South Africa has over 840 species listed. It has the highest number of endemic (occurring in South Africa only) and near-endemic (occurring in South Africa and its neighboring countries) birds in Africa with more than 140 birds in this category. Most of these species are confined to South Africa’s unique biomes (large, naturally occurring communities of flora and fauna): grassland, fynbos and Karoo. The migratory birds are present from November to April.
Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
(E) endemic = only lives in South Africa- Agulhas long-billed lark (E)
- Black-rumped buttonquail (E)
- Blue bustard (E)
- Botha’s lark (E)
- Bush blackcap (E)
- Cape bulbul (E)
- Cape long-billed lark (E)
- Cape siskin (E)
- Cape sugarbird (E)
- Cape weaver (E)
- Eastern long-billed lark (E)
- Forest canary (E)
- Grey-winged francolin (E)
- Ground woodpecker (E)
- Karoo lark (E)
- Knysna warbler (E)
- Knysna woodpecker (E)
- Long-tailed pipit (E)
- Northern black korhaan (E)
- Orange-breasted sunbird (E)
- Protea canary (E)
- Rudd’s lark (E)
- Southern double-collared sunbird (E)
- Victorin’s warbler (E)
Other Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in South Africa is at its best from November to April, when the Eurasian and intra-African migrants are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. However, for wildlife viewing, the Dry season is better.
Best Parks for Birding Includes Birding Rating
Kruger is great for general birding, while uMkhuze is a real birding hotspot, offering almost as many species in a much smaller area with an incredible number of specials. The dry Kgalagadi is known for its raptors.
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Kruger NP
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uMkhuze GR
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Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR
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Kgalagadi TP
Recommended Birding Books
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Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; book)
Superb field guide; one of South Africa’s all-time bestsellers.
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Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; app)
Even better than the book, with a wealth of additional info.
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Sasol Birds of Southern Africa
Field guide rivaling ‘Roberts’ in quality. App available.
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KrugerExplorer (app)
Every bird recorded in Kruger, plus loads of other info.
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Pocket Guide: Birds of Southern Africa
Beginner’s guide focused on more common and striking birds.