More than 270 bird species have been recorded in Mountain Zebra National Park. Over a three-day stay, it is quite possible to check off 100 species, many of them or to South Africa, or otherwise of special interest. The impressive and can often be seen soaring over the mountains, while the is more likely to be seen perched on a tall tree. Interesting grassland species include , blue bustard and Ludwig’s bustard.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(NE) near-endemic = most of the global population is resident in South Africa- African black duck
- African fish eagle
- African rock pipit (NE)
- Blue bustard (NE)
- Blue crane (NE)
- Bokmakierie (NE)
- Cape rock thrush (NE)
- Drakensberg rockjumper (NE)
- Eastern long-billed lark (NE)
- Grey-winged francolin (NE)
- Ground woodpecker (NE)
- Large-billed lark (NE)
- Lesser honeyguide
- Ludwig’s bustard
- Mocking cliff chat
- 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
Bird watching is good throughout the year, since the and species of greatest interest to serious birders are mostly . However, the peak time for bird watching is November to April, when resident species are joined by from the northern hemisphere. The winter months of May to September can be very cold.