South Africa is home to over 800 species of birds. As one of the largest countries in Africa, there are plenty of diverse habitats for various avifauna to live in. However, poaching and deforestation have caused a decline in the populations of several species.
South Africa’s national bird is the Blue Crane. Other notable birds include the African Fish Eagle, the Secretarybird, and the Knysna Turaco.
List of Common Birds Found in South Africa
Birds of Prey
- African Crowned Eagle
- African Fish Eagle
- African Goshawk
- African Harrier-hawk
- African Hawk-eagle
- Bateleur
- Black-chested Snake Eagle
- Martial Eagle
- Pale Chanting Goshawk
- Secretarybird
Garden Birds
- African Paradise Flycatcher
- Cape Bulbul
- Cape Canary
- Cape Robin-chat
- Cape Weaver
- Cape White-eye
- Dark-capped Bulbul
- Pied Starling
- Southern Double-collared Sunbird
- Southern Red Bishop
Ground Birds
- Crested Francolin
- Double-banded Sandgrouse
- Gray Go-away-bird
- Harlequin Quail
- Helmeted Guineafowl
- Karoo Korhaan
- Natal Spurfowl
- Red-winged Francolin
- Swainson’s Spurfowl
- Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
Nocturnal Birds
- African Barred Owl
- African Scops Owl
- African Wood Owl
- Barn Owl
- Fiery-necked Nightjar
- Freckled Nightjar
- Rufous-cheeked Nightjar
- Southern White-faced Owl
- Spotted Eagle-owl
- Square-tailed Nightjar
Sea Birds
- African Black Oystercatcher
- African Penguin
- African Skimmer
- Bank Cormorant
- Cape Cormorant
- Cape Gannet
- Hartlaub’s Gull
- Kelp Gull
- Swift Tern
Water Birds
- African Black Duck
- African Sacred Ibis
- Blue Crane
- Cape Teal
- Greater Flamingo
- Great White Pelican
- Hadeda Ibis
- Little Grebe
- Red-billed Teal
- South African Shelduck
- Yellow-billed Duck
South African Birds by Province
While none of the provinces have a national bird, these birds are most commonly associated with each of them.
Eastern Cape – Blue Crane
Free State – Drakensberg Siskin
Gauteng – African Wattled Lapwing
KwaZulu-Natal – African Fish Eagle
Limpopo – Lilac-breasted Roller
Mpumalanga – Narina Trogon
North West – Kori Bustard
Northern Cape – Ludwig’s Bustard
Western Cape – African Penguin
Common South African Birds by Color
White Birds
- African Pied Wagtail
- African Sacred Ibis
- Black-and-white Mannikin
- Great White Pelican
Gray Birds
- African Gray Hornbill
- Gray Go-away-bird
- Gray Heron
Brown Birds
- Cape Bunting
- Cape Sparrow
- Cape Wagtail
Black Birds
- African Crow
- Black Crake
- Cape Glossy Starling
Green Birds
- African Green Pigeon
- Green Twinspot
Red Birds
Blue Birds
- Half-collared Kingfisher
- Malachite Kingfisher
Yellow Birds
- Cape Canary
- Cape Longclaw
- Cape White-eye
- Yellow-fronted Canary
Some of the best birding sites in South Africa include Kruger National Park, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, and iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Generally, the best time for birdwatching in South Africa is during the austral summer, corresponding to the Southern Hemisphere’s summer months.
FAQs
1. What is the largest bird in South Africa? The Common Ostrich is the largest bird in the country, as well as in the world.
2. What is the smallest bird in South Africa? The Bronze Mannikin is the smallest bird in South Africa.
3. Which birds in South Africa are considered the rarest? Some of the most endangered birds living in South Africa include the White-winged Flufftail, the Taita Falcon, and the Blue Swallow.
