This striking harrier is one of four raptor species endemic to southern Africa. It ranges widely over scrub and grassland in western South Africa, and is most regularly encountered in the West Coast National Park. While the pied adults are very distinctive, immature birds regularly pose identification challenges. They are best recognized by their combination of a white rump, white undersides to the inner flight feathers (which result in a pale patch on the underwing), dark upperparts and brown, streaked underparts. The Black Harrier is the emblem of the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, an organization of international repute based at the University of Cape Town and involved in research on the ecology, evolution and conservation of the continent’s birds.

Southern Black Korhaan

This small bustard, endemic to the winter-rainfall areas of South Africa, is one of the most characteristic species of the West Coast and is held in fond regard by the locals. It is sexually dimorphic, and the strikingly plumaged males produce a raucous, grating call in spring. It has been split from the Northern Black Korhaan of the interior grasslands on the basis of differences in call, display, size, plumage and examination of genetic material (see p.12). Although it is widespread throughout the region and may be seen anywhere, it is best found by searching the road edges in the West Coast National Park (p.49). Korhaan is an Afrikaans word that refers to small bustard species, and is derived from the Dutch word for the Palaearctic Black Grouse (Tetrao tetrix).

Protea Canary

Protea Canary is regarded as one of the most elusive of the fynbos endemics, largely because it is uncommon close to Cape Town. It can, however, be quite common in many of the less accessible mountainous areas of the region, such as the Cederberg Wilderness Area. For visitors without the time to venture so far off the beaten track, the best areas to search for it are Kransvlei Poort (p.56), Paarl Mountain (p.82), Mitchell’s Pass (p.81), and, further afield, Swartberg Pass (p.123). Although inconspicuous, it draws attention to itself by its distinctive song. It is by no means restricted to protea stands; in fact in many areas it appears more common in tall, non-protea vegetation.

Cloud Cisticola

The Cloud Cisticola is best detected in spring when the calling males are visible as distant, almost imperceptible specks fluttering high in the air during their undulating display flight. Good views can often be obtained by waiting patiently until they eventually drop sharply to land in the grass. The southern Cape subspecies is distinct from others further north, in South Africa and Zambia, both vocally and by its conspicuously streaked breast, which is an excellent field character to separate it from the otherwise dauntingly similar Fan-tailed Cisticola. There are several indications that this distinctive subspecies may be a full species (see p.13). It is best found in grassy and agricultural lands, especially the Tienie Versveld and Oudepos Wildflower Reserves (pp.46 and 45) and the Overberg wheatlands of the south coast (p.64).