Strange bird meals
Seeds, fruits, insects and meats are the first things that generally jump into people’s minds when they think of what birds eat. This is generally the preferred diet and case with most birds, whether it be an eagle feeding on a kill or a waxbill jumping around feeding on grass seeds. Sometimes birds will go […]
Kingfishers – A deceiving family name
The name kingfisher often throws people off into believing that all members of this bird family feed on fish. This is most certainly not the case, as yes, some of them do, but a lot of them feed on other foods. They all feed on proteins and will hunt animals smaller than themselves. They are […]
Bird Besties
When we talk about relationships between mammals and birds, the first one that pops into mind is the oxpecker. These little birds are found on all of our large mammals and help rid them of external parasites. This relationship is known as mutualism, as both the buffalo and red-billed oxpecker gain something. The buffalo gets […]
Tawny Eagles: Africa’s Clever Birds of Prey
Learn about Tawny Eagles, Africa’s adaptable birds of prey. Explore their hunting, scavenging, and breeding habits, and discover why they’re a safari highlight.
Oxpeckers: Africa’s Tiny Safari Heroes Making a Comeback
Once nearly extinct, Africa’s oxpeckers are making a remarkable comeback. These tiny birds play a vital role in keeping large mammals parasite-free—and their story of survival highlights the power of conservation, collaboration, and ecological balance. Discover how they’re thriving once again across South Africa’s wild spaces
A Birds Eye View
As with mammals, birds rely heavily on all five of their senses, with their eyesight and hearing the most important of all. Eyes are certainly necessary for finding food, mates and water, but more importantly they help with flight. A bird in flight is making quick and accurate movements, responding to all sorts of things […]
Bird Migrations
Birds migrating all over the world has been something that has confused us in history and now amazes us. Although migration is still not completely understood, over the previous few decades we have managed to learn a lot more. Ringing birds was the first key to finding out where they go and now with new […]
Bird Beaks
As with all living things, food is a must! Birds have beaks of all shapes and sizes and we find that the shape and size of a beak or bill will give away what food sources that specific species relies on to survive. From a long slender bill of sunbird so that it can access […]
Parasitic Birds
When people talk about parasites, very seldom to birds pop up in the conversation. Who would think that a bird could be a parasite? Parasitism in birds is most certainly present and can broadly categorised into two types, brood parasitism and kleptoparasitism. Both strategies involve using other birds and their resources, but each species has […]
Birds of a Feather
Feathers are unique to birds. Engineered by evolution, their extreme lightness combined with exceptional strength and flexibility make feathers perfect for an animal that flies. Bird feathers are incredibly diverse and specialised structures that play crucial roles in a bird’s life, including flight, display, and coloration. Understanding the anatomy, types, functions, and evolution of feathers […]
