Caspian Tern | Its name comes from the Latin and, like the name suggests refers to the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Tern is one of the species to which the Agreement on the Conservation of African-Eurasian Migratory Waterbirds (AEWA) applies. Their global population is approximately 50,000 pairs. While their numbers in most regions are stable, the Baltic Sea […]
The Scimitarbill is indeed a bird and not an invoice for mechanical repairs on a sports car. It should also not be confused with a backsword or sabre with a curved blade although I believe this is where its name originates because of its beak! It is among three species of Scimitarbill all of which are
This is one of my favourites, the Blue-bellied Roller is such a beautiful bird and easy to see not only because of its striking colours but also because of its size. Seen at Footsteps regularly and on the walk to the beach this fella will definitely make an appearance. Where there is one you will
Blue-bellied Roller Read More »
I wonder why this large bird from the Turaco family is called a plantain eater. One thing that’s always made me giggle about this bird is that I have never seen one eat plantain and I don’t really know if they do but I suppose they must. They love fruit such as Mango, Papaya and
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Senegal coucal is a member of the cuckoo species. Found as the name suggests in Senegal but also in much of central and Southern Africa. A daily visitor to Footsteps and not shy so any old camera will get a great close-up shot. Pictures below are by lil ol me! I can’t help being reminded
Heuglin’s Masked-weaver hardly rolls off the tongue, does it? There are many kinds of Weaverbirds. Most are fairly unextraordinary in their looks but some such as The Northern Red-bishop are extraordinary in theirs. Weavers are so-named because of the way they weave their nests from leaf fibres like a basket. They can leave Palm-trees shredded
Heuglin’s Masked-weaver AKA Village Weaver Read More »
Red Bishop, the genus name for the Northern Red Bishop is Euplectes Franciscanus. Derived from the Greek and meaning ‘well-woven’, probably refers to their beautifully woven nests. Franciscanus relates to a religious order from the 12th century that symbolized the crimson colour. Part of the weaver family of birds, it’s a regular visitor to Footsteps between June and
