For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Montecasino - Bird Park - Part 2

The diet of the Yellow-billed Duck consists of seeds, grain, tubers, grass, insects and their aquatic larvae. This species is usually found in pairs or small family groups but forms larger flocks when not breeding.
Typically these birds will weigh around 800 grams. In most cases, male birds can be distinguished from females with their almost black eyes, whereas the female has a more red/brown coloured eye.
Although these Rock Pigeons are supposed to be found in the wild, they are coming more and more in to the towns as their natural habitat is build up by houses. They eat seeds and grain and build a nest on outcropping platforms of sticks and grass.
The Scarlet Ibis comes from South America and their life span is approximately 15 years in the wild and 20 years in captivity.
The Spoonbill has a characteristic and distinctive feeding technique - wading about in the shallows while sweeping the partially opened bill from side to side through the water. The tip of the bill is very sensitive and the bird snaps it shut as soon as prey is detected. The diet consists of fish and aquatic invertebrates.
The Saddlebilled Stork is a common resident in the northern part of South Africa. It fishes in shallow water and will nip the spines off larger fish before swallowing it.
The males are distinguished from the females by having a yellow eye instead of brown.
Crowned Crane can be found in flock when breeding of up to 100 birds and can become quite tame.
The Black-headed Heron is very common and feeds on frogs, crabs, inscets and rodents. They will stand in the shallow water waiting for prey to come to them.

No comments: