BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA 10 - 24 OCTOBER 2019 - Birdquest
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Drakensberg Rockjumper, one of many highlights of this successful tour! All photos taken on this tour by Julien Mazenauer.
BEST OF SOUTH AFRICA
10 – 24 OCTOBER 2019
LEADER: JULIEN MAZENAUER
Our 2019 Best Of South Africa tour was an immense success and provided us with excellent sightings
throughout. Amongst the 374 species recorded were a high number of endemics and near-endemics to
Southern Africa (defined here as South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, since many of the local specialities
occur across these borders). A fantastic pelagic trip lead us to sightings of four different albatross species,
including endangered Indian and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross. Impressive colonies of African Penguins
were visited, where we also got looks at four breeding cormorants species including endangered Bank
Cormorant. Raptors were much in evidence during this tour, including the gorgeous Black Harrier and Cape
Vultures. We recorded 5 species of Francolin/Spurfowls, including endemic Grey-winged and the scarce
Red-winged Francolin, both showing exceedingly well. One of the biggest ‘bonuses’ of this trip was repeated
flight views of the difficult-to-find and endangered Hottentot Buttonquail. A Red-chested Flufftail showing
decently was also unexpected. South Africa’s national bird, the stately Blue Crane, was seen in good
numbers, as well as numerous Grey Crowned Crane and 2 immense Wattled Cranes. We recorded 7
species of Bustards, including Denham’s, Ludwig’s, endemic ‘Barrow’s’ White-bellied Bustards and Blue
Korhaan. Chestnut-banded Plover was also a much appreciated find! Endemic and endangered Cape
1 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com
Parrots showed well at their usual stake-out and we had repeated nice views of endemic Knysna Turacos,
one of the most charismatic South African specialities. Four owl species were seen including the unique
black-eyed Marsh Owl. Knysna Woodpecker proved remarkably difficult on this tour, but we luckily bumped
into one male while having a random lunch stop! The special endemic Ground Woodpecker offered us many
sightings. South Africa is the definitive Lark capital of the world, and 17 species were seen, including both
endangered Botha’s and Rudd’s and the seldom-recorded Sclater’s Larks (we found an unusual large group
of 25 of the latter!). The show offered by at least 4 Blue Swallows will never been forgotten and this species
hence got ranked as the number one of this tour! Orange Ground Thrush and Chorister Robin-Chats were
both surprisingly easy, with good numbers recorded of both species. Of the many specialities South Africa
has to offer, two endemic bird families stand out, and we were lucky to record all members of these two
families, including Cape and Drakensberg Rockjumpers, plus Cape and Gurney’s Sugarbird! The latter has
been remarkably elusive this year, mostly because of the drought and hence the absence of their favourite
Protea flowers, but we still managed to find a nice male. The usually scarce and secretive Karoo Eremomela
was seen in decent numbers (at least 4 different parties!), the ultimate-skulker Knysna Warbler was also
seen very well, much to our surprise, as well as its sister species Barratt’s Warbler. Nine Cisticolas were
identified, including the striking restricted Pale-crowned Cisticola. Cinnamon-breasted Warber first proved
elusive, but then offered us unbeatable views, as did the unique Yellow-breasted Pipit, with a male seen
finally very well after much effort. Other specialities seen included endemics like Southern Tchagra,
Southern Boubou, Bokmakierie, Olive Bushshrike, Black-bellied and numerous Pied Starlings. Sunbirds are
an important part of the avifauna around Cape Town and we were treated with fantastic sightings of endemic
Orange-breasted, Southern and Greater Double-collared and Dusky Sunbirds. The show offered by
displaying males Fan-tailed, Red-collared and Long-tailed Widowbirds, all in full breeding plumage, gave us
a typical feel of Africa. And finally, all seedeaters obliged, with great views of the rare Protea Canary, the
elusive Cape Siskin and numerous Drakensberg Siskin. All-in-all an amazing tour, with all realistic endemic,
near-endemics and targets seen well!
Ground Woodpeckers posed nicely for us near Cape Town!
2 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.com
The tour assembled in the evening at our lovely homestay, where one of the very first bird of the trip was a
tame African Wood Owl, sitting quietly only 3 meters above our heads in the garden at Noordhoek! We set
off early next morning and spent 30 minutes on a nearby rocky fynbos pass where we directly scoped
several Cape Siskins, many Southern Double-collared, a pair of Orange-breasted and male Malachite
Sunbirds, two White-necked Ravens, Karoo Prinias and Cape Robin-Chats. Not a bad start! Next on was the
spectacular Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, where we gained great views of an excellent Spotted Eagle-Owl
and its two chicks. A bit further, Swee and Common Waxbills were feeding together with a few Bronze
Mannikins, a Little Rush Warbler showed well by the pond, a glistening Klaas’s Cuckoo was scoped high up
on a tree and Cape Spurfowls were running around in bushes. Pride of the place went to the tame Cape
Sugarbirds (first Sugarbird for all the participants!) in the highest part of the garden, giving as always
amazing views. Other birds seen during the morning included African Dusky Flycatcher, numerous Sombre
Greenbuls, Cape Bulbuls, several Southern Boubous, Forest, Cape and Brimstone Canaries and some
raptors like Peregrine Falcon, ‘Steppe’ Common Buzzard, Booted Eagle and African Goshawk. A short
detour to a pond gave us close views at two White-backed Ducks followed by a delicious seafood lunch.
After that, checking some roadside pools proved rewarding, with Maccoa Ducks, Southern Pochard and
some commoner species being added to our ever-growing bird list. The good Strandfontein Sewage Works
were next on our itinerary, where we soon were surrounded by waterfowls and waders. A large set of ducks
were recorded, including Cape Shovelers and Teals, Red-billed and Hottentot Teals, Yellow-billed and more
Maccoa Ducks, Southern Pochards, Spur-winged Geese and endemic South African Shelducks. On the
wader front, African (Black) Oystercatchers were seen on a shallower pond, and a whole set of migrant
waders delighted us, with many Curlew Sandpipers and Little Stints, some Ruddy Turnstones, Common
Ringed Plovers and Ruffs. Little Rush and Lesser Swamp Warblers were both sighted, as were Cape and
Southern Masked Weavers and Cape Longclaw. A few Sandwich Terns were roosting amongst the
hundreds of Hartlaub’s and a few Grey-headed Gulls. Pleased with our success, we retreated to our
accommodation and prepared for an early start on the following day.
A female Spotted Eagle-Owl breeding in a flower pot at Kirstenbosch, no better way to start the tour!
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Leaving with a packed breakfast to avoid the peak hours around Cape Town, we drove to Rooiels, where we
would be looking for some of the most wanted species of this tour. But before arrival, we stopped at dawn
along the road and got granted fantastic views of Victorin’s Warbler. We had breakfast at the parking, finding
African Black and Alpine Swifts overhead. We moved on, and it didn’t take long before our first incredible
Cape Rockjumper hopped from boulder to boulder in front of us! We admired this fabulous endemic at
length, but got distracted by two very cooperative Ground Woodpeckers, inspecting those biped intruders
from a nearby rock! Cape Siskin proved to be common and we enjoyed repeated views of this scarce
endemic, and more Orange-breasted Sunbirds, our first Yellow Bishops, Cape Grassbirds, Rock Thrushes
and Rock Buntings, Grey-backed Cisticolas and Southern Fiscal. We picked up Jackal Buzzard and a Purple
Heron en-route to our next destination, Harold Porter National Botanical Garden. An African Black Duck pair
was present on the lake, and males African Paradise Flycatchers and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatchers
amazed us. Black Saw-wing was the last addition to our list before we took a lunch break back in Betty’s
Bay. After yet another Fish & Chips for most, we visited the famous African Penguin colony, where we
admired at length those clowns and scanned carefully through all the cormorants, finding all four species,
White-breasted, Cape, Crowned and the rare Bank. African Oystercatchers and a Little Egret were also
nearby, and we decided to call it a day and returned to our comfortable accommodation. Along the road, we
spotted a Southern Right Whale, which was not far from the coast, and scoped it for some brief views before
disappearing in the deep.
Two wonderful Cape specials: Cape Sugarbird (left) and Orange-breasted Sunbird
Knowing that the pelagic trip wouldn’t run as wished, we proceeded to rearrange our itinerary. We hence had
a very early departure from Cape town and arrived with our box breakfasts at Grootvadersbosch by 8, not
without having seen some stately Blue Cranes on the way in. Jumping out of the car, our first bird was a nice
singing Olive Bushshrike, giving fantastic views, followed by two Red-chested Cuckoos, an African Goshawk
and two males Greater Double-collared Sunbirds. We hit the trails, and, surprisingly, got immediate good
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looks at the ultra-skulking Knysna Warbler (even letting itself photographed!). It gave repeated sightings
during the next 15 minutes, sometimes very close in the open, for everyone in the group! Walking a bit lower
was productive as ever, with a splendid African Emerald Cuckoo at eye-level, some shade-dwelling
Terrestrial Brownbuls, a Grey Cuckooshrike pair, some Yellow-throated Woodland Warblers, our first of
many Bar-throated Apalis, several Olive Woodpeckers, African Olive Pigeon, Fork-tailed Drongos, many
African Paradise and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatchers and a Forest Buzzard perched under the canopy.
Despite trying a lot, we didn’t hear a peep of the Knysna Woodpecker. It was then time to retreat for a well-
deserved lunch in Suurbraak. As we ordered our food, I heard a distant call that could have been the sought-
after woodpecker. I played it a bit, but no responses at all and nothing in view. We continued our lunch, when
suddenly a male Knysna Woodpecker flew in the acacia next to our table! A lucky find! We also added
Brown-hooded Kingfisher to our list in the garden of the restaurant. We then checked-in at our stylish dutch
hotel near Swellendam to have some rest, and went out again for the last few hours of daylight. The Agulhas
plains gave us a lot of new birds before dusk, including a nice male Denham’s Bustard, several Karoo
Korhaans, the endemic Agulhas Long-billed Lark, hundreds of Red-capped and several Large-billed Larks,
Neddicky, our first stunning Bokmakierie, many Blue Cranes again and a brief Cloud Cisticola.
The amazing Cape Rockjumpers! Knysna Woodpecker proved challenging but luckily we found this male while having lunch!
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The following morning, we drove down to De Hoop nature reserve, stopping strategically in the Agulhas
plains. One of the first birds of the day was a nice ‘Agulhas’ Cape Clapper Lark which sang from a nearby
post, again a male Denham’s Bustard, White-throated and Yellow Canaries and most of the species seen
the night before. In De Hoop, we spent an hour successfully finding a showy Southern Tchagra and other
species around the vlei like Caspian and Whiskered Terns, Black-crowned Night Herons, Namaqua
Sandgrouses, Southern Boubous, Pearl-breasted, White-throated, Greater Striped Swallows, Black Saw-
wings, a Wattled Starling and also some mammals like Common Duikers, the fantastic Bonteboks and a pair
of Elands. Over 40 Cape Vulture were seen soaring overhead, but it was time to drive slowly back to Cape
Town. We did however make a short detour for one very special bird. We were granted access to Sandberg
Fynbos Reserve and made our way through the grasslands. It took us all but 30 minutes to find our target,
namely the rare and endangered Hottentot Buttonquail! We got repeated flight views of this tiny cannonball,
the most unknown and seldom-recorded South African endemic. Very happy, we drove back to Cape Town,
getting stuck in the Sunday evening traffic for a time, but seeing a nice Black Sparrowhawk before ending up
at our accommodation for a first class dinner.
‘Agulhas’ Cape Clapper Lark and Grey-winged Francolin were seen nicely near De Hoop.
The day started at dawn along the Darling wildflower road, where we ate our box breakfasts and had an
amazing sighting of a displaying Southern Black Korhaan. A bit further, a nice wildflower reserve held good
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numbers of Cloud Cisticolas (of the distinctive streaked Cape form) and several Cape Longclaws. A huge
Martial Eagle was also scoped on an electric pole and a few European Bee-eaters added colours in the fog.
We then entered West Coast National Park, were we soon found a singing Karoo Lark and three very close
Cape Penduline Tit. A reedy pond provided us with sightings of African Rail, Black Crake, Yellow Canary,
Streaky-headed Seedeater, yet another Karoo Lark and commoner species. Several elegant Black Harriers
flew past and allowed good looks, and Black-headed Canary was seen by some of us. We had lunch in the
park and then drove to Swellendam, where a pair of Verreaux’s Eagle was seen perching and flying around
a known quarry. We looked hard further north for Chestnut-banded Plover but drew a blank. However, we
did find a surprising flock of nine Ludwig’s Bustard gorging themselves on grasshoppers in a wheat field, a
rare sight along the West Coast! Given we had to wake up yet again very early next morning to make it to
Simonstown for our confirmed pelagic trip, we decided to retreat towards our accommodation near
Wellington and had a delicious dinner, looking forward to the next day at sea!
A fantastic male Southern Black Korhaan displayed for long minutes in front of us! And Cape Penduline Tit in West Coast NP.
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A pelagic trip organised by Trevor Hardaker from Zest of Birds took place today, so we left Simonstown jetty
early morning and sailed southwards past Cape Point, where the first Shy Albatross, Cape Gannets and
White-chinned Petrels appeared. Despite searching for hours, we never managed to find a big trawler, but
nevertheless stuck to a small fishing boat for some time and were granted with great views of many
seabirds. Cape (or Pintado) Petrels were around and we were all happy to connect with this fantastic
species. Great and Sooty Shearwaters appeared in dozens, as did Wilson’s and Black-bellied Storm Petrels.
Pride of the place came to the four species of Albatross recorded, namely Indian and Atlantic Yellow-nosed,
Shy and Black-browed Albatross! A Fantastic showed followed, with close views of several individuals.
Hundreds of White-chinned Petrels were in view constantly, and a Brown Skua came to inspect us a few
times. Only one one Southern Giant Petrel was observed. On the way back to Simonstown, we did well by
finding a Soft-plumaged Petrel, a new bird for everyone (except Trevor of course!). Bank, Crowned, Cape
and White-breasted Cormorants dotted the offshore islets and we sailed past the large African Penguin
colony of Boulder’s Beach. We bid farewell and thanked Trevor for his great job, and drove north to
Langebaan to our next accommodation, seeing a Black Sparrowhawk and a White Stork overhead.
Shy Albatross (above), sought-after Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross (right) and the beautiful Great Shearwater seen off Simonstown.
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Next day was basically spent driving from Langebaan to Calvinia deep in the Karoo, but we did some en-
route stops to get some additional good birds. First off was an agricultural plain near Vredenburg, where we
hardly even needed to stop the car before a Cape Long-billed Lark appeared on a nearby post! Sickle-
winged Chat was seen by some and Blue Cranes were also present. Checking the salt pans at Veldriff
proved successful at last, with a nice Chestnut-banded Plover on show, accompanying a few White-fronted
and Kittlitz’s. The drive to Clanwilliam was uneventful, but once on site we got granted excellent views of
Protea Canary and Fairy Flycatcher, amongst a whole bunch of good birds including a roosting Spotted
Eagle-Owl being mobbed by Long-billed Crombecs. After lunch, we drove towards Calvinia, not without
stopping on the way to find several Layard’s Warblers, a few Ground Woodpeckers and family groups of
Black-headed Canaries. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler however proved difficult and didn’t show itself. As we
approached Calvinia, Karoo Chats and Karo Long-billed Larks started appearing by the roadside, and we
spotted our first Pale Chanting Goshawks and a Black-chested Snake Eagle. A final rush gave us an
excellent Karoo Eremomela few meters away, before we called it a day and had a great dinner at our
favourite restaurant in town.
The scarce Protea Canary obliged at our usual stake-out! And a wonderful Puff Adder along the West Coast.
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Today had to be a lark day! We left Calvinia with our packed breakfast early enough with the firm intention of
finding as many larks as possible. We tried unsuccessfully a couple of places for Red Lark along the way to
Brandvlei, but then took a side road a found a beautiful singing male, showing well through the scope. Back
towards Brandvlei, a short stop by a dry river bed was productive and we observed Namaqua Warbler,
Orange River White-eye, Dusky Sunbirds and a couple of Pririt Batises within a few minutes. We drove
through the desert, finding en-route Spike-heeled, ‘Bradfield’s’ Sabota, Large-billed and Karoo Long-billed
Larks and a lone Double-banded Courser. It took us less than 5 minutes at a precise waterhole to get the
rarely seen and difficult-to-find Sclater’s Lark in the scope, seen well by everybody. A bit latter, much to our
surprise, 25 Sclater’s Lark arrived and started feeding and drinking nearby! The biggest flock I’ve ever seen
of this species. That waterhole also attracted loads of Lark-like Buntings, Yellow and White-throated
Canaries and a few Namaqua Sandgrouses. While driving around, we saw several Tractrac and Karoo
Chats, Chat Flycatchers, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Long-billed Crombecs, a pair of dainty Rufous-eared
Warbler, Black-chested Prinias and many more. After lunch, we tried a different dirt track and soon found an
excellent male Northern Black Korhaan, an unexpected bonus and lifer for most of the group! Karoo Korhaan
also displayed nearby allowing our best ever views to be obtained. It started pouring down and we decided
to slowly get back to our accommodation in Calvinia. Greater Kestrel was the final addition to this highly
successful day in the desert!
One of 25 of the unpredictable Sclater’s Lark (above) and a calling male Karoo Korhaan at Brandvlei.
10 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comOur second day in the desert was spent in the Tankwa Karoo, driving from Calvinia south to Ceres. Our first
halt was at a small canyon, where we had our packed breakfasts interrupted by a calling Cinnamon-breasted
Warbler. After some work we all managed amazing views of this skulker, down to a few meters for some!
Acacia Pied Barbet was also new for most. We continued our journey in the desert and bagged in most of
the remaining targets including Namaqua Sandgrouse close to the car, Sickle-winged Chat and many other
birds like Karoo, Tractrac and ‘Southern’ Ant-eating Chats, a brief Grey-backed Sparrowlark (surprisingly our
only individual of the tour), Spike-heeled, Large-billed, Red-capped and Karoo Long-billed Larks. Three
different flocks of Karoo Eremomela were also observed. We spent a long time scouring the vast desertic
plains but couldn’t locate any of the nomadic Black-eared Sparrowlark, despite all our efforts. Back in the
fynbos, we enjoyed a delicious Italian dinner at Paarl and checked-in at our airport accommodation.
Two rather difficult specialities obliged for us: Cinnamon-breasted Warbler (above) and Karoo Eremomela
After a mid-morning flight to Durban and a bit of a hassle with our car rental company, we were on our way
to the Drakensberg. We made a short detour to spend some hours birding in an Afromontane forest
fragment, which turned out to be quite productive. Within 10 minutes after arrival, we already had multiple
encounters with our two main targets, namely Chorister Robin-Chat and the sublime Orange Ground Thrush
! Cuckoos were numerous, with several calling Black, Red-chested, African Emerald and Klaas’s all together
in a garden. Some seedeaters were also observed, notably a flock of Red-backed Mannikin and some Swee
11 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comWaxbills. On the sunbird side, we were granted good views of Amethyst, Greater Double-collared, Collared
and Olive Sunbirds. And on the way back we got our first Long-crested Eagle, Red-collared and Fan-tailed
Widowbirds. We still had a long drive to reach our accommodation near Sani Pass, but decided to stop
briefly at Marutswa to try our luck with the parrots. Incredibly, we didn’t have to jump out of the car to already
observe four Cape Parrots flying low overhead! One came back seconds latter and gave brilliant flight views.
We called it a day and had a fabulous buffet dinner at our hotel.
Orange Ground Thrush (above) and Chorister Robin-Chat both obliged at Benvie!
We were picked up early next morning by Stuart and Aldo for an ultimate Sani Pass experience. We started
with excellent views of the special endemic Bush Blackcap next to our accommodation, followed by a pair of
Brown-backed Honeybirds. A Malachite Kingfisher was also present and we saw some commoner species
like Jackal Buzzards, Cape Grassbirds, Wailing Cisticolas, a nice Red-throated Wryneck, Cape Rock
Thrushes, singing Dark-capped Yellow Warblers and our first Drakensberg Prinias. A bit further up, some
12 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comGround Woodpeckers exposed themselves atop big boulders, we saw some nice Buff-streaked Chats, Fairy
Flycatchers and a lot of Malachite Sunbirds. This year being extremely dry, no proteas were flowering at all
and Gurney’s Sugarbird had not been recorded in the area for weeks. Luckily, after some diligent scanning, I
located a nice individual feeding on some flowers, much to the group’s delight who had already lost hope
(and saving us some additional kilometres to a back-up site)! We drove further up, nailing one by one all our
targets, starting with a cooperative Barratt’s Warbler, a very showy male Drakensberg Rockjumper, followed
by many endemic Drakensberg Siskins and a distant Black Stork. We crossed the border to Lesotho and
were greeted on arrival by the numerous Sickle-winged Chats and Sentinel Rock Thrushes. Finding the
range-restricted and almost unknown Mountain Pipit took a bit of time but luckily we managed great views of
a displaying individual on its breeding ground. Having missed African Rock Pipit on the drive up, we had to
continue further into Lesotho to finally connect with the species, which in the end gave the best possible
views, down to a few meters. Lammergeiers and Cape Vultures soared overhead as we had lunch and we
drove down to find some more new birds, not before having close looks at the clown-like endemic Southern
Bald Ibis. Stuart led us to some nice grassland patches, where we first saw two roosting Western Barn Owls
and our first Southern Black Tits. Dancing Long-tailed Widowbirds were numerous and impressive and we
also got our first of many Grey Crowned Cranes, accompanied by fewer Blue Cranes and Southern Bald
Ibises. We checked all nearby sites for Wattled Cranes but couldn’t find any. However, we did bump into one
showy Red-winged Francolin, who just paused in the middle of the road in front of us! Visiting one final
wetland, we finally connected with two well-deserved Wattled Cranes and saw Red-necked Spurfowl as last
new bird of the day, before returning to our hotel for some rest and getting ready to yet another very early
start next morning.
Two major highlights from a morning on the Sani Pass: Gurney’s Sugarbird and Bush Blackcap.
13 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comRed-winged Francolin showing insanely well and a Wattled Crane found after much efforts near Himeville.
The day started with half-an-hour flufftailing at a nearby wetland. We weren’t too optimistic given how dry it
has been the past few months and the fact that not a single flufftail has been heard by local birders in the
area. Anyway, we positioned ourselves at the edge of a marsh and started calling the bird softly. After 15
minutes without any signs, we started losing hope when I suddenly spotted a Red-chested Flufftail crossing
slowly a small opening in the reeds! The bird did cross it twice again, giving views to almost everybody, but
only called once very low. The day started well! We then proceeded to Xumeni Indigenous Forest, where
after hard work we gained great scope views of the target Knysna Turaco. We also added Lazy Cisticola,
Grosbeak Weavers, a skulking Orange Ground Thrush, two displaying African Goshawks, some showy
Narina Trogons and many more to our day list and moved on to Highover reserve for one of the most wanted
14 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.combirds of whole Southern Africa. The managers kindly let us in the pristine grassland of the reserve, and after
a short walk we were delighted to be able to observe at least four magnificent Blue Swallows, a rare
endangered species nesting in Aardvark burrows! Also present in the area were some more Knysna
Turacos, Cape Vultures and Narina Trogon. We spent a couple of hours birding lower down in Highover,
finding some new birds for us like Dark-backed Weavers, White-browed Robin-Chat, Black-bellied Starlings,
numerous Olive Sunbirds, Black-headed Orioles, Crowned Hornbills, Southern Black Flycatchers, Green
Wood Hoopoes, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Black-collared Barbet, many Knysna Turacos (hence improving
greatly our views from earlier in the morning) and a few Green-backed Camaropteras. We drove back to
town for a late lunch and headed back to our hotel for some rest. The end of the day was spent birding
alongside a river, finding Giant Kingfisher, two Bush Blackcaps, many Southern Bald Ibises flying in to roost
and hearing a Half-collared Kingfisher zooming upstream. We didn’t find the kingfisher again but we did see
our first Kurrichane Thrush associated with Olive Thrushes in the garden of the resort.
Knysna Turaco (above), Blue Swallow and Narina Trogon at Highover!
Today we woke up in the mist and walked through the fog along the river by our hotel. Giant Kingfisher
showed again, but Half-collared Kingfisher was only seen briefly by the leader, flying upriver. A short drive in
the nearby grassland didn’t yield anything new but nice views of Long-tailed and Fan-tailed Widowbirds
15 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comdisplaying were appreciated. We then basically spent the day driving to Wakkerstroom, but detouring via
Howick for some birding. We first stopped for an hour at the Midmar dam, which was very productive. We
added many new species for the trip, highlights being a flock of Zebra Waxbill and at last a pair of Pale-
crowned Cisticolas, perhaps the best looking of the genus! Other new birds seen included African Wattled
and Black-winged Lapwings, White-faced Whistling Ducks, Greenshank, Wood Sandpipers, Squacco Heron,
Intermediate Egret, Cloud and Wing-snapping Cisticolas and Rufous-naped Larks. We then paid a brief visit
to the nearby Doreen Clark reserve, finding several Knysna Turaco, much to the delight of Joan who wasn’t
able to join yesterday’s excursion! Chorister Robin-Chat, a nesting White-starred Robin and Black-bellied
Starlings were also seen, but a pair of Purple-crested Turacos calling deep hidden in the canopy refused to
show, despite half an hour wait! We then drove to Wakkerstroom after a rustic lunch and arrived there after
dark.
A nice Red-throated Wryneck (above) and the range-restricted Black-bellied Starling.
16 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comWe picked up our local guide and friend Lucky early morning and drove straight towards Dirkiesdorp. Our
first target came fast, with a showy pair of ‘Barrow’s’ White-bellied Bustard. After a breakfast overlooking a
South African Cliff Swallow colony, we drove to Daggakraal, getting our second good bird en-route as three
Blue Korhaans showed well near the road. It didn’t take long for us to find Botha’s Lark, giving unbeatable
views a few meters from the car! Back towards Wakkerstroom, we made a short detour to Fickland’s pan,
where it didn’t take us 5 minutes to find the ultra rare Rudd’s Lark! Cloud and Wing-snapping Cisticolas were
also enjoyed, as well as a mix flock of Blue and Grey Crowned Cranes.
Three very good birds from Wakkerstroom: ‘Barrow’s’ White-bellied Bustard and two endangered Larks, Rudd’s (left) and Botha’s.
Just before lunch, we made an attempt to see one of the rarest pipits on Earth. The conditions didn’t look too
promising, and with the gale-force wind it was extremely hard to bird, but we did connect with a brief nice
male Yellow-breasted Pipit, which showed just to a few of us. A delicious lunch and break was had, and we
returned on the road towards Amersfoort, where we found a pair of Eastern Clapper Lark as well as more
Cloud Cisticolas. We then went back to the pipit site, which this time showed exceedingly well just by the
17 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comroadside! What a day! But a surprise was still waiting for us. A final push led us towards some high grass
fields, where after positioning ourselves a superb Marsh Owl flew in and perched about 100 meters away, a
lifer for everybody and one of the best Owls out there with its black eyes. Success!
A superb Yellow-breasted Pipit!
We departed fairly early following morning towards Johannesburg, to be able to spend a couple of hours
birding at Suikerbosrand Reserve. Before entering the site, we already enjoyed a nice displaying Northern
Black Korhaan. We spent 3 hours birding inside, recording a number of new birds for us including
Swainson’s Spurfowl, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Ashy Tit, Village Weaver, Black-throated Canaries, Mocking
Cliff Chat and best of all some Crested Barbets. After all this, a short drive led us to the airport, we the tour
ended. A huge thanks to all participants for their enthusiasm, making this tour such a successful one!
Southern Bald Ibis is a weird but charismatic bird!
18 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comYellow Bishop, a common but stunning and often confiding species.
SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED DURING THE TOUR
The species names and taxonomy used in the report follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). 2019. IOC World
Bird List (v 9.1). This list is updated several times annually and is available at
http://www.worldbirdnames.org. The online checklist, available to download at the above website, includes
all relevant taxonomic notes. The website also includes a useful section outlining recent taxonomic decisions
and upcoming proposals.
Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H).
Species which were only recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (LO).
Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL).
Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered
‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g.: it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see
across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a
full species).
Common Ostrich Struthio camelus Seen at De Hoop and West Coast NP.
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Widespread, first seen in Cape Town.
Grey-winged Francolin ◊ Scleroptila afra Seen at De Hoop and Suikerbosrand.
Red-winged Francolin ◊ Scleroptila levaillantii Brilliant views of one near Himeville.
Cape Spurfowl ◊ Pternistis capensis Many around Cape Town.
Red-necked Spurfowl Pternistis afer One near Himeville.
Swainson’s Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii A few at Suikerbosrand.
Common Quail Coturnix coturnix (H) Heard a different places.
White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata A few near Howick.
White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus Two in Cape Town.
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis Widespread, first seen at Strandfontein.
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Widespread.
19 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comSouth African Shelduck ◊ Tadorna cana Several seen, first at Strandfontein.
Hottentot Teal Spatula hottentota Seen a few times, first at Strandfontein.
Cape Shoveler ◊ Spatula smithii Seen a few times, first at Strandfontein.
African Black Duck Anas sparsa Two at Harold Porter Botanical Garden.
A tame Cape Spurfowl and the resident African Black Ducks from Harold Porter.
Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata Widespread.
Cape Teal Anas capensis Seen a few times, first at Strandfontein.
Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha Widespread.
Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma Seen a few times around Cape Town.
Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa Seen a few times around Cape Town.
20 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comAfrican Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Many seen, first at Brandvlei.
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Many seen, first near Cape Town.
African Black Swift Apus barbatus Seen mostly near Cape Town.
Little Swift Apus affinis Widespread.
White-rumped Swift Apus caffer Widespread.
Knysna Turaco ◊ (K Lourie) Tauraco corythaix Seen at Xumeni, Highover and in Howick.
Purple-crested Turaco Tauraco porphyreolophus (H) Two heard, refused to show near Howick.
Ludwig's Bustard ◊ Neotis ludwigii 9 surprising birds near Langebaan.
Denham's Bustard Neotis denhami A pair near Swellendam.
White-bellied Bustard ◊ Eupodotis [senegalensis] barrowii Two pairs near Wakkerstroom.
Blue Korhaan ◊ Eupodotis caerulescens 3 birds near Wakkerstroom.
Karoo Korhaan ◊ Eupodotis vigorsii Seen many times, first near Swellendam.
Southern Black Korhaan ◊ Afrotis afra Seen along the West Coast.
Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides Seen at Brandvlei and Suikerbosrand.
Diederik Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius (H) Heard near Sani Pass.
Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas One seen at Kirstenbosch, many others heard.
African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus Excellent views at Grootvadersbosch.
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus Great views at Benvie.
Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius Great views at Grootvadersbosch, many heard elsewhere.
Stately Blue Cranes were seen at several places. A delight!
Namaqua Sandgrouse ◊ Pterocles namaqua Seen a few times, first at De Hoop.
Rock Dove (introduced) (Feral P) Columba livia Widespread in towns.
Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea Widespread.
African Olive Pigeon (Rameron P) Columba arquatrix Many seen, first at Grootvadersbosch.
Lemon Dove Columba larvata (LO) One flushed at Doreen Clarke.
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Widespread.
Ring-necked Dove (Cape Turtle D) Streptopelia capicola Widespread.
Laughing Dove (Palm D) Spilopelia senegalensis Widespread.
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis Regularly seen, first in Cape Town.
Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa One seen near Himeville.
African Rail (African W Rail) Rallus caerulescens Seen at West Coast NP, heard at Himeville.
21 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comBlack Crake Amaurornis flavirostra Several seen at West Coast NP and Wakkerstroom.
African Swamphen (A P Gallinule) Porphyrio madagascariensis Several seen, first in Cape Town.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Many seen on wetlands.
Red-knobbed Coot (Crested C) Fulica cristata Widespread.
Grey Crowned Crane ◊ Balearica regulorum Seen near Himeville and Wakkerstroom.
Wattled Crane ◊ Grus carunculate Two near Himeville.
Blue Crane ◊ Grus paradisea Many seen near De Hoop and Wakkerstroom.
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Widespread.
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus Seen near Cape Town.
Visiting the African Penguin colony is a unique experience!
22 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comBlack-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis Seen at Strandfontein.
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Many seen at Strandfontein and Wakkerstroom.
Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Many seen at Strandfontein and West Coast NP.
Hottentot Buttonquail ◊ Turnix hottentotus One flushed twice at Sandberg fynbos reserve.
Water Thick-knee (Water Dikkop) Burhinus vermiculatus Several at De Hoop.
Spotted Thick-knee (Spotted Dikkop) Burhinus capensis Seen along the West Coast.
African Oystercatcher ◊ (African Black O) Haematopus moquini Several seen around Cape Town.
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Widespread.
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta Seen at Strandfontein and West Coast NP.
Blacksmith Lapwing (B Plover) Vanellus armatus Widespread.
Black-winged Lapwing (B-w Plover) Vanellus melanopterus 50 seen near Howick.
Crowned Lapwing (C Plover) Vanellus coronatus Seen a few times, first near Swellendam.
African Wattled Lapwing (A W Plover) Vanellus senegallus One near Howick.
Grey Plover (Black-b Plover) Pluvialis squatarola Seen at West Coast NP.
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula Seen at Strandfontein and West Coast NP.
Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius Seen a few times, first along the West Coast.
Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris Widespread.
Hartlaub’s Gull is a southern african endemic which is numerous around Cape Town.
White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus 3 near Veldriff.
Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus 1 near Veldriff.
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus Widespread.
Whimbrel (Eurasian W) Numenius [phaeopus] phaeopus Many at West Coast NP.
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica Many at West Coast NP.
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres A few at West Coast NP.
Red Knot Calidris canutus 6 at West Coast NP.
Ruff Calidris pugnax Seen at Strandfontein and West Coast NP.
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea Many at West Coast NP.
Sanderling Calidris alba A few at West Coast NP.
Little Stint Calidris minuta Many at West Coast NP.
African Snipe (Ethiopian S) Gallinago nigripennis One near Himeville.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola Seen near Howick and Wakkerstroom.
23 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comCommon Greenshank Tringa nebularia Seen near Howick.
Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus Only one at Brandvlei.
Sabine's Gull Xema sabini One off Cape Town.
Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Seen at Strandfontein and Johannesburg.
Hartlaub's Gull ◊ Chroicocephalus hartlaubii Many around Cape Town.
Kelp Gull ◊ (Cape G) Larus [dominicanus] vetula Many along the coast.
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia Many near Veldriff.
Greater Crested Tern (Swift T) Thalasseus bergii Many around Cape Town.
Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Several around Cape Town.
Common Tern Sterna hirundo Many around Cape Town.
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida Many seen.
Brown Skua (Subantarctic S) Stercorarius antarcticus One off Cape Town.
African Penguin Spheniscus demersus Hundreds at Betty’s Bay and Simonstown.
Wilson's Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus A dozen off Cape Town.
Black-bellied Storm Petrel Fregetta tropica A dozen off Cape Town.
Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris A few birds off Cape Town.
Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta Many off Cape Town.
Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross ◊ Thalassarche chlororhynchos At least 5 off Cape Town.
Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross ◊ Thalassarche carteri Only 1 off Cape Town.
Indian Yellow-nosed (left) and an immature Black-browed Albatrosses.
Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus 1 off Cape Town.
Cape Petrel (Pintado P) Daption capense A few off Cape Town.
Soft-plumaged Petrel Pterodroma mollis 1 off Cape Town.
White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis Hundreds off Cape Town.
Sooty Shearwater Ardenna grisea Few dozens off Cape Town.
Great Shearwater Ardenna gravis Few dozens off Cape Town.
Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus One off Cape Town.
Black Stork Ciconia nigra One at Sani Pass.
Woolly-necked Stork (African Woollyneck) Ciconia episcopus A dozen near Durban.
White Stork Ciconia ciconia One near Cape Town.
Cape Gannet ◊ Morus capensis Many off Cape Town.
Reed Cormorant (Long-tailed C) Microcarbo africanus Widespread.
Crowned Cormorant ◊ Microcarbo coronatus Many around Cape Town.
Bank Cormorant ◊ Phalacrocorax neglectus Dozens at Betty’s Bay and a few at Simonstown.
24 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comWhite-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus Widespread.
Cape Cormorant ◊ Phalacrocorax capensis Many around Cape Town.
African Darter Anhinga rufa Regularly seen, first near Cape Town.
The endangered Bank (center) surrounded by Cape, Crowned and White-breasted Cormorants!
African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus Widespread.
Southern Bald Ibis ◊ Geronticus calvus Many around Himeville and Wakkerstroom.
Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash Widespread.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Seen a few times, first near Cape Town.
African Spoonbill Platalea alba Seen a few times, first near Cape Town.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Seen near Howick and Wakkerstroom.
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Widespread.
Grey Heron Ardea cinereal Widespread.
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala Widespread.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea Only 2 near Cape Town.
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia One near Howick and one at Wakkerstroom.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta Seen regularly, first near Cape Town.
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta One near Wakkerstroom.
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus Several near Cape Town.
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus Widespread.
African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus Seen near Himeville.
Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) Gypaetus barbatus A few at Sani Pass and in Lesotho.
Cape Vulture ◊ Gyps coprotheres 40 at De Hoop and 40 at Sani Pass.
Black-chested Snake Eagle (B-breasted S E) Circaetus pectoralis One near Calvinia.
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus One near Darling.
Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis Several between Howick and Himeville.
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus A few seen near Cape Town.
Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii A pair near Langebaan.
Pale Chanting Goshawk (Southern C G) Melierax canorus Several seen, first near Calvinia.
African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro Seen near Cape Town and Himeville.
Black Sparrowhawk (Great S) Accipiter melanoleucus 3 near Cape Town.
African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus Seen near Cape Town and Wakkerstroom.
25 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comBlack Harrier ◊ Circus maurus A few at West Coast NP.
Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius Widespread, small numbers recorded.
African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer Seen a few times, first near De Hoop.
Common Buzzard (Steppe B) Buteo [buteo] vulpinus Seen a few times.
Forest Buzzard ◊ Buteo trizonatus One at Grootvadersbosch.
Jackal Buzzard ◊ Buteo rufofuscus Widespread.
A superb Black Harrier at West Coast NP (above) and a Marsh Owl taken just before darkness at Wakkerstroom!
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba Two near Himeville.
Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus Seen 5 times, first at Noordhoek.
African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii One at Noordhoek.
26 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comMarsh Owl Asio capensis One near Wakkerstroom.
Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Widespread, first in Cape Town.
White-backed Mousebird ◊ Colius colius Seen several times, first at West Coast NP.
Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus Seen at West Coast NP and Suikerbosrand.
Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina Seen at Xumeni and Highover.
African Hoopoe Upupa africana Several seen, first at Cape Town.
Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus One flock at Highover.
Roosting Western Barn Owl and a Green Wood Hoopoe.
Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas One seen at Suikerbosrand.
Crowned Hornbill Lophoceros alboterminatus 2 at Highover.
27 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comBrown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris Seen a few times, first at Grootvadersbosch.
Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus Seen near Himeville.
Half-collared Kingfisher Alcedo semitorquata (H) Heard and seen briefly by the leader near Sani Pass.
Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima One near Himeville.
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Several seen, first in Cape Town.
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster Seen a few times, first near Cape Town.
Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus One at Highover.
Acacia Pied Barbet (Pied B) Tricholaema leucomelas Seen in the Tankwa Karoo.
Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus Seen at Highover and near Howick.
Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii 3 at Suikerbosrand.
Brown-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus At least 4 near Sani Pass.
Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis Seen near Sani Pass, Howick and Wakkerstroom.
Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni One at Benvie.
Knysna Woodpecker ◊ Campethera notata One at Suurbraak.
Ground Woodpecker ◊ Geocolaptes olivaceus Seen at Rooiels, Calvinia and Sani Pass.
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens Seen at Sani Pass and Suikerbosrand.
Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus Seen at Grootvadersbosch and Xumeni.
Rock Kestrel (Common K) Falco rupicolus Widespread, first at Cape Town.
Greater Kestrel (White-eyed K) Falco rupicoloides 2 near Calvinia.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus 2 near Howick, 1 near Wakkerstroom.
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus 3 at Cape Town, 1 at Suikerbosrand.
Cape Parrot ◊ Poicephalus robustus 5 at Marutswa.
Cape Batis ◊ Batis capensis Seen several times, first at Kirstenbosch.
Pririt Batis ◊ Batis pririt Seen at Brandvlei.
A superb female Cape Batis.
Olive Bushshrike ◊ Chlorophoneus olivaceus Several at Grootvadersbosch.
Bokmakierie ◊ Telophorus zeylonus Seen regularly, first near Cape Town.
Southern Tchagra ◊ Tchagra tchagra One at De Hoop.
Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla Regularly seen, first at Benvie.
Southern Boubou ◊ Laniarius ferrugineus Seen regularly, first at Kirstenbosch.
Grey Cuckooshrike Ceblepyris caesius Seen at Grootvadersbosch, Benvie and Xumeni.
Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris Widespread.
28 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comBlack-headed Oriole (Eastern B-h O) Oriolus larvatus Seen at Benvie and Highover.
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Widespread.
Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas Seen at Grootvadersbosch and Xumeni.
African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis Seen regularly, first at Harold Porter.
Cape Crow (Cape R) Corvus capensis Widespread.
Pied Crow Corvus albus Widespread.
White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis Seen several times, first near Noordhoek.
Cape Rockjumper ◊ Chaetops frenatus At least 7 at Rooiels.
Drakensberg Rockjumper ◊ Chaetops aurantius 2 at Sani Pass.
The endemic and stunning Olive Bushshrike, here a male of the ruddy morph.
Fairy Flycatcher ◊ Stenostira scita Seen near Clanwilliam and Sani Pass.
Southern Black Tit ◊ Melaniparus niger One near Himeville.
Ashy Tit ◊ Melaniparus cinerascens 5 at Suikerbosrand.
Grey Tit ◊ (Southern G T) Melaniparus afer Seen in De Hoop.
Cape Penduline Tit ◊ Anthoscopus minutus Seen in De Hoop and at Brandvlei.
Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata Many near Brandvlei and Wakkerstroom.
Karoo Long-billed Lark ◊ Certhilauda subcoronata Several near Brandvlei.
Eastern Long-billed Lark ◊ Certhilauda semitorquata One at Wakkerstroom.
Cape Long-billed Lark ◊ Certhilauda curvirostris 3 near Langebaan.
Agulhas Long-billed Lark ◊ Certhilauda brevirostris About 10 south of Swellendam.
Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark ◊ Eremopterix verticalis Only one in Tankwa Karoo.
Sabota Lark ◊ Calendulauda sabota A few at Brandvlei.
Karoo Lark ◊ Calendulauda albescens Two in West Coast NP.
Red Lark ◊ Calendulauda burra One at Brandvlei.
Rudd's Lark ◊ Heteromirafra ruddi One near Wakkerstroom.
Eastern Clapper Lark ◊ Mirafra fasciolata 2 near Wakkerstroom.
Cape Clapper Lark ◊ (Agulhas C L) Mirafra [apiata] marjoriae About 5 south of Swellendam.
Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana Seen near Howick and Wakkerstroom.
Sclater's Lark ◊ Spizocorys sclateri A surprisingly large flock of 25 at Brandvlei!
Botha's Lark ◊ Spizocorys fringillaris 3 near Wakkerstroom.
Large-billed Lark ◊ (Southern Thick-b Lark) Galerida magnirostris Widespread, first near Swellendam.
29 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comRed-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea Widespread and common.
African Red-eyed Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus nigricans A dozen at Suikerbosrand.
Cape Bulbul ◊ Pycnonotus capensis Widespread in the west.
Dark-capped Bulbul (Black-eyed B) Pycnonotus tricolor Widespread in the east.
Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus Widespread, first seen at Kirstenbosch.
Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris Seen at Grootvadersbosch.
Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera Seen regularly, first at Harold Porter.
Brown-throated Martin (Plain M) Riparia paludicola Widespread.
Banded Martin Riparia cincta Seen near Cape Town, Himeville and Wakkerstroom.
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica Several seen, first near Cape Town.
Cape Long-billed (above), Agulhas Long-billed (right) and Karoo Larks.
White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis Widespread.
Blue Swallow ◊ Hirundo atrocaerulea At least 4 in Highover.
30 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comPearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiate Seen at De Hoop.
Rock Martin (African R M) Ptyonoprogne fuligula Widespread.
Common House Martin Delichon urbicum One near Sani Pass.
Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata Widespread, first in Cape Town.
Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica Seen near Himeville and Wakkerstroom.
South African Cliff Swallow ◊ Petrochelidon spilodera Many near Himeville and Wakkerstroom.
Cape Grassbird ◊ (African G) Sphenoeacus afer Widespread, first near Cape Town.
Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens A few seen near Clanwilliam and Brandvlei.
Victorin's Warbler ◊ Cryptillas victorini One seen very well near Rooiels.
More Larks! Karoo Long-billed (above), Spike-heeled (right) and Large-billed Larks.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus (LO) One at Brandvlei.
Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler (Yellow-t Warbler) Phylloscopus ruficapilla Seen at Xumeni.
Lesser Swamp Warbler (Cape R Warbler) Acrocephalus gracilirostris Widespread in reeds.
31 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comAfrican Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus Widespread in reeds.
African Yellow Warbler (Dark-capped Y W) Iduna natalensis A few in Sani valley.
Knysna Warbler ◊ Bradypterus sylvaticus One seen well and more heard at Grootvadersbosch.
Barratt's Warbler ◊ Bradypterus barratti Seen well at Sani Pass, heard elsewhere.
Cape Grassbird (above) and two ultra skulkers, Barratt’s (right) and Knysna Warblers.
Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala Seen a few times, first at Kirstenbosch.
Lazy Cisticola Cisticola aberrans One at Xumeni.
Grey-backed Cisticola ◊ (Red-headed C) Cisticola subruficapilla Seen many times, first at Noordhoek.
Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais Several seen at Sani Pass.
Levaillant's Cisticola Cisticola tinniens Widespread.
Neddicky (Piping C) Cisticola fulvicapilla Seen near Swellendam and Suikerbosrand.
Zitting Cisticola (Fan-tailed W) Cisticola juncidis Seen a few times, first at Strandfontein.
Cloud Cisticola ◊ (Tink-tink C) Cisticola textrix Seen along the West Coast and at Wakkerstroom.
32 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comPale-crowned Cisticola ◊ Cisticola cinnamomeus 2 near Howick.
Wing-snapping Cisticola Cisticola ayresii Seen near Howick and Wakkerstroom.
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Seen at Suikerbosrand.
Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans Seen at Brandvlei and Suikerbosrand.
Karoo Prinia ◊ (Spotted P) Prinia maculosa Widespread and common in the west.
This wasn’t an average Victorin’s Warbler – they usually are skulking masters!
Drakensberg Prinia ◊ Prinia hypoxantha A few seen at Sani Pass.
Namaqua Warbler ◊ (N Prinia) Phragmacia substriata Seen at Brandvlei.
Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica Seen at Grootvadersbosch, Benvie and Xumeni.
Rufous-eared Warbler ◊ Malcorus pectoralis Seen near Brandvlei.
Green-backed Camaroptera (G-b Bleating Warbler) Camaroptera brachyura First at Clanwilliam.
Cinnamon-breasted Warbler ◊ Euryptila subcinnamomea At least 3 in Tankwa Karoo.
Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis Seen at Brandvlei.
Karoo Eremomela ◊ Eremomela gregalis Seen at Calvinia and several flocks in Tankwa Karoo.
Bush Blackcap ◊ Lioptilus nigricapillus 4 seen at Sani Pass.
Chestnut-vented Warbler (Common Titbabbler) Sylvia subcoerulea Seen along the West Coast.
Layard's Warbler ◊ (L Tit-babbler) Sylvia layardi Seen near Calvinia.
Orange River White-eye ◊ Zosterops pallidus One at Brandvlei.
Cape White-eye ◊ Zosterops virens Widespread.
Cape Sugarbird ◊ Promerops cafer Many seen in Kirstenbosch and Rooiels.
Gurney's Sugarbird ◊ Promerops gurneyi One luckily found at Sani Pass.
Common Myna (introduced) (Indian M) Acridotheres tristis Common around Durban.
Common Starling (introduced) (European S) Sturnus vulgaris Widespread.
Wattled Starling Creatophora cinereal One near Swellendam.
Black-bellied Starling (B-b Glossy S) Notopholia corusca Few at Highover and Doreen Clarke.
Cape Starling (Cape G S) Lamprotornis nitens Seen at Wakkerstroom and Suikerbosrand.
Pied Starling ◊ (African P S) Lamprotornis bicolor Widespread, first at Swellendam.
Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio Widespread.
Orange Ground Thrush Geokichla gurneyi 10 at Benvie, others at Xumeni.
Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyana 1 at Sani Pass.
Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus Widespread, first in Cape Town.
33 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comKaroo Scrub Robin ◊ (Karoo R) Cercotrichas coryphoeus Several seen, first in West Coast NP.
Kalahari Scrub Robin ◊ Cercotrichas paena Several at Suikerbosrand.
White-browed Scrub Robin (White-browed R) Cercotrichas leucophrys Seen at Highover.
Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina A breeding pair in Highover.
Chat Flycatcher ◊ Melaenornis infuscatus Seen at Brandvlei and in the Tankwa Karoo.
Fiscal Flycatcher ◊ Melaenornis silens Seen a few times, most numerous at Suikerbosrand.
African Dusky Flycatcher (Dusky F) Muscicapa adusta Seen many times, first at Kirstenbosch.
Cape Robin-Chat (C Robin) Cossypha caffra Widespread and conspicuous.
Chorister Robin-Chat (C Robin) Cossypha dichroa 2 at Benvie and 1 at Doreen Clarke.
White-starred Robin (Starred R) Pogonocichla stellate 1 at Benvie and 1 breeding at Doreen Clarke.
Cape Rock Thrush ◊ Monticola rupestris Seen at Rooiels and Sani Pass.
Sentinel Rock Thrush ◊ Monticola exploratory About 10 on the Sani Pass.
African Pied Starling (above) and Sentinel Rock Thrush.
34 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comAfrican Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Widespread.
Buff-streaked Chat ◊ Campicoloides bifasciatus A couple seen on Sani Pass.
Sickle-winged Chat ◊ Emarginata sinuate A couple seen in the Tankwa Karoo, many on the Sani Pass.
Karoo Chat ◊ Emarginata schlegelii Manyy between Brandvlei and the Tankwa Karoo.
Tractrac Chat ◊ Emarginata tractrac A couple at Brandvlei and in the Tankwa Karoo.
Mocking Cliff Chat (Mocking Chat, Cliff Chat) Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris 2 at Suikerbosrand.
Ant-eating Chat ◊ (Southern Anteater Chat) Myrmecocichla formicivore Many seen, first at Brandvlei.
Mountain Wheatear (Mountain C) Myrmecocichla monticola Many seen, first at Clanwilliam.
Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileate Widespread, first seen at Swellendam.
Familiar Chat (Red-tailed C) Oenanthe familiaris Widespread, recorded in small numbers.
Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris 2 at Benvie.
Orange-breasted Sunbird ◊ Anthobaphes violacea 2 at Noordhoek and many more at Rooiels.
The endemic Orange-breasted Sunbird in the morning light at Noordhoek.
Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea Several at Highover.
Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystine Seen at Grootvadersbosch and Benvie.
Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa Many around Cape Town and on the Sani Pass.
Southern Double-collared Sunbird ◊ (Lesser D-c S) Cinnyris chalybeus Many around Cape Town.
Greater Double-collared Sunbird ◊ Cinnyris afer Seen at Grootvadersbosch, Benvie and Sani Pass.
Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus Seen at Brandvlei and in the Tankwa Karoo.
House Sparrow (introduced) Passer domesticus Widespread in towns, many seen.
Cape Sparrow ◊ Passer melanurus Widespread, many seen, first in Cape Town.
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffuses Several seen, first north of Cape Town.
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali 2 at Suikerbosrand.
Thick-billed Weaver (Grosbeak W) Amblyospiza albifrons Seen at Xumeni and Highover.
Cape Weaver ◊ Ploceus capensis Widespread, hundreds seen around Cape Town.
Southern Masked Weaver (Masked W) Ploceus velatus Widespread, hundreds seen throughout.
Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Seen near Wakkerstroom and at Suikerbosrand.
Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolor A few at Highover.
Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea Large flocks in Himeville region.
Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix Widespread, hundreds seen near Cape Town.
Yellow Bishop (Yellow-rumped Widow) Euplectes capensis Widespread, many seen.
35 BirdQuest Tour Report : Best Of South Africa 2019 www.birdquest-tours.comYou can also read
