Drakensberg Bird List

A Drakensberg Bird List

The Drakensberg is a paradise for bird watchers and aspiring ornithologists. Hence the need for a Drakensberg Bird List.

This region is home to over 250 bird species, eighteen of which are on Birdlife South Africa’s red list of endangered birds. The critically endangered Drakensberg birds are the Wattle Crane and Bearded Vulture.

The Drakensberg endangered birds include the Grey Crowned Crane, Martial Eagle, Southern Ground Hornbill, Black Harrier, Secretary Bird and Cape Vulture.

Other Drakensberg birds on the ‘Red Data List’ comprise:

– Verreaux’s (Black)  Eagle;

– Striped Flufftail;

– Half-collared Kingfisher;

– White-bellied Korhaan (Bustard);

– Short-tailed Pipit;

– Yellow-breasted Pipit;

– Drakensberg Rockjumper;

– Gurney’s Sugarbird;

– Black Stork; and

– Ground  Woodpecker

Additionally, several species are either endemic or mainly found here. The Mountain Pipit is endemic. Additionally, six other species (the Bush Blackcap, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Buff-streaked Chat, Drakensberg Siskin and Rudd’s Lark) are mainly located in this region.

A comprehensive list of birds in the Drakensberg has been created using information from various sources, including the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, Birdlife South Africa, and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The plan is to update this list regularly as the names of bird species change and provide a link for all future issues of the Drakensberg Times. The table indicates common and notable bird species in the Drakensberg. Click on the following link – Drakensberg Bird List.

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