Drakensberg Birds

There are about 180 species in the Royal Natal Park. Below is a list of some of them.

The Helmeted Guineafowl, Hadeda Ibis, Groudscraper Thrush and the Olive Thrush are a common sight.

The Malachite Sunbirds and the Gurney’s Sugarbirds are seen on the protea slopes, as well as the Redwing Francolin.

The Olive Woodpecker, Greaer Doublecollared Sunbird, Christopher Robin, Redchested and Emerald Cuckoo prefer the cool evergreen forests.

The Giant Kingfisher and Longtailed Wagtail are usually seen near the Mahai River.

The Black Eagle, Lammergeier, Martial Eagle, Cape Vultures, Black Sparrowhawk and Jackal Buzzard are also to be seen. Cathedral Peak area.

About 130 bird species have been recorded here.

This area is ideal for spotting raptors like the Black and Longcrested Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Lammergeier, and the Cape Vulture.

In summer many of the migrant birds are to be seen such as the Black, Diederik and Klaas Cuckoo, Paradise Flycatcher, and Lessor Striped Swallow are easily spotted around the Hotel.

Also within the hotes garden, at forest edges,in riverine bush and protes savannah, Malachite, Black, Lesser and Greater Doublecollared Sunbirds, as well as Gurney’s Sunbirds can be seen.

Monk’s Cowl, Mdedelelo and Culfargie Nature Reserves

Here about 170 species have been identified including most of the typical Drakensberg species such as the Bearded Vulture, Drakensberg Siskin, Malachite Sunbird and Gurney’s Sunbird.

Many “garden” birds such as the Barratt’s Warbler, Forest and Cape Canary, Olive Bush Shrike, Black cuckoo Shrike, Christopher Robin and Redchested Cuckoo can ften be seen in the hedges bordering the individual camping sites.

The protea savannah areas are the habitiat of the Sentinel Rock Thrush, Ground Woodpecker, and Bokmakirrie..

Swee Waxbill and Bush Blackcap are tobe seen in the local forests and in the Yellowwood canopies, Crowned Eagle and other raptors may be seen nesting.

At Dragon Peaks Park a variety of waterbirds frequent the pond. The Resort also maintains a Vulture feeding area as the endangered Cape Vulture and Bearded Vulture have a nesting site in the cliffs of the escarpment known as the Vulture’s Retreat.

Falcon Ridge is worth visiting even if you are not an avid birder. Here they offer daily flight displays of a number of typical Drakensberg raptorslike the Black Eagle and the Lanner Falcon. Their contact number is 082 774 6398.

Injisuthi

Acomprehensive birdlist is not yet available. Possible sightings include: - Christopher Robin, Gurney’s Sunbird, Redcollared Widow, Pintailed Whydah, Kurrichane and Olive Thrush, Buntings and Rednecked Falcolin, Lammergeier, Jackal Buzzard and Longcrested Eagle. The Helmeted Guineafowl has been reintroduced and may be fed by children with seed that is being sold in aid of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Consevation Trust.

Giant’s Castle Game Reserve.

Highmoor has the largest colony of breeding Bald Ibis in the Drakensberg. I also has a single nesting site of Wattled Crane.

Raptors like the Lammergeier, Cape Vulture and Jackal Buzzard can occasionally be seen.

With three trout dams, many waterbirds, including the nomadic Whitebacked Duck, known for it’s melodic whistling can be spotted. Kamberg Mountain Reserve

Wattled Crane, Crowned Crane and Blue Crane occur in this area. Also sighted are Stanley’s Bustard, Jack and Steppe Buzzard, African Marsh Harrier, Secretary Bird, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Rufousnaped Lark, Orangethroated Longclaw, Wailing and Lazy Cisticola and Goldenbreasted Bunting. White Storks are seen after Christmas. Bearded and Cape Vultures nest in the cliffs of the Little Berg.