Birding on the Meander
The KZN Midlands is a premier South African birding destination, renowned for mist belt forests and grasslands that support specialized species, including the Critically Endangered Blue Swallow, the Cape Parrot and all three Crane Species (Blue, Grey Crowned and Wattled).
Key sites on the Midlands Meander, like the Karkloof Conservation Centre offer sightings of threatened species, while the Drakensberg escarpment, a mere hour and half away, provides habitat for raptors such as the Bearded Vultures. There are several accommodation establishments on the Midlands Meander that are located in areas where there is an abundance of birdlife. Visitors are encouraged to book accommodation in these establishments for an added birding experience.
Key Species and Sightings
- Specialty Midlands Birds: Blue Swallow, Cape Parrot, Bush Blackcap, Orange Ground Thrush, Drakensberg Rockjumper and Drakensberg Siskin.
- Raptors: Cape Vulture, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Fish Eagle, Gymnogene (African Harrier-hawk) and the Long-crested Eagle.
- Forest & Woodland: Chorister Robin-chat, White Starred Robin, Olive Thrush, Forest Canary, Spotted Flufftail, Narina Trogon and Barratt’s Warbler.
- Grassland & Wetland: Wattled Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Blue Crane, Southern Bald Ibis, Yellow throated Longclaw and African Stonechat.
- Common Sightings: Red-necked Spurfowl, Helmeted Guineafowl, Dark-capped Bulbul, Cape Turtle-dove, and Hadeda Ibis
Incredible sightings have even included, The Ground Hornbill in the Dargle Valley and The Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier) in the Kamberg.
Download Your Midlands Meander Birding Checklist
