Select Specials: Namaqualand

Ludwig’s Bustard

This large, endemic bustard is restricted to arid areas, and undertakes often unpredictable seas-onal movements. Ludwig’s Bustards appear to follow rainfall productivity, and, in winter, move from the surrounding summer-rainfall areas into Namaqua-land. The best regions to search for them are Namaqualand (winter and spring), Bushmanland and the Karoo. The birds are most often spotted in flight in the morning or evening. Widespread casualties are caused by flying birds colliding with electricity pylons. This has prompted research by Dr Mark Anderson of the Northern Cape Nature Conservation Service to minimize these fatalities.

Cape Eagle Owl

This enigmatic owl is infrequently seen because it occurs at rather low densities in largely inaccess-ible mountainous terrain. It is restricted to very rocky areas, where it remains well concealed during the day and is seldom flushed because of its confiding nature. Its bark-like hooting calls during the winter breeding season are often the only indication of its presence, and only the fortunate will observe this species on a visit to the region. Its western strongholds are in the Namaqualand mountains (p.103), parts of Bushmanland (p.94), the Cederberg (p.56), and the interior of the Hottentots Holland Mountains down to Betty’s Bay (p.63). It has been suggested that the South African populations may belong to a different species from the much larger ‘Mackinder’s’ Cape Eagle Owl (Bubo (capensis) mackinderi), which occurs further north from Zimbabwe to Kenya.

Black-headed Canary

This highly nomadic and often gregarious canary, endemic to the western parts of southern Africa, can be surprisingly difficult to find. Although generally widespread in arid regions, it is most commonly located in rockier areas, especially if there are seeding grasses in the vicinity. It is best picked up by its high-pitched flight call, or by waiting near suitable drinking points. Two colour forms occur, and although white-faced individuals have been classified as a separate species by some (‘Damara’ Black-headed Canary, Serinus (alario) leucomaela), this characteristic seems very variable and mixed flocks are often observed. Curiously, although it is has a strikingly different plumage, its calls closely resemble those of the Cape Canary.

Ground Woodpecker

Found in rocky areas throughout the region, this endemic is one of only three ground-dwelling woodpeckers in the world. It breeds in burrows, and feeds almost exclusively on ants. It is found in small groups, which are best located by their harsh, far-carrying calls. The best places to see Ground Woodpeckers are the Cape Peninsula (pp.19, 21), Namaqualand (p.99), Overberg (pp.61, 62), Tanqua Karoo (p.80), Swartberg Pass (p.123), Karoo National Park (p.124) and Kransvlei Poort (p.56).