Birds of South Africa
Our variety of different habitats on the reserve create homes for an array of colourful species.
Wander to South Dam to spot Fish Eagles, Herons and Kingfishers, see Purple-Crested Turaco’s flitting red through the gorge, or wander to North Dam to see the Dabchicks skate across the still waters. Ask for our bird list at reception, and see how many you can tick off during your stay.
Alternatively DOWNLOAD OUR FULL BIRD LIST HERE.
Our variety of different habitats on the reserve create homes for an array of colourful species.
Wander to South Dam to spot Fish Eagles, Herons and Kingfishers, see Purple-Crested Turaco’s flitting red through the gorge, or wander to North Dam to see the Dabchicks skate across the still waters.
An often shy, but spectacular bird, the Purple-crested Turaco has a purple coloured crest above a green head, red rings around their eyes, and a black bill. The neck and chest are a green and brown, and the rest of the body is purple. You will often see flashes of its red flight feathers in the canopy as it swoops from one tree to the next.
Funky Feather Facts:
Their beautiful red flight feathers have always been coveted by humans, and they were hunted for their perfect plumage.The vivid red pigment – known as turacin – is found on no other animal and, for this reason, has several cultural ties.
The crimson feathers are worn in the ceremonial headdresses of the Zulu people and, in years gone by, the King was the only person allowed to wear them.The Purple Crested Turaco is the national bird of the Kingdom of Swaziland and the crimson flight feathers are important in the ceremonial regalia of the Swazi royal family.In Cameroon, the red feathers of the Bannerman’s Turaco are handed out to people for public distinction, courage and esteem and are worn on their heads. This is also the origin of the phrase ‘a feather in one’s cap’.
The Diederik’s Cuckoo is one of the many migratory birds that arrive at Tomjachu at the start of Spring and with that comes mating season. Although a little odd, their mating ritual is highly effective.
First a male will court his female with song and fetch her a nice big juicy caterpillar. This feeding frenzy is accompanied with a vigorous bobbing dance and spread wings in an amorous tug of war. To register a bulls-eye, both birds share each end of the wriggling bug, like lovers over a bowl of pasta, until their beaks meet and the smacking sounds of love echo around the bush!
A stunning little bird and one of our lodge refulars. In fact, he is the one who we are continously cleaning up after as they like to perch (and poop!) on the furniture! As the name suggests, they are well known for their use of other bird calls in their own melodies.
The nest is built by both sexes in about a week, consisting of an open cup set into a foundation of twigs, leaves, roots and feathers, lined with the hair of antelopes and hyraxes. It is typically placed in the nest of a striped swallow, sometimes kicking them out while they are in the process of breeding!
The Lesser-striped Swallow is an “Intra-African” migrant bird. It flies further North during winter and only returns to South Africa in Spring.
We haven’t ringed our swifts and swallows, so are not able to confirm if they are the same ones, but it is well known that they return to the very same nests year after year!
This little one has made its’ nest right above our reception door and he looks kind of familiar!
