Grey Heron
The Grey Heron is a common bird near water. It can often be seen patiently stalking its prey in shallow waters.
Hamerkop
The Hamerkop, or Hammerhead Stork to give it its English name, is a fairly common bird around water. It feeds on frogs and other aquatic animals which it catches in the shallow waters.
African Spoonbill
This bird get its name from its spoon-shaped bill. It is often seen around some of the dams around Durban and can easily be found at Durban Botanical Gardes.
Sacred Ibis
This black and white bird is a familiar site in the skies as they fly in flocks from one feeding or roosting place to another. They are most often found near water.
Hadeda Ibis
This is a well-known species around Durban. It is not only commonly seen but its loud raucous call may be heard day and night. The Hadeda Ibis becames quite tame in the gardens of Durban and will even breed in your garden if you have suitable tall trees.
Whitefaced Duck
This is one of the most commonly seen species of duck. It is a regular sighting around water all over Durban. Its whistled call may often be heard at night as a flock of these ducks flies past.
Yellowbilled Duck
The Yellowbilled Duck is a common sight on patches of water around Durban. It is unmistakable with its bright yellow bill.
Egyptian Goose
The Egyptian Goose is a common bird around Durban and is normally seen around water. The Egyptian Goose is quite bold and will stand indignantly while it lets you approach quite closely.
Spurwinged Goose
Although not as common as the Egyptian Goose the Spurwinged Goose is a regular sighting around Durban. It is a bit more shy than the Egyptian Goose and will not let you get too close to it.
Yellowbilled Kite
The Yellowbilled Kite is a familiar site in Durban's skies during summer. In fact it is only absent for a few months during summer. Its 'V' shaped tail helps distinguish it.
Greyheaded Gull
This gull is a regular sighting along the beachfront and harbour areas. It can also be seen along the Umgeni River estuary.
Red-eyed Dove
The Red-eyed Dove is a very common bird around Durban, especially in the gardens. It is a familiar site at bird feeders.
Laughing Dove
The Laughing Dove is also common around the gardens of Durban. IT is quite a bit smaller than the Red-eyed Dove and lacks the black 'collar'.
Purplecrested Lourie
This is definitely one of the most attractive species of birds seen in Durban. Unfortunately it is not always easy to get a good look at a Purplcrested Lourie as it bounces around in trees. One does, however, get a view of their red wings as they glide or fly from tree to tree. They have quite a raucous call.
Speckled Mousebird
The speckled Mousebird is a comical species. They normally occur in flocks and can be seen clambering around in trees or bushes before they fly, one at a time, to the next tree. They like to sun themselves and can often be seen hanging from exposed branches to catch the sun. They eat fruit and can be a bit of a pest in gardens with fruit trees.
Forktailed Drongo
The Forktailed Drongo is fairly common around Durban. It can be seen sitting on an exposed perch and surveying the surrounding area for its next meal. It has quite a loud and distinctive call.
Pied Crow
The Pied Crow is a common and distinctive bird around Durban.
Blackeyed Bulbul
This species is very common in Durban. It is a cheerful garden bird often seen in pairs.
Fiscal Shrike
The Fiscal Shrike is a regular sighting particularly in areas that are a bit more open. It is normally seen patiently sitting on an open perch waiting for an insect, or other potential prey item, to come into view.
Indian Myna
The Indian Myna is certainly one of the most common, if not the most popular, birds in Durban. It seems like you either love them or hate them. It is an 'alien' species that was introduced in Durban many years ago and it has thrived in the city. They can be noisy and having an Indian Myna roosting site near your house is not something that you want. They have made a good impression on some people and the local city centre bus service is named after them.
Glossy Starling
In the right light the Glossy Starling is a stunning looking bird with its iridescent colour. They may often be seen in flocks in trees or on the ground.
Cape White-eye
The Cape White-eye is normally seen in small flocks around gardens. They are very busy little birds and are always on the move.
House Sparrow
The House Sparrow is a familiar bird that has spread to most countries around the world. It finds nesting spots and food in the environments in which man lives and has become extremely comon round towns and cities.
Spectacled Weaver
This weaver is normally seen in pairs as they forage around the gardens and natural areas of Durban. They have a pleasant melodic call.
Spottedback Weaver
The Spottedback Weaver is the most common species of weaver in Durban. In summer the males are quite handsome with their black faces and bright yellow chests. The females, and non-breeding males, are a more drab brownish-yellow colour. This weaver is often seen at bird feeders.
Red Bishop
In summer the male Red Bishop sports one of the most stunning plumages around. In winter the males lose the red and black colours and are a non-descript brown like the females. This species is normally seen around reedbeds and is particularly common at Durban Botanic Gardens in summer.
Bronze Mannikin
The dimunitive Bronze Mannikin is a very common bird around Durban. Flocks of them may be seen in parks and gardens across the city. They are a regular visitor to bird feeders, particularly if finer seed is on offer.
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