Some Unusual Birds in South Africa
Jan 3, 2016 21:47:57 #
Looking at some photos from my trip to South Africa in 2012, I came across these rather interesting birds. Thought you might enjoy them.
The first series is called a Weaver. The male works extremely hard to build a nest to please the female he is courting. If she approves of the nest, she will enter it when done. If she does not approve of the nest, the male will build another. Trees are covered with these nests in many areas between Kruger and Capetown.
The first series is called a Weaver. The male works extremely hard to build a nest to please the female he is courting. If she approves of the nest, she will enter it when done. If she does not approve of the nest, the male will build another. Trees are covered with these nests in many areas between Kruger and Capetown.
Male Weaver Building Nest 1
(Download)
Male Weaver Building Nest 2
(Download)
Male Weaver Building Nest 3
(Download)
Male Weaver Building Nest 4
Male Watching to See if She Approves
(Download)
Female Approval ???
(Download)
Weavers' Nests
(Download)
Jan 3, 2016 21:54:54 #
The next set I was told were Starlings. They are different than those we see here in the States.
Starling
(Download)
Starling
(Download)
Starling
(Download)
A Grey Cardinal ????
(Download)
A Grey Cardinal ????
(Download)
A Grey Cardinal ????
(Download)
Jan 3, 2016 22:16:12 #
All are beauties, Patty. I've seen programs on the Weaver Bird. Their nests are truly amazing works of natural architecture.
Jan 4, 2016 09:08:21 #
PattyBWest wrote:
Looking at some photos from my trip to South Africa in 2012, I came across these rather interesting birds. Thought you might enjoy them.
The first series is called a Weaver. The male works extremely hard to build a nest to please the female he is courting. If she approves of the nest, she will enter it when done. If she does not approve of the nest, the male will build another. Trees are covered with these nests in many areas between Kruger and Capetown.
The first series is called a Weaver. The male works extremely hard to build a nest to please the female he is courting. If she approves of the nest, she will enter it when done. If she does not approve of the nest, the male will build another. Trees are covered with these nests in many areas between Kruger and Capetown.
Patty,
I am not much of a bird follower, but just something to add to your post if I may?
- the weavers can also be a bright red in color. Females are usually totally colorless.
- I watched a male build a nest for three days - the female destroyed it in about 15 minutes!
- It's believed that the height at which they build nests, gives an indication of how much rain we can expect in the rainy season. This year, they are all extremely low, and we are having drought it most parts of the country.
As for the gray cardinal....called the gray lourie> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_go-away-bird
This grey lourie has the common local name of a "Go away bird". They can be a nuisance, especially if you are patiently trying to creep up and view some game.
The link below is an excerpt from a 1980's film called "The gods must be crazy" and shows a Bushman's frustration with the bird. The bird sounds in the clip are 100% accurate.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkPX64dLbEQ " rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkPX64dLbEQ
Jan 4, 2016 10:03:11 #
debbie wrazen wrote:
All are beauties, Patty. I've seen programs on the Weaver Bird. Their nests are truly amazing works of natural architecture.
Thank you, Debbie. I was in awe watching these beautiful birds building their nests.
Jan 4, 2016 10:31:19 #
DwsPV wrote:
Patty, br br I am not much of a bird follower, bu... (show quote)
DwsPV, I am not much of a bird follower either, but when I was in your country, I was amazed at how these birds just posed for pictures. They truly seemed to want attention.
Thanks for the information on the Weavers. I watched for them everywhere I traveled as they are so different from any bird I have seen here. The males worked so hard to please the female. I was not aware that the female would destroy the nest, but, I guess as the saying goes, "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy."
The Grey Lourie in the pictures was the only one I saw. I was not sure of its true name, but, it is very similar to our Cardinals, which are red. I could only guess at its name. Thanks for clearing that up for me. The clip you posted was cute. Poor Bushman was just trying to find a meal and the Grey Lourie was none too cooperative in that venture. The Go Away Bird name definitely is appropriate.
I have hundreds of pictures of so many other birds in South Africa. I could not share all of them, so I chose the ones I admired the most. I loved the Starlings. My photos do not begin to really show their beautiful colors. Nothing to compare them to here in the US.
I always see the beauty of God's creations and the birds of South Africa are definitely beautiful. Of course, so were the other magnificent animals, flowers, coastlines, and people. I would love to go back at some time in the future.
Jan 5, 2016 01:24:53 #
Jan 5, 2016 03:42:41 #
Oh and one more thing:
The weavers and starlings are considered to be crop pests and very little mercy is shown by the agricultural folk. They often flit around in their hundreds, if not thousands moving from one field to another.
So - beauty with a dark side....
The weavers and starlings are considered to be crop pests and very little mercy is shown by the agricultural folk. They often flit around in their hundreds, if not thousands moving from one field to another.
So - beauty with a dark side....
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.