South African Bird Identification

The Birds of South Africa website reports that more 900 species of birds pass through South Africa. Of these birds around 725 are annual visitors or resident, with 50 species being endemic or near endemic to South Africa.

  1. Migration

    • A number of birds found in South Africa migrate to the country from other areas of the world. The SA Venues website explains birds from the Arctic, Antarctica, Europe, Central Asia and China can be found in the country.

    Geography

    • A number of nature reserves are operational in South Africa providing a home for a number of bird species within South Africa, according to SA Venues. For example the Kwazula Natal area provides a home for a large number of bird species, including the palmnut vulture and Rudd’s apalis.

    Garden Birds

    • SA Venues reports that Gautengm the most heavily built up area in South Africa, provides the home for over 350 species of birds. Included in these birds are the speckled falcon and the olive thrush.

    Birds of Prey

    • The South Africa National Bird of Prey Center reports that South Africa is the home of six types of birds of prey. They are secretary birds, osprey, accipitridae, vultures, falconoid and owls.

    Endemic Species

    • The African Bird Club reports that the endemic species found in South Africa include the orange-breasted sunbird and Protea canary. Other endemic species are also found in Lesotho and Swaziland.