeders Swift, Little Kleinwindswael C white rump breeds in buildings Widowbird, Forages mainly on ground; Langstertflap U Extremely long black tail Swift, White-rumped Witkruisvindswael CM Forked tail, white rump crescent Forages high and low Long-tailed favours grassland SPECIES T - Z Widowbird, Flight rather slow; grassland and Witvlerkflap U Yellow and white patches in wings Tchagra, Brown crown edged with black, Occurs in bushy areas; flies White-winged scrub areas Rooivlerktjagra U Brown-crowned white eyebrow reluctantly Long, red curved bill, white in Wood-Hoopoe, Green Gewone Kakelaar C Forages in trees in noisy groups Forages by head-dipping and wings and tail Teal, Cape Teeleend V Pink bill, pale appearance upending Streaked breast, red crown (male), Woodpecker, Cardinal Kardinaalspeg C Forages on trunks and branches Teal, Red-billed Rooibekeend U Red bill, spotted body, dark cap Grazes acquatic plants brown crown (female) Body lead-grey, black forehead Dips water surface for food; Woodpecker, Streaked underparts, red crown, Tern, Whiskered Witbaardsterretjie U Goustertspeg U Forages on trunks; loud call (breeding) occasionally along Jukskei Golden-tailed golden tail Heavily spotted upperparts, large Forages mostly on ground; Thick-knee, Spotted Gewone Dikkop C Crepuscular and nocturnal eye Wryneck, Red-throated Draaihals C Rufous patch on throat perches prominently; distinctive Thrush, Groundscraper Gevlekte Lyster U Heavily streaked underparts Terrestrial; often in pairs call
- 26 - - 27 - HOW TO RECOGNISE BIRDS
• Bill: The shape and length of the bill are clues to its feeding habits and identification. Seed eaters have thick stubby beaks while those of insect eaters are usually thin, sharp and pointed. • Legs: Waders generally have long legs whereas those of ducks and geese are short. Leg colouration is also important in identification. • Wings and Tails: The open wing and tail shapes can assist in pin-pointing the species. • Crests: Head crests in many species can be raised or lowered at will. If time allows, watch the bird for at least a few minutes. • Facial Patterns: Chin colour, cheek patches and eye markings are important to take note of. • Eyes: Eyebrows, as well as rings around the eye and eye colouration are important diagnostic features. • Breast Spots: Some birds have a barred breast pattern while others have spots and longitudinal stripes. • Caps and Crowns: These are very distinctive and helpful in sorting out some of the Plovers and Woodpeckers. • Rump Patches: These are particularly noticeable when birds fly up and away from you. Take note of colouration and distinctive markings. • Tail Marks: Take notice of patterns such as bars and stripes especially those displayed by the hawks. • Wing Patterns: Dull or evenly coloured birds will disclose their identity when they stretch their wings or fly off. • Wing Bars: A dull coloured species will often display a distinct or colourful wing bar. • Walking Habits: Birds move in various ways. Wagtails walk, Sparrows hop and Thrushes run. • Flying Habits: Kites hover, Francolin dash for short distances, Kingfishers fly with rapid wing beats near to the water and straight as an arrow, and Flycatchers do complicated aerial acrobatics. • Sound and Calls: The call or sounds may assist in identification. • Suggested Literature: Roberts Birds of South Africa, Newman's Birds of Southern Africa and Sasol Birds of Southern Africa.