Tag Archive for birdwatching

Did You Know – Pygmy Kingfisher

Lacey / October 12, 2011 / No comments

See below for the latest in our factsheet series.
Pygmy Kingfisher Scientific name: Ispidina picta Description: The African Pygmy Kingfisher is the smallest Kingfisher in the region at 13cm high. Habitat: Found in the West of South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Non-aquatic the pygmy kingfisher is found in woodland, savannah and coastal forests. Diet: Unlike most Kingfishers, the pygmy Kingfisher does not eat fish.Their diet consists mainly of insects, however they will also devour small lizards and frogs when available. Despite its small size the Pygmy Kingfisher can easily control large prey by bashing it on a tree or stone until it stops fighting. Calls: High pitched 'chip chip' when flying. Male/ Female: Adults the same. Juveniles similar to adult but with darkish bill (beak). Breeding: Usually breeding between October and December the pygmy kingfishers nest in an old burrow or tunnel on a bank. 3 - 6 eggs are normally laid in the nest. Did You Know: - Only Kingfisher that doesn't eat fish. - Can be distinguished from malachite kingfisher by its small size and the violet wash around its ears.

Category: Albizia camp, Bushwire, Environmental Awareness Course, Our animals / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Did You Know – Purple-Crested Turaco

Lacey / September 21, 2011 / No comments

See our factsheet below for more information about the purple-crested Turaco (formerly known as the purple-crested Lourie).

Purple crested turaco Formerly known as the Purple-crested lourie Scientific name: Musophaga porphyreolopha Description: Colourful African forest bird with red underwings and distinctive call. It differs from the other Turacos due its very dark purple crest, and the lack of white around the eyes. Diet: Feeds almost exclusiely on fruits Habitat: Tends to be found in coastal and riverine forests, sometimes also found in broad leaved woodland. Inhabits a large portion of Eastern African continent including; South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Male/female/juvenile: Adults the same. Juvenile is duller in colour. Call: Loud 'kok-kok-kok-kok' call Nest behavior: Both sexes build the nest. Usually one will return with sticks to give to the other who will place it in the nest. 2-4 eggs are laid which are incubated by both parents for approx 3 weeks. Chicks are ready to fly at 38 days. Did you know: Despite being brightly coloured, the purple crested turaco is hard to spot. It is mostly noticed by the bright red feathers of their underwings as they move from tree to tree.

Category: Albizia camp, Did you know?, Environmental Awareness Course, Our animals / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Sunbird Building Nest

Lacey / September 16, 2011 / No comments

Spring is in the air at Umkhumbi Lodge. The birds are singing and soar through the air as they fly in search of nest building materials. One such bird is the Sunbird. Using spiderwebs to secure their nest materials the Sunbirds ensure that their eggs have the very best chance of survival.

In the video below you can observe the female sunbird adding grasses to her nest.

Category: Bushwire, Our animals / Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,
  Recent Entries »