Page 114 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

112  WILD SOUTH AFRIC A

African Fish Eagle
Species: Hakliaeetus vocifer • Relatives: Martial Eagle,
Bateleur, Verreaux’s Eagle
LC
Among the most evocative sounds of the bush
is the far-carrying call of two African fish eagles,
a high, piercing banshee wail delivered in duet,
with both birds throwing back their heads
dramatically. This strongly monogamous eagle is
visually striking and distinctive, with a hooked
yellow bill and black-and-white feathering against
a rich chestnut belly. It is a conspicuous resident
The lappet-faced vulture is usually seen singly or in pairs of rivers and lakes, perching high in the branches
of tall fringing trees, or soaring above the water
Lappet-Faced Vulture for long periods, sweeping down occasionally
Species: Torgos tracheliotos • Relatives: White-Backed to scoop a fish into its talons. It might be easily
Vulture, Hooded Vulture, Cape Vulture confused with another water-associated raptor,
VU the osprey.
Africa’s largest raptor is a truly impressive bird,
with a bald pink head, a massive blue-and-ivory
bill and heavy black wings that spread open like
a cape, reinforcing its menacing demeanour.
It often shares kills with the region’s five other
carrion-eating vulture species, squabbling and
squawking over the spoils. Capable of soaring on
thermals for hours on end, this vulture ranks
among the world’s most powerful fliers, and its
vision is practically unmatched in the animal
kingdom. It is also unexpectedly fastidious, and
will spend hours preening itself after feeding. African fish eagles perch openly in the vicinity of water

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
Species: Bubo lacteus • Relatives: Barn Owl, Spotted
Eagle-Owl, Scops Owl
LC
Also known as the giant eagle-owl, Africa’s largest
nocturnal bird is most often seen near the large
acacia trees in which it likes to breed. It is identified
by its black eyes with pinkish eyelids that it closes
during diurnal rest, and it is distinguish ed from
the similarly proportioned Pel’s fishing owl by its
The broad-winged jackal buzzard in flight grey-brown feathering, crested ears and bold
black facial disk marks. Usually unob trusive, it is
Jackal Buzzard sometimes heard hooting at night. As with other
Species: Buteo rufofuscus • Relatives: Yellow-Billed Kite, owls, it is feared as a harbinger of death in many
Chanting Goshawk, Harrier Hawk South African cultures.
LC
Named for its jackal-like call, this handsome,
medium to large raptor has a black back and
head, a striking chestnut breast (though
some individuals are blotched black and
white), a white throat band and a distinctive
bright orange-red tail. Like other buzzards, it
has long, broad wings, a relatively short tail
and a stocky build. Probably the commonest
large resident raptor in and around the
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg, it is outnumbered
by the duller migrant steppe buzzard in
the northern winter. Verreaux’s eagle-owls stand more than 60 cm (2 ft) tall
IUCN status VU: Vulnerable; LC: Least Concern

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