Diffferent Types of Birds

To many, the Jackass, blackfooted or African Penguin Spheniscus Demerus is a cute little bird, beloved of cartoonists and refrigerator advertisements

The BateleurFew birds can match the striking appearance and aerial prowess of theBateleur. It is certainly the most strikingly marked of the world's eagles andsymbolic of Africa's wild places.

Bee-Eaters - Colourful AcrobatsClosely related to Kingfishers and Rollers - and certainly just as colourful -Bee-eaters are skilled and specialised predators of bees and other wingedinsects. Their prey is taken in mid air, usually after some accomplishedacrobatics, and often brought to a perch to be immobilised and swallowed.Watching these bold and energetic birds is hugely entertaining and becausemany species are quite relaxed in the presence of man, photographicopportunities come readily. For these reasons, Bee-eaters are among themost admired of birds.

DucksAcross the world, ducks and geese are symbolic of wild places, eventhough an increasing number are adapting to man-made environments.Together with swans, the ducks and geese belong to the family Anatidae,which are sometimes known collectively as 'waterfowl'.

Bee-Eaters - Colourful AcrobatsClosely related to Kingfishers and Rollers - and certainly just as colourful -Bee-eaters are skilled and specialised predators of bees and other wingedinsects. Their prey is taken in mid air, usually after some accomplishedacrobatics, and often brought to a perch to be immobilised and swallowed.Watching these bold and energetic birds is hugely entertaining and becausemany species are quite relaxed in the presence of man, photographicopportunities come readily. For these reasons, Bee-eaters are among themost admired of birds.
DucksAcross the world, ducks and geese are symbolic of wild places, eventhough an increasing number are adapting to man-made environments.Together with swans, the ducks and geese belong to the family Anatidae,which are sometimes known collectively as 'waterfowl'.

The Parasitic Cuckoos

NOISY DECEIVERS - Parasitic CuckoosAlthough elusive and seldom seen, cuckoos are among the most vociferousof all birds. Fascinating birds in every way, there is still much to learn about their behaviour. The cuckoo family in Africa includes the true cuckoos,which are brood-parasites, and the coucals which build their own nestsand rear their own young. HornbillsWith their long curved bills and jaunty disposition, hornbills are among themost conspicuous of African birds, and also among the most interesting.Although not brightly coloured - most have black, white or grey plumage -many species have colourful bills or bare facial skin, and all are strikingbirds. The males of many species possess a raised section on the uppermandible, known as a casque, and this probably plays some role in displayor mate selection.