Potch Gazette | The Go-To Guy

The 'Big Six' Avian Stars of the African Safari

Africa, a land celebrated for its iconic 'Big Five' mammals, featuring the lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros, has an equally astonishing avian cast that forms its own 'Big Six.' These extraordinary birds are a must-see for any wildlife enthusiast, and in this journey, we'll dive into the mesmerizing world of these winged wonders.

Martial Eagle - The Regal Raptor

Polemaetus bellicosus

The Martial Eagle, Africa's largest and most regal raptor. This impressive bird boasts a wingspan of approximately 2m and a weight of nearly 6.3kg. Dressed in dark brown plumage with a striking white belly adorned with black streaks, its powerful presence commands respect.

Sporting colossal talons, the Martial Eagle resides in the savannah and thornbush areas of Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and down to the Cape. These elegant predators hunt medium-sized mammals, birds, and reptiles, including guineafowl, bustards, flamingos, and even mammals, making them a captivating sight during your African adventure.

Lappet-faced Vulture - The Desert Sentinel

Torgos tracheliotos

The Lappet-faced Vulture, a true sentinel of the African deserts and semi-arid regions. With its imposing dark plumage and a bare, pink head framed by large, fleshy folds of skin on its neck, this bird is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Weighing up to 13.6kg, the Lappet-faced Vulture thrives as a scavenger, making it an essential part of the African wilderness by cleaning up carrion. This scavenging proclivity is complemented by occasional hunts for small mammals and birds, and even the opportunistic foraging of termites, locusts, and eggs.

The Secretary Bird - Nature's Quill-Bearer

Sagittarius serpentarius

The Secretary Bird, a striking raptor with an eagle-like body, long legs, and captivating black "eyelashes." Possibly named for its quill-like feathers that resemble the quills behind 19th-century European secretaries' ears, this bird resides in open grasslands and savannas.

With a diet comprising rodents, birds, and its remarkable skill at dealing with snakes, the Secretary Bird offers a unique blend of grace and ferocity.

Saddle-billed Stork - Nature's Artist

Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis

The elegant Saddle-billed Stork, a tall and lanky black-and-white stork with a bill that could be mistaken for a work of art. This stork is known for its striking red, yellow, and black bill and stands out with dark bands on its white wings when in flight.

Found throughout tropical Africa, primarily near water sources like rivers, lake shores, flood plains, and swamps, the Saddle-billed Stork's diet consists mainly of fish, but they also enjoy frogs, small reptiles, and even mollusks and insects.

With a penchant for standing still in open water or gracefully wading through reeds, these storks are a painter's dream and a photographer's delight.

The Ground Hornbill - Nature's Voice

Bucorvus leadbeateri (Southern) / Bucorvus abyssinicus (Abyssinian)

The Ground Hornbill, a black, large, terrestrial bird, distinguished by its vibrant red or blue facial skin and resonant calls. With a lifespan of up to 70 years in captivity, these birds form strong bonds within their family groups.

Inhabiting grasslands, woodlands, and savannahs, Ground Hornbills predominantly feed on reptiles, birds, and mammals, making them a testament to Africa's unique biodiversity.

The Kori Bustard - Nature's Showman

Ardeotis kori

Completing our list is the charismatic Kori Bustard. Males, ranging from 14 - 19kg, and females, about half their size, are known for their showmanship during the mating display.

Inhabiting the open grasslands and lightly wooded savanna of eastern and southern Africa, Kori Bustards are omnivorous, with insects, small mammals, and various other delicacies gracing their menu.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our African safari has unveiled a world of avian wonders that rival the fame of the 'Big Six'. Each of these magnificent birds plays an integral role in Africa's intricate ecosystem and witnessing them in the wild is a testament to the continent's rich biodiversity.

Whether you're a novice birder or an expert with a life list, these 'Big Six' are sure to capture your heart and binoculars, ensuring that your African adventure is filled with awe and inspiration.

About The Author

Kyle Grobler is a passionate environmentalist and esteemed field guide from Potchefstroom. With an unparalleled love for nature, he boasts a vast collection of over 40,000 photos, illustrating his particular affinity for birds.

Known by many as the embodiment of a true bushman, Kyle has ventured through various South African game reserves and frequently explores the Vaal River's hidden treasures. As a new contributor to the Potch Gazette's environmental page, readers can anticipate immersive tales of Potchefstroom's natural wonders through Kyle's expert lens.

To see more from Kyle and his bush experiences you can also view his Youtube Channel here: Kyle Grobler Photography

More Bird Stories

For more articles about birds you can click on the links below, there are so many great birds living amoungst us to discover and learn about as they play a major role in nature as we see it today.

Southern Ground Hornbill: Click Here

Secretary Bird: Click Here

Crucial Role of Birds Within Ecosystems: Click Here

African Ground Eagle: Click Here

Vultures: Click Here

African Fish Eagle: Click Here

The Roller Family: Click Here

The Kingfisher Family: Click Here

The Bee-Eater Family: Click Here

The Turaco Family: Click Here

A Day In The Life of Birds: Click Here

The Bateleur Eagle: Click Here