Wednesday, December 3, 2014

AFRICAN DARTER


439         AFRICAN DARTER           Anhinga rufa

South Africa           (107)

Sometimes called Snakebird. 80 cm. Ranges over most of sub-Saharan Africa. Wherever there are large bodies of water, slow-moving rivers.




REED CORMORANT

A juvenile Reed Cormorant, its plumage will eventually turn black.
438         REED CORMORANT                Phalacrocorax africanus

South Africa         (106)

Also known as Long-tailed Cormorant. 50-55 cm, wingspan 85 cm. Found on freshwater wetlands and quiet coasts where lives on fish, frogs, aquatic invertebrates and small birds. Hunts in shallow water but can dive, brings prey to surface to eat. Widespread over Africa south of Sahara, over most of southern Africa, particularly eastern half.

LIZARD BUZZARD


437            LIZARD BUZZARD              Kaupifalco monogrammicus

South Africa         (105)

35-37 cm. Ranges over tropical Africa, south of Sahara, in southern Africa it is found in the ne third. Found in moist savanna, forest clearings and open woodlands. Hunts reptiles, insects, small mammals and birds; sits alone in trees or on top of palm trees.

BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK


436          BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK             Dryoscopus cubia

South Africa           (104)

Ranges over ne half of southern Africa. Found in subtropical and tropical dry forests and dry savanna, woodlands, thickets, forrest canopies. 17 cm.




LESSER JACANA


435            LESSER JACANA            Microparra capensis

South Africa           (103)

Ranges across the north and east of Southern Africa. 15-17 cm. Found on floodplains and wetlands with emergent grass and sedges.