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- Bee-Eaters
- Bulbuls
- Darters, Herons & Hamerkop
- Dikkops, Korhaans & Koru Bustards
- Doves
- Ducks & Geese
- Francolins
- Guinea-Fowl
- Hadeda
- Hawkes & Eagles
- Helmet Shrikes
- Hornbills
- Jacana's & Black Cranes
- Kingfishers
- Loerries
- Ostriches
- Owls & Nightjars
- Oxpeckers
- Parrots
- Plovers & Waders
- Rollers
- Starlings
- Storkes
- Sunbirds
- Swallows
- True Weavers
- Vultures
DOVES
Doves are very common and several species occur in the area. The most abundant and widespread species are the Cape Turtle Dove (Streptopelia capicola), Red-eyed Turtle Dove (S. semitorquata), Laughing Dove (S. senegalensis), and the Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur chalcospilos). All four have a smoky-grey overall plumage. The Cape turtle dove and laughing dove become very tame in areas where contact with humans is frequent and left-over food from picnics is regular. In camps like Skukuza, Lower Sabie and Satara doves often walk boldly up to people lounging on a restaurant verandah and innocently peck at scraps and crumbs.
Although the emerald-spotted doves range throughout the Park, they tend to be rarer and more localized in their distribution. The twin bars across the back, and patch of green flecks on each wing make for easy recognition.
Doves are among the less energetic of home-makers. The nest consists of a simple platform of sticks almost haphazardly stuck together on a branch. Two eggs are normally laid in the nest and both parents will take turns to incubate and feed the young. Many doves use the same nest for successive breeding periods.
Some species, like the laughing dove, may form large flocks in areas where food is abundant. Here they will feed on small seeds and berries, occasionally taking an insect as well. Many such flocks can be seen in the open grass plains of the central area.
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