Ta Shebube
Birds
Approximately 300 species of birds have been recorded in the area, including many species endemic to the arid southwest region of Southern Africa. Only about 96 are resident. The reminder comprises mainly nomadic, migratory and vagrant species. Large communal nests of the sociable weavers are characteristic of the region and can contain colonies of up to 300 birds.
Wild ostrich are frequently seen as well as the Secretary bird and the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard common along both the Auob and Nossob riverbeds. Ludwig’s Bustard is relatively common during summer.
“Of the 80 raptors recorded in Southern Africa, 52 have been recorded in the Kgalagadi. The most common are the Tawney and Plackbreasted Snake Eagle, Bateleur, Whitebacked and Lappetfaced Vulture. Smaller species such as Pale Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Gabar Goshawk and Greater Kestrel also form part of the raptors. Less common are Martial Eagle and Rednecked Falcon.”
The Pygmy Falcon is the smallest falcon in Africa and is often seen around Sociable Weaver colonies. In fact the social weavers provide the Pygmy Falcon with “free accommodation” in return for the falcon guarding the nests from egg hunting snakes, especially the Cape Cobra. Larks and Finchlarks are abundant particularly after good rains, which is also a good time to see seedeaters such as Violeteared Waxbill, Blackthroated Canary, Shafttailed Whydah and Larklike Bunting.