Common Birds of South Africa

South Africa's national bird — this elegant grey-blue crane breeds in the Overberg wheat fields and performs dramatic dancing displays in August; Agulhas Plain is the most reliable area.

A fynbos endemic with the male's extraordinary long tail curving to twice its body length — perches on flowering Protea heads and probes for nectar with its curved bill.

Restricted to fynbos heath — the vivid combination of iridescent green, violet, and orange makes the male arguably the most beautiful sunbird in Africa.

The only penguin on the African continent — Boulders Beach near Cape Town allows close views of breeding pairs and swimming birds in crystal-clear water.

Strides through grassland on 1 m legs, stamping vigorously to flush and then kick prey — the raptor that stalks on foot like a stork, with a bare face and eagle body.

Africa's heaviest flying bird — displaying males erect the white undertail and inflate the neck into a white frothy mass while walking stiffly across open grassland.

Family groups walk slowly through Kruger's grass — the breeding female has a purple-red rather than red facial skin, making sex determination easy at close range.

South Africa's only trogon — the vivid emerald back and crimson belly make it unmistakable; typically seen perching motionlessly in the forest interior of KZN Midlands.