🐧 Bird of the Month: African Penguin
Africa’s only penguin is now Critically Endangered and rapidly declining. Once abundant, it now faces food shortages, climate change, and habitat loss. It is a sign of our oceans’ health and a species in urgent need of protection. #AfricanOrnithology
Africa’s only penguin is now Critically Endangered and rapidly declining. Once abundant, it now faces food shortages, climate change, and habitat loss. It is a sign of our oceans’ health and a species in urgent need of protection. #AfricanOrnithology
January 7, 2026 at 5:32 PM
🐧 Bird of the Month: African Penguin
Africa’s only penguin is now Critically Endangered and rapidly declining. Once abundant, it now faces food shortages, climate change, and habitat loss. It is a sign of our oceans’ health and a species in urgent need of protection. #AfricanOrnithology
Africa’s only penguin is now Critically Endangered and rapidly declining. Once abundant, it now faces food shortages, climate change, and habitat loss. It is a sign of our oceans’ health and a species in urgent need of protection. #AfricanOrnithology
Many indigobird species look alike, so their songs are the best way to tell them apart. In Nigeria, an undescribed firefinch species was discovered after an indigobird was recorded mimicking its song, later identified as the Rock firefinch. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
December 29, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Many indigobird species look alike, so their songs are the best way to tell them apart. In Nigeria, an undescribed firefinch species was discovered after an indigobird was recorded mimicking its song, later identified as the Rock firefinch. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
Indigobirds & Whydahs parasitise grassfinches, including waxbills, firefinches, and pytilias, whose nestlings have unusually elaborate appearances. Parasitism accelerates the evolution of nestling appearance in hosts, leading to co-evolution. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1093/evol...
doi.org/10.1093/evol...
December 22, 2025 at 5:05 PM
Indigobirds & Whydahs parasitise grassfinches, including waxbills, firefinches, and pytilias, whose nestlings have unusually elaborate appearances. Parasitism accelerates the evolution of nestling appearance in hosts, leading to co-evolution. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1093/evol...
doi.org/10.1093/evol...
Speciation in indigobirds & whydahs occurs when they colonize new hosts. Males learn their host’s song, and females prefer males who sing like their hosts. If a female parasitizes a new host, her offspring form a new reproductively isolated lineage! #AfricanOrnithology
rdcu.be/eSYrl
rdcu.be/eSYrl
December 15, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Speciation in indigobirds & whydahs occurs when they colonize new hosts. Males learn their host’s song, and females prefer males who sing like their hosts. If a female parasitizes a new host, her offspring form a new reproductively isolated lineage! #AfricanOrnithology
rdcu.be/eSYrl
rdcu.be/eSYrl
Indigobirds & whydahs must mimic the markings inside the mouth of their hosts because host parents can detect odd chicks and feed them less than ones that match the appearance of their own offspring. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
December 12, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Indigobirds & whydahs must mimic the markings inside the mouth of their hosts because host parents can detect odd chicks and feed them less than ones that match the appearance of their own offspring. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
🪶The pygmy falcon relies solely on the iconic nest colonies of the sociable weaver in the Kalahari for breeding and roosting, typically occupying at least one "room" within the structure.
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
November 14, 2025 at 4:03 PM
🪶The pygmy falcon relies solely on the iconic nest colonies of the sociable weaver in the Kalahari for breeding and roosting, typically occupying at least one "room" within the structure.
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
🌵 In the Kalahari, Pygmy Falcons find refuge in Sociable Weaver nests that keep them cool by day and warm by night. But this partnership is complex—falcons sometimes prey on their hosts.
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
November 12, 2025 at 4:05 PM
🌵 In the Kalahari, Pygmy Falcons find refuge in Sociable Weaver nests that keep them cool by day and warm by night. But this partnership is complex—falcons sometimes prey on their hosts.
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
🔬 Long-term research on Pygmy Falcons shows shifting breeding success in the Kalahari. These tiny raptors nest in Sociable Weaver colonies, laying up to 3 eggs per clutch—though predation causes nearly half of nest failures.
doi.org/10.1007/s103...
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1007/s103...
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
November 10, 2025 at 4:03 PM
🔬 Long-term research on Pygmy Falcons shows shifting breeding success in the Kalahari. These tiny raptors nest in Sociable Weaver colonies, laying up to 3 eggs per clutch—though predation causes nearly half of nest failures.
doi.org/10.1007/s103...
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1007/s103...
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
🪶 Bird of the Month: The Pygmy Falcon, Africa's smallest diurnal raptor. Tiny, bold, and fiercely territorial. Found in arid savannas of southern and eastern Africa.
#AfricanOrnithology #PygmyFalcon
#AfricanOrnithology #PygmyFalcon
November 4, 2025 at 4:02 PM
🪶 Bird of the Month: The Pygmy Falcon, Africa's smallest diurnal raptor. Tiny, bold, and fiercely territorial. Found in arid savannas of southern and eastern Africa.
#AfricanOrnithology #PygmyFalcon
#AfricanOrnithology #PygmyFalcon
💡 Did you know? Though widespread, Woodland Kingfishers remain important ecological indicators. Their presence often signals healthy insect populations in woodlands.
#WoodlandKingfishers #AfricanOrnithology
#WoodlandKingfishers #AfricanOrnithology
October 27, 2025 at 4:02 PM
💡 Did you know? Though widespread, Woodland Kingfishers remain important ecological indicators. Their presence often signals healthy insect populations in woodlands.
#WoodlandKingfishers #AfricanOrnithology
#WoodlandKingfishers #AfricanOrnithology
Are Bearded Vultures in Trouble?🦅 In the Maloti-Drakensberg, breeding territories have declined by up to 51% over 50 years, with birds now confined to a smaller range. Protecting them is more urgent than ever. doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#VultureConservation #AfricanOrnithology
#VultureConservation #AfricanOrnithology
Trends in territory occupancy, distribution and density of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis in southern Africa | Bird Conservation International | Cambridge Core
Trends in territory occupancy, distribution and density of the Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus meridionalis in southern Africa - Volume 24 Issue 2
doi.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Are Bearded Vultures in Trouble?🦅 In the Maloti-Drakensberg, breeding territories have declined by up to 51% over 50 years, with birds now confined to a smaller range. Protecting them is more urgent than ever. doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#VultureConservation #AfricanOrnithology
#VultureConservation #AfricanOrnithology
🦅 Bearded Vultures in Southern Africa have declined dramatically, but reintroduction offers hope to expand their small range. Captive breeding & release of young could cut extinction risk by 30% over 50 years, a vital lifeline for the species. doi.org/10.2989/0030...
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
Potential release sites and strategies for a Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus reintroduction in South Africa
Browse all journals
doi.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:07 PM
🦅 Bearded Vultures in Southern Africa have declined dramatically, but reintroduction offers hope to expand their small range. Captive breeding & release of young could cut extinction risk by 30% over 50 years, a vital lifeline for the species. doi.org/10.2989/0030...
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
Did you know?🌳 Unlike river-dependent species, Woodland Kingfishers thrive in savannas, woodlands, and even gardens, showing their adaptability to human-altered landscapes.
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
October 20, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Did you know?🌳 Unlike river-dependent species, Woodland Kingfishers thrive in savannas, woodlands, and even gardens, showing their adaptability to human-altered landscapes.
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
🕊️ Woodland Kingfishers show striking diversity across Africa. Southern birds have longer wings, and genetics reveal two subspecies that split about 1 million years ago—shaped by climate and geography.
doi.org/10.2989/0030...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.2989/0030...
#AfricanOrnithology
October 17, 2025 at 4:07 PM
🕊️ Woodland Kingfishers show striking diversity across Africa. Southern birds have longer wings, and genetics reveal two subspecies that split about 1 million years ago—shaped by climate and geography.
doi.org/10.2989/0030...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.2989/0030...
#AfricanOrnithology
🦅 Nearly 50% of Bearded Vulture territories in southern Africa have been abandoned. Human impacts, power lines & settlements, are key drivers, with food shortages adding pressure. Protecting them means tackling these threats head-on. doi.org/10.1650/COND... #VultureConservation #AfricanOrnithology
Anthropogenic activities influence the abandonment of Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) territories in southern Africa
Abstract. Developing an effective conservation strategy for a critically endangered species relies on identifying the most pressing threats to the species.
doi.org
October 15, 2025 at 4:06 PM
🦅 Nearly 50% of Bearded Vulture territories in southern Africa have been abandoned. Human impacts, power lines & settlements, are key drivers, with food shortages adding pressure. Protecting them means tackling these threats head-on. doi.org/10.1650/COND... #VultureConservation #AfricanOrnithology
Did you know? 🪶 Their wings and tails contain structural colors. The shimmering turquoise isn’t pigment but microscopic feather structures bending light; a marvel of avian evolution.
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
October 13, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Did you know? 🪶 Their wings and tails contain structural colors. The shimmering turquoise isn’t pigment but microscopic feather structures bending light; a marvel of avian evolution.
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
🕊️ Woodland Kingfishers migrate 4000 km from South Africa to South Sudan, flying at night up to 2890 m. Their journeys show intra-tropical migrations can rival long-distance flyways.
doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
#AfricanOrnithology
October 8, 2025 at 5:56 PM
🕊️ Woodland Kingfishers migrate 4000 km from South Africa to South Sudan, flying at night up to 2890 m. Their journeys show intra-tropical migrations can rival long-distance flyways.
doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
#AfricanOrnithology
💡Did you know? Woodland Kingfishers are intra-African migrants. They spend the non-breeding season further north, then flood into southern Africa with the rains, bringing color and sound to the summer months.
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
October 6, 2025 at 4:06 PM
💡Did you know? Woodland Kingfishers are intra-African migrants. They spend the non-breeding season further north, then flood into southern Africa with the rains, bringing color and sound to the summer months.
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
🐦 Bird of the Month: Woodland Kingfisher 🌍
With its electric-blue plumage and distinctive calls, this summer visitor is impossible to miss in African woodlands.
#BirdOfTheMonth #WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
With its electric-blue plumage and distinctive calls, this summer visitor is impossible to miss in African woodlands.
#BirdOfTheMonth #WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
October 1, 2025 at 4:08 PM
🐦 Bird of the Month: Woodland Kingfisher 🌍
With its electric-blue plumage and distinctive calls, this summer visitor is impossible to miss in African woodlands.
#BirdOfTheMonth #WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
With its electric-blue plumage and distinctive calls, this summer visitor is impossible to miss in African woodlands.
#BirdOfTheMonth #WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
👀 BEARDED VULTURES have an extraordinary visual system. Their forward-facing eyes give them a hawk-like binocular view—perfect for spotting bones across vast mountain ranges. They can detect carcasses and bone fragments from kilometers away.
www.projectvulture.org.za
#AfricanOrnithology
www.projectvulture.org.za
#AfricanOrnithology
September 29, 2025 at 4:05 PM
👀 BEARDED VULTURES have an extraordinary visual system. Their forward-facing eyes give them a hawk-like binocular view—perfect for spotting bones across vast mountain ranges. They can detect carcasses and bone fragments from kilometers away.
www.projectvulture.org.za
#AfricanOrnithology
www.projectvulture.org.za
#AfricanOrnithology
Using social media to document the persistence of the Peregrine Falcon and the Lanner Falcon across South Africa | link.springer.com/ar... | Journal of Ornithology | #ornithology 🪶
Using social media to document the persistence of the Peregrine Falcon and the Lanner Falcon across South Africa
Journal of Ornithology - Social media and networking platforms are growing in their usefulness in research through citizen science. We used diverse online data sources and methods to generate...
link.springer.com
September 26, 2025 at 1:43 PM
🪶 Juvenile BEARDED VULTURES look strikingly different from adults, with dark brown plumage that gradually lightens over 6–8 years. This slow maturation is one of the longest among raptors, reflecting their extended life history strategy.
www.projectvulture.org.za
#Beardedvulture #Africanornithology
www.projectvulture.org.za
#Beardedvulture #Africanornithology
September 22, 2025 at 4:04 PM
🪶 Juvenile BEARDED VULTURES look strikingly different from adults, with dark brown plumage that gradually lightens over 6–8 years. This slow maturation is one of the longest among raptors, reflecting their extended life history strategy.
www.projectvulture.org.za
#Beardedvulture #Africanornithology
www.projectvulture.org.za
#Beardedvulture #Africanornithology
🔬 Unlike other vultures, BEARDED VULTURES rarely eat carrion flesh. Up to 90% of their diet is bone, making them highly specialized scavengers and critical recyclers in mountain ecosystems. Their unique niche helps reduce disease spread from decomposing remains.
#AfricanOrnithology #Beardedvulture
#AfricanOrnithology #Beardedvulture
September 15, 2025 at 4:09 PM
🔬 Unlike other vultures, BEARDED VULTURES rarely eat carrion flesh. Up to 90% of their diet is bone, making them highly specialized scavengers and critical recyclers in mountain ecosystems. Their unique niche helps reduce disease spread from decomposing remains.
#AfricanOrnithology #Beardedvulture
#AfricanOrnithology #Beardedvulture
🧪 BEARDED VULTURE stomach acid is so strong (pH ~1) that it dissolves bone completely, extracting fat and calcium. This adaptation allows them to survive on resources inaccessible to almost any other animal.
www.projectvulture.org.za
#AfricanOrnithology #beardedvulturerecoveryprogramme
www.projectvulture.org.za
#AfricanOrnithology #beardedvulturerecoveryprogramme
September 8, 2025 at 4:05 PM
🧪 BEARDED VULTURE stomach acid is so strong (pH ~1) that it dissolves bone completely, extracting fat and calcium. This adaptation allows them to survive on resources inaccessible to almost any other animal.
www.projectvulture.org.za
#AfricanOrnithology #beardedvulturerecoveryprogramme
www.projectvulture.org.za
#AfricanOrnithology #beardedvulturerecoveryprogramme
🦅 Today is International Vulture Day!
Vultures may not always get the spotlight, but they are vital to healthy ecosystems. Today, we celebrate Africa’s incredible vulture diversity. Let’s give vultures the recognition they deserve. 🌍
@vultureday
#VultureDay #AfricanOrnithology #BeardedVulture
Vultures may not always get the spotlight, but they are vital to healthy ecosystems. Today, we celebrate Africa’s incredible vulture diversity. Let’s give vultures the recognition they deserve. 🌍
@vultureday
#VultureDay #AfricanOrnithology #BeardedVulture
September 6, 2025 at 8:00 AM
🦅 Today is International Vulture Day!
Vultures may not always get the spotlight, but they are vital to healthy ecosystems. Today, we celebrate Africa’s incredible vulture diversity. Let’s give vultures the recognition they deserve. 🌍
@vultureday
#VultureDay #AfricanOrnithology #BeardedVulture
Vultures may not always get the spotlight, but they are vital to healthy ecosystems. Today, we celebrate Africa’s incredible vulture diversity. Let’s give vultures the recognition they deserve. 🌍
@vultureday
#VultureDay #AfricanOrnithology #BeardedVulture