article thumbnail

“Peacocks and Picathartes: Reflections on Africa’s Birdlife”

10,000 Birds

In case you didn’t know, yes, there is an indigenous peacock living in Africa, the Congo Peafowl. The revelation of the Congo Peacock to the ornithological community is one of the greatest bird stories of the twentieth century… Other birds are included for the very reason that they are extremely well known.

Congo 264
article thumbnail

Birding the Kruger Park (5): Pafuri area part 1

10,000 Birds

He collected in … the Belgian Congo, where he died of hemorrhagic fever at Bangala … According to his obituary in The Times (8 November 1890), he witnessed a cannibal banquet in the Upper Congo and was accused by Stanley of instigating it.” I guess this is the wind, not a highly individualistic hairstyle.

Elephants 147
Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Trending Sources

article thumbnail

What is a Palm-thrush?

10,000 Birds

It all comes back to a split in one of the great bird families, the Turdidae, or thrushes. Once upon a time, when I started birding, this great family included a wide range of species collectively known as the robins and chats. The family reunited in safety. Collared Palm-thrush with no collar visible.

article thumbnail

Africa’s Barbets

10,000 Birds

Originally they were all placed in the family Capitonidae , but over time taxonomists have determined that actual relationships between these barbets are far more complex. Benson to collect birds. Gray-throated Barbet is one of the plainer members of the African Barbet family.

Ethiopia 225
article thumbnail

The Storks of Africa

10,000 Birds

Furthermore we have another very special stork-like bird, the regal Shoebill , previously known as the Whale-headed Stork but now placed in its own family. This colossal bird is now placed in its own family Balaenicipitidae and it forms an ancient link between storks and pelicans.

Africa 235
article thumbnail

Weavers

10,000 Birds

Anaplectes – Red-headed Weaver A male Red-headed Weaver collecting shoots for building his nest. This group of 4 species (as well as all the remaining “weavers” that are covered below) are not even placed in the weaver family ( Ploceidae ) but in Passeridae – the Old World Sparrow family.

Tanzania 215