Of 277 bird species recorded in Mountain Zebra NP, as many as 20 are endemic to southern Africa and don’t occur outside the region. It is quite possible to check off 100 species, many of them of special interest, in a three-day stay. The impressive Verreaux’s eagle and jackal buzzard can often be seen soaring over the mountains, while the martial eagle is more likely to be seen perched on a tall tree. Interesting grassland species include blue crane and Ludwig’s bustard.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in South Africa(NE) near-endemic = lives in South Africa and neighboring countries
- African rock pipit (NE)
- Blue crane
- Cape rock thrush
- Drakensberg rockjumper (NE)
- Eastern long-billed lark (E)
- Grey-winged francolin (E)
- Ground woodpecker (NE)
- Large-billed lark (NE)
- Lesser honeyguide
- Ludwig’s bustard
- Mountain wheatear
- Pale-winged starling
- Red-fronted tinkerbird
- Red-throated wryneck
- Sentinel rock thrush (NE)
- Southern tchagra (NE)
- Verreaux’s eagle
Best Time for Bird Watching
Since migrants from Europe and northern Africa are present from November to April, this is the peak time for bird watching, although it is good most of the year. The winter months, from May to September, get very cold.