​Birds – South Africa

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

Philip is author of ‘The Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa’.

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 it neighboring countries only) 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.

Notable Birds in South Africa
› ‹
African penguin
Locally common
Blue crane
Locally common and near-endemic
Crested guineafowl
Locally common
Mocking cliff chat
Locally common
Pel’s fishing-owl
Rare

Birding Rating

Endemic & Near-endemic Birds

(E) endemic = only lives in South Africa

Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in South Africa
Bird Species
840+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

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.

Recommended Birding Books

  • Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; book)
    Superb field guide; one of South Africa’s all-time bestsellers.
    Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies and Ingrid Weiersbye
  • Roberts Bird Guide (2nd edition; app)
    Even better than the book, with a wealth of additional info.
    Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies and Ingrid Weiersbye
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa
    Field guide rivaling ‘Roberts’ in quality. App available.
    Ian Sinclair et al.
  • KrugerExplorer (app)
    Every bird recorded in Kruger, plus loads of other info.
    Explorer Apps
  • Pocket Guide: Birds of Southern Africa
    Beginner’s guide focused on more common and striking birds.
    Ian Sinclair

Want To Visit South Africa?

1,033 South Africa Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in South Africa
Bird Species
840+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr