This is a fairly common but oddly inconspicuous Karoo inhabitant. A co-operative breeder, it occurs in small, agitated flocks that remain constantly on the move, thoroughly gleaning low bushes before the birds follow each other onwards. It calls often, and indeed this is the best means of locating this species. Note, however, that only one of the two principal calls can be heard on the available commercial recordings. The other common call is a rapid ‘krrr-krrr-krrr’, rather reminiscent of Spike-heeled Lark. The classic site for these birds is around Eierkop in the Tanqua Karoo (p.77), but they are in fact widespread throughout this region and Bushmanland. There are also good sites close to the towns of Brandvlei (p.90), and Springbok (p.98).

Namaqua Warbler

Formerly classified as a prinia, this species has recently been assigned its own genus, Phragmacia, picturesquely named after its habitat of mixed Phragmites reeds and tall Acacia thicket. It is a much more secretive bird than the similar Karoo Prinia, but every bit as noisy. The closest place to Cape Town to see Namaqua Warbler is Karoopoort (p.76). It can also be abundant along the Orange River reedbeds (such as those at Upington, p.111); in the Augrabies Falls National Park, (p.112), in the campsite at the Karoo National Park (p.123), at the Shell service station in Calvinia (p.89), and in thickets around Leeu-Gamka and Three Sisters on the N1 national road from Cape Town to Johannesburg.

Cinnamon-breasted Warbler

A reticent and little-known inhabitant of arid, rocky hill-slopes, the Cinnamon-breasted Warbler is peculiar enough to have been accorded its own genus. Its behaviour most closely resembles that of a shy and diminutive rockjumper, bounding about sun-baked boulders and calling fervently before inexplicably disappearing for long periods (see also p.79). Katbakkies in the Tanqua Karoo is undoubtedly the best-known site for this species, but it is also reasonably accessible over the whole of Namaqualand (p.97), in the Karoo National Park (p.123), the Augrabies Falls National Park (p.112) and the Akkerendam Nature Reserve (p.89).

Pririt Batis

The rather curious name ‘pririt’ becomes much clearer if one attempts to pronounce it with a haughty French accent! The species was in fact named onomatopoeically by the intrepid 18th-century ornithologist François le Vaillant. The call can indeed be likened to ‘pree-ree’, a low, descending whistle often repeated ten or more times. Pririt Batis is inconspicuous when not calling, but is otherwise cocky and inquisitive, and is readily seen working its way through thorn trees. It is the only batis species found over much of southern Africa’s dry west, preferring acacia-lined riverbeds and arid woodland, and is reasonably common in such habitat throughout the Northern Cape Province.