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Warren Resell Trip Report Kwa-Zulu Natal Private st th 1 to 7 October 2014 (7 days)

Sentinel Rock by Heinz Ortmann

Trip Report compiled by Tour Leader: Heinz Ortmann

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Tour Summary This week-long tour through KwaZulu-Natal, Swaziland and a small part of the highland kingdom of covered a multitude of in one of South ’s most diverse provinces. From the humid and sub-tropical eastern seaboard to the temperate and cool high altitude grasslands of the west, the birding was good throughout. Most of the migrants had not yet arrived, but we nevertheless managed a very decent 272 and 26 .

Our tour began with us leaving our guesthouse in Johannesburg and heading through the Highveld region of toward Swaziland. Grey-headed Gulls flew overhead as we left the greater Johannesburg metropolis and Spur-winged and Egyptian Geese, Black-headed Heron, Helmeted and Long-tailed Widowbirds were a common sight in the agricultural areas immediately to the east. The ploughed fields eventually began to give way to more natural secondary grassland, and with this came regular sightings of Black-winged Kite, Jackal , Greater Striped , South African , Cape and African . The Highveld is characterised by having many small pans and we had good views of Glossy , African , Common Greenshank, Cape Teal, Cape and Yellow-billed , to name but a few of the species we encountered. Ant- eating , African Stonechat, Red-capped and Spike-heeled Larks were also in attendance in some of the drier grassland that we drove through. Yellow and Common Duiker were two of the occurring in these areas.

Nearing Swaziland it became evident how the began to change to an Acacia dominated thornveld woodland. A Cape Weaver colony noisily greeted us at the border post whilst Speckled Pigeons made use of the buildings for nesting. Once in Swaziland, and having passed through the hilly grassland around the capital and into the thornveld, we came across Brown-headed Parrot, African , Burchell’s Starling, Tawny , African , Crowned Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, White-crested Helmetshrike and Marico and White-bellied Sunbirds. A small stream that we crossed had White-throated Swallow, White-rumped and African Palm Swifts, Burchell’s Coucal, and Southern Masked and Village Weavers. White-necked Ravens were present in the more mountainous areas of Swaziland and once back in we found a small group of Marabou Stork near the Pongola Game Reserve entrance. We arrived after dark at our accommodation near Mkuze, having seen Vervet Monkey, Nyala and Red Nyala bull at a waterhole by Heinz Ortmann Duiker in the area.

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The following morning we planned on leaving very early to get to Mkuze Game Reserve, which was an hour’s drive to the north. However, the presence of Eastern and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher in the parking lot of our accommodation did delay our departure, but not without good reason! A small pan en route to Mkuze GR had Common Ringed, Kittlitz’s and Three-banded Plovers, Little Stint, Ruff, and African Spoonbill. Another stop along the road provided great views of and African Pigeon. Muzi Pan just outside Mkuze GR had a surprisingly high water level for this time of , with Greater , Purple and Squacco Herons, Little Egret, African Jacana, Black-winged Stilt and Pied Avocet all present. Wire-tailed Swallow and Common House Martins were seen in a mixed flock of , and nearby a pair of Red-breasted Swallows was building a nest in a roadside culvert.

Mkuze GR has a checklist second only to the much, much larger and is regarded by many to be the best birding spot in South Africa. At the entrance gate we had fantastic views of White-browed Robin-Chat, , and Purple-banded and White-bellied Sunbirds. In the woodland areas were Green-winged Pytilia, Blue and Common Waxbills, Red-billed Firefinch, Pink- throated Twinspot, Yellow-throated Petronia, Grey Penduline , , Long-billed Crombec, Burnt-neck Eremomela and Chinspot in mixed bird parties, to name but a few. These bird parties also attracted the odd Grey Tit- and Ashy Flycatchers. Other regularly encountered during the day included Brubru, Common Scimitarbill, Yellow-fronted Canary, African Pied , White-browed Scrub Robin, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Cardinal Woodpecker, Kurrichane Thrush, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove and Black-crowned Tchagra. White-backed and White-headed Vulture, as well as , were seen soaring over the more open areas, with Yellow-throated Longclaw seen in the grasslands and Little Bee-eaters hawking close to the ground. Undoubtedly though the grassland highlight was a male Black-bellied Bustard doing its cork-popping display!

Nsumo Pan in the south-eastern corner of the reserve had Pink- backed and Great White Pelicans, Goliath Heron, African Openbill, Woolly-necked and Yellow-billed Storks, and Whiskered Terns. Pied and Malachite Kingfishers sought their next meal in the shallower water, whilst African Fish Eagle and Western Osprey sat perched high up over the pan edge scanning for an opportunity to pounce on any unsuspecting fish below. Pods of Hippo were also common throughout the pan. The thicker woodland on the pan periphery had Dark-backed and Lesser Masked Weavers, and Scarlet-chested and Collared Sunbirds. were seen well including Red-chested, Klaas’s and Diederik.

Although we didn’t manage to find any of the ‘Big 5’ mammals, we did have great views of Common Zebra, Nyala, Chacma , , and Kudu. Leopard Tortoise, Marsh Terrapin and a few large Crocodiles were the reptilian Giraffe by Glen Valentine highlights. We returned to our accommodation near Mkuze having had a fantastic experience that day.

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The next morning we did some birding around the accommodation near Mkuze. Bearded Scrub Robin, Rudd’s Apalis, Square-tailed Drongo, Yellow-bellied and Sombre Greenbul, Yellow-breasted Apalis and Green-backed Camaroptera were all seen well. A group of Crested Guineafowl were also in attendance close to one of the rooms near the lodge. After breakfast we headed to St. Lucia via False Bay Park. Whilst there, we saw Red-capped Robin-Chat, Black Cuckooshrike, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, and Olive and Grey Sunbirds. In St. Lucia we had the pleasant surprise of a Shikra flying past and perch in a near the main road in town. The trail on the edge of town produced great views of Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Livingstone’s , African Yellow White-eye, Green and Woodward’s Batis. In the afternoon we made our way along the eastern shores of Lake St. Lucia to Cape Woodward’s Batis by Glen Valentine Vidal. The grasslands contained Levaillant’s and Croaking and we found a single Lapwing. This area of iSimangaliso Wetland Park has good numbers of large mammals and we encountered Bushbuck, Common Reedbuck, Red Duiker and White Rhinoceros. At the Cape Vidal campsite we saw Vervet and Samango Monkeys, and a group of close to sixty Banded Mongoose rampaging through some refuse bins. Reptiles that were found in the campsite area included Leopard Tortoise, Striped Skink and Moreau’s Tropical House Gecko.

We left for Eshowe and the Dlinza early the next morning. The forest birding was phenomenal! We had hardly set foot in the forest when we saw our first special for the day and one of our main targets, a pair of ! A short while later we had glimpsed an Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, watched a pair of Narina Trogon for almost half an hour, and had good views of two Green . Other species seen well in the forest included Trumpeter Hornbill, Chorister Robin-Chat, Lemon Dove, Terrestrial Brownbul, , Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckooshrike, Scaly- throated Honeyguide, Purple-crested Turaco and Thick-billed Weaver. A brief glimpse of the diminutive Blue Duiker was all that we had in terms of mammals in the forest. With a long journey ahead we meandered through to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and the lovely town of Howick. In the surrounding areas we found White-faced , Fan-tailed Widowbird and Long-crested Eagle. The drive took us up toward the foothills and we had our first views of the lovely Grey Crowned Crane not far from our Purple-crested Turaco by Glen Valentine accommodation in the Himeville area.

The next morning we were picked up by our local guide and we eagerly headed toward the Sani Pass road. On the way we made a few stops, finding Rock Kestrel, large numbers of Cape Canary, a pair of Lanner Falcon, a single Grey Rhebok and had a great view of a of Cape Clawless Otter

Trip Report - RBT Resell KwaZulu-Natal Private October 2014 5 frolicking in the water of one of the local dams. On this same dam we had good views of Great and Intermediate Egrets, Southern Pochard, Red-billed Teal and African Darter.

Having seen all this we made our way to the bottom end of the pass. Birds on the way up the pass included Cape and Sentinel Rock Thrush, Black Saw-wing, Brown-throated and Rock Martins, Wailing Cisticola, African Yellow Warbler, Cape Grassbird, Fairy Flycatcher, Drakensberg , Brown-backed Honeybird, Ground Woodpecker, Streaky-headed Seedeater, Greater Double-collared and Malachite Sunbirds, , Red-throated Wryneck, and good views of Barratt’s Warbler. One of the first species we encountered at a higher elevation near the ‘switchbacks’ was the Drakensberg . Almost immediately after seeing the rockjumper we had views of a pair of Drakensberg Siskin and Jackal Buzzard by Glen Valentine numerous Cape Buntings. Southern Rock Agamas and Drakensberg Crag were the common reptiles and we managed to see a number of the cute local , Sloggett’s Ice . Once into Lesotho we managed to find Mountain Pipit, , Layard’s Warbler, Grey Tit, Yellow Canary, Large-billed Lark, Sickle-winged Chat and a group of Grey-winged . Whilst in Lesotho we saw an incredible five Bearded Vultures and a few Cape Vultures! The sighting of the tour would arguably be watching an immature Bearded Vulture defend, in flight, the piece of bone it was carrying from an adult Jackal Buzzard intent on stealing at least a few scraps. Watching these birds pull off some incredible manoeuvres in mid-flight was something none of us will easily forget! On our way back down the pass we found a group of Buff-streaked Chat and a few absorbing the late afternoon rays of sunshine.

With some time to spare we drove through the Himeville and Underberg region of grasslands and agricultural land. We found a large flock of Grey Crowned Cranes near a dam that had Pied and Malachite Kingfishers, White-breasted Cormorant and various other waterbird species. Southern Bald Ibis were found in the agricultural lands foraging in small groups, and we had good views of an adult Black Sparrowhawk and an oddly coloured Wahlberg’s Eagle.

On the final day of the tour we left Himeville and spent a few hours in the Marutswa Forest just outside Bulwer. This patch of Afro-montane forest is special for the fact that it regularly holds small numbers of . We managed good views of one perched adult and a few more in flight! As many as twenty Knysna were found feeding on in a single tree. Along the forest edge we found Tawny- flanked Prinia, , African Black Swift flying overhead and Bush Blackcap in the tangled scrub. and Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, two forest specials,

Trip Report - RBT Resell KwaZulu-Natal Private October 2014 6 required some serious searching, but we managed to get great views of both these difficult species. Our tour could not have ended much better with a handful of tough forest specials showing well!

Annotated recorded Nomenclature and follows the IOC 4.1 List of: Gill, F. and Wright, M. Generated in 2014. Birds of the World: Recommended English Names. Princeton NJ: Princeton University Press.

BIRDS (272 species, 16 heard only)

Guineafowl Numididae Numida meleagris This large terrestrial bird was seen in good numbers in the agricultural areas of the Highveld on our way to Swaziland and also in the Himeville/Underberg area. Crested Guineafowl pucherani Good numbers of this localised coastal forest species were seen in Mkuze GR, Cape Vidal and St Lucia.

Pheasants, & Allies Note: Clements places all the below species in the Francolinus Grey-winged Francolin (E) Scleroptila afra A group of three birds was encountered in Lesotho. Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena This small francolin was common in Mkhuze GR and surrounding areas.

Ducks & Geese White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata This duck was seen at numerous wetlands in the KZN Midlands area. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis This large goose was seen often in croplands on our way to Swaziland as well as at various wetlands in Zululand and the Midlands area. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus This goose was the commonest waterfowl species encountered during this trip. South African Shelduck (RE) Tadorna cana An adult male was seen near to what appeared to be its nest burrow on the Sani Pass road. Cape Teal Anas capensis This pale duck was encountered in fair numbers at pans near to Chrissiesmeer area on the first day. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata Seen often during the tour and the most numerous duck in the KZN Midlands area. Cape Shoveler (RNE) Anas smithii Several birds were observed at roadside wetlands and pans through the highveld area of en route to Swaziland. Red-billed Teal (Duck) Anas erythrorhyncha More than 50 birds were present at a small farm dam in the Himeville/Underberg area. Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma We found five of these birds on a small farm dam in the Himeville/Underberg area.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

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This small grebe was seen at various wetlands in the Himeville/Underberg area.

Flamingoes Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Large flocks of this species were seen en route to Swaziland at roadside pans and further scope views of birds at Mkhuze GR were had.

Storks Ciconidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis Two birds were observed in Mkhuze GR. African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus Up to 12 birds were seen in Mkhuze GR including great views of one bird fishing for prey. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus Singletons were encountered in Mkhuze GR and near Muzi Pan. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer Between 15 and 20 of these impressive birds were encountered near Pongola NR.

Ibises & Spoonbills Threskiornithidae [African] Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Commonly encountered in the highveld and in the KZN Midlands area. [Southern] Bald Ibis (E) Geronticus calvus A group of seven birds was observed foraging in agricultural fields in the Himeville/Underberg area. Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Seen on every day of the trip. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Numerous sightings of this ibis species were had at pans on the highveld and the Mkhuze GR area. African Spoonbill Platalea alba Great views of one bird foraging at a small pan outside of Mkhuze GR and encountered regularly at various wetlands in the KZN Midlands.

Herons, Egrets & Bitterns Ardeidae Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides One bird in breeding was observed at Mkhuze GR. [Western] Bubulcus ibis This was the most common egret species on the trip, seen on everyday. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea This large heron was seen at various wetlands on the trip. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala A common roadside grassland and wetland species encountered everyday on the tour. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath Great scope views of an adult bird at Mkhuze GR. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Great views of two birds flying past one of the hides at Mkhuze GR. [Western] Great Egret Ardea alba Singletons of this species were observed at various wetlands in the Himeville/Underberg area. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia Two different birds observed at wetlands in the Himeville area. Little Egret Egretta garzetta We had wonderful views of at least three different birds at Mkhuze GR.

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Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Good scope views of more than 20 birds in Mkhuze GR and encountered at a roadside wetland near Empangeni. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens Fantastic views of 8 birds flying past the hide at Mkhuze GR.

Cormorants Phalacrocoracidae Reed (Long-tailed) Cormorant Microcarbo africanus Seen at various wetlands on all days except one on the tour. White-breasted (Great) Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus We had fantastic views of this large cormorant species at a number of farm dams in the Himeville area. Note: Clements treats this sub-Saharan bird as a race of the Great Cormorant P. carbo.

Anhingas Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa Seen at various wetlands on this tour. NOTE: The resident African form P. rufa is sometimes lumped with the Asian P. melanogaster and the enlarged species called Darter. Clements uses this treatment of lumping these forms.

Ospreys Pandionidae [Western] Osprey Pandion haliaetus We had two super sightings of this peculiar raptor at Mkhuze GR and False Bay Park.

Kites, Hawks & Black-winged (shouldered) Kite Elanus caeruleus Common roadside raptor en route to Swaziland on day one of the tour. Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) Gypaetus barbatus We had fantastic views of 5 separate birds (three adults and two juveniles) in Lesotho including a young bird evading the attention of a Jackal Buzzard attempting to steal its meal! White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus Seen in good numbers in Mkuze GR and other areas of Zululand. Cape Vulture (Griffon) (RE) Gyps coprotheres Good scope views of one adult bird in Lesotho. White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis We had a great sighting of a female bird in flight in Mkhuze GR. This is a very scarce bird in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus At least five different birds of this stunning raptor were seen in Mkhuze GR. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis Great views of this small eagle were had near False Bay Park. Wahlberg’s Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi An adult bird with a very interesting colour combination was seen in the Underberg area. Aquila rapax One bird was seen flying over en route to Swaziland on the first day. Shikra Accipiter badius We had good views of a perched bird near St Lucia. Black Sparrowhawk (Goshawk) Accipiter melanoleucus

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After a fly over by an adult on day one we had a fantastic view of a bird that had just washed itself at a small farm dam in the Himeville/Umderberg area. ranivorus We had fantastic views of a pair of harriers quartering over a wetland in the late afternoon near Himeville. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius This was the most commonly encountered raptor species seen everyday on the tour. Note: This bird is often considered conspecific with the Black Kite M. migrans from which the IOC splts it. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer This beautiful raptor was seen at Mkuze GR, St Lucia area, Himeville and the KZN Midlands. Jackal Buzzard (RE) rufofuscus Seen regularly en route to Swaziland and in the Himeville/Underberg area.

Falcons Falconidae Rock (Eurasian) Kestrel Falco rupicolus A pair of birds was seen on the Sani Pass road and further sightings were had in Lesotho. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus A pair of these falcons was seen along the Sani Pass road.

Bustards Otididae Red-crested Korhaan (RNE) Lophotis ruficrista This species was only heard in the bushveld area in Swaziland. Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster We had superb views of an adult male displaying in Mkhuze GR.

Rails, Gallinules & Coots Rallidae Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra This crake was only heard at a wetland in the Himeville/Underberg area. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Seen at various wetlands in the Himeville/Underberg area. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata Hundreds of birds seen at Highveld pans en route to Swaziland and also seen at various wetlands in the Himeville area.

Cranes Gruidae Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum We initially had fantastic views of a pair on the Himeville road and subsequently found the flock of 80 birds in the Underberg/Himeville area. Thick-knees Burhinidae Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus We only managed to hear this bird in Mkhuze GR. Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis A number of birds were heard calling near to our accommodation near Mkhuze GR.

Stilts & Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Seen at various wetlands on the Highveld as well as at Muzi Pan, Mkhuze GR and the Himeville/Underberg area. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Fantastic views of two birds were had at Muzi Pan.

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Plovers & Lapwings Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing (Plover) Vanellus armatus This common lapwing species was encountered at various wetlands throughout the trip. Senegal Lapwing Vanellus lugubris A single bird was seen in the Cape Vidal area. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus Seen along the road en route to Swaziland, also in Swaziland and at Mkhuze GR. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula We had good views of an adult bird at a small pan outside Mkhuze GR. Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius Three birds were seen at a small pan outside Mkhuze GR. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris Seen at various small pans on the Highveld and Mkhuze area.

Jacanas Jacanidae African Jacana Actophilornis africanus This species was encountered at Muzi pan and in Mkhuze GR.

Sandpipers & Allies Scolopacidae African Snipe nigripennis We had good views of one bird at a roadside pan on the Highveld on day one. Common Greenshank nebularia Seen at various small wetlands on the Highveld and Mkhuze GR. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Seen at a small pan outside Mkhuze GR. Little Stint minuta Small numbers of this Palearctic migrant were seen in Mkhuze GR. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea We had good views of three birds in Mkhuze GR. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Great views of at least two birds were had in Mkhuze GR.

Gulls & Terns Laridae Grey-hooded (headed) Gull Larus cirrocephalus Very common at False Bay Park and at wetlands near to Johannesburg on the first morning. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus Four different birds were seen at a wetland in Mkhuze GR.

Doves & Pigeons Common (Rock) Pigeon livia Seen in large numbers near Johannesburg and in Howick. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea Seen regularly on most days of the tour. Most common in the more mountainous areas of Himeville. African Olive (Rameron) Pigeon Columba arquatrix Great views of several birds were had near Bulwer. Eastern Bronze-naped (Delegorgue’s) Pigeon Columba delegorguei We had a very good but brief view of a female bird in the Dlinza Forest. Lemon Dove Columba larvata

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We managed to get great views of a perched bird and flush several others in Dlinza Forest. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Seen on everyday of the tour. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola A very common species that was encountered on everyday of the tour. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis This small dove was seen on everyday of the tour. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos Common in Mkhuze GR. African Green Pigeon Treron calva This parrot-like pigeon was seen a number of times during our stay in Mkhuze GR.

Parrots & Allies Cape (Brown-necked) Parrot (E) robustus Seven birds of this critically endangered parrot species were seen flying over the Marutswa Forest and as we were leaving the forest we were treated to great scope views of a perched male bird! Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus cryptoxanthus Two birds were seen in Swaziland feeding on the of an Erythrina tree.

Turacos Musophagidae Livingstone’s Turaco livingstonii We had several sightings of this species in the coastal forest areas around St Lucia. Knysna Turaco (E) Tauraco corythaix This turaco species treated us to fantastic views of as many as 20 birds in a single fruiting tree in Marutswa Forest. Purple-crested Turaco Tauraco porphyreolophus Good sightings of this spectacularly coloured bird were had in the St Lucia area.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Burchell’s (White-browed) Coucal Centropus burchelli Seen at a small roadside wetland en route to Swaziland. (Yellowbill) australis We had good views of a bird near St Lucia and then further glimpses of two birds at Dlinza Forest. Diederik (Dideric) Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius Good views of an adult male at Mkhuze GR. Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius Brief views of an adult male at Mkhuze GR. African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis Fantastic views of a calling adult male perched low in a tree in Swaziland.

Owls Strigidae African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii A pair of these owls was heard near to our accommodation in St Lucia.

Swifts Apodidae African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Seen en route to Swaziland. African [Black] Swift Apus barbatus Seen flying overhead on the Underberg to Howick road.

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Little Swift Apus affinis The most regularly encountered swift for this trip. Seen in Mkhuze, Eshowe, St Lucia and the KZN Midlands area.

Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Seen regularly in Mkhuze GR and Himeville. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus Commonly seen in Mkhuze and near St Lucia.

Trogons Trogonidae Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina We had an incredible sighting of a pair of trogons in the Dlinza Forest with the birds seemingly unaware of our presence and perching near to the ground most of the time for which they were visible!

Rollers Coraciidae Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudate This striking bird was only seen in the bushveld of Swaziland on this trip.

Kingfishers Alcedinidae Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris Seen regularly in the Mkhuze area, St Lucia and Cape Vidal. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristata We found this delightful little kingfisher at a small dam in the Himeville area. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis We had good views of this boldly marked species at Mkhuze GR and distant views in Himeville.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus This super little bird entertained us for a good few minutes as it hawked insects in Mkhuze GR.

Hoopoes Upupidae African (Eurasian) Hoopoe Upupa africana A pair was seen in Swaziland foraging near to a small village in open bushveld. Note: Clements lumps this species with as Upupa epops

Woodhoopoes Phoeniculidae Green purpureus Surprisingly we only heard this species in Mkhuze GR. Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Good views of this species and its peculiar foraging habits were had in Mkhuze GR.

Hornbills Bucerotidae Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus We had great views of this hornbill in Swaziland, Mkhuze GR and at St Lucia. Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator This comical looking bird was seen in a number of places including St Lucia and Dlinza Forest in Eshowe. Note: Clements places this species under the genus Ceratogymna

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Barbets Capitonidae Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus This species was heard in dense foliage near our accommodation in the Mkhuze area. Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus This small barbet was heard at the Dlinza Forest and St Lucia. Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus We also only managed to hear the call of this species at Dlinza Forest.

Honeyguides Indicatoridae Brown-backed Honeybird (Wahlberg’s Honeyguide) Prodotiscus regulus This difficult to locate species was seen well at Mkhuze GR and near Sani Pass. Lessser Honeyguide Indicator minor This honeyguide was only heard in Mkhuze GR. Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus This tricky species was glimpsed in Dlinza Forest and St Lucia. Indicator indicator We heard this bird in Mkhuze GR.

Woodpeckers Picidae Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis Seen well in the Himeville area. Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni Good views of this species were had in the St Lucia area. Ground Woodpecker (E) Geocolaptes olivaceus We had fantastic views of this woodpecker in the Sani Pass area. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens The smallest of our woodpeckers, we had good sightings at Mkhuze GR of a pair. Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus We had very good views of a male at the Dlinza Forest.

Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae Cape Batis (RE) Batis capensis This forest species was seen well at Dlinza Forest and at Marutswa Forest on the final morning of the tour. Woodward’s Batis (RNE) Batis fratrum We had excellent views of 3 birds (2 adults and an immature) near St. Lucia. Batis molitor This batis was seen only in Mkhuze GR where it was encountered on numerous occasions.

Helmetshrikes Prionopidae White [-crested] Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus A group of 8 of these delightful birds was observed at a roadside stop in Swaziland.

Bushshrikes Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike Malacanotus blanchoti One bird seen very well in Mkhuze GR. Olive Bushshrike (RNE) Chlorophoneus olivaceus This forest species was heard at St Lucia, Dlinza and Marutswa .

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Orange (Suphur)-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus This beautiful bird was seen well in Mkhuze GR and near St Lucia. Bokmakierie (RNE) Telophorus zeylonus This terrestrial was found often in the Sani Pass area. Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis The diagnostic display call of this species was heard in Mkhuze GR. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus Another species that was seen well in Mkhuze GR. Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla One of the more common and widespread shrike species on the tour it was seen at Mkhuze, St Lucia, Dlinza and Marutswa Forests. Southern Boubou (RE) ferrugineus This species was heard more often than it was seen on the trip but we had good views of them in Mkhuze GR and St Lucia. Brubru Nilaus afer Good views of a male were had in Mkhuze GR.

Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae Grey Cuckooshrike Campephaga caesia This forest specialist was very cooperative with great views of two birds in the Dlinza Forest. Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava We had good views of a female in St Lucia.

Shrikes Laniidae Southern (Common) Fiscal Lanius collaris The most common shrike species, seen everyday on this tour. NOTE: The IOC recently split the widespread Common Fiscal, L. collaris, into Southern (the species we recorded) and Northern (L. humeralis) Fiscals. Clements does not accept this split.

Figbirds & Orioles Oriolidae (African) Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus This species was only heard at Mkhuze, St Lucia and Marutswa Forest.

Drongos Dicruridae Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii Very good views of this species were had in Mkhuze area, St Lucia and Dlinza Forest. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis A common species seen everyday except en route to Swaziland.

Monarchs Monarchidae Blue-mantled (African) Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas We had super views of a pair at our accommodation near Mkhuze GR. African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Seen at Mkhuze GR, St Lucia and Dlinza Forest.

Crows, Jays & Magpies Cape Crow Corvus capensis Common in the KZN Midlands and Himeville area. Pied Crow Corvus albus

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Seen often in most areas along the route. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis Seen near Swaziland and in Lesotho.

Rockjumpers Chaetopidae Drakensberg (Orange-breasted) Rockjumper (E) Chaetops aurantius Three separate sightings at the top of Sani Pass and into Lesotho.

Fairy Flycatchers Stenostiridae Fairy Flycatcher (RE) Stenostira scita Seen well at Sani Pass.

Tits Paridae Southern Black Tit niger Common in Mkhuze GR. Note: Clements places this bird in the genus Grey Tit (RE) Parus afer One bird showed well in Lesotho. Note: Clements places this bird in the genus Melaniparus

Penduline Tits Remizidae Grey (African) Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli A small group of these birds was seen well in Mkhuze GR.

Nicators Nicatoridae Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis Seen very well near Mkhuze GR and also heard on the trail in the forest near St Lucia.

Larks Alaudidae Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra Africana Seen well in grassland near False Bay Park. Spike-heeled Lark (NE) Chersomanes albofasciata Two birds were seen en route to Swaziland. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea A single bird seen well at a roadside stop on the highveld. Large-billed Lark (E) Galerida magnirostris Good views of at least two birds in Lesotho.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor A very common species encountered regularly on most days of the tour. Note: Clements lumps this bird with Common, Somali and Dodson’s Bulbul as Common Bulbul P. barbatus Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunes This often difficult to see species was seen well in St Lucia, Dlinza and Mkhuze GR. Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris We had great views of this species at our accommodation near Mkhuze GR and also in St Lucia. Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris Seen in Mkhuze area, St Lucia and the best views in Dlinza Forest.

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Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera One bird was seen briefly flying along the riparian edge at Sani Pass. Brown-throated (Plain) Martin paludicola Good views of this species in the Himeville area. rustica This common Palearctic migrant was seen almost everyday and in good numbers. White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis Seen at Mkhuze GR, en route to Swaziland and Himeville area. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Fantastic views of this species at a number of the hides in Mkhuze GR. Hirundo fuligula Seen well at Sani Pass. cucullata The common grassland swallow species we found them en route to Swaziland and in the Himeville area. Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica Common in Zululand, seen in Mkhuze GR, St Lucia, Cape Vidal area and en route to the KZN Midlands. Red-breasted (Rufous-chested) Swallow Cecropis semirufa We managed to have fantastic views of this stunning swallow just outside Mkhuze GR and in the Cape Vidal area. South African Cliff Swallow spilodera This breeding endemic was found en route to Swaziland on the Highveld and also breeding under a bridge in the Himeville area.

Crombecs & African Warblers Macrosphenidae Cape Grassbird (RE) Sphenoeacus afer This large warbler was seen well along Sani Pass. Long-billed (Cape) Crombec Sylvietta rufescens Seen in Mkhuze and the St Lucia area.

Leaf Warblers & Allies Phylloscopidae Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla We saw one of these delightful little birds in the Marutswa forest.

Reed Warblers & Allies Acrocephalidae African Yellow Warbler Iduna natalensis Good views of this species were had at two sites along Sani Pass.

Grassbirds & Allies Megaluridae Barratt’s (African Scrub-) Warbler Bradypterus barratti We had brief views of a single bird along Sani Pass.

Cisticolas & Allies Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops This species was heard only in the Mkhuze area. Cisticola chinianus Very commonly encountered species in Mkhuze, St Lucia and in parts of Swaziland. Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais

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Seen well along Sani Pass. Levaillant’s (Tinkling) Cisticola Cisticola tinniens This species showed well at various wetlands en route to Swaziland and also in the Cape Vidal area. Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis Good views of displaying birds were had in the Cape Vidal area. Wing-snapping Cisticola Cisticola ayresii This species was heard only en route to Swaziland. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Seen well in scrub just outside Marutswa Forest. Karoo Prinia (RE) Prinia maculosa This species was seen exceptionally well in Lesotho. Drakensberg Prinia (E) Prinia hypoxantha A single bird was seen well at the lower end of Sani Pass. Rudd’s Apalis (RE) Apalis ruddi Seen well in the Mkhuze and St Lucia area. Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica We had good views of a group of three birds in the Dlinza Forest. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida Common in Mkhuze GR and St Lucia area. Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura This small warbler is more often heard first before being seen but we had good views in Mkhuze GR, St Lucia and Dlinza Forest. Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis Two birds were seen in Mkhuze GR.

Sylviid Babblers Sylvidae Bush Blackcap (E) Lioptilus nigricapillus We had great close up views of a singing male in Marutswa Forest. Layard’s Warbler (RE) Sylvia layardi A single bird was seen well in Lesotho.

White-eyes Zosteropidae Cape White-eye (E) Zosterops capensis Encountered regularly in Dlinza Forest, the KZN Midlands area and near Himeville. NOTE: Clements lumps this species with the Orange River White-eye Z. pallidus as Cape White-eye Z. pallidus. African Yellow White-eye (E) Zosterops senegalensis We found a pair in St Lucia.

Starlings Sturnidae Common Myna Acridotheres tristis This was encountered most days of the tour in more urban environs. Black-bellied (Glossy-) Starling Notopholia corruscus Good views of this small glossy starling were had in Dlinza Forest. Cape (Glossy-) Starling (RNE) Lamprotornis nitens We had good views of this colourful starling en route to Swaziland, Mkhuze GR and St Lucia area. Burchell's (Glossy-) Starling (RNE) Lamprotornis australis We had great views of this bird in Swaziland. (African) Pied Starling (E) Spreo bicolour Common along Sani Pass and in the Himeville/Underberg area.

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Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio After brief views en route to Swaziland of this bird, we had much better views in Eshowe and the Himeville area.

Oxpeckers Buphagidae Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus Seen well in Mkhuze GR on various species of game.

Thrushes & Allies Turdidae Orange Ground Thrush gurneyi After some difficulty in locating this species we had great views of an adult bird perched out in the open in Marutswa Forest. Spotted Ground Thrush Geokichla guttata One of the highlights of the trip! We had fantastic views of a pair foraging within a few metres of us at Dlinza Forest. Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonya We had good views in Mkhuze GR of this species. Karoo Thrush (RE) Turdus smithii This bird was at our first night accommodations in Johannesburg. NOTE: Clements lumps Karoo and Olive Thrushes as , T. olivaceus.

Chats, Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra This confiding species was common in the KZN Midlands and Himeville areas. White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini We had a great sighting of a single bird in Mkhuze GR. Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis Encountered regularly along the trails in St Lucia. Chorister Robin-Chat (E) Cossypha dichroa Perhaps the sighting of the trip as we stumbled upon a single bird perched next to a male Narina Trogon in the Dlinza Forest! Bearded Scrub Robin Erythropygia quadrivirgata This stunning bird was seen very well in Mkhuze area and St Lucia. White-browed (Red-backed) Scrub Robin Erythropygia leucophrys Common in Mkhuze GR. [African] Stonechat torquatus A common roadside species encountered regularly en route to Swaziland, the KZN Midlands and Himeville. Note: Clement’s calls this species Stonechat and lumps it with Eurasian and Siberian Stonechats. Buff-streaked (Bush) Chat (E) Campicoloides bifasciata Fantastic views of at least three birds along Sani Pass. Sickle-winged Chat (RE) Emarginata sinuate Ubiquitous in Lesotho. Ant-eating (Southern Ant-eater-) Chat (RNE) Myrmecocichla formicivora Common en route to Swaziland in Highveld grassland and around Himeville. Cape Rock Thrush (E) Monticola rupestris Very good views in the lower reaches of Sani Pass. Sentinel Rock Thrush (E) Monticola explorator Seen well at the top of Sani Pass and into Lesotho.

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Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina Seen well in Mkhuze GR. Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens We had good views in Mkhuze GR. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta Seen well along Sani Pass and in Marutswa Forest. Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus A single bird was seen very well in Mkhuze GR.

Sunbirds Nectariniidae Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris This stunning small sunbird was seen well in Mkhuze GR, St Lucia and Dlinza Forest. (Eastern) Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea We had a number of birds in a flowering tree at our accommodation in St Lucia. Grey (Mouse-coloured) Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii This species was found in the same flowering tree in St Lucia with further good views in False Bay Park. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis A number of males were seen feeding on flowering creepers and species in Mkhuze GR. Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa Seen in good numbers along Sani Pass. Greater Double-collared Sunbird (E) Cinnyris afer This delightful sunbird was seen well along Sani Pass and in the Himeville area. Marico (Mariqua) Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis We saw a beautiful male at a roadside stop in Swaziland with further good sightings in Mkhuze GR. Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus The most common sunbird in Mkhuze GR and also seen in St. Lucia. White-bellied (breasted) Sunbird Cinnyris talatala This vocal sunbird was seen en route to Swaziland, in Mkhuze GR and St. Lucia area.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus This introduced species was seen on everyday of the tour. (RNE) Passer melanurus This beautiful endemic was seen regularly along Sani Pass and into Lesotho. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffuses Seen regularly in the Himeville/Underberg area and the lower areas of Sani Pass. Yellow-throated Petronia Gymnornis superciliaris Good views of this species in Mkhuze GR. Note: Clements places this bird in the genus Petronia

Weavers & Allies Thick-billed (Grosbeak) Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons Seen foraging on the trails in St. Lucia. Spectacled Weaver ocularis Encountered regularly around Mkhuze GR, St. Lucia and Dlinza Forest. Cape Weaver (E) Ploceus capensis A breeding colony was observed at the Swaziland border post. Ploceus intermedius Seen well at Mkhuze GR. Ploceus velatus

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Common en route to Swaziland, the KZN Midlands and Himeville area. Ploceus cucullatus This large weaver was only seen en route to Swaziland. Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolour The only forest weaver species in South Africa, we had good views in Mkhuze GR, St. Lucia and Dlinza Forest. Red-billed Quelea quelea Small flocks of this gregarious species were seen en route to Swaziland. Yellow Bishop capensis We had great views of an adult male in breeding plumage along Sani Pass. Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaries We saw this species in the Karkloof area. Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes The standout widowbird of our parts this species was common en route to Swaziland on the Highveld, in the KZN Midlands and the Himeville/Underberg area.

Waxbills & Allies Estrildidae Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba We had a fantastic sighting of a male in Mkhuze GR. Pink-throated Twinspot (RE) Hypargos margaritatus We had great views of a pair near Mkhuze. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonostica senegala This species was seen on two occasions in mixed flocks with waxbills in Mkhuze GR. Blue Waxbill (Blue-breasted Cordonbleu) Uraeginthus angolensis Very common in Mkhuze GR. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild Seen on most days of the tour with a large flock located en route to Swaziland.

Wagtails & Motacilla capensis Surprisingly only seen well in the Himeville/Underberg area. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp This striking bird was seen at Mkhuze GR and in St. Lucia area. Cape (Orange-throated) Longclaw (RE) Macronyx capensis This endemic species was seen at a number of roadside stops en route to Swaziland with a further close up view at Cape Vidal. Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus Good views of a pair in grassland in Mkhuze GR. African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus Good views of several birds on the way to Sani Pass.

Finches Fringillidae Cape Canary canicollis This species was seen well in the lower reaches of Sani Pass. Forest Canary (E) scotops We had fantastic views of three birds on the edge of Marutswa Forest. Note: Clements places this bird in the genus Serinus Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica Common in Mkhuze GR and St. Lucia area.

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Note: Clements places this bird in the genus Serinus. Drakensberg Siskin (E) Crithagra symonsi We had good views near the top of Sani Pass. Note: Clements places this bird in the genus Pseudochloroptila Yellow Canary (RNE) Crithagra flaviventris This species was seen well in Lesotho. Note: Clements places this bird in the genus Serinus. Streaky-headed Seedeater Crithagra gularis Seen well along Sani Pass. Note: Clements places this bird in the genus Serinus.

Buntings Emberizidae Cape Bunting (RNE) Emberiza capensis Common along Sani Pass and in Lesotho.

MAMMALS LIST (26 species, of which 2 were heard only)

Baboons & Monkeys Cercopthecidae Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus A troop of these interesting was observed on Sani Pass. Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops One of the more common mammals on the tour, we encountered it at several places including Mkhuze GR and Cape Vidal. Samango (Blue) Monkey Cercopithecus mitis We observed three of these rare monkeys at Cape Vidal.

Bushbabies Loridae Thick-tailed Bushbaby (Greater Galago) Galago crassicaudatus This nocturnal species was heard only in the Mkhuze and St. Lucia areas.

Rats & Mice Cricetidae & Muridae Sloggett’s Ice Rat (E) Otomys sloggetti These cute critters were numerous in Lesotho.

Dogs & Allies Canidae Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas We heard a number of individuals in the Himeville area.

Mustelids Mustelidae Cape Clawless Otter Aonyx capensis We had excellent scope views of 4 or 5 adult otters playing in a dam on the Sani Pass road.

Mongooses Herpestidae Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo Two groups totalling about 60 individuals caused chaos in the Cape Vidal campsite as they tore through a number of rubbish bins! Yellow Mongoose (RNE) Cynictis penicillata We saw a number of these interesting creatures en route to Mkhuze on our first day.

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Hyraxes Procavidae Rock Hyrax (Dassie) Procavia capensis Three of these rock-dwelling little mammals gave good views on our way back down Sani Pass.

Zebras Equidae Common (Burchell's/Plains) Zebra Equus quagga Common in Mkhuze GR and also seen in Cape Vidal.

Rhinoceroses Rhinocerotidae White (Square-lipped) Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum A total of 6 animals were seen in Cape Vidal.

Hippopotamuses Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibious We had good numbers of these large mammals in Mkhuze GR and St.Lucia.

Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus A common sight in Mkhuze GR and Cape Vidal.

Giraffes Giraffidae Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis The world’s tallest land mammal was seen regularly en route to Mkhuze and in Mkhuze GR.

Bovids & Horned Ungulates Bovidae Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros Good numbers were seen in Cape Vidal whilst a few were also seen in the Mkhuze area. Nyala Tragelaphus angasii Fantastic views of this majestic antelope were had in the Mkhuze area. Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus We had good views of a lovely male in Cape Vidal whilst watching Samango Monkeys playing nearby. Common Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus Good views of this large antelope were had in Mkhuze GR and Cape Vidal. Common Reedbuck Redunca arundinum This sometimes tricky species was seen well in Cape Vidal, Kwa-Zulu Natal Midlands and along Sani Pass. Grey Rhebok (E) Pelea capreolus We had a brief but good view of a large male along the Sani Pass road. Connochaetes taurinus Seen well in Mkhuze GR. Impala Aepyceros melampus This common antelope was plentiful in Mkhuze GR and seen again in Cape Vidal. Blue Duiker Cephalophus monticola Africa’s second smallest antelope species proved difficult with us only managing brief views of one individual in Dlinza Forest. Red Duiker Cephalophus natalensis A common sight in the forests of Mkhuze and Cape Vidal. Common (Grey) Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia Seen en route to Mkhuze GR on our first day of travelling.

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AMPHIBIANS & REPTILES LIST (7 species)

Leopard Tortoise Geochelone pardalis We had good views of a large tortoise at Cape Vidal. Marsh Terrapin Pelomedusa subrufa This interesting reptile was common in the waterbodies at Mkhuze GR. Striped Skink Mabuya striata Seen in St. Lucia. Drakensberg Crag (E) Pseudocordylus melanotis Good views of this species were had on Sani Pass and into Lestho. Southern Rock Agama (RE) Agama atra A fantastic male was spotted close to the border post on the Sani Pass road. Moreau’s Tropical House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia These geckos were a common sight at our accommodation in St. Lucia. Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus There were some large crocodiles seen at Mkhuze GR!

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