AW Challenge - Bird Check list of Rietvlei Nature Reserve

[Flutterby]

352. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata

Identification
35 cm; sexes alike. Largest 'grey' dove in region; pinkish-grey throat, neck and breast dia­gnostic. Dark red eyes with deep purple-pink eye-ring. In flight, light buffy-grey rim to tail a key distinguishing feature.
Juvenile: Black collar partly developed; feathers edged buff, giving it a light mottled appearance.

[Flutterby]

349. Speckled Pigeon (Rock Pigeon) Columba guinea

[Flutterby]

803. Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus

Males

by Flutterby

by Amoli



Juvenile

by Flutterby

[Flutterby]

451. African Hoopoe Upupa africana

Identification
26 cm. Conspicuous and unlikely to be confused with any other species. Crest usually held flattened, forming a long point behind the crown, and only raised when bird lands, in display or when alarmed. Female is duller rufous than male and slightly greyer on face and breast.
Juvenile: Resembles female but duller and with shorter crest. Bill initially shorter and less decurved.

by Flutterby

by Amoli

[Amoli]

560. Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii

Identification
24 cm; sexes alike. Streaked or 'arrowed' head and breast very distinctive. Two-tone eyes (yellowish centre and reddish rim) give an orange appearance.
Juvenile: Similar to ad but lacks white streaks; spotted dusky below; brown eyes.

[Amoli]

577b Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi

[Amoli]

426. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus

Identification
32 cm; sexes alike. Soft grey plumage has green sheen to upperparts if seen in good light. Bare red skin around eyes distinctive.
Juvenile: Ear coverts buff and bare facial skin greenish, bill greenish with dark tip and pink base.

[Amoli]

854. Orange-breasted Waxbill, Zebra Waxbill Amandava subflava

[Amoli]

869. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica, Serinus mozambicus

[Amoli]

286. African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis