Tag: beak

Basking

The African darter, also known as the snakebird or, slanghals in Afrikaans, is a water-bird that is common throughout sub-Saharan African. It has earned the name snakebird for the way that it swims – it keeps its entire body very low in the water, with only the neck and the head sticking out, giving it the appearance of a swimming snake. The male darter’s body is almost completely glossy black with the exception of the white streaking on the face and body, and the colouration of the neck, which has a warm chestnut hue. The female (like the juvenile birds) is browner than the male with less noticeable white streaks. Both of them have gold-coloured eyes with brown bills. The male’s bill is slightly larger than the female’s. This bill is used to impale fish and is, as a result, strong and sharply pointed. As a water-bird, the African darter can be found around fresh and brackish waters that are surrounded by (or close to) fresh vegetation. Shallow lakes and slow-flowing rivers that are flanked by trees, mangroves and reeds are ideal. They will also be found around swamps, lagoons, and reservoirs, but will avoid marine habitats, generally speaking. They need trees or bushes for their roosting.
Info source: https://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife/birds_african_darter.php
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The photo was taken during September 2017 at Lake Panic Bird Hide, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Basking

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Dribble

The red-knobbed coot has all-black plumage with a white bill and frontal shield. 2 red knobs are found on the head, at the top of the shield. This bird has grey legs and a red eye. These red knobs are more conspicuous during the breeding season. As a swimming bird, its toes are partially webbed. The female is around the size of a small chicken, 39 cm long. The male is larger in size. The red-knobbed coot feeds mainly on plant matter, but will occasionally take insects. Monogamous, the red-knobbed coot builds a floating nest on a mound of vegetation. Lays up to 8 eggs. The coot is a highly territorial species and will try and bully any intruders, even geese up to twice their size. This coot is often seen running across the water, without flying. Found throughout South Africa, in a wide range of freshwater bodies. Absent from arid areas.
Info source: http://southafrica.co.za/red-knobbed-coot.html
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The photo was taken during July 2017 at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Dribble

Picture of the day, Wildlife

Flaming

The Southern Red Bishop is 10–11 centimetres long and has a thick, conical bill. The breeding males are brightly coloured with red (occasionally orange) and black plumage. The forehead, face and throat are black and the rest of the head is red. The upperparts are red apart from the brown wings and tail. The upper breast and under tail coverts are red while the lower breast and belly are black. The non-breeding male and female have streaky brown plumage, paler below. The females are smaller than the males, the bill, legs and feet are pale pinkish. The eyes are dark brown. Southern Red Bishops have various twittering calls and a nasal contact call; the male has a buzzing song.
Info source: https://www.sanbi.org/animal-of-the-week/southern-red-bishop/
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The photo was taken during November 2017 at Rietvlei Nature Reserve, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.

Flaming

Picture of the day, Wildlife