Tag: bird

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The Egyptian Goose is related to the shelduck and is a cross between a duck and a goose. A shelduck is defined as being semi-terrestrial, and they are found in areas that have an abundant water supply as well as dry, safe places in which to feed, breed and nest. The Egyptian goose has vivid markings that are striking and impressive. In fact, they were considered to be holy by the Egyptians, who often included them in works of art due to their undeniable beauty. This bird is pale brown and grey, with rich brown or chestnut markings around the eyes, around the neck (resembling a collar), on a portion of the wings, and under the otherwise black tail. In stark contrast, there are crisp white markings on the wings, complemented by an intense emerald on the secondary feathers of the males. There is also a well-defined brown patch right in the centre of the chest.
Info source: https://www.sa-venues.com/wildlife/birds_egyptian_goose.php
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The photo was taken during October 2018 at Drakensberg Sun Resort, Winterton, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

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Intense

The Cape Glossy Starling is a bird about the same size as a starling. The height of the Cape Glossy Starling is about 25 cms and its weight is about 90 gms. The male and female Cape Glossy Starling have the same plumage and colours
* Head is blue.
* Eye is orange.
* Bill is black.
* Throat is blue.
* Back is blue.
* Legs are black.
This bird has normally proportioned leg length. The Cape Glossy Starling is monogamous unless its mate dies. In the event of a partner dying, it will seek out a new mate. The nesting habit of Cape Glossy Starling is to create the nest in a hole in a tree trunk. The bird lays eggs which are blue in colour and number between 2 to 6.
Info source: http://www.thekruger.com/knpbirds/lamprotornisnitens.htm
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The photo was taken during September 2017 at Afsaal Picnic Spot, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

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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