Interesting Bird Species You Can Find at Mbizi

Mbizi Game Lodge & Spa is not just a haven for wildlife enthusiasts; it’s also a birdwatcher’s paradise. The sprawling bushveld landscape is home to various bird species, from large raptors to tiny songbirds. Here are just a few of the interesting South African bird species you can find at Mbizi.

African Darter (Slanghalsvoël)

The African Darter, also known as the snakebird or darter, is a water bird that can be found near rivers and other bodies of water at Mbizi. The name “snakebird” comes from the bird’s ability to swim underwater with its head and neck sticking out, giving it the appearance of a swimming snake. The African Darter has a distinctive slender neck and a long, pointed bill used to spear fish.

Secretarybird (Sekretarisvoël)

The Secretarybird is a large, striking bird of prey that is found in the open savannas and grasslands of Africa, including at Mbizi. The bird gets its name from the long feathers on its head that resemble the quill pens that secretaries used to use. The Secretarybird is a skilled hunter, using its long legs to stomp on snakes and other small animals.

African Fish Eagle (Visarend)

The African Fish Eagle is a majestic raptor that is found near water bodies at Mbizi. With its distinctive brown and white plumage and piercing yellow eyes, the African Fish Eagle is one of the most iconic bird species in South Africa. As its name suggests, the bird is a skilled fisherman, swooping down from the sky to snatch fish from the water’s surface with its powerful talons.

Blue Crane (Bloukraanvoël)

The Blue Crane is South Africa’s national bird and is a familiar sight at Mbizi. With its striking blue-gray plumage and tall, elegant stature, the Blue Crane is a favourite among birdwatchers and photographers alike. The bird is endemic to Southern Africa and is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and other threats.

Blacksmith Lapwing (Bontekiewiet)

The Blacksmith Lapwing is a common bird species that can be found at Mbizi. This small wader has distinctive black and white plumage and a piercing call that sounds like “did-he-do-it”. The Blacksmith Lapwing gets its name from the sound its metallic-like wings make when it takes off.

Red-Chested Cuckoo (Piet-My-Vrou)

The Red-Chested Cuckoo is a migratory bird that can be heard at Mbizi during the summer months. Its distinctive call, which sounds like “Piet-my-vrou” (which translates to “Peter-my-wife” in Afrikaans), is a familiar sound in the bushveld. The bird has a reddish-brown chest and a long tail, making it easy to spot.

In addition to its unique call and distinctive appearance, the Red-Chested Cuckoo is also known for its brood-parasitic behaviour. This means that the bird lays its eggs in the nests of other bird species and relies on them to raise its young. Despite this unusual reproductive strategy, the Red-Chested Cuckoo is a fascinating bird to observe while visiting Mbizi.

Red-Faced Mousebird (Rooiwangmuisvoël)

The Red-Faced Mousebird is a small, colourful bird that can be found at Mbizi. The bird gets its name from its long, thin tail and mouse-like appearance. The Red-Faced Mousebird has a distinctive red patch on its face and green and grey plumage.

The Red-Faced Mousebird is also known for its unique flight patterns, which involve a series of fluttering wing beats followed by a glide. It’s always a treat to spot this charming little bird during a Mbizi bird watching experience. 

A visit to Mbizi Game Lodge & Spa is a must for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.  Book your stay now and experience the beauty of the bushveld and the diverse range of South African bird species.