Top 15 Types Of Wild Birds In South Africa (With Pictures)

Keep your eyes peeled for a visual guide to South Africa's 15 most stunning wild birds, complete with vivid imagery—discover which made the list!

wild bird diversity in south africa

South Africa is home to a remarkable variety of wild birds, each with distinctive features and behaviors. The Blue Crane, known for its elegant blue-gray plumage and enchanting courtship dances, is the national bird. The Secretary Bird, a large eagle with elongated pink legs, is famed for its unique hunting style. The Shaft-Tailed Whydah, noted for its long tail feathers and impressive aerial displays, thrives in dry scrublands. Bateleur eagles, with their colorful plumage and acrobatic flight, dominate open savannahs. Lastly, Violet-Eared Waxbills, small finches with violet ear patches, are social birds that feed on seeds and small insects. For enthusiasts, each species presents a unique window into the rich avian life of the region.

Blue Crane

elegant african bird species

The Blue Crane, distinguished by its blue-gray plumage and a distinctive tuft of feathers on its head, is the national bird of South Africa.

This endangered species thrives in grasslands, performing intricate courtship dances during breeding season.

Threatened by habitat loss and human activities, conservation efforts are vital to safeguard the survival of these elegant birds in their natural habitats.

Secretary Bird

long legged bird of prey

Shifting focus, another remarkable bird found in South Africa is the Secretary Bird, known for its striking appearance and unique hunting habits.

This large eagle traverses the savanna on its elongated pink legs, covering extensive distances in search of snakes and other prey.

It nests in tall trees and boasts a wingspan up to 2.6 meters, embodying the majestic predator of Africa's grasslands.

Shaft-Tailed Whydah

elegant african songbird species

Renowned for their spectacular aerial courtship displays, Shaft-Tailed Whydahs are a mesmerizing sight in South Africa's dry scrublands.

This sparrow-like bird flaunts extra-long tail feathers during mating season, enhancing its visual appeal.

Their elaborate aerial displays are not just a treat for the eyes but also a critical part of their mating rituals, making the Shaft-Tailed Whydah a unique spectacle in the avian world.

Bateleur

bird of prey africa

From the delicate dances of the Shaft-Tailed Whydah, we turn our attention to another avian marvel, the Bateleur, a colorful eagle known for its acrobatic prowess in South Africa's skies.

This eagle, with a wingspan of up to 2.6 meters and striking red facial skin, thrives in the open savannahs, skillfully hunting small to medium-sized mammals and birds with its acrobatic flying.

Violet-Eared Waxbill

colorful bird with violet ears

The Violet-Eared Waxbill, a small and strikingly colored finch, is a prevalent sight in the diverse avian landscape of South Africa.

This tiny finch boasts distinctive violet ear patches amidst colorful plumage.

Known for their social behavior, these birds often gather in small flocks, feeding on seeds, grains, and small insects, making them a charming and vibrant addition to the region's ecosystem.

Crested Barbet

colorful bird with crest

Shifting focus to another vibrant species, the Crested Barbet captivates with its fiery speckled plumage and distinctive dark upperparts. Often observed alone or in pairs, this bird's diet primarily consists of insects, fruit, and bird eggs.

Recognizable by its continuous, strident whistle-like call, reminiscent of a woodpecker, the Crested Barbet embodies the dynamic biodiversity of South Africa's avian fauna.

Southern Carmine Bee-Eater

vibrant red bird species

Arriving in South Africa during the summer months, the Southern Carmine Bee-Eater dazzles with its striking carmine plumage and acrobatic hunting displays.

This migratory bird thrives in large flocks, sometimes numbering up to 10,000 individuals.

Renowned for their aerial displays, these birds capture bees and flying insects with remarkable agility, making them a spectacular sight in their natural habitat.

Knysna Turaco

colorful bird from africa

Resplendent in neon plumage, the Knysna Turaco, also known as the Knysna Loerie, thrives in the lush forest habitats of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls area. Its vibrant colors and unique call make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Efforts to conserve this species focus on preserving its specific habitat needs amid potential threats, ensuring its continued presence in South Africa's avian landscape.

Pied Kingfisher

black and white bird

The Pied Kingfisher, distinguished by its striking black and white plumage and prominent crest, is a masterful fisher commonly observed along South Africa's rivers, lakes, and estuaries.

These proficient fish hunters excel in hovering over water, utilizing rapid wingbeats to maintain position before executing agile, precise dives to capture their prey.

The distinctive crest and plumage make Pied Kingfishers a notable sight.

Bush Shrike

colorful african bird species

Moving from the water's edge inhabited by the Pied Kingfisher, South Africa's woodlands, savannas, and gardens are home to the melodious and vibrantly colored Bush Shrike. These Bush Shrikes captivate birdwatchers with their vibrant plumage and melodious calls.

Their diverse diet includes insects, small vertebrates, and fruits, making them adaptable and a popular subject for both observation and photography in their natural habitats.

Cape Sugarbird

endemic south african bird

Among the unique avian species in South Africa, the Cape Sugarbird stands out for its elongated, curved bill, designed perfectly for accessing nectar.

This bird, notable for its bright yellow plumage during the breeding season, mainly feeds on nectar, pollen, and insects.

Mainly found in the southern and western Cape provinces, these birds often gather in twittering flocks while foraging.

African Jackass Penguin

mischievous penguin in africa

Distinguished by its donkey-like braying calls, the African Jackass Penguin is a notable resident of South Africa's coastal regions.

This distinctive species thrives in colonies along the southern African coast, nesting on beaches and islands.

Renowned for their impressive swimming abilities, these penguins mainly feed on fish and other marine life, which they skillfully catch during their aquatic excursions.

Ostrich

ostrich feathers for fashion

Shifting focus from the marine habitats of the African Jackass Penguin, we explore the terrestrial giant of South Africa, the Ostrich, known for its remarkable size and speed.

Ostriches, the largest living birds, thrive in the savannas with their powerful legs and decorative feathers.

These birds utilize their speed for evasion and their striking plumage is prized in various decorative arts.

Pel's Fishing Owl

large nocturnal african owl

Residing primarily along riverbanks and in wooded areas near water, Pel's Fishing Owl is an impressive, nocturnal predator renowned for its fishing prowess.

In South Africa, this owl is celebrated for its exceptional fishing abilities.

As a specialized hunter, it primarily consumes fish, contributing greatly to the ecological balance of its habitat.

Its unique behaviors and attributes make it a fascinating subject for bird enthusiasts.

Are the birds in Zulu the same as the wild birds in South Africa?

Yes, the types of birds in Zulu are the same as the wild birds in South Africa. The diverse ecosystems in South Africa are home to an array of bird species, many of which are also named in the Zulu language. Watching these types of birds in Zulu can be a delightful experience.

Lilac-Breasted Roller

african bird with vibrant colors

The Lilac-Breasted Roller, adorned with a dazzling array of lilac, blue, and green feathers, performs remarkable aerial displays across the savannas and woodlands of southern Africa.

This colorful bird nests in tree holes or termite mounds, showcasing unique nesting habits.

Its diet primarily consists of insects, enhancing its role in local ecosystems.

Birdwatchers highly prize sightings of this vibrant species.