Embarking on one of many available Kruger Park safaris, we are assured by game rangers that we will undoubtedly spot some of South Africa’s big five as well as other fascinating wildlife along the way. What we tend to forget is that the big 5 are not the only attraction of Kruger Park tours. Birdlife form an integral part of the Kruger National Park and would you believe that there are more than 900 birdlife species in the Kruger Park alone? Here are five of the most unusual birdlife species that make the Kruger Park their home.

Ground Hornbill:

This bird is incredibly rare and rather shy and owing to these facts, incredibly intriguing to birdlife enthusiasts. The bird, which is found in the Kruger Park in South Africa as well as other African countries including Kenya, Namibia and Angola, can weigh up to 6 kilograms and even though it can fly, it seems that it prefers not to travel in this manner. You will be able to spot this bird in the Kruger Park by its red patches of skin on its throat as well as white tipped wings.

Green Pigeon:

Many of us do not know that there are in fact green pigeons, and we do not mean normal pigeons with a slightly green tinge to them. These pigeons can be spotted in the Kruger Park at the top of trees as their green plumage lets them camouflage themselves with their natural habitat. These pigeons snack on fruit such as figs and can be distinguished by their obvious green colour as well as yellow feet and are a common sighting in the Kruger Park.

Marabou Stork

Many might feel that this is a more unfortunate looking bird but there is no doubt that this feathery friend, found in the Kruger Park and other parts of South Africa is not as grumpy as he or she looks. It is also known as the “Undertaker bird” because of its hunch back appearance and white skinny legs. This bird is found in the Kruger Park can weigh up to 9 kilograms and hops around in search of insects, other small birds and even reptiles to eat.

Lilac-Breasted Roller

The lilac breasted Roller is one of the most beautiful birds known to the Kruger Park and is one of only a few that can be spotted in the Kruger Park throughout the year. This bird likes to feast on insects, lizards and snails in the Kruger Park and is easily spotted by its multicoloured feathers.

White backed Vulture

It is obvious that with the amount of wildlife in the Kruger Park that there will be a fair amount of scavenger birds that prey on carcasses after predators have eaten the bulk of the attacked animal. These vultures make a distinctive hissing and squealing sound when they are circling their food and even though they are not the most attractive of the bird species, their beaks can tear through hide, making them one of the strongest birds in the Kruger Park

This entry was posted on Monday, July 26th, 2010 at 12:42 pm and is filed under Kruger Park news and Facts. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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