Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), Chobe National Park, Botswana, April 2023.
Widespread, and one of the most numerous kingfishers in the world. Breeds in pairs, or in family groups consisting of primary helpers (1-year-old son of one or both of nesting pair) and/or secondary helpers (unrelated males which not breeding), seldom more than 1 primary helper but can be several secondary in areas with poor food resources; primary helper involved at onset of breeding, bringing food to one of the pair, also helps to mob predators, joins in communal displays and helps to feed nestlings; secondary helpers initially driven off by male but more likely accepted soon after eggs hatch, particularly if food scarce. Not globally threatened. In Botswana survived the spraying of endosulphan to control tsetse flies, but elsewhere has been badly affected by the use of poisons to kill fish and Red-billed Queleas (Birds of the world).
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Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris), Senyati Camp, Botswana, April 2023.
This species is a small wader, resident and generally sedentary in much of East Africa, southern Africa and Madagascar (subspecies Ch.t. bifrontatus). It occurs mainly on inland rivers, pools, lakes and pans, frequenting their exposed shores. Probably feeds by night, as well as by day. Often solitary, but also mixes with other small waders; occasionally in loose flocks, rarely up to 40 birds. Three-banded Plover is solitary and territorial species. Territory usually along shoreline, covering 80–100 m, sometimes two territories, one for nesting and the other for feeding. Nest situated in sand or dry mud, close to water. Frequently double-brooded, female starting second brood well before first brood fully-fledged. Species is not globally threatened (Least Concern). Population in eastern and southern Africa estimated at 70,000–130,000 individuals (Birds of the world).
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White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini) Kasane, Botswana, March 2023.
Like other robin chats, these birds are usually seen alone or in pairs. Needs strong cover of evergreen shrubs. Readily establishes itself in gardens, parks and vestigial stands of natural habitat in towns and suburbs. At twilight emerges from cover to forage on open ground. Diet is mainly insects, particularly ants and beetles, but also fruit. Not globally threatened. The most widely distributed and least habitat-restricted robin-chat (Birds of the world).
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Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus), Chobe National Park, Botswana, March 2023.
Spends virtually all of its time perched on host mammal, and will even sleep there. Diet primarily ectoparasites of large mammals, also blood and other body fluids taken from host. Collects fluids or ticks concealed in hair of host by using scissoring technique, whereby bill is laid against surface and opened and closed rapidly while being pushed through the mammal's hair. Nest in tree hole, either natural cavity or old woodpecker hole. Locally common, with extensive but fragmented range. Species was reduced in range and numbers by past destruction of game and also by introduction of dipping programmes for domestic livestock in which toxic chemicals utilized, but has made significant recovery.
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Wattled Lapwing (Vanellus senegallus), Chobe National Park, Botswana, March 2023.
Does not normally forage in typical plover style; instead, walks slowly, pauses with one leg raised, takes one step or jumps, and grabs prey; also probes in base of grass tufts and uses foot-trembling. Quite a noisy bird, especially during the breeding season, when highly territorial. Vocal activity mainly determined by daily activities, such as keeping contact with group or family members, alarming for intruders, and breeding activities. Laying dates geographically very variable, depending on rains. Nest usually on bare ground or in short grass within 100 m of water, frequently near roads or human settlements. Not globally threatened (Least Concern), population of nominate race estimated at 25,000–60,000 individuals (Birds of the world).
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