Newsletter / Blog
2011-06-20 National Birds - Botswana and Swaziland
Botswana: -
The Lilac-breasted Roller - Coracias caudatus - is widely distributed in sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian Peninsula. It is found in open woodland and savanna and is largely absent from
treeless places. Usually found alone or in pairs, it perches
conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points
from where it can spot insects, lizards, scorpions, snails, small birds
and rodents moving about at ground level.
Nesting takes place in a
natural hole in a tree where a clutch of 2–4 eggs is laid, and incubated
by both parents, who are extremely aggressive in defence of their nest,
taking on raptors and other birds. During the breeding season the male
will rise to great heights, descending in swoops and dives, while
uttering harsh, discordant cries. The sexes are alike.
These beautiful birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -
Aves Arid Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure
Aves Highlands/Tembe Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure
Aves KZN Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure
Aves North East Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure
Aves North West Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure
Swaziland: -
The Purple-crested Turaco - Tauraco porphyreolophus - is found in East Africa and the eastern parts of South Africa.
This spectacular bird has a purple coloured crest above a green head, a red ring
around their eyes, and a black bill. The neck and chest are green and
brown. The rest of the body is purple, with red flight feathers.
They live in moist woodland and evergreen forests. They eat mainly fruits.
These beautiful birds can be seen on the following Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures: -
Aves Highlands/Tembe Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure
Aves KZN Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure
Aves North East Birding Tour/Safari/Adventure
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