< Previous Page Maps New to the safari experience Accommodation Ratings Resouces

Bird-life in the greater Kruger Park area

The Kruger area has a list of almost 500 species, some of which are not to be found elsewhere in South Africa. Hornbills, Starlings, Vultures, Rollers, Bee-eaters and Shrikes typify the ubiquitous avi-fauna and birders can look forward to pursuing the big 6 (Saddle-billed Stork, Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Ground Hornbill). The far north of the park (Pafuri and Punda Maria regions) is regarded as one of the birding Mecca’s of the country (with many regional rarities to be found), yet birding throughout the entire park is excellent.Eagles are common: Bateleur, Martial, Black-breasted Snake, Brown Snake, African Hawk, African Fish and Tawny are all regularly seen, and in summer: Wahlberg’s, Steppe, Lesser Spotted. The Park’s numerous water points make for excellent birding, while the rest camps and picnic sites are exceptionally rewarding for birders.

With its subtropical setting and wide range of vegetation types, a rich and diverse bird-life can be expected to occur in this area. And indeed it does - providing sanctuary to an unusually large number of bird species, many of which face extinction in other parts of southern Africa or have already been driven from their former breeding areas.

Like all animals, birds have adapted to particular environments, each species being able to live and reproduce optimally in the particular habitat to which it is best suited. Some live in hollow trees in open bushveld, others in elaborate nests delicately interwoven with reeds overhanging streams, whilst others again prefer the dense over grown riverine forests. To each species his own food, nest and habits. The relatively few visitors interested in viewing birds, wherever they happen to be, will find a wide range of species.

<Previous Page Top ofpage

Birdingresources

Bird-life in the greater Kruger Park area

Resources Links