At first glance, many people assume that a safari experience is all about seeing animals. To be fair, with social media being the main way people are exposed to safaris these days, it’s the visual elements that stand out – videos of lions walking past your vehicle, a leopard lounging in a tree, you get the picture.
But here’s the thing: there’s so much more to it than that. Sure, seeing amazing animals is a highlight, but a true Londolozi safari is a full-on sensory overload. We’re talking about the smells of earthy aromas, the feel of a well-worn rubbing post under your hand, and of course, the sounds of the African Wilderness.
And that’s where bird song comes in. It’s one of the most beautiful (and underrated) elements of being out in the bush. Whether it’s the Orange-breasted Bushshrike making its presence known in the early dawn, or the Fiery-necked Nightjar serenading you after dark, the bush is always alive with music. Each bird has its own unique song, and I’d love to share my top 10 favourite calls with you. Don’t worry, I’ll include links so you can actually listen to each one! The recordings have been lovingly uploaded to Soundcloud for your listening pleasure.
So where to begin, well this is probably self-explanatory:
1. African Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga vocifer)
This one’s a classic. If you asked me to name the most iconic sound of the African bush, it would be the call of the African Fish Eagle. These majestic birds love to perch near water sources and will often call while either perched or in flight. Fun fact: the species name vocifer refers to their, well, “vociferous” nature – these birds definitely aren’t shy about making themselves heard. You’ll hear their regal cry ringing out through the skies year-round.
2. Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)
Distinguishing between nightjar species can be a tricky business… but not when you know their calls. The Fiery-necked Nightjar has a pretty distinctive one. Some say its call sounds like “Good Lord, deliver us” (once you hear it, you’ll know what I mean). This is one of those sounds that instantly transports you to the African night – it cuts through the stillness, usually from a tree or some other elevated perch.
3. African Scops Owl (Otus senegalensis)
In keeping with the nocturnal theme, let’s talk about the African Scops Owl. This little guy’s call is an insect-like trill that resonates through the night and even during twilight hours. These owls are tough to spot because they blend in so well with their surroundings, but you’ll hear them often enough – their timid, trembly call is almost constant once night falls.
A tiny but beautiful African Scops Owl, usually heard more than seen.
4. Orange-breasted Bushshrike (Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus)
Moving from night to day, the call of the Orange-breasted Bushshrike is a real treat, especially as part of the dawn chorus. You’ll hear them throughout the day, too. The scientific name sulfureopectus hints at the bird’s striking yellow-orange breast – the plumage is stunning, but their “Coffee, tea, or me?” call is what you’ll notice first, echoing out from thick, leafy hideaways.
5. Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus)
A relative of the Orange-breasted Bushshrike, the Southern Boubou tends to stay hidden in dense vegetation. You’ll likely hear them calling in pairs, with the male and female performing an antiphonal duet – meaning they take turns and respond to each other. Their calls are so diverse it’s almost like they’re trying out different tunes, but once you get used to them, they’re instantly recognizable.
6. Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis)
Unlike the first five birds, which are resident species, the Woodland Kingfisher is a migrant, returning to Southern Africa in the summer. Their trilling call marks the start of the warmer months, and you’ll hear it constantly from October until they leave again around April. Their “kri-trrrrrr” call, which starts high and then fades, is one of the most evocative sounds of the bush.
7. Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius)
Another breeding migrant that makes its voice heard during the summer months is the Red-chested Cuckoo, or as it’s affectionately called in Afrikaans, the “Piet-my-vrou.” This bird’s repetitive call sounds like it’s calling out for its partner, “Piet my wife.” You’ll hear it mostly during the heat of the day.
Also, did you know it’s a brood parasite? Meaning it lets other bird species (up to 20 of them!) raise its chicks. Talk about outsourcing, a wise tactic.
8. Burchell’s Coucal (Centropus burchellii)
This bird’s mellow, bubbling call is like the sound of water being poured from a long-necked bottle. The call can often be heard in a loosely coordinated duet with another bird nearby. It’s often referred to as the rain bird because local folklore says its call predicts rain. While its official name pays tribute to British explorer William Burchell, many people simply know it as the harbinger of rain.
9. Red-faced Cisticola (Cisticola erythrops)
Most of the birds I’ve mentioned so far are fairly well-known, and I would be surprised if they didn’t feature on most safari guides’ lists of favourite or most iconic bird calls. But the Red-faced Cisticola is less well-known. It might be due to its nondescript appearance, but its call more than makes up for it. You’ll hear these little birds near the river, and the distinctive and loud notes are usually heard as a prominent audible feature while in Camp.
10. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur chalcospilos)
Last but not least, the Emerald-spotted Wood Dove. Described by the Robert’s Bird App as, “One of the most distinctive and evocative sounds of bushveld areas,” I feel that this list would be incomplete without including this bird’s call.
Its melancholic, descending call is a bushveld classic, especially during the heat of the day. For me (and I’m sure for many others), this bird’s song is an inseparable part of the safari experience.
While I could have easily added more to this list, these 10 are my absolute favourites. Do any of these bird calls bring back memories for you? Or maybe there’s one you think should’ve made the cut? Let me know in the comments below!
Your features, Robbie, are always tip-top. Enjoyed listening to the varied calls. When I’m there I look forward to hearing the tympanic sounds of the Southern ground hornbill. Someone described it as the echoey hum when you blow into an empty bottle
Thank you so much, Robbie, for these lovely bird calls! Hearing them brings back so many wonderful memories of my safaris. I love birdsong above all other sounds. Here in Switzerland, they are the harbinger of spring after long dark winter days. In Londolozi they are the background music of the most wonderful experiences with animals one can have. I love walking along the path that links all your camps and to listen to the different bird calls you can hear there. No morning without the specific morning calls and no evening without the calls of nightjars or owls or other night creatures. I am so glad that there are still lots of birds somewhere in the world.
Thank you so much for sharing your recordings. The Woodland Kingfisher brought me right back to Londolozi where I saw and photographed this lovely bird.
Thank you so much for this, Robbie – listening to these calls with my eyes closed, I really felt I was back there! My absolute favourite is the Woodland Kingfisher and if I also see it, that’s a bonus with its beautiful plumage.
What a great idea for the blog!! Loved hearing all these calls accompanied by photos and descriptions. I listened over and over again! Look forward to returning and recognizing more birds!! Thank you Robbie!
Robert, I really enjoyed listening to the different bird calls. I especially liked the Burchellis caucal depp call. Thank you for sharing.
Really well done,Robert ! Birds don`t get enough attention on the blog and this was so cool combining the picture of the bird with its sounds-Awesome .
A great article, Robert, the birdsong is arguably the most evocative feature of being in the South African bush. I would certainly not rank them among my favorite calls, but I know exactly where I am as soon as I hear a Natal spurfowl squawking its alarm call, or a pair of Egyptian geese engaging in a little “friendly” debate!
Love this post! Hearing all the birds is so cool!
Dear Robbie, thats a special story from Londolozi. feeling like home to hear the audios. Fantastic.
I love the bird calls and I have heard some of them here on the reserve where we stay. My ultimate favorite is the African Fish eagle call and then the Fiery Night Jar.
Not forgetting the loud Woodlands Kingfisher. We have heard the Madagascar Cuckoo 2 years in a row know. Could never spot it but we heard it. Everyone was so excited because it does not actually live here, but 2 years ago this Cockoo arrived here and everyone from Far and near came looking for this bird. Thanks Robbie this was a wonder surprise to hear these beautiful calls from these 10 birds you chose.
What about the grey go-away bird?! I know people laugh as it is common and somewhat annoying, but when I hear it and know I’m in South
Africa. Thanks so much for including the bird calls and whilst I don’t have enough time to memorize them as I’m arriving at the end of the week. I’ll try! Your posts are always interesting and informative so thank you.
That was excellent. Most enjoyable. Thank you.
Hi, all birds and pictures are superb and i love the Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, I wish I could be there! I wanted to visit Londolozi in spring but this year I can’t (it’s fall here). The Scops Owls I miss them so much. Last summer I heard maybe just one…. too much light I think. There’s the wood here and room for them. By postponing I missed the Three Rivers young female and the Nkoveni duo and the Tsalala ‘s cubs! Sigh
Oh wow. Thank you so much for this. It helps me identify some of the birds while watching your weekly safaris. My favourite bird songs are the Crested Barbet, the Grey Loerie and the Black Masked Weaver. I grew up with these sounds in the outskirts of the West Rand of Joburg before it got all built up.