#birdsofafrica

Africa’s birdlife is legendary, but some species stand out—if not for their looks, then for their bizarre names! Ready for an avian adventure? Let’s uncover these quirky characters. 🧵

First up, The Drunken Parrot! - In southern Africa, parrots are infamous for feasting on marula fruit that ferments on the ground. The result? Birds stumbling and squawking like they’ve had one too many! Nature’s comedy at its finest.

The Satanic Nightjar—Its name is as dramatic as its nocturnal habits. This elusive, cryptically feathered bird got its eerie name from its ghostly presence in the night and mysterious calls. Don’t worry—it’s harmless!

The Bare-faced Go-away Bird! - This bird’s name seems like an instruction to leave! The “bare-faced” part is from its featherless patch around the eyes and its unique call that sounds like “go away,” often heard in East Africa’s savannahs mainly in South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Namibia, Malawi, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Africa’s Shoebill Stork looks straight out of Jurassic Park. Its name comes from its enormous, shoe-shaped bill. Found in East African swamps, especially in Uganda's Mabamba Swamp. This bird is a must-see for birders!

The Secretary Bird—nothing to do with offices! Its name comes from its quill-like crest that resembles pens tucked behind a secretary’s ear. Plus, it’s a snake-hunting specialist!

Meet the Helmeted Guineafowl—its bony, helmet-like crest makes it look like a soldier of the savannah. This bird is as tough as its name suggests.

Hammerkop—literally translates to “hammerhead” in Afrikaans. Its unique head shape resembles a hammer. These birds build enormous nests—so big they can support a human’s weight!

Consider the Spotted Thick-knee! This nocturnal bird got its name from its large, thick knees (which are actually the bird’s ankle joints!). It’s a ground-dwelling marvel of the savannah.

The Speckled Mousebird—Imagine a bird that looks like a mouse! These small, fluffy birds often climb branches in a rodent-like way, making their name oddly appropriate.

Meet the Red-billed Firefinch! A fiery burst of red in the wild, this bird’s vivid plumage lives up to its blazing name. It’s small, charming, and unmistakably eye-catching.

Imagine a bird skimming across the Nile, its lower beak scooping fish from the water. The African Skimmer is a master of its craft.

Lastly, The African Pygmy Goose! Don’t let the name fool you—it’s a duck, not a goose! This pint-sized beauty loves floating among lily pads.

When deciding what to write about today, I was going through my photographs. Often, I take writing inspiration from photos and I’ve had more time to reflect on photographs lately, as I’m sure you have also. While we wait to plan further travel, it’s fun to look back at the places we’ve been, and to keep hope going for tomorrow. Here are just a few that bring back great memories and lots of smiles. 

All of these photographs are from lovely Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.

Male Ugandan Kob, a type of antelope found mainly in Uganda! Only the males have antlers. They make a funny sound when courting females.

Lioness yawning lazily in the late afternoon.

Male lion; there were at least 9 lions in his pack! One of the bigger packs I’ve seen.

Same male lion yawning, though it looks more like a snarl!

Another lioness resting peacefully late in the day.

Our safari travelers, getting the best possible view!

White-browed Coucal Bird, a type of cuckoo.