Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

MALAWI BIRDING TRIP REPORT Oct 11 – 31st, 2016 By Thomas Plath

Itinerary

Oct 10: fly to Johannesburg from Cape Town; overnight Premier Hotel near O.R. Tambo International Airport Oct 11: 12:30 PM arrival in Lilongwe International Airport with a 75$ US entry fee; converted $250 US to the local currency kwatcha’s, replaced the chip on my unlocked iPhone, then bought 2 Gig’s of data and some airtime, met SS Car Rental representative who showed me the car which turned out to be a very used, poorly maintained, beaten Suzuki Jimney 4X4, he then drove us to the office downtown office to complete payment and paper work, located close to the Kiboka Town Hotel, dinner next door restaurant Oct 12: breakfast at Kiboka Town Hotel then drove to Luwawa Forest Lodge, Vipha Plateau; arrived at 2 PM greeted owner and was snarled at then bitten (very little blood) by large massive-headed dog while talking to him, birded till 530 PM Oct 13: Forest Lodge guide Patrick took us through grassland to miombo forest 0600-0830, then Luwawa lodge grounds, marsh and forest patches 10 Am to 5PM, after dinner owling by marsh Oct 14: tried for Anchieta’s Tchagra 0600 - 0830, then after sorting things out with Responsible Safari who neglected to send needed vouchers we headed for Nyika Plateau 1040 AM, took a wrong turn near the turn off to Rumphi then realized we were headed for Lake Malawi the opposite direction on the M5; this cost us a few hours and we arrived at Chelinda Camp, Nyika Plateau NP 7PM Oct 15: birded Chelinda Lodge grounds early in AM, had breakfast cooked by our attendant/chef Amand, then was taken by our gude Blesssings through the grassland to a montane forest patch, had lunch then birded (TP) the 1st dam area, at 3PM went to protea patch for Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, then game and night drive with Blessings Oct 16: birded Chowo forest 0600 – 0830 then after breakfast the 3 dam area, at 3PM another game and night drive through grasslands Oct 17: birded Chelinda Lodge and stream area 0530 – 0700, breakfast then at 0900 drove to the Acacia abyssinica patch for Brown Parisoma, a couple of quick stops in the Miombo before driving to Chinteche Lodge on the shore of Lake Malawi, arrived 3PM Oct 18: 0530 – 1000 AM birded Chinteche Inn grounds and adjacent area, also briefly visited a school run by an Austrian fellow, left at 1030 AM and drove to Bua River Lodge and arrived at 230 PM, birded lodge area then an evening walk up river at 430 PM Oct 19: 0430-0800 birded Bua River Lodge grounds, drove to Lilongwe for groceries for 3 days self-catering at Dzalanyama Forest Lodge, arrived at 3 PM Oct 20: went for Boulder Chat and miombo birding 0600-1200, the Dzalanyama Forest Lodge area after lunch and 330 PM birded Lodge vicinity and forestry area Oct 21: 0600 - 1130 AM birded miombo forest near entrance, then area around Dzalanyama Forest Lodge till 1230 to 6 PM Oct 22: birded first stream area 0530 - 1000 AM 2 km from Dzalanyama Forest Lodge, then left for Dedza Pottery Lodge, arrived 2PM Oct 23: 0600 – 0900 birded Chongoni Forest, then 1000 AM left for Liwonde NP, Google directions led us to an unfinished bridge forcing us to ford through a large dry river with help by locals, got to Liwinde NP paid entrance fee and then ferried across the Shire River arriving at Mvuu Lodge 3 PM, refeshments/snacks then off for a game and night drive 430 - 7PM Oct 24: game walk 0530 – 0730 AM then after breakfast on floodplain a river cruise 0930 – 1200, lunch 1230, then game and night drive 330 – 7PM

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Oct 25: 0500-0800 try for Brown-breasted Barbet on other side of river, then post breakfast boat cruise 1030 – 1200, following lunch dropped by the 10th anniversary of H.E.L.P. school at local community then drove to Bushman’s Baobob Camp, arrived 230 PM Oct 26: birded Shire River and Bushman’s Baobob Lodge area 0630 – 1000 AM, drove to Zomba Forest Lodge, Zomba Plateau and arrived at 2PM, following lunch birded the grounds Oct 27: 0600-0730 hrs birded grounds, after breakfast 0930 – 1700 birded montane forest along river to William’s Falls and around dam, fan belt snapped during the day so had to call owner of lodge to get us, he towed us back to the lodge then I made arrangements for vehicle replacement next day Oct 28: 0600-0900 hrs birded Zomba Forest Lodge, 0900 mechanic from SS Rental arrived with replacement vehicle, left for Blantyre and arrived at Casa Mia Hotel 2 PM Oct 29: 0900 after breakfast drove to Huntingdon House, Satemwa Tea Estate, arrived at 1230 and birded grounds till 5 PM Oct 30: 0530 – 0830 birded montane forest for Green-headed Oriole, 1030 following breakfast and check out drove to Lilwonge, arrived at 330 PM Oct 31: breakfast at 0700 then packed and drove to Lilongwe International Airport arrived 1040 and waited for SS rental representative to arrive, flew to Johannesburg 1 PM arrived at 340 PM, then took flight to London 940 PM. Arrived home 6pm Nov 1st

Savannah Baboon, Zomba Plateau Photo: Thomas Plath

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Highlights: 352 species, Hildebrandt’s and Red-winged Francolin, Saddle-billed Stork, White-backed Night-Heron, African Cuckoo-Hawk, Western Banded Snake-Eagle, Ayre’s Hawk-Eagle, Pallid Harrier, Mountain Buzzard, Spur- winged Lapwing, Gull-billed Tern, African Skimmer, Dusky Turtle-Dove, Blue-spotted Wood-Dove, Livingstone’s and Schalow’s Turaco, Thick-billed Cuckoo, White-browed Coucal, Pennant-winged, Ruwenzori and Square-tailed Nightjar, Scarce Swift, Bar-tailed Trogon, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Pale-billed and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Boehm’s and Madagascar Bee-eater, Whyte’s, Moustached and Miombo Barbet, Green-backed Honeybird, Reichenow’s, Green-backed and Stierling’s Woodpecker, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Lilian’s Lovebird, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Malawi, Forest and Pale Batis, Retz’s Helmetshrike, Fuelleborn’s Boubou, White-breasted and Black Cuckooshrike, Green-headed Oriole, African Crested Flycatcher, Angola and Montane Blue Swallow, White-headed Sawwing, White-tailed Blue and White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Spotted Creeper, Rufous-bellied and Miombo Tit, Eastern Mountain, Stripe-cheeked, Little and Cabanis’s Greenbul, Moustached Grass-Warbler, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Mountain Yellow-Warbler, Fan-tailed Grassbird, Evergreen-forest Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler, Black-headed Apalis, Miombo Wren-Warbler, Trilling, Black-lored, Churring and Chirping Cisticola, Brown Warbler, Southern Hyliota, White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, Boehm’s Flycatcher, Miombo Scrub-Robin, Collared Palm-Thrush, Miombo Rock-Thrush, Boulder Chat, Waller’s and Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Anchieta’s, Red-tufted, Miombo and Shelley’s Sunbird, Woodland and Striped Pipit, Yellow-crowned Canary, Southern Citril, Black-eared and Reichard’s Seedeater, Bertram’s, Baglafecht and Olive-headed Weaver, Montane Widowbird, Peter’s Twinspot, Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah

Mammals: 31 species, Harrison’s Soft-furred Fruit-Bat, Cape Porcupine, Mutable Sun Squirrel, Red Bush Squirrel, Syke’s Monkey, Side-striped Jackal, Large-spotted Genet, Meller’s and White-tailed Mongoose, African Civet, Southern Tree Dassie, Roan, Sable

Annotated Bird and Mammal Trip List

This trip list follows the taxonomic order and nomenclature Clements 6th Edition (updated 2014). The status of the threatened bird species is taken from Birdlife International (Threatened Species).

NP – National Park GR – Game Reserve * - Heard only birds

Ducks: Anatidae

White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata): Over 500 observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca): Two seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immidiated area Oct 18th, five seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 30 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, six seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and a single at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis): Two seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 250+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24rd, and 100+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

African Black Duck (Anas sparsa): Three seen at the dam Zomba Plateau Oct 27th.

Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata): Four observed at the 1st dam, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and one on the 16th and 17th.

Guineafowl: Numididae 3 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris): Ten observed en route to Nyika NP Oct 14th, 20 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Francolin and Pheasants: Phasianidae

Hildebrandt’s Francolin (Pternistis): Three observed quickly crossing the road near Chowo Forest, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, one observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Red-winged Francolin (Scleroptila levaillantii): Two seen in flight at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and two heard Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Grebes: Podicipedidae

Little Grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis): One observed at the 1st Dam, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and 16th.

Storks: Ciconiidae

African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus): Six seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 40 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and 50+ observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis): Two seen foraging in front of the restaurant and bar at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd.

Marabou (Leptoptilos crumenifer): Four seen soaring at Liwonde NP Oct 24th during the afternoon boat trip.

Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis): One seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 15 observed during the mid- morning boat trip along the Shire River, Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and three observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Cormorants: Phalacrocoracidae

Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo): Fifteen seen flying along Lake Malawi at Chinteche Inn grounds and Oct 18th, 20 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th.

Long-tailed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus): Two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th, and four observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Anhingas: Anhingidae

African Darter (Anhinga rufa): Two seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, six on Oct 24th, and two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

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African Darter, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Hamerkop: Scopidae

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta): Three observed en route to Nyika NP Oct 14th, two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and 19th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 15 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and three observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Herons: Ardeidae

Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea): One seen at along the shore of Lake Malawi from Chinteche Inn grounds and Oct 18th, one seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, two seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd and Oct 24th, four observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and one seen en route to Lilongwe Oct 30th.

Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala): Three seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, and two on the Oct 13th, one observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and 16th, a single observed at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and one seen en route to Lilongwe Oct 30th.

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath): One observed during the afternoon boat trip at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

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Goliath Heron and Waterbuck, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Great Egret (Ardea alba): One seen along Lake Malawi, Chinteche Inn Oct 18th, six seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, eight during the boat trip Oct 24th and four Oct 25th, five observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Intermediate Heron (Mesophoyx intermedia): Two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta): One seen along Lake Malawi, Chinteche Inn Oct 18th, two seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, three Oct 24th, and a single at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th,

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis): Over 20 seen en route to Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, 40 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, five observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and five seen en route to Lilongwe Oct 30th.

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides): Three seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, six seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th.

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Striated Heron (Butorides striata): Three seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and six seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Black-crowned Night-Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax): One adult seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, 30 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Black-crowned Night-Heron, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

White-backed Night-Heron (Gorsachias leuconotus): A pair on the nest was observed close to the boat launch during the amid-morning boat trip along the Shire River at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

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White-backed Night-Heron, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Ibis and Spoonbills: Threskiornithidae

Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus): Five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash): Four seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

African Spoonbill (Platalea alba): Two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Hawks and Eagles: Accipitridae

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus): One seen during the boat trip along the Shire River at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Black-shouldered Kite (Elanus caeruleus): One observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

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African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus): Three seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, including one raiding a nest, two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th and a single Oct 14th, and one observed at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd.

Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis): One adult seen en route to Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, one immature seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th, one seen at the dam Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, one immature observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

African Cuckoo-Hawk (Aviceda cuculoides): Great looks of one in flight overhead at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus): Two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and one seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th.

Black-breasted Snake-Eagle (Circaetus pectoralis): One seen soaring at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Banded (Western) Snake-Eagle (Circaetus cinerascens): Three seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th including one foraging on the ground in front of the restaurant.

Banded Snake-Eagle, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

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Bat Hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus): One observed chasing bats at coffee break along the bank of the Shire River, during the evening game drive at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd.

Wahlberg’s Eagle (Aquila wahlbergi): The same individual was seen perched in te mopane woodland at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd and 24th.

Wahlberg’s Eagle, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Black Eagle (Aquila verreauxii): Two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, one heard at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and one immature seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

African Hawk-Eagle (Aquila spilogaster): A pair seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Ayre’s Hawk-Eagle (Aquila ayresii): One seen flying across river at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

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Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus): One seen soaring at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, and one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Dark Chanting Goshawk (Melierex metabates): One observed briefly along th e roadside en route to Nyika NP Oct 14th.

Gabar Goshawk (Melierex gabar): One seen in a montane forest patch Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

African Marsh-Harrier (Circus ranivorus): Two seen in overflight in the evening at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th and four Oct 13th.

Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus): One seen foraging over the grasslands during a late afternoon game drive at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro): One heard calling and seen in flight overhead at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, one seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

*Black Goshawk (Accipiter melanoleucus): One heard in the pines near Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 12th.

Black (Yellow-billed) Kite (Milvus migrans): Two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, one seen en route to Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

African Fish-Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer): One adult seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, three seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 25 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and heard at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

African Fish-Eagle, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

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Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur): One observed flying over at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th.

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo): One observed in the miombo forest at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

(Forest) Mountain Buzzard (Buteo oreophiluss): One seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, three seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, one seen at Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Bustards: Otididae

Denham’s Bustard (Neotis denhami): Four observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Rails: Rallidae

*African Rail (Rallus caerulescens): One heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra): One seen at the lake area near Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 13th, two seen along the banks of the Shire River during the boat trip at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and one observed by LK at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Thick-knees: Burhinidae

Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus): One seen along the river bed at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, a group of three seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, nine seen during the boat trip at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, fand our seen 25th.

Plovers: Charadriidae

Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus): Six seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus): More than 15 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th during the boat trip and 10+ Oct 25th.

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Spur-winged Plover, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus): Over 20 seen during the boat trip at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus): Ten seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and five seen Oct 25th.

Jacanas: Jacanidae

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus): About 12 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, six seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and four observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

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African Jacana, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Sandpipers: Scolopacidae

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos): One observed at the 1st dam Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, one seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, one seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, one seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, four seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, eight seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus): One flushed from a drying channel at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Common Greenshank (Tringa nebularia): One heard at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, six seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and four on Oct 25th.

Marsh Sandpiper (Tringa stagnatillis): Four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola): Three seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and Oct 25th, and six observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

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Wood Sandpiper, Bushman’s Baobob Camp Photo: Thomas Plath

Ruff (Calidris pugnax): One seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23th and another observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

African Snipe (Gallinago nigripennis): One observed in flight at the first dam, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, and four seen at along the banks of the shire river Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

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African Snipe, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Gulls: Laridae

Gray-hooded Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus): Twenty seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Gull-billed Tern (Sterna nilotica): One seen flying along the Shire River, Liwonde NP Oct 24th and two observed during the boat trip Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

African Skimmer (Rynchops flavirostris): Over 200+ were seen during the mid-morning boat trip, roosting on a sandbar along the Shire River, Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

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African Skimmer, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Pigeons and Doves: Columbidae

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Introduced: Nine observed en route to Chinteche Oct 17th, two seen at Dedza Oct 23rd, and three seen at Liwonde Oct 25th.

Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea): One seen en route to Dedza Pottery Oct 22nd.

Rameron Pigeon (Columba arquatrix): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, 20 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, four seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, six observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, and two seen at Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Lemon Dove (Columba larvata): One heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, and one seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th. 17 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Dusky Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia lugens): Over 40 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and ten seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Mourning Collared Dove (Streptopelia decipiens): Two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata): Common and widespread: Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, six seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, four seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, two observed at Chinteche Inn Oct 17th, four seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, three seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, 30 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th, two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and five seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Ring-necked (Cape) Dove (Streptopelia capicola): Heard at Chinteche Inn grounds and immidiated area Oct 18th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, six seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, eight seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, 10 seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th, andtwo observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

*Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis): Heard only at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove (Turtur chalcospilos): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th and two the 13th, one heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, one seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st and 22nd, eight seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, eight seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, five observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and two seen at Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Blue-spotted Wood-Dove (Turtur afer): Good looks of one foraging on the lawn at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, two seen near the entrance of Chinteche Inn Oct 18th.

Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria): Two seen at Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, one observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th, and three seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis): Three seen en route to Lilongwe Oct 30th.

African Green-Pigeon (Treron calvus): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, two seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, and two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Turacos: Musophagidae

Schalow’s Turaco (Tauraco schalowi): Good looks of one at the Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, one seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, one observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and 16th.

Livingstone’s Turaco (Tauraco livingstonii): One heard flying over at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th, seven seen at Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, one heard at Zombo Plateau Oct 28th, one heard on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th, four seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

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Purple-crested Turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus): Two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th.

Gray Go-Away-Bird (Corythaixoides concolor): One seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, three seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and singles observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th and 26th.

Cuckoos: Cuculidae

Thick-billed Cuckoo (Pachycoccyx audeberti): One observed in overflight at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius): Two heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, 4 heard on the 13th and two the 14th, one heard only at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and 16th, and one seen in a thicket during an afternoon walk at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis): Great looks of one observed along the creek following a turaco, then eating caterpillars from a tree trunk at Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

African Cuckoo, Zomba Plateau Photo: Thomas Plath

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Burchell’s Coucal (Centropus burchelli): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th and 13th, one heard only Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, one heard at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, one heard at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th, one heard at Zombo Plateau Oct 28th, one observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th and heard Oct 30th.

White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus): Good but brief views of one perched in grass near the entrance to Chinteche Inn Oct 18th.

Barn Owls: Tytonidae

*African Grass Owl (Tyto capensis): One heard in the evening along the lake and damnbo edge at Luwawa Lodge grounds Oct 13th.

Owls: Strigidae

*Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus): One heard on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

*Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum): One heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th.

*African Barred Owlet (Glaucidium capense): One heard in the miombo forest at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, one heard at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, one heard at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, and heard at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd.

African Wood-Owl (Strix woodfordii): One seen briefly in flight being mobbed by birds at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, one was caught by me and released from the hallway at Huntingdon House, Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

African Wood-Owl, Huntingdon House Photo: Thomas Plath 20 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Nightjars: Caprimulgidae

Pennant-winged Nightjar (Macrodipterexs vexillarius): A male was observed flying in front of car en route to Nyika Plateau Oct 14th.

Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis): One heard at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, two heard at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, one heard at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one heard at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, good looks of one roosting on the ground at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Fiery-necked Nightjar, Dzalanyama forest Photo: Thomas Plath

Rwenzori (Montane) Nightjar (Caprimulgus ruwenzori): two heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, three observed and two heard at Nyika NP Oct 14th, two observed on the night drive at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, 15+ seen during the night drive at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

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Rwenzori Nightjar, Nyika Plateau NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Square-tailed (Mozambique) Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii): Two seen along the Shire River, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, one heard at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, three heard at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th.

Swifts: Apodidae

Scarce Swift (Schoutedenapus myoptilus): Good looks of two from the Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 27th.

African (Black) Swift (Apus barbatus): About 15 seen foraging with a large flockof swallows at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Little Swift (Apus affinis): About 10 seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, two seen en route to Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, three seen at Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and five seen at Zombo Plateau Oct 28th.

White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer): About 15 seen en route to Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, 15 seen en route to Dedza Pottery Oct 22nd, and 10 seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

African Palm-Swift (Cypsiurus parvus): Five at Lilongwe Oct 11, one observed at Chinteche Inn NP Oct 17th, two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, five seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 40 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 30 seen

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at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, 10 seen at Blantyre Oct 28th, and four observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

Mousebirds: Coliidae

Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus): Eight seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, six seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, five seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, 10 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and 20 seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus): Four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and three observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Trogons: Trogonidae

Bar-tailed Trogon (Apaloderma vittatum): Three observed at close range in a forest patch on Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and one heard at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Hoopoes: Upupidae

Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, two seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, two and seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Woodhoopoes: Phoeniculidae

Common Scimitar-bill (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas): Two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, three seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd and four on Oct 24th.

Ground-Hornbills: Bucorvidae

Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri): Two groups of four were seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Hornbills: Bucerotidae

Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, one seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, one seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, and two seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd.

African Gray Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus): Four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Pale-billed Hornbill (Tochus pallidirostris): Four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th and a group of seven on Oct 21st.

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Pale-billed Hornbill, Dzalanyama forest Photo: Thomas Plath

Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris): About 15 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and eight on Oct 24th.

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill (Bycanistes brevis): Two seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator): Over 25 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and 15 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Kingfishers: Alcedinidae

Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus): About 10 seen during the river cruise at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th.

African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st and two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

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African Pygmy Kingfisher, Dzalanyama forest Photo: Thomas Plath

Gray-headed Kingfisher (Halycon leucocephala): Two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Woodland Kingfisher (Halycon senegalensis): One seen and heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th.

Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halycon albiventris): One observed at Chinteche Inn Oct 17th and 18th, one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

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Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Striped Kingfisher (Halycon chelicuti): One observed at Chinteche Inn Oct 17th, heard only at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima): One seen at Chinteche Inn grounds Oct 18th, one seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and 19th, one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and a single observed at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis): One seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 25+ seen durimng the river cruise at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 15+ Oct 25th.

Bee-eaters: Meropidae

Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus): Three seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, three seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th and 26th.

Boehm’s Bee-eater (Merops boehmi): A pair and their nest hole was observed at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and 19th, and two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

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Boehm’s Bee-eater, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Madagascar (Olive) Bee-eater (Merops superciliosus): Five seen perched on a snag and flycatching at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster): About 15 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, 20 seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, and 20+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Rollers: Coraciidae

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus): Two seen en route to Lilongwe from airport Oct 11th, three seen en route to Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 12th, one seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Raquet-tailed Roller (Coracias spatulatus): One seen inm the mopane woodland at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomas glaucurus): Two seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, two seen en route to Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct

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20th, four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and two observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

Broad-billed Roller, Chinteche Inn Photo: Thomas Plath

Barbets: Lybiidae

Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii): One heard and seen in the mopane forest at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and one heard at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis): One observed at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th and another Oct 28th.

Whyte’s Barbet (Stactolaemawhytii): A group of three seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st and another photographed, perched on a snag at Chongoni Forest Oct 23th.

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Anchieta’s Barbet, Chongoni Forest Photo: Thomas Plath

Moustached Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus leucomystax): One briefly seen overhead, and a few heard in a forest patch on Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus bilineateus): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th.

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Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Luwawa Forest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus): One seen and heard at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, one seen by LK at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, and another heard at Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

Miombo Barbet (Tricholaema frontata): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 19th and 21st, and another heard at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus): One seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and two at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Honeyguides: Indicatoridae

Green-Backed (Slender-billed Honeyguide) Honeybird (Prodotiscus zambesiae): One observed perched along the roadside in miombo forest at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Brown-backed Honeybird (Prodotiscus regulus): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st. 30 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Pallid Honeyguide (Indicator meliphilus): One seen in a tree with Whyte’s Barbets at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Scaly-throated Honeyguide (Indicator variegatus): One observed in a forest patch at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator): A female seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Woodpeckers: Picidae

Reichenow’s (Speckle-throated) Woodpecker (Campethera scriptoricauda): One seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd.

Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni): Singles observed at Liwonde NP Oct 23rd to 25th.

Green-backed Woodpecker (Campethera cailliautii): A male watched in a tree 50 m away at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, and one seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Stierling’s Woodpecker (Dendropicos stierlingi): A female was seen as part of a bird flock at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st and later that day a male was watched working a tree a few metres from our back deck.

Stierling’s Woodpecker, Dzalanyama forest Photo: Thomas Plath

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Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens): One seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and a single at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, and four on Oct 13th.

Falcons: Falconidae

Dickinson’s Kestrel (Falco dickinsoni): One seen at in flight and perched Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd and another at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Red-necked Falcon (Falco chicquera): One observed in over flight then perched on top of a distant tree at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo): One seen harassing a hawk-eagle during the boat trip along the Shire River, Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus): One seen in over flight at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Parrots: Psittacidae

Lilian’s Lovebird (Agapornis lilianae): About 40 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd and 24th, and 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Batises: Platysteiridae Black-throated Wattle-eye (Platysteira peltata): Two seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and four observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

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Black-throated Wattle-eye, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Forest Batis (Batis mixta): One seen and photographed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Forest Batis, Nyika Plateau NP Photo: Thomas Plath 33 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Malawi (Cape) Batis (Batis dimorpha): Eight observed in a forest patch at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, four seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, four seen at Zombo Plateau Oct 27th and two seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Malawi Batis, Zomba Plateau Photo: Thomas Plath

Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor): Four observed at miombo forest, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th and four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Pale Batis (Batis soror): Two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Helmetshrikes: Vangidae

White Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus): Five seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th and 15 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Retz’s Helmetshrike (Prionops retzii): A small group was moving through the mopane forest at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

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Puffbacks, Tchagras, Boubous and Bushshrikes: Malaconotidae

Brubru (Nilaus afer): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th and 13th, two seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, one seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and 19th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, three seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, one seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, one seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Black-backed Puffback, Bua River Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

Brown-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra australis): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd and one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Tropical Boubou (Laniarius major): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, one seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, two seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, two seen

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at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th, and six observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Fueleborn’s Boubou (Laniarius fuelleborni): One heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th two heard in a forest patch at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, two heard at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, and one seen well Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

*Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike (Telophorus sulfureopectus): One heard only at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Black-fronted Bushshrike (Telophorus nigrifrons): Two seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

*Gray-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti): One heard at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd.

Cuckooshrikes: Campephagidae

Gray Cuckooshrike (Coracina caesia): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

White-breasted Cuckooshrike (Coracina pectoralis): Two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th and six seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Black Cuckooshrike (Coracina flava): One female seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Shrikes: Laniidae

Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris): Four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, sixr observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, two seen en route to Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, and two seen en route to Dedza Pottery Oct 22nd.

Orioles: Oriolidae

African Golden Oriole (Oriolus auratus): Six seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, 10 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, five seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and 10 seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

*Green-headed Oriole (Orioluschlorocephalus): Two heard all morning from the canopy at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th, however despite intense searching couldn’t find singing birds.

African Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus): Four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th and two Oct 13th, two seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, a pair observed at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, and one at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Drongos: Dicruridae

Square-tailed Drongo (Dicruris ludwigii): Two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, two seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, two seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th, and four seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

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Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicruris adsimilis): Five seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, one observed at Chinteche Inn Oct 17th, six seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, eight seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, six seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, four seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, 10 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and 15+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Monarchs: Monarchidae

African Crested-Flycatcher (Trochocercus cyanomelas): Six observed in a forest patch at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

African Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis): Two observed at miombo forest, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, five seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th and Oct 21st, and six seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Crows: Corvidae

Pied Crow (Corvus albus): Common, widespread in towns and villages: many seen en route to Lilongwe Oct 11th, dozens en route to Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 12th, one seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, over10 observed en route to Nyika NP Oct 14th, one seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, 20 observed en route to Chinteche Inn Oct 17th, 10 seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, many seen at Chongoni Forest and durimg the drive to Mvuu Camp Oct 23rd, one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, 10 observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, many seen en route to Blantyre Oct 28th, and dozens seen during the drive to Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 29th.

White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis): About 20 seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th and 17th, 10 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, and a single seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Larks: Alaudidae

Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana): One observed along the roadside during the evening game drive Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Swallows: Hirundinidae

Plain (Brown-throated) Martin (Riparia paludicola): Four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th.

Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula): Over 100+ seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica): Five seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, 50 observed at Chinteche Inn Oct 17th, over 5,000 estimated en route to Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, three observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and 50+ seen at Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Angola Swallow (Hirundo angolensis): About 10 seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and 30 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th.

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Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii): A pair with young on the nest was seen alonf the river at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, five seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and eight seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Montane Blue Swallow (Hirundo atrocaerulea): Over 20 seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th and 10 the 16th, 20+ observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Greater Striped-Swallow (Cecropis cucullata): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th and a single seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Lesser Striped-Swallow (Cecropis abyssinica): Two seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th and two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and the 19th.

Red-rumped Swallow (Hirundo daurica): Five seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Common House-Martin (Delichon urbicum): Over 200+ seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

White-headed Sawwing (Psalidoprocne albiceps): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, and four seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Black Sawing (Psalidoprocne pristoptera): Five seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, two seen Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 27th, and five seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Eastern Sawwing (Psalidoprocne orientalis): Three seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, 10 seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, 10 seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, and 15+ seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Gray-rumped Swallow (Pseudhirundo griseopyga): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, one seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, and two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Crested Flycatchers:

White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher (Elminia albicauda): Five seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and one seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

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White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher, Chongoni Forest Photo: Thomas Plath

White-tailed Crested Flycatcher (Elminia albonotata): An adult with young was at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 13th, six observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, and six seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

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White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Zomba Plateau Photo: Thomas Plath

Tits: Paridae

Rufous-bellied Tit (Melaniparus rufiventris): Two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th and four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Southern Black-Tit (Melaniparus niger): One seen foraging in trees adjacent the restaurant at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

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Southern Black-Tit, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Miombo Tit (Melaniparus griseiventris): Two observed in acacia forest Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Creepers: Certhiidae

African Spotted Creeper (Salpornis salvadori): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, and two seen the following day. Bulbuls: Pycnonotidae

Sombre Greenbul (Andropadus importunus): Three seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Eastern Mountain Greenbul (Arizelocichla nigiceps): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, five seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, and one seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

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Eastern Mountain Bulbul, Luwawa Foest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

Olive-headed (Stripe-cheeked) Greenbul (Andropadus olivaceiceps): Around 15 seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Chlorcichla flaviventris): Two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and six seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Little Greenbul (Eurillas virens): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, one heard only Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, two observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th, and heard at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

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Little Greenbul, Satemwa Tea Estate Photo: Thomas Plath

Terrestrial Brownbul (Phyllastrephus terrestris): Two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Placid (Cabanis’s) Greenbul (Phyllastrephus placidus): Good looks of one seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and one seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Sharpe’s (Yellow-streaked) Greenbul (Phyllastrephus alfredi): One observed in the forest at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Common (Dark-capped) Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus): Over 20 seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, 30 seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, 20 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, five seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, 10 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, 20 seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, 10 seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, three seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, 50 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, 40 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, 10 seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, 50+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th, 20 observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, many seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, several seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th, and several observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

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Dark-capped Bulbul, Baobob Bushman’s Camp Photo: Thomas Plath

Grassbirds and Crombecs: Macrosphenidae

Cape Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens): Two seen at a roadside stop en route to Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 12th and one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th.

Moustached Grass-Warbler (Melocichla mentalis): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th.

Flycatchers: Cettidae

Livingstone’s Flycatcher (Erythrocus livingstonei): Two seen foraging low in shrubs during the early morning game walk at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

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Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Leaf Warblers: Phylloscopidae Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler (Phylloscopus ruficapilla): Two seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus): Two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, one seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 26th, two seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and one seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Reed Warblers: Acrocephalidae

African (Dark-capped) Yellow-Warbler (Iduna (Chloropeta) natalensis): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, and one heard only Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Mountain Yellow-Warbler (Iduna similis): One observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Lesser Swamp-Warbler (Acrocephalus gracilirostris): One observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Rush-Warblers: Locustellidae 45 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Fan-tailed Grassbird (Broad-tailed Warbler) (Schoenicola brevirostris): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, and eight seen near Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Evergreen-forest Warbler (Bradypterus lopezi): One heard in a forest patch on Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, one seen poorly in a forest tangle and five heard at Chowo Forest, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, two heard at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, and heard along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler (Bradypterus cinnamomeus): One observed creeping low along the creek at the first dam, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, two heard at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, and five heard at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

*Little Rush Warbler (Bradypterus baboecala): One heard only Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Cisticolas: Cisticolidae

Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica): Four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, three seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, two heard at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, one observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, one seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, two seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and heard on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 30th.

Bar-throated Apalis, Luwawa Forest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

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Yellow-throated Apalis (Apalis flavigularis): Two seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida): Three seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Black-headed Apalis (Apalis melanocephala): One seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and one seen at a montane forest patch, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura): Two heard only at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th and one seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Miombo (Stierling’s) Wren-Warbler (Calamonastes undosus): One seen and heard at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st and one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Singing Cisticola (Cisticola cantans): Two seen in the marsh/lake area near Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 12th, one seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, and one seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Trilling Cisticola (Cisticola woosnami): Five seen during a walk through miombo forest near Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 13th.

Black-lored Cisticola (Cisticola nigriloris): Small family groups were seen several times: Eight observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, six seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, and six observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Black-lored Cisticola, Nyika Plateau NP Photo: Thomas Plath 47 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Churring Cisticola (Cisticola njombe): Two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, four seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, eight observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Churring Cisticola, Nyika Plateau NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Rufous-winged Cisticola (Cisticola galactotes): A few good looks of birds in the open were had at Bushman’s Baobob camp Oct 26th.

(Neddicky) Piping Cisticola (Cisticola fulvicapilla): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chiniana): Two observed along the roadside en route to Chinteche Inn Oct 17th.

Chirping Cisticola (Cisticola pipiens): Two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Rock-loving (Lazy) Cisticola (Cisticola aberrans): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and four seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Croaking Cisticola (Cisticola natalensis): One seen near the Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

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Wing-snapping Cisticola (Cisticola ayresii): Two seen in grasslands near Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 14th, five observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, and two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava): One seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th.

Yellow-bellied Eremomela (Eremomela icteropygialis): One seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Green-capped Eremomela (Eremomela scotops): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Warblers: Sylviidae

Brown (Parisoma) Warbler (Sylvia lugens): A pair observed in the Acacia abyssinica forest at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin): Two seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

White-eyes: Zosteropidae

African Yellow White-eye (Zosterops senegalensis): Ten seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, two observed at a forest patch, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, 15 seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, six observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, five seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 19th, 10 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, four observed at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th, six seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, five seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th, and two observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 30th.

Babblers: Leiothrichidae

Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii): Four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, a group heard at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and four observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Hyliotas: Hyliotidae

Southern Hyliota (Hylotia australis): One seen in a bird flock at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Old World Flycatchers: Muscicapidae

Dusky-brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta): One seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, three observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and one seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Boehm’s Flycatcher (Bradornis boehmi): A pair with a young on the nest was seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

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Boehm’s Flycatcher, Dzalanyama forest Photo: Thomas Plath

Ashy Flycatcher (Muscicapa caerulescens): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 12th and 13th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, and one seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd.

Southern Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher (Melaenornis fischeri): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, six seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, five seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th and Oct 17th.

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White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher, Luwawa Forest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

Bearded Scrub-Robin (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata): One seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Bearded Scrub-Robin, Bushman’s Baobob Camp Photo: Thomas Plath

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Miombo Scrub-Robin (Cercotrichas barbata): Two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 19th.

Red-backed (White-browed) Scrub-Robin (Cercotrichas leucophrys): Three seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th and two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th.

*Olive-flanked Robin-Chat (Cossypha anomala): One heard only at a forest patch Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Cape Robin-Chat (Cossypha caffra): One observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, one seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, one seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and one observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini): One observed at Kikobota Town Hotel Oct 11th, one heard at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, one seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th and heard the 14th, one observed at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th, and one seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Collared Palm-Thrush (Cichladusa arquata): About 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and five observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th and 26th.

Collared Palm-Thrush. Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath 52 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

White-starred Robin (Pogonocichla stellate): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, eight observed in a forest patch at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, four seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, four seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

White-starred Robin, Luwawa Forest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

Miombo Rock-Thrush (Monticola angolensis): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest lodge Oct 19th and Oct 20th, and two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

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Miombo Rock-Thrush, Dzalanyama forest Photo: Thomas Plath

African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, five seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, eight observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, six seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, 20 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, one seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, two seen leaving Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th, and five observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 30th.

Boulder Chat (Pinarornis plumosus): Good looks of one on a rocky slope at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

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Boulder Chat, Dzalanyama forest Photo: Thomas Plath

(Arnot’s) White-headed Black Chat (Myrmecocichla arnotti): Great looks of two perched in a recently burned area of miombo woodland at Bua River Lodge entrance Oct 19th, one seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Arnott’s Chat, Bua River Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

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Familiar Chat (Cercomela familiaris): One seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 19th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, one seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, and one observed at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th.

Thrushes: Turdidae

Kurrichane Thrush (Turdus libonyana): Four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, four seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th,four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, five seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, two seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Kurrichane Thrush, Chinteche Inn Photo: Thomas Plath

Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th.

Starlings: Sturnidae

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Violet-backed Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, 50 seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, 30 seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, 10 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, four seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, five seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, 60+ seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, 30 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, and four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Violet-backed Starling, Luwawa Forest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus): About 30 seen along the cliffs at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Waller’s Starling (Onychognathus walleri): Two pairs observed flying between forest patches at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Meeve’s Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis): Twelve seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

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Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus): Two seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, six seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Lesser (Miombo) Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chloropterus): Three seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, three in miombo forest near Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 13th, and a single at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Oxpeckers: Buphagidae

Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus): Five on a Sable at Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, over 40 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and six seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus): One observed on Roan at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, and two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Sunbirds: Nectariniidae

Anchieta’s Sunbird (Anthreptes anchietae): One male seen by the first bridge at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th and three seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Western Violet-backed Sunbird (Anthreptes longuemarei Three seen at a flowering tree Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris): Four seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th,two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, four observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th,two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, four seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and four seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Eastern Olive Sunbird (Cyanomitra olivacea): One female seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st and two seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 19th, 10+ seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, and four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd. Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis): Three seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis): Over 15 seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, 10 seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, and two seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Red (Scarlet) –tufted Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstoni): Two males and a female observed attending proteas at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th.

Miombo (Double-collared) Sunbird (Cinnyris manoensis: A male seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and two seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Eastern (Forest) Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris mediocris): Four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th and six Oct 13th, two seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, four seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct

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16th and three Oct 17th, one observed at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th, 10+ seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and 10 seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Shelley’s Sunbird (Cinnyris shelleyi): Two females seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Purple-banded Sunbird (Cinnyris bifasciatus): Over 40 seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th and four observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th.

Variable (Yellow-bellied) Sunbird (Cinnyris venustus): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, two seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, and four observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

Copper Sunbird (Cinnyris cupreus): Three observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

Wagtails and Pipits: Motacillidae

Mountain Wagtail (Motacilla clara): Two seen foraging along the river during the walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, two seen at Luwawa on the 13th, four seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, 10 seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, five seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, two seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, two seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and two observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th and 30th.

African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus): Two seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, five observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, six seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, six observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and one observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 30th.

Woodland Pipit (Anthus knyassae): One heard and seen perched top of a tree at Miombo forest near Luwawa Forest Lodge on Oct 13th.

Jackson’s Pipit (Anthus latistriatus): One dark-backed pipit at the eastern side of the park was believed to be this species Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

*Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis): One heard singing on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

Striped Pipit (Anthus lineiventris): Good looks of a singing individual above us at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th and three seen at boulder strewn slopes at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th.

Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus): One seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th and two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

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Yellow-throated Lonclaw, Bushman’s Baobob Camp Photo: Thomas Plath

Buntings: Emberizidae

Cabanis’s Bunting (Emberiza cabanisi): Four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 13th, three seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, and two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

Canaries: Fringillidae

Yellow-crowned Canary (Serinus flavivertex): Five seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, five observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, 15 seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, and five observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Brimstone Canary (Serinus sulphuratus): Two seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

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Brimstone Canary, Luwawa Forest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus): Over 10 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th and 21st, five seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th, five observed at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th, five seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, five seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th, and five observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

Southern Citril (Serinus hypostictus): Three seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, one seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, 15 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, 12 seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, 10 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, two seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd, and five seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Brimstone Canary (Serinus sulphuratus): One seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Yellow-browed Seeeater (Serinus whytii): One observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th and Oct 17th.

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Yellow-browed Seedeater, Nyika Plateau NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Black-eared Seedeater (Serinu smennelli): Four seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th and Oct 21st.

Reichard’s Seedeater (Serinus reichardi): One seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Sparrows: Passeridae

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus): About 10 seen at Lilongwe Oct 11th, and 5 Oct 12th.

Southern Gray-headed Sparrow (Passer diffuses): Four seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Northern Gray-headed Sparrow (Passer griseus): One observed at close range at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th.

Yellow-throated Pretronia (Petronia superciliaris): Five seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, 20 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, 50+ seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, 10 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and 20 seen at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Weavers: Ploceidae 62 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali): More than 50 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 30 + seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Bertram’s (Bertrand’s) Weaver (Ploceus bertrandi): One seen perched and photographed on a snag at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Baglafecht Weaver (Ploceus baglafecht): Six observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, and another at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis): Two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th.

African Golden-Weaver (Ploceus subaureus): One observed at Chinteche Inn Oct 17th, 30 seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, and one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd.

African Golden Weaver, Chinteche Inn Photo: Thomas Plath

Holub’s Golden-Weaver (Ploceus xanthops): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th and 13th.

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Southern Brown-throated Weaver (Ploceus xanthopterus): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th and 13th, one seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, 15 observed at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th, and two seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Lesser Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius): About 20 seen along the banks of the Shire River during a boat trip at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus): One seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, 20 seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, and 30 seen at a colony at the entrance of Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st.

Olive-headed Weaver (Ploceus olivaceiceps): One juvenile seen and photographed near the first creek at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and an adult photographed perched on a snag at Chongoni Forest Oct 23rd.

Red-headed Weaver (Anaplectes rubriceps): A pair seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 22nd, and a male going to drink at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Red-headed Weaver, Dzalanyama forest Photo: Thomas Plath

Yellow-mantled Widowbird (Euplectes macrourus): Two seen during a roadside stop near wetlands en route to Vipha Plateau Oct 12th. 64 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Yellow-crowned Bishop (Euplectes afer): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, and another obderved at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens): Over 75 observed going to the marsh to roost at Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 12th and Oct 13th, and 50+ seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th.

Montane Widowbird (Euplectes psammocromius): Over 100 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, one seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, and 10 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Waxbills: Estrildidae

Yellow-bellied Waxbill (Coccopygia quartinia): Five seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and 10 seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild): Over 75 seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, 100+ seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th and 14th, and 10 seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th.

Common Waxbill, Luwawa Forest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

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Southern Cordonbleu (Uraeginthus angolensis): Five seen en route to Luwawa Forest Lodge Oct 12th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, one seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 21st, two seen at Dedza Pottery Oct 22nd, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th, and 15 observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Peter’s (Red-throated) Twinspot (Hypargos niveoguttatus): This strikingly beautiful finch was observed several times: two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, five seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, 10 seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, six seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, six seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th, and two observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th and 30th.

Red-throated Twinspot, Zomba Forest Lodge Photo: Thomas Plath

Orange-winged Pytilia (Pytilia afra): One seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, and two observed and photographed at a bird bath, Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

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Orange-winged Pytilia, Bushman’s Baobob Camp Photo: Thomas Plath

Red-billed Firefinch (Lagnosticta senegala): Five seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th, five seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, two seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

African Firefinch (Lagnosticta rubricata): Four seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, and two seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Jameson’s Firefinch (Lagnosticta rhodopareia): Two seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 13th and 14th, two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, four seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, two seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, and one observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 29th.

Cutthroat Finch (Amadina fasciata): About 15 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, two observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th, and five observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Zebra (Orange-breasted) Waxbill (Sporaeginthus subflavus): A flock of 30 in flight observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

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Bronze Mannikin (Spermestes cucullata): About 20 seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, 40 seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 10 the next day, 10 observed at Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 26th, and 20 seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Red-backed Mannikin (Spermestes): Four seen at Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds and lake area Oct 12th, two seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th, 12 seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, and about 20 seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th.

Whydahs: Viduidae

Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah (Vidua obtusa): A flock of 15 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybeata): Three observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Purple Indigobird (Vidua purpurascens): Two seen in a mixed flock of seedeaters at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

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Mammals

Bats – Chiroptera

Harrison’s Soft-furred Fruit Bat (Lissonyteris goliath): A few seen hanging at the entrance foyer Huntingdon House, Satemwa Tea Estate Oct 30th.

Harrison’s Soft-furred Fruit Bat, Huntingdon House Photo: Thomas Plath

Rodents - Rodentia

Mutable Sun Squirrel (Heliosciurus mutabilis): Three seen at Chinteche Inn grounds and immediate area Oct 18th,

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Mutable Sun Squirrel, Chinteche Inn Photo: Thomas Plath

Tree Squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi): Five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Red Bush Squirrel (Paraxerus palliatus): One seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

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Red Bush Squirrel, Zomba Plateau Photo: Thomas Plath

Cape Porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis): One seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, three seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Rabbits and Hares - Lagomorpha

Scrub (Savanna) Hare (Lepus saxatilis): One seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, seven observed during the night drive, Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, 15+ seen during the night drive at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, one seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and one seen along the road to Zomba Forest Lodge Oct 27th.

Elephants - Proboscidea

Elephant (Loxodonta africana): A group of 10 was at the roadside late evening at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, heard at night Bua River Lodge Oct 18th and 19th, one seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 80 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 60+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Dassies - Hyracoidea

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Southern Tree Dassie (Dendrohyrax arboreus): One observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, one seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th and two observed Oct 17th.

Southern Tree Dassie, Nyika Plateau NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Odd-toed Ungulates - Perissodactyla

Burchell’s (Plains) Zebra (Equus burchellii): A group of 20 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 14th and 10 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Hippopotamus - Whippomorpha

Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious): Over 80 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 200+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 120 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and six observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Pigs and Hogs - Suiformes

Common Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus): One observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, six seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and 40 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th and 25th.

Ruminants - Ruminantia

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Cape Buffalo (Syncerus caffer): Three seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and 30 observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 25th.

Common Eland (Taurotragus oryx): About 10 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, and two seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros): Five seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 10 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Greater Kudu, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus): Eight observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, 15 seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, six observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, 20 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 30 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Roan (Hippotragus equinus): Fifteen observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, five seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, and four observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Sable (Hippotragus equinus): One male seen at Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and a herd of about 30 seen at the shore of the Shire River, Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

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Common Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymus): Six seen along the drying riverbed at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, ten seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 600+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 200+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Common Waterbuck, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Southern (Common) Reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula): Over 80 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, 60 seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th, and 10 observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th.

Impala (Aepyceros melampus): Over 50 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 200+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, and 75+ seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Common (Grey) Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia): Three observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 15th, and three seen at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Carnivores - Carnivora

Side-striped Jackal (Canis adustus): One seen during the night drive at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 16th.

Slender Mongoose (Herpestes sanguinea): One seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

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White-tailed Mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda): Two seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, and five seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Meller’s Mongoose (Rhynchogale melleri): Three seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata): One seen at at Mvuu Camp, Liwonde NP Oct 25th.

Large-spotted Genet (Genetta tigrina): Six seen during the night game drive at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

African Civet (Civettictus civetta): One seen during the night game drive at Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

Primates - Primates

Vervet Monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus): About 30 seen Luwawa Forest Lodge grounds Oct 14th, two observed at Nyika Plateau NP Oct 17th, five seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th, eight seen at Dzalanyama Forest Oct 20th, five seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 40 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 20 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, and five observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th.

Samango (Syke’s) Monkey (Cercopithicus albogularis): Eight seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th, 10 seen at Zombo Forest Lodge Oct 28th, and five observed on Satemwa Tea Plantation Oct 30th.

Samango (Syke’s) Monkey, Zomba Plateau Photo: Thomas Plath 75 Satipo Tours Malawi 2016

Yellow Baboon (Papio cynocephalus): Three seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 19th, 30 seen at Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde NP Oct 23rd, 60 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 24th, 80 seen at Liwonde NP Oct 25th, one observed at Bushman’s Baobob Camp Oct 26th, and 10 seen along the river walk to William’s Falls, Zombo Plateau Oct 27th.

Yellow Baboon with Bushbuck fawn, Lilwonde NP Photo: Thomas Plath

Others:

Nile Crocodile (Crocodylus niloticus): Two seen at Bua River Lodge Oct 18th.

Water Monitor (Varanus salvator): One observed during the mid afternonn boat trip along the Shire River, Liwonde NP Oct 24th.

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