I love summertime at Londolozi for many reasons, but the abundance of birdlife and their constant melodies are high on the list. From the whistling duet of my favourite bird, the Southern Boubou, to the trilling “kri-trrrrrrr” of the Woodland Kingfisher, these calls create a backdrop to life in the bush that is both calming and dynamic.
Play their calls in the background while you continue to read…
Yet, these melodies are far more than nature’s music—they signify birds’ vital roles in the ecosystem. From acting as sentinels with their alarm calls to forming symbiotic relationships with other animals and the land, birds are integral to maintaining the bush’s delicate balance. Whether it’s drongos opportunistically following elephants or hornbills dispersing seeds, their behaviours reveal the interconnectedness of life at Londolozi and the intricate ways in which nature thrives.
The trilling ‘kir-trrrrrr’ of the woodland kingfisher is one of the most characteristic sounds of summer in the bushveld.
The Mobbing Opportunists
Fork-tailed Drongo’s are not only skilled mimics and mobbers but also adept opportunists. One minute they will be mobbing a bird of prey way up high and the next minute moving through the grass ready for their next meal. These birds frequently follow elephants as they move through the grasslands, capitalising on the insects flushed out by the pachyderms’ massive movements. This foraging behaviour is an example of commensalism – the drongos feast on an abundant food source, while the elephants remain unbothered by their presence. This unique relationship underscores the interconnectedness of Londolozi’s ecosystem, where even the smallest players enhance the dynamics of larger creatures.
An unlikely pair? Not really, believe it or not! This brave little Fork-tailed Drongo is taking advantage of the elephant inadvertently flushing insects from the vegetation while he feeds. You will often see these birds amongst groups of herbivores, especially larger ones like elephants and rhinos… either that or pecking at the heads of large birds of prey that they don’t want in ‘their’ area! There is no shortage of confidence in these birds.
The Bush Alarm
“Stations following up on francolin alarming calling” – a key phrase that gets any guide, tracker and guest excited. The Crested Francolin is another avian sentinel that plays a vital role. These ground-dwelling birds are highly attuned to their surroundings, often issuing sharp alarm calls at the first sign of a predator. Their warnings ripple through the bush, alerting other animals to potential danger. On countless occasions I have witnessed their alarm calls prompt a nearby herd of impala to freeze momentarily before retreating to safety as a leopard passes by, demonstrating the francolin’s role in enhancing collective vigilance.
It’s exhilarating when you hear the francolin’s alarm call and you come round the corner only to find a leopard (the Senegal Bush Male) walking down the road toward you!
Dominant from 2019-2024, transformed from cautious visitor to powerful territorial force. Mastered central Londolozi until his final days.
My Oxpecker Teacher
Oxpeckers also play a fascinating role in Londolozi’s ecosystem. These small birds maintain a symbiotic relationship with large mammals such as buffalos, rhinos and giraffes. While feeding on ticks and other parasites clinging to their hosts, oxpeckers also serve as an early warning system. Their sharp alarm calls alert their hosts to potential predators, enhancing the animals’ chances of survival. And animals aren’t the only ones to benefit. As any ranger or tracker will tell you watching where an oxpecker descends will likely lead you to a hidden buffalo or rhino nearby.
Any ranger and tracker will let you know that the call of an oxpecker is likely the most important call they have learnt. While tracking or out on a bush walk the oxpecker’s call could be the first signal there is a hidden buffalo or rhino nearby, showcasing their invaluable role as both caretakers and sentinels.
The Foraging Alliance
Southern Yellow and Red-billed Hornbills form one of the bush’s most endearing partnerships with the dwarf mongoose. These birds are often seen foraging alongside a business of mongooses, a relationship rooted in mutual benefit. As the mongoose scurry through the undergrowth, digging for insects and small prey, the hornbills follow closely, seizing any insects flushed out by their activity. In return, the hornbills’ sharp eyesight and quick reactions help alert the mongoose to potential predators in the area. This symbiotic relationship is a beautiful example of cooperation, showcasing how different species can thrive together by complementing each other’s strengths.
The impressive Yellow-billed Hornbill in the afternoon sun. Hornbills add another dimension to avian contributions, acting as agents of ecological regeneration. Their habit of dropping seeds as they feed facilitates the dispersal and germination of various plant species, ensuring the continual renewal of Londolozi’s vegetation. By doing so, they subtly influence the composition and structure of the landscape. Another reminder that birds are not passive inhabitants of the ecosystem; they are active participants, protectors, and propagators.
A Sweet Connection
The Greater Honeyguide’s remarkable behaviour has earned its name, as it leads others—both animals and humans—to the sweet treasure of honey. This bird shares a unique relationship with honey badgers, and even humans, by guiding them to bee hives. Once the honey badger or human has broken open the hive, the honeyguide feasts on the wax and larvae left behind. This collaboration demonstrates an extraordinary level of communication and trust between species. For humans, following a honeyguide can lead to one of nature’s sweetest treasures, while for the honeyguide, it ensures access to a food source otherwise unattainable. This ancient partnership is a testament to the mutual benefits that can arise from understanding and cooperation in the wild.
On a morning walk to remember Ranger Pat Grealy’s experience left him feeling a part of something so integrated into the inner workings of mother nature.
The Symphony of Balance
Birds at Londolozi are far more than beautiful and melodic additions to the landscape—they are essential threads in the intricate web of life. From the symbiosis of hornbills and mongoose to the honeyguide’s remarkable partnerships, their behaviours reflect the profound interconnectedness of the bush. As sentinels, seed dispersers, and symbiotic allies, they play vital roles in maintaining the ecosystem’s delicate balance. Each call, flight, and interaction is a reminder of how every species, no matter how small, contributes to the thriving wilderness that is Londolozi. This harmony inspires awe and a deeper appreciation for the natural world every single day.
Kelsey, what a great blog and pictures. You have continued my education about the bush and the inter relationships of the different species. I do love birds.
Thank you William, I’m glad you enjoyed it and also have a great love of birds.
I love listening to birds singing, calling, warning. Lots of time we have found a predator because of the warning calls of birds.
And it is so pleasant just to listen to their morning chorus and their evening songs.
It is always wonderful to listen to the birds and let them lead you to the predator you have been on the search for!
Dear Kelsey, what an informative interesting story with nice pics-thank you , I am learning a lot due to the stories
Thank you Jutta, I’m glad you are enjoying learning something new!
Hi Kelsey, your story on the birds of Londolozi is intriguing and full of information. Here on the reserve where I stay I see the different bird species, each one plays their part in the wild. The Nyala bull that visits me everyday lies in front of my veranda, soon the oxpeckers come and clean him. Also the francolins are here and very loud picking up all the insects. Drongo comes and goes and makes a lot of different sounds. The yellow and red billed horn bills are now removing the chick’s out of the nests, which I don’t like, and eats the chick’s. Woodlands Kingfisher is in my yard and his calling early in the morning wakes us up. So beautiful in colour and last year they raised two chick’s.
Wow, I’m glad you are enjoying all the birds on your doorstep Valmai!
Thank you Kelsey for this informative blog on how the aforementioned birds play their parts in the bush. How true it is that birds can and do reveal predators when you least expect it. Additionally, birds provide great entertainment if you take the time to just sit and watch and listen. Some of my best times spent at Londolozi are sitting on my deck and just enjoying the birdsongs while watching the kudu graze below.
My pleasure Denise, birds play an amazing role in connecting us to the bush and reminding us to slow down and enjoy what is right in front of us as you say with the kudu!
Kelsey, Thanks for an awesome post and we learned a lot! We especially like have the bird calls included!
My pleasure Michael and Terri! Glad you enjoyed the calls