Pilanesberg Game Reserve is an excellent spot for birding, with more than 300 species recorded. A typical day may yield 100 species or more, particularly in the summer (Wet season) months from November to April when are present. Pilanesberg is a good place to look for several striking birds associated with the arid regions of southwestern Africa. These include , , and . Grassland species include the enormous and bizarre .
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African crake
- African cuckoo
- African grass owl
- African red-eyed bulbul
- African spoonbill
- Black-faced waxbill
- Black-throated canary
- Black-winged kite
- Cape vulture
- Crimson-breasted shrike
- European bee-eater
- Green sandpiper
- Kalahari scrub robin
- Kori bustard
- Lappet-faced vulture
- Long-tailed paradise whydah
- Magpie shrike
- Marico flycatcher
- Osprey
- Red-billed oxpecker
- Red-chested flufftail
- Rufous-crowned roller
- Rufous-naped lark
- Sabota lark
- Shaft-tailed whydah
- Southern pied babbler
- Speckled pigeon
- Spotted eagle owl
- Verreaux’s eagle
- Violet-eared waxbill
- White-backed mousebird
- White-backed vulture
- White-throated robin-chat
Best Time for Bird Watching
In general, Pilanesberg is great for bird watching year-round. But the prime time is November to April, when the species are present. If it is general wildlife viewing that you’re interested in, the driest time of year (May to September) is best.