NAMIBIA SPECIES CHECKLIST
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NAMIBIA SPECIES CHECKLIST
Serra Cafema
Ondangwa
KUNENE
ETOSHA Tsumeb
SKE
Hoanib Skeleton Coast
LET
Grootfontein
ON
Ongava Lodge, Little Ongava,
COA
Ongava Tented Camp, Andersson’s Camp
ST
Desert Rhino Camp DAMARALAND BUSHMANLAND
WATERBERG
Damaraland Camp Doro Nawas
Otjiwarongo
Windhoek
ATLANTIC
Swakopmund
Walvis Bay
OCEAN NAMIBIA
Kulala Desert Lodge
Little Kulala
SOSSUSVLEI
Lüderitz
FISH RIVER CANYON
Upington
Wilderness Safaris Camps/Lodges
Cities and towns
speckled gecko
Chat flycatcher STRIPED MOUSE
Kariba
Toka Leya
The River Club
Livingstone Harare
INTRODUCTIONKasane Victoria Falls
Welcome to the wonderful wildlife of southern Africa.Camp
Davison’s
Little Makalolo Camp
The idea of this booklet is to enable you, as a Wilderness Safaris guest, to keep a detailed record of the mammals,
birds, reptiles and amphibians that you observe during your travels. It also serves as a compact record of your
AfricanMaun
journey for future reference that will hopefullyBulawayo ZIMBABW
spark interest in other
E
wildlife spheres whether in your
home country or abroad. Nata
Although always exciting to see, especially for the first-time Africa visitor, once you move beyond the cliché of the
‘Big Five’ you will soon realise that our wilderness areas offer much more. Africa’s large mammals are certainly a
big attraction that one never
Francistown
Kalahari Plains Camptires of, but it’s often the smaller mammals, diverse birdlife and incredible reptiles
that draw one back again for another unparalleled visit. Seeing a breeding herd of elephant for instance will
always be special but there is a certain thrill in seeing a dassie rat, a fascinating rock elephant shrew or a foraging
BOTSWANA
covey of Hartlaub’s francolin – to name but a few. Musina
Pafuri Camp
As a globally discerning traveller, look beyond the obvious, and challenge yourself to learn as much about the
wildlife and ecosystems through which you will travel on your safari.
Polokwane
Enjoy your journey Phalaborwa
Gaborone
NAMIBIA BIODIVERSITY OVERVIEW
X
Namibia is a country of astonishing contrasts, home Pretoria
to the oldest desert on the planet, the white saltpans of
Mbombela
Maputo
Etosha National Park, the uninhabited beaches of the Skeleton Coast and the vast wilderness of Kaokoveld.
Mbabane
These unique landscapes are also home to much endemic Johannesburg
and special wildlife that are found nowhere else on
Earth. Soweto
SWAZILAND
SOUTH AFRICA
Namibia’s diversity is astonishing: approximately 4 000 species of plants, over 650 bird species and 80 large
mammal species, of which 604 plants, 14 birds and 15 mammals are almost entirely endemic to the country, some
Rocktail Be
extending marginally into southern Angola. Reptile species total 258 and, as is fitting for such a dry, hot place,
sun-loving lizard species number 125, making this the richest lizard fauna in Africa. St. Lucia
Kimberley mountain zebra, dune lark and Peringuey’s adder are spectacular examples of
Species such as Hartmann’s
species that have adapted superbly to the harsh dry environment and, together with a myriad other species,Bay
Richard’s are
waiting to be ‘discovered’ by our guests. LESOTHO
Maseru
Durban
1 Wilderness Safaris
KEY MAMMALS OF NAMIBIA
Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Damara Dik-dik Black Slender Mongoose
Equus zebra hartmannae Madoqua kirkii damarensis Herpestes flavescens (nigratus)
Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Ongava Game Reserve Best Seen: Palmwag Concession,
Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra Torra Conservancy
Conservancy, Ongava Game Reserve,
Marienfluss Conservancy
Dassie Rat Kaokoveld Rock Hyrax Black-faced Impala
Petromus typicus Procavia capensis welwitschii Aepyceros melampus petersi
Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Ongava Game Reserve
Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra Torra Conservancy, Marienfluss
Conservancy, Ongava Game Reserve, Conservancy
Marienfluss Conservancy, Kulala
Wilderness Reserve
Mountain (Damara) Ground Dune Hairy-footed Gerbil Smith’s (Western) Rock Elephant-
Squirrel Gerbillurus tytonis Shrew
Xerus princeps Elephantulus rupestris
Best Seen: Kulala Wilderness Reserve
Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession,
Torra Conservancy, Marienfluss Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra
Conservancy Conservancy
Wilderness Safaris 2
KEY BIRDS OF NAMIBIA
Dune Lark White-tailed Shrike Herero Chat
Calendulauda erythrochlamys Lanioturdus torquatus Namibornis herero
Best Seen: Kulala Wilderness Reserve, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen Palmwag Concession, Torra
Walvis/Swakop Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra Conservancy
Conservancy, Ongava Game Reserve
Hartlaub’s Spurfowl Monteiro’s Hornbill Bare-cheeked Babbler
Pternistis hartlaubi Tockus monteiri Turdoides gymnogenys
Best Seen: Torra Conservancy, Ongava Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession,
Game Reserve Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra
Conservancy, Ongava Game Reserve Conservancy, Ongava Game Reserve
Benguela Long-billed Lark Rockrunner Carp’s Tit
Certhilauda benguelensis Achaetops pycnopygius Parus carpi
Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession,
Palmwag Concession, Doro !Nawas Torra Conservancy, Ongava Game Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra
Conservancy, Torra Conservancy Reserve Conservancy, Ongava Game Reserve
3 Wilderness Safaris
KEY birds OF NAMIBIA
Damara Hornbill Rosy-faced Lovebird Rüppell’s Korhaan
Tockus damarensis Agapornis roseicollis Eupodotis rueppelii
Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy,
Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra Palmwag Concession, Doro !Nawas
Conservancy, Ongava Game Reserve Conservancy, Kulala Wilderness Conservancy, Torra Conservancy,
Reserve Kulala Wilderness Reserve
Gray’s Lark Rüppell’s Parrot Violet Wood-Hoopoe
Ammomanopsis grayi Poicephalus rueppellii Phoeniculus damarensis
Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Torra Conservancy,
Palmwag Concession-North, Walvis/ Doro !Nawas Conservancy, Torra Ongava Game Reserve
Swakop Conservancy, Ongava Game Reserve
Burchell’s Courser Short-toed Rock Thrush Damara Tern
Cursorius rufus Monticola brevipes Sternula balaenarum
Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession –
Torra Conservancy, Etosha National Torra Conservancy, Doro !Nawas North, Walvis/Swakop
Park Conservancy, Kulala Wilderness
Reserve, Ongava Game Reserve
Wilderness Safaris 4KEY REPTILES OF NAMIBIA
Anchieta’s Dwarf Python Peringuey’s Adder Desert Plated Lizard
Python anchietae Bitis peringueyi Gerrhosaurus skoogi
Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy, Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy, Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy,
Palmwag Concession, Kulala Palmwag Concession-North, Kulala Palmwag Concession
Wilderness Reserve, Ongava Game Wilderness Reserve, Walvis/Swakop
Reserve
Web-footed (Namib Dune) Gecko Giant Ground Gecko Anchieta’s Agama
Palmatogecko rangei Chondrodactylus angulifer namibensis Agama anchietae
Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy, Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy, Best Seen: Palmwag Concession,
Palmwag Concession, Torra Palmwag Concession, Kulala Torra Conservancy, Ongava Game
Conservancy, Kulala Wilderness Wilderness Reserve Reserve, Etosha National Park
Reserve, Walvis/Swakop
Shovel-snouted Lizard Namibian Rock Agama Namaqua Chameleon
Meroles anchietae Agama planiceps Chamaeleo namaquensis
Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy, Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy, Best Seen: Marienfluss Conservancy,
Palmwag Concession, Kulala Palmwag Concession, Doro !Nawas Palmwag Concession, Torra
Wilderness Reserve, Conservancy, Torra Conservancy Conservancy, Kulala Wilderness
Reserve, Walvis/Swakop
5 Wilderness SafarisOUR NAMIBIAN CONCESSIONS
SOSSUSVLEI
Kulala Wilderness Reserve (Little Kulala, Kulala Desert Lodge
Kulala Wilderness Reserve, a 40 000ha (98 839-acre) tract of land near the
spectacular sights of Sossusvlei, borders the expansive Namib Naukluft Park. The
dramatic Sossusvlei dunes are surrounded by rugged, ancient volcanic mountains
and open plains dotted with the odd quiver tree. Larger desert-adapted wildlife
such as ostrich, springbok and gemsbok (oryx) abound here, along with carnivores
such as bat-eared fox, Cape fox, brown hyaena and black-backed jackal. Unique
birds include dune lark, Burchell’s courser, Ludwig’s bustard and Stark’s lark. The
sands offer refuge to reptiles like shovel-snouted lizard and web-footed gecko.
DAMARALAND
Doro !Nawas Conservancy (Doro Nawas Camp)
The 407 300ha (1 006 425-acre) Doro !Nawas Conservancy is a landscape ranging
from boulder-strewn plains to curious rock formations surrounded by sand dunes.
This is prime desert-adapted elephant territory, where herds traverse the Aba-
Huab riverbed and surrounding hills seasonally. This arid environment is home
to gemsbok, springbok and variety of other species, including occasional black
rhino and cheetah. Birdlife includes several Namibian endemics such as Monteiro’s
hornbill and Carp’s tit. The sandstone rocks of Twyfelfontein harbour reptiles such
as Namib rock agama and day geckos.
Torra Conservancy (Damaraland Camp)
The 352 200ha (870 274-acre) Torra Conservancy protects classic Damaraland
topography – red-rock hills interspersed with valleys and dry riverbeds. The area
supports a high diversity of wildlife including a healthy number of desert-adapted
elephant and good populations of giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, occasional cheetah
and black rhino as well as interesting flora. Birding is excellent with Rüppell’s parrot
and Benguela long-billed lark being ‘specials’. Hoesch’s skink is a unique reptile
find in this area.
ETOSHA
ONGAVA GAME RESERVE (LITTLE ONGAVA, ONGAVA LODGE,
ONGAVA TENTED CAMP, ANDERSSON’S CAMP)
On the southern boundary of Etosha National Park and forming its buffer lies
Ongava Game Reserve, a prolific 30 000ha (74129-acre) private reserve. It is a
haven to large concentrations of wildlife: notably lion, wildebeest, springbok,
gemsbok, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, red hartebeest, giraffe, eland and the largest
population of the endemic black-faced impala outside of Etosha. The Reserve is also
known for its successful reintroduction of white and black rhino. Birdlife is prolific
with 340 species seen, amongst them ten of Namibia’s 14 endemic bird species,
including white-tailed shrike and Hartlaub’s francolin. Notable reptiles include
Anchieta’s dwarf python and Etosha agama.
Wilderness Safaris 6OUR NAMIBIAN CONCESSIONS
PALMWAG
Palmwag Concession – North (Hoanib Skeleton Coast)
The remote, northern reaches of the 450 000ha (1 111 935-acre) Palmwag Concession
are in stark contrast to the south. Here the landscape is dominated by the form of the
Hoanib River, a swathe of sand that meanders through rocky gorges and past arid
sandy plains. The riverbed – an ephemeral linear oasis penetrating the depths of
the desert – is lined with albida trees, the pods of which form the staple dry season
diet of desert-adapted elephant, giraffe, gemsbok and springbok. Lions spend the
heat of the day in salvadora and salsola thickets waiting for the cool of night. The
iconic oasis spring of Auses lies in the dunefield to the west and is best seen from
the air en route to the gravel plains on the coast, where the fur seal colonies dwell.
Palmwag Concession – South (Desert Rhino Camp)
The southern parts of the 450 000ha (1 111 935-acre) Palmwag Concession is
made up of rolling, rocky hills, flat-topped mountains and stark plains with ancient
welwitschia plants, euphorbias and isolated tree clumps. The concession supports
the largest free-roaming population of desert-adapted black rhino in Africa as well
as desert-adapted elephant. Thanks to the freshwater springs in the area there is a
surprising amount of life: Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok, springbok
and kudu, as well as lion, cheetah, leopard, and spotted hyaena. Birdlife is equally
varied, including endemics like Burchell’s courser and Rüppell’s korhaan. This
concession is rich in reptiles including Kaokoveld sand lizard and Anchieta’s agama.
KUNENE
Marienfluss Conservancy (Serra Cafema Camp)
In the country’s far north, the Kunene River – the permanent source of water in the
region – is lined with a narrow belt of riverine vegetation and palm trees. Away from
the river, the Marienfluss and Hartmann’s Valleys comprise part of the vast 303 400ha
(749 641-acre) Marienfluss Conservancy. Grassy areas in rainy years, generally their
flat topographies are covered by soft sand broken only by a few tough grasses, toxic
euphorbias, mysterious ‘fairy circles’ and sheer granite inselbergs. Wildlife such as
gemsbok, springbok, brown hyaena and Cape fox occur sporadically, while smaller
creatures abound in this surreal setting. The River also harbours Nile crocodile
and vibrant birdlife. Desert plated lizard, Kunene racer, Namaqua chameleon and
horned adder are some of the reptiles to be seen here.
CHECKLIST KEY
• NAM – Namibia • MF – Marienfluss Conservancy • PWC – Palmwag Concession • TC – Torra Conservancy
• DNC – Doro !Nawas Conservancy • KWR – Kulala Wilderness Reserve • ONG/ENP – Ongava Game Reserve
• W/S – Walvis Bay/Swakopmund
* Southern African endemic or near-endemic species
** Namibia endemic or near-endemic species
7 Wilderness SafarisRECOMMENDED FIELD GUIDES SMITHER’S MAMMALS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA: A FIELD GUIDE Peter Apps. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 9781868725502 Concise, informative guide on the mammal species found in southern Africa including bats, whales, dolphins and seals that can be seen along the coastline. THE KINGDON POCKET GUIDE TO AFRICAN MAMMALS Jonathan Kingdon. Princeton University Press. ISBN: 9780713669817 Compact and beautifully illustrated, it is ideal for use in the field, while its coverage is the most comprehensive for any book of its size. SASOL BIRDS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA – 4th Edition Ian Sinclair; Phil Hockey; Warwick Tarboton. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 978177007925 0 Sasol Birds of Southern Africa remains the region’s most comprehensively illustrated and trusted field guide. A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE FROGS OF SOUTHERN AFRICA Vincent Carruthers and Louis Du Preez. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 9781770074460 This guide offers the most authoritative and comprehensive treatment of frogs of the region. A GUIDE TO THE REPTILES OF SOUTHERN AFRICA Johan Marais and Graham Alexander. Struik Publishers. ISBN: 9781770073869 This well illustrated guide introduces the 517 species currently described in the region, arranged into three main groups – snakes and lizards, crocodiles, and shelled reptiles. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS With appreciation to all who have contributed to this species checklist, including all camp and Explorations guides, but particularly: Martin Benadie, Kobus Bekker, Conrad Brain, Lloyd Camp, Gabriel Haufiku, Rosta Janik, Courteney Johnson, Jimmy Limbo, Tammie Matsen, Iván Phillipson, Chris Roche, Basilia Shivute, Ilana Stein, Ken Stratford, Wikus Swanepoel, Alton Tsowaseb and Paul van Niekerk. If we have left anyone out, it has been unintentional and we apologise. Copy: Martin Benadie and Chris Roche Design: Mary-Anne Van Der Byl Photographers: Coke Smith, Dana Allen, Martin Benadie, Caroline Culbert, Clive Dreyer, Olwen Evans, Josh Engel, Roger Fussell, Ryan Kingsbury, Gavin Lautenbach, Mike Myers and Louis Du Preez. Wilderness Safaris 8
TIPS FOR WILDLIFE VIEWING
– Binoculars are essential particularly for observing birds and smaller mammal species. When larger animals
are spotted at a distance, binoculars will enhance the enjoyment of those particular sightings.
– Patience is a good virtue for wildlife viewing. Spend a little more time at each sighting and quietly observe
fascinating behavioural traits coming to the fore.
– Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to be out looking for wildlife. This is the ‘golden hour’
for photography and animal activity peaks, with nocturnal species (e.g. leopard) often still active.
– During the heat of the day many animals will drink at waterholes (e.g. elephant, zebra), making this a good
time to be there.
– Night drives (where available) can also be rewarding for nocturnal mammals such as genets, bushbabies,
honey badger and brown hyaena.
– Best months for bird watching are December to April when resident birds are most active and intra-African
and Palaearctic migratory species are in the subregion.
HOW TO USE THESE CHECKLISTS
– The checklist presented does not cover the entire country, but rather is a comprehensive list for our
concessions.
– The oval circle indicates that the species is present for a given locality.
– The detailed species lists have been grouped taxonomically by family and by Wilderness Safaris concessions
in Namibia.
– A number of species are migratory (e.g. birds) or may hibernate (e.g. snakes and frogs) during the southern
African winter so they may not be seen during your visit.
– Endemic/near-endemic species and subspecies are highlighted in bold: endemism referring to species
mostly restricted to either Namibia or southern Africa.
– The botanical diversity of Namibia is significant (approximately 4 000 recorded plant species!) and beyond
the practical realms of this checklist, and has thus been omitted. The guides on your trip are knowledgeable
in the local flora, will have the necessary field guides, and will certainly point out any trees, shrubs and
flowers that may be of interest or in bloom on your safari.
– All new records will be gratefully received (supporting image a bonus); please email crt@wilderness.co.za
with “New Species Record” in the subject line.
9 Wilderness SafarisMAMMALS
Namibia’s maze of national parks, reserves and community conservancies makes up an impressive 20% of the
country, providing many pristine areas for unrivalled wildlife observation. Out of the country’s total mammal fauna
of over 200 species – a diverse range from plains zebra to lion, at least 15 are currently regarded as endemic: dune
hairy-footed gerbil is entirely restricted to the Namib, the rest being bats, other rodents and small carnivores.
Hartmann’s mountain zebra, Damara dik-dik, black-faced impala and the rock-loving dassie rat all have 75% or
more of their population occurring solely in Namibia.
However, the most unique and eye-catching must be the assemblage of arid-adapted species or subspecies found
here. These include the likes of the acclaimed ‘desert elephants’, suricates (meerkats), Cape and bat-eared fox,
short-eared elephant-shrew, striped tree squirrel, Grant’s golden mole, secretive brown hyaena, 40% of Africa’s
cheetah population, specialist antelope such as gemsbok and springbok, and the largest free-ranging population
of black rhino on the continent. Amongst the Namibian marine mammal component, bottlenose and the localised
Heaviside’s (Benguela) dolphins occur year round, while southern right whale is seasonal.
CAPE FOX
Brown hyaena klipspringer
AFRICAN ELEPHANT
Jameson’s Red rock rabbit
BLACK RHINO Springbok
Wilderness Safaris 10MAMMALS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
GOLDEN MOLES ORDER: AFROTHERIA
* Grant’s Golden Mole Eremitalpa granti v v
HEDGEHOG, SHREWS ORDER: EULIPOTYPHLA
* Southern African Hedgehog Atelerix frontalis v v v
Reddish-Grey Musk Shrew Crocidura Cyanea v v v v
ELEPHANT SHREWS ORDER: MACROSCELIDEA
* Round-eared Elephant-shrew Macroscelides proboscideus v v v
Short-snouted Elephant-shrew Elephantulus brachyrhynchus v v
* Western (Smith’s) Rock Elephant-shrew Elephantulus rupestris v v v v
* Bushveld Elephant-Shrew Elephantulus Intufi v v v v v
BATS ORDER: CHIROPTERA
Straw-coloured Fruit Bat Eidolon helvum v v v v v v v v
Mauritian Tomb Bat Taphozous mauritianus v v v v
Commerson’s Leaf-nosed Bat Hipposideros commersoni v v v v v
Sundevall’s Leaf-nosed Bat Hipposideros caffer v v v v v
Egyptian Slit-faced Bat Nycteris thebaica v v v v v
Ruppell’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus fumigatus v v
Geoffroy’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus clivosus v v v
Darling’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus darlingi v v
Dent’s Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus denti v v v v v v
Schreiber’s Long-fingered Bat Miniopterus schreibersii v v v
Cape Serotine Bat Eptesicus capensis v v v
Long-tailed Serotine Bat Eptesicus hottentotus v v
* Angola Hairy Bat Myotis seabrai v v v v
Cape Serotine Bat Neoromicia capensis v v
Schleiffen’s Bat Nycticeius schleiffenii v v
Yellow House Bat Scotophilus dinganii v v v
Greenish Yellow Bat Scotophilus viridis v v
Damara Woolly Bat Kerivoula argentata v v v
Flat-headed Free-tailed Bat Sauromys Petrophilus v v v v
Egyptian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida aegyptiaca v v v v v v v
* Namib Long-eared Bat Laephotis namibensis v v v
PRIMATES ORDER: PRIMATES
Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus v v v v v v v
Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops v v
Lesser Bushbaby Galago moholi v v
AARDVARK ORDER: TUBILIDENTATA
Aardvark Orycteropus afer v v v v v v
PANGOLINS ORDER: PHOLIDOTA
Pangolin Smutsia temminckii v v
RABBITS AND HARES ORDER: LAGOMORPHA
Cape Hare Lepus capensis v v v v v v
Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis v v v v v v v
* Jameson’s Red Rock Rabbit Pronolagus randensis v v v v
RODENTS, SQUIRRELS AND GERBILS ORDER: RODENTIA
* South African Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris v v v v v v v
11 Wilderness SafarisMAMMALS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
** Mountain (Damara) Ground Squirrel Xerus princeps v v v
Striped Tree Squirrel Funisciurus congicus v v v v
Tree Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi v v v
Rock Dormouse Graphiurus platyops v v
Woodland Dormouse Graphiurus murinus v v
Springhare Pedetes capensis v v v
Damara Molerat Cryptotus damarensis v v v v
Porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis v v v v v v
Greater Cane Rat Thryonomys swinderianus v v
** Dassie Rat Petromus typicus v v v v v v v
Pouched Mouse Saccostomus campestris v v v
Fat Mouse Steatomys pratensis v v
* Gerbil Mouse Malacothrix typica v v v
Desert Pygmy Mouse Mus indutus v v v v v
* Cape Short-tailed Gerbil Desmodillus auricularis v v v v v v
* Hairy-footed Gerbil Gerbillurus paeba v v v v
Brush-tailed Hairy-footed Gerbil Gerbillurus vallinus v v v
** Dune Hairy-footed Gerbil Gerbillurus tytonis v v v
** Setzer’s Hairy-footed Gerbil Gerbillurus setzeri v v v v v
Bushveld Gerbil Tatera leucogaster v v v v v
* Highveld Gerbil Tatera brantsii v v
Namaqua Rock Mouse Micaelamys namaquensis v v v v v
Red Veld Rat Aethomys chrysophilus v v v v v
Four-striped Grass Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio v v v
Single-striped Mouse Lemniscomys rosalia v v v v v
Tree Mouse Thallomys paedulcus v v v
Black-tailed Tree Rat Thallomys nigricauda v v v
Natal Multi-mammate Mouse Mastomys natalensis v v v
House Rat Rattus rattus v v
* Littledale’s Whistling Rat Parotomys littledalei v v
Pygmy Rock Mouse Petromyscus collinus v v v
** Shortridge’s Rock Mouse Petromyscus shortridgei v v
CARNIVORES ORDER: CARNIVORA
* Cape Fox Vulpes chama v v v v v v v
Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis v v v v v v v
Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas v v v v v v v v
Honey Badger Mellivora capensis v v v v v
Striped Polecat Ictonyx striatus v v v v v
Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo v v
** Kaokoland Slender (Black) Mongoose Galerella flavescens (nigrata) v v v v
Large Grey Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon v
Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguinea v v v
Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula v v
Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata v v v v v v
* Suricate Suricata suricatta v v v v v
Small-spotted Genet Genetta genetta v v v v v v
Wilderness Safaris 12MAMMALS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
Civet Civettictis civetta v v
Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta v v v v v v
Brown Hyaena Hyaena brunnea v v v v v v
Aardwolf Proteles cristatus v v v v v v
African Wild Cat Felis lybica v v v v v v v
Small Spotted Cat Felis nigripes v v v v
Caracal Felis Caracal v v v v v v v
Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus v v v v v v v
Lion Panthera leo v v v v v v
Leopard Panthera pardus v v v v v
*South African Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus v v v
ELEPHANTS ORDER: PROBOSCIDEA
Elephant Loxodonta africana v v v v v
HYRAXES (DASSIES) ORDER: HYRACOIDEA
Rock Hyrax (Dassie) Procavia capensis v v v v v
** Kaokoveld Rock Hyrax (Dassie) Procavia capensis welwitschii v v v v
ODD-TOED UNGULATES ORDER: PERISSODACTYLA
** Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra Equus zebra hartmannae v v v v v v v
Burchell’s Zebra Equus burchellii v v
Black Rhino Diceros bicornis bicornis v v v v v
White Rhino Ceratotherium simum v v
WHALES, DOLPHINS ORDER: WHIPPOMORPHA
Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis v v
Heaviside’s Dolphin Cephalorhynchus heavisidii v v
Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus v v
WARTHOG ORDER: SUIFORMES
Common Warthog Phacochoerus aethiopicus v v v v v v
GIRAFFE, BUFFALO, ANTELOPE ORDER: RUMINANTIA
Southern Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis v v v v
Eland Taurotragus oryx v v
Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros v v v v v
Gemsbok Oryx gazella v v v v v v v
Common Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus v v
Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus v v
Red Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus v v v
** Black-faced Impala Aepyceros melampus petersi v v
Springbok Antidorcas marsuplialis v v v v v v v
** Damara Dik-dik Madoqua kirkii damarensis v v
Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus v v v v v v
Steenbok Raphicerus campestris v v v v v v
Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia v v v v v
13 Wilderness SafarisBIRDS
Namibia is an excellent birding destination. The dryer interior harbours many range-restricted birds, several
with distributions only marginally extending into neighbouring South Africa or Angola. The number of bird
species recorded is over 650 – remarkable considering the aridity but not surprising considering the habitat
diversity. Of even more interest to visiting birders is the high rate of endemism – apart from one true endemic
species, dune lark, there are close on 20 near-endemic species and a multitude of other bird species that are
harder to find elsewhere in the subregion, such as Burchell’s courser.
Coastal wetlands like Walvis Bay are of international importance and host many migratory shorebirds in the
African summer. The Walvis Bay Lagoon provides globally important refuge to greater and lesser flamingo as
well as chestnut-banded plover. The Namib escarpment is where the majority of Namibia’s avian specialities
are found, such as Herero chat, rockrunner, Benguela long-billed lark, violet wood-hoopoe, Damara and
Monteiro’s hornbill and the enigmatic white-tailed shrike. The gravel plains adjacent to the coast are far from
lifeless and careful scrutiny can produce the cryptic Gray’s lark and tractrac chat. The moist woodlands of the
north-east add further avian diversity owing to the lushness of its environs.
The bird checklist follows the taxonomic order of Robert’s Birds of Southern Africa (7th Edition) and birds have
been grouped by family for ease of reference. The English and scientific names follow those of this publication.
Please refer to page 25 to use the handy alphabetical quick bird family index.
Red-Necked falcon CHESTNUT-BANDED PLOVER
common ostrich
Brown-crowned tchagra
acacia pied barbet
Wilderness Safaris 14BIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
OSTRICH FAMILY: STRUTHIONIDAE
Common Ostrich Struthio camelus v v v v v v v
GAMEBIRDS FAMILY: PHASIANIDAE
* Orange River Francolin Scleroptila levaillantoides v v v v
** Hartlaub's Spurfowl Pternistis hartlaubi v v v
* Red-billed Spurfowl Pternistis adspersus v v v v v
* Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii v v
Common Quail Coturnix coturnix v v v v v v
Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei v v v
GUINEAFOWL FAMILY: NUMIDIDAE
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris v v v v v v
DUCKS, GEESE FAMILY: ANATIDAE
Fulvous Duck Dendrocygna bicolor v v
White-faced Duck Dendrocygna viduata v v
White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus v v
Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa v v
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca v v v v v v v
* South African Shelduck Tadorna cana v v v v v v
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis v v
Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos v v
Cape Teal Anas capensis v v v
Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata v v
* Cape Shoveler Anas smithii v v v
Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha v v v v v v
BUTTONQUAILS FAMILY: TURNICIDAE
Kurrichane Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus v v v v
HONEYGUIDES, HONEYBIRDS FAMILY: INDICATORIDAE
Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor v v
WOODPECKERS FAMILY: PICIDAE
Bennett's Woodpecker Campethera bennettii v v
Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni v v v v v
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens v v v v v
Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus v v v v v
BARBETS FAMILY: CAPITONIDAE
* Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas v v v v v v v
HORNBILLS FAMILY: BUCEROTIDAE
** Monteiro's Hornbill Tockus monteiri v v v v v
Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus v v v v
** Damara Hornbill Tockus damarensis v v v v v
* Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas v v v v v
African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus v v v v v v
HOOPOES FAMILY: UPUPIDAE
African Hoopoe Upupa africana v v v v v v v
WOOD-HOOPOES FAMILY: PHOENICULIDAE
Violet Wood-Hoopoe Phoeniculus damarensis v v v
Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas v v v v v v
15 Wilderness SafarisBIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
ROLLERS FAMILY: CORACIIDAE
European Roller Coracias garrulus v v v
Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus v v v v v
Purple Roller Coracias naevius v v v v v
KINGFISHERS FAMILY: ALCEDINIDAE
Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata v v
African Pygmy-Kingfisher Ispidina picta v v
Grey-headed Kingfisher Halcyon leucocephala v v v
Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis v v
Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maximus v v
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis v v v
BEE-EATERS FAMILY: MEROPIDAE
White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides v v
Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus v v v v v
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus v v v v v v v
Madagascar Bee-eater Merops superciliosus v v v v v
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster v v v v
MOUSEBIRDS FAMILY: COLIIDAE
* White-backed Mousebird Colius colius v v v v v v v v
Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus v v v v v v v v
CUCKOOS, COUCALS FAMILY: CUCULIDAE
Jacobin Cuckoo Clamator jacobinus v v v v v
Levaillant's Cuckoo Clamator levaillantii v v
Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius v v v v
Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius v v
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus v v v
Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus v v v v v
African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis v v v v v
Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas v v v
Diderick Cuckoo Chrysococcyx caprius v v v v v
Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis v v
White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus v v
PARROTS, LOVEBIRDS FAMILY: PSITTACIDAE
** Rüppell's Parrot Poicephalus rueppellii v v v v v
** Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis v v v v v
SWIFTS FAMILY: APODIDAE
African Palm-Swift Cypsiurus parvus v v v v
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba v v v v v v
Common Swift Apus apus v v v v v v v
* Bradfield's Swift Apus bradfieldi v v v v
Little Swift Apus affinis v v
White-rumped Swift Apus caffer v v
GO-AWAY-BIRDS FAMILY: MUSOPHAGIDAE
Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor v v v v v v v
OWLS FAMILY: STRIGIDAE, TYTONIDAE
Barn Owl Tyto alba v v v v v v v
Wilderness Safaris 16BIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
African Scops-Owl Otus senegalensis v v v
Southern White-faced Scops-Owl Ptilopsis granti v v v
Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus v v v v v v v
Verreaux's Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus v v
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum v v v v v v v
Marsh Owl Asio capensis v v
NIGHTJARS FAMILY: CAPRIMULGIDAE
Square-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii v v
Rufous-cheeked Nightjar Caprimulgus rufigena v v v v v v
European Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus v v
DOVES, PIGEONS FAMILY: COLUMBIDAE
Rock Dove Columba livia v v
Speckled (Rock) Pigeon Columba guinea v v v v v v
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis v v v v v v v
Cape Turtle-Dove Streptopelia capicola v v v v v v v
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata v v
Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove Turtur chalcospilos v v
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis v v v v v v v
African Green-Pigeon Treron calvus v v
BUSTARDS, KORHAANS FAMILY: OTIDAE
* Ludwig's Bustard Neotis ludwigii v v v v v
Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori v v v v v
* Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista v v v v
* Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides v v v
** Rüppell's Korhaan Eupodotis rueppellii v v v v v v
CRANES FAMILY: GRUIDAE
* Blue Crane Anthropoides paradiseus v v
RAILS, CRAKES & ALLIES FAMILY: RALLIDAE
Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris v v
African Purple Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis v v v
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus v v v v
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata v v v v
SANDGROUSE FAMILY: PTEROCLIDAE
* Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua v v v v v v v
* Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus v v v v v v v
SHOREBIRDS FAMILY: SCOLOPACIDAE
Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica v v
Common Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus v v
Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata v v
Common Redshank Tringa totanus v v
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis v v v
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia v v v
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus v v v
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola v v
Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus v v
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos v v v
17 Wilderness SafarisBIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres v v
Red Knot Calidris canutus v v
Sanderling Calidris alba v v
Little Stint Calidris minuta v v
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea v v v
Ruff Philomachus pugnax v v v v
PAINTED-SNIPES FAMILY: ROSTRATULIDAE
Greater Painted-snipe Rostratula benghalensis v v v
JACANAS FAMILY: JACANIDAE
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus v v v
THICK-KNEES FAMILY: BURHINIDAE
Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus v v v
Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis v v v v v v
OYSTERCATCHERS FAMILY: HAEMATOPODIDAE
Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus v v
* African Black Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini v v
AVOCETS, STILTS FAMILY: RECURVIROSTRIDAE
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus v v
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta v v v v v v
PLOVERS FAMILY: CHARADRIIDAE
Pacific Golden Plover Pluvialis fulva v v
American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica v v
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola v v
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula v v
Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius v v
Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris v v v v v v
Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus v v
White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus v v
Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus v v
Greater Sand Plover Charadrius leschenaultii v v
Caspian Plover Charadrius asiaticus v v
Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus v v v v v v
African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus v
Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus v v v v v v v
PRATINCOLES, COURSERS FAMILY: GLAREOLIDAE
Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus v v v v v v v
Bronze-winged Courser Rhinoptilus chalcopterus v v
* Burchell's Courser Cursorius rufus v v v v v
Temminck's Courser Cursorius temminckii v v v v v
FAMILY: PROCELLARIIDAE,
SEABIRDS STERCORARIDAE
Subantarctic Skua Catharacta antarctica v v v
Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus v v v
Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus v v v
White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctalis v v v
Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus v v v
Wilderness Safaris 18BIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
GULLS, TERNS FAMILY: LARIDAE, STERNIDAE
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus v v v
Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus v v v
* Hartlaub's Gull Larus hartlaubii v v v
Sabine's Gull Larus sabini v v v
Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica v v v
Caspian Tern Sterna caspia v v v
Royal Tern Sterna maxima v v
Swift Tern Sterna bergii v v v
Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis v v v
Common Tern Sterna hirundo v v v
Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea v v
* Damara Tern Sterna balaenarum v v v
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida v v
White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus v v v
Black Tern Chlidonias niger v v v
RAPTORS FAMILY: ACCIPITRIDAE, PANDIONIDAE
Osprey Pandion haliaetus v v v v
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus v v v v v v
Black Kite Milvus migrans v v v v v
African Fish-Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer v v v v
Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus v v
White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus v v v v
Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus v v v v v v v
White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis v v
Black-chested Snake-Eagle Circaetus pectoralis v v v v v v v
Brown Snake-Eagle Circaetus cinereus v v v v
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus v v v v v
* Black Harrier Circus maurus v v v v v
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus v v v
African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene) Polyboroides typus v v v v
* Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus v v v v v v
Gabar Goshawk Melierax gabar v v v v
Shikra (Little Banded Goshawk) Accipiter badius v v
Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus v v v
Ovambo Sparrowhawk Accipiter ovampensis v v
Steppe Buzzard Buteo vulpinus v v v v v
Augur Buzzard Buteo augur v v v v v v
Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis v v
Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax v v v v v
Verreauxs' Eagle Aquila verreauxii v v v v v v v
African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster v v v v v v v
Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus v v v v v
Wahlberg's Eagle Aquila wahlbergi v v v
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus v v v v v v
19 Wilderness SafarisBIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
SECRETARYBIRD FAMILY: SAGITTARIIDAE
Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius v v v v v v
FALCONS FAMILY: FALCONIDAE
Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus v v v
Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni v v v v v v
Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus v v v v v v v
Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides v v v v v v v
Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera v v v v
Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus v v
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo v v
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus v v v v v v v
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus v v v
GREBES FAMILY: PODICIPEDIDAE
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis v v v v v
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis v v v
GANNETS FAMILY: SULIDAE
* Cape Gannet Morus capensis v v v
DARTERS FAMILY: ANHINGIDAE
African Darter Anhinga rufa v v
CORMORANTS FAMILY: PHALACROCORACIDAE
* Crowned Cormorant Phalacrocorax coronatus v v v
White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus v v v v
* Bank Cormorant Phalacrocorax neglectus v v v
* Cape Cormorant Phalacrocorax capensis v v v v
HERONS, EGRETS FAMILY: ARDEIDAE
Little Egret Egretta garzetta v v v v
Yellow-billed Egret Egretta intermedia v v v
Great Egret Egretta alba v v
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea v v v v v v
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala v v v v v
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath v v
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea v v
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis v v v v v v
Green-backed Heron Butorides striata v v
Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax v v
Dwarf Bittern Ixobrychus sturmii v v v
HAMERKOP FAMILY: SCOPIDAE
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta v v v v v v
FLAMINGOS FAMILY: PHOENICOPTERIDAE
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber v v v v
Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor v v v
IBISES, SPOONBILLS FAMILY: THRESKIORNITHIDAE
African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus v v
PELICANS FAMILY: PELECANIDAE
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus v v v
Wilderness Safaris 20BIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
STORKS FAMILY: CICONIIDAE
African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus v v
Black Stork Ciconia nigra v v v v
Abdim's Stork Ciconia abdimii v v v v v
White Stork Ciconia ciconia v v v v v
Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus v v
PENGUIN FAMILY: SPHENISCIDAE
* African Penguin Spheniscus demersus v v
ORIOLES FAMILY: ORIOLIDAE
Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus v v v v
African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus v v v
Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus v v
DRONGO FAMILY: DICRURIDAE
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis v v v v v v
SHRIKES, BOUBOUS, TCHAGRAS FAMILY: LANIIDAE, MALACONOTIDAE
Brubru Nilaus afer v v v v v v v
Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus v v
Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis v v v
* Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus v v v v v v
* Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus v v v v v v v
** White-tailed Shrike Lanioturdus torquatus v v v v v
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio v v v v
Lesser Grey Shrike Lanius minor v v v v v v
Common Fiscal Lanius collaris v v v v v v v
* Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens v v v v v
HELMETSHRIKES FAMILY: PRIONOPIDAE
White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus v v
BATISES FAMILY: PLATYSTEIRIDAE
* Pririt Batis Batis pririt v v v v v v v
CROWS FAMILY: CORVIDAE
Cape Crow Corvus capensis v v v v v
Pied Crow Corvus albus v v v v v v
TITS, PENDULINE-TITS FAMILY: PARIDAE, REMIZIDAE
* Cape Penduline-Tit Anthoscopus minutus v v v v
** Carp's Tit Parus carpi v v v v v
* Ashy Tit Parus cinerascens v v v v v v
SWALLOWS, MARTINS FAMILY: HIRUNDINIDAE
Sand Martin Riparia riparia v v v v v
Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola v v v v
Banded Martin Riparia cincta v v
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica v v v v v
White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis v v v
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii v v
Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata v v v v v
* Greater Striped Swallow Hirundo cucullata v v v v v
Red-breasted Swallow Hirundo semirufa v v
21 Wilderness SafarisBIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
* South African Cliff-Swallow Hirundo spilodera v v v v v
Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula v v v v v v v
Common House-Martin Delichon urbicum v v v v v v
BULBULS FAMILY: PYCNONOTIDAE
* African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans v v v v v v
WARBLERS AND CROMBECS FAMILY: MACROSPHENIDAE
** Rockrunner Achaetops pycnopygius v v v v
Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens v v v v v v v
REED WARBLERS AND ALLIES FAMILY: ACROCEPHALIDAE
African Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus v v v
Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus v v
Lesser Swamp-Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris v v
Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina v v v
LEAF WARBLERS AND ALLIES FAMILY: ACROCEPHALIDAE
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus v v v v
SYLVIID WARBLERS FAMILY: SYLVIIDAE
* Layard's Tit-Babbler Sylvia layardi v v v
* Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler Sylvia subcaeruleum v v v v v v
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin v v
Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis v v
BABBLERS AND ALLIES FAMILY: TIMALIIDAE
* Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor v v
** Bare-cheeked Babbler Turdoides gymnogenys v v v v v
WHITE-EYES FAMILY: ZOSTEROPIDAE
* Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus v v
CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES FAMILY: CISTICOLIDAE
* Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla v v v
Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus v v v
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava v v
* Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans v v v v v v v
Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata v v v v v v
Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida v v
* Barred Wren-Warbler Calamonastes fasciolatus v v
* Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis v v v
Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis v v v v v v v
Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis v v
LARKS FAMILY: ALAUDIDAE
* Monotonous Lark Mirafra passerina v v v v v
* Eastern Clapper Lark Mirafra fasciolata v v
* Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota v v v v v v
Fawn-coloured Lark Calendulauda africanoides v v
** Dune Lark Calendulauda erythrochlamys v v v
Dusky Lark Pinarocorys nigricans v v
** Gray's Lark Ammomanopsis grayi v v v
* Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata v v v v
** Benguela Long-billed Lark Certhilauda benguelensis v v v v v
Wilderness Safaris 22BIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix leucotis v v v v
* Grey-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix verticalis v v v v v v v
Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea v v v v
* Stark's Lark Spizocorys starki v v v v v v v
* Pink-billed Lark Spizocorys conirostris v v
THRUSHES, ROBINS, CHATS FAMILY: TURDIDAE
* Short-toed Rock-Thrush Monticola brevipes v v v v v v
Groundscraper Thrush Psophocichla litsitsirupa v v v v
White-browed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys v v v
* Kalahari Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas paena v v v v v
** Herero Chat Namibornis herero v v v
* Mountain Wheatear Oenanthe monticola v v v v v v
Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata v v v
* Karoo Chat Cercomela schlegelii v v v v v
* Tractrac Chat Cercomela tractrac v v v v v
Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris v v v v v v v
* Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora v v v
FLYCATCHERS FAMILY: MUSCICAPIDAE
African Paradise-Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis v v v v
* Chat Flycatcher Bradornis infuscatus v v v v v v
* Marico Flycatcher Bradornis mariquensis v v v
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata v v v v v
Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus v v
STARLINGS FAMILY: STURNIDAE
* Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup v v v v v v
* Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens v v v v v v
* Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis v v
Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster v v v v v
Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea v v v v
SUNBIRDS FAMILY: NECTARINIIDAE
White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala v v
* Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus v v v v v v v
Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis v v v
WEAVERS, BISHOPS AND ALLIES FAMILY: PLOCEIDAE
Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver Bubalornis niger v v v
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali v v v v v
* Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius v v v
Lesser Masked-Weaver Ploceus intermedius v v v v
Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis v v
Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops v v
Southern Masked-Weaver Ploceus velatus v v v v v v v
Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus v v v v v
Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea v v v v v v v
Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix v v v
PYTILIAS, FIREFINCHES, WAXBILLS FAMILY: ESTRILDIDAE
African Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis v v
23 Wilderness SafarisBIRDS OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
Black-faced Waxbill Estrilda erythronotos v v v
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild v v v v v v
* Violet-eared Waxbill Granatina granatina v v v
Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis v v v
Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba v v v v v
Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala v v
Jameson's Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia v v
WHYDAHS, INDIGOBIRDS FAMILY: VIDUIDAE
Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura v v
Long-tailed Paradise-Whydah Vidua paradisaea v v
* Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia v v
Village Indigobird Vidua chalybeata v v
SPARROWS FAMILY: PASSERIDAE
House Sparrow Passer domesticus v v v v
Great Sparrow Passer motitensis v v v v v v
* Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus v v v v v v v v
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus v v v v v v v
PIPITS, WAGTAILS, LONGCLAWS FAMILY: MOTACILLIDAE
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp v v
Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis v v v v v v
African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus v v v v
Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis v v v v v
Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys v v
Buffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis v v v
FINCHES, CANARIES FAMILY: FRINGILLIDAE
* Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala v v v v v
Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata v v
* Scaly-feathered Finch Sporopipes squamifrons v v v v v v v
Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis v v v v
* Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris v v v v
* White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis v v v v v v v
BUNTINGS FAMILY: EMBERIZIDAE
* Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani v v v v v v v
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting Emberiza tahapisi v v v v
Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis v v v v v
Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris v v v v
Greater Flamingo
Wilderness Safaris 24QUICK BIRD FAMILY INDEX
Apalis.....................................22 Falcons...................................20 Moorhen................................17 Shrikes...................................21
Avocet....................................18 Finches...................................24 Mousebirds............................16 Skua.......................................18
Babblers................................22 Firefinches.............................24 Nightjars................................17 Snipe.....................................18
Barbets..................................15 Flamingos..............................20 Orioles...................................21 Sparrows................................24
Batises...................................21 Flycatchers.............................23 Ostrich...................................15 Sparrowhawks.......................19
Bee-eaters.............................16 Francolins/Spurfowls.............15 Owls.......................................16 Sparrowlarks..........................23
Bishops..................................23 Gannet...................................20 Oystercatcher.........................18 Spoonbills..............................20
Bulbuls...................................22 Grebes...................................20 Parrots...................................16 Starlings.................................23
Buntings................................24 Greenshank............................17 Pelicans.................................20 Stilt........................................18
Bustards................................17 Go-away-Bird.........................16 Penduline-tits.........................21 Stint.......................................18
Buttonquail............................14 Godwit...................................17 Penguins................................21 Storks....................................21
Canaries.................................24 Goshawks..............................19 Petrel.....................................18 Sunbirds................................23
Camaroptera..........................22 Guineafowl.............................15 Pigeons..................................17 Swallows................................21
Chats......................................23 Gulls.......................................19 Pipits......................................24 Swamphen.............................17
Cisticolas (incl. Neddicky)......22 Hamerkop..............................20 Plovers...................................18 Swifts.....................................16
Cormorants............................20 Helmetshrikes........................21 Prinias....................................22 Tchagras.................................21
Coucals..................................16 Herons...................................20 Pytilia.....................................24 Terns......................................19
Coot.......................................17 Hobby....................................20 Quails....................................15 Thick-knees............................18
Coursers.................................18 Honeyguides..........................15 Quailfinch..............................23 Thrushes................................23
Crakes....................................17 Hoopoes................................15 Quelea...................................23 Tit-babblers............................12
Cranes....................................17 Hornbills................................15 Raptors..................................19 Tits.........................................21
Crombecs...............................22 Indigobirds.............................24 Redshank...............................17 Vultures.................................19
Crows.....................................21 Ibises.....................................20 Rockrunner............................22 Wagtails.................................24
Cuckoos.................................16 Jacanas..................................18 Rollers....................................16 Warblers................................22
Curlew....................................17 Jaeger.....................................18 Ruff........................................18 Waxbills.................................24
Darter.....................................20 Kestrels..................................20 Sandgrouse............................17 Weavers.................................23
Doves.....................................17 Kingfishers.............................16 Sandpiper..............................17 Wheatears..............................23
Drongo...................................21 Kites.......................................20 Scrub-robins..........................23 White-eyes.............................22
Ducks/Geese.........................15 Korhaans................................17 Seabirds.................................18 Whimbrel...............................17
Eagles....................................19 Larks......................................22 Secretarybird.........................20 Whydahs................................24
Egrets.....................................20 Lovebirds...............................16 Shearwater............................18 Wood-Hoopoes......................15
Eremomelas...........................22 Martins..................................21 Shorebirds.............................17 Woodpeckers.........................15
LAPPET-FACED AND WHITE-BACKED VULTURE verreauxs’ eagle
sociable weaver
25 Wilderness SafarisREPTILES
Namibia is a country dominated by desert, aridity and plentiful sunlight – perfect conditions for reptiles. As a
result the rate of endemism and specialisation amongst its 258 recorded reptile species is high with more than
half of these species occurring nowhere else in the world. Central and north-western Namibia are particularly
rewarding and, in addition to endemism, the country is blessed with varied reptile genera, making it an exciting
destination to observe these fascinating ancient creatures.
Reptiles are found in abundance throughout the country from the Namib Desert to Etosha, the Skeleton Coast
and the rocky plains of Damaraland. The continuous shifting sands of the Namib are the ideal hunting ground for
species such as Peringuey’s adder, shovel-snouted lizard and the beautiful, almost translucent Namib dune (web-
footed) gecko. The rocky landscape of Damaraland is just as bejewelled in colourful and interesting reptilian life:
from the vivid Namib rock agama to the super-fast Kaokoveld sand lizard. Namibia’s reptilian diversity can only
be described in one word: spectacular!
Taxonomically the reptiles in this checklist have been grouped and named according to ‘A Guide to the Reptiles of
Southern Africa’ by Johan Marais and Graham Alexander.
common barking gecko
HORNED ADDER wedge-snouted skink
Wilderness Safaris 26REPTILES OF NAMIBIA
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME NAM MF PWC TC DNC KWR ONG/
ENP W/S
TORTOISES FAMILY: TESTUDINIDAE
Leopard Tortoise Geochelone pardalis v v v v
TERRAPINS FAMILY: PELOMEDUSIDAE,
TRIONYCHIDAE
Nile Soft-shelled Terrapin Trionyx triunguis v v
Marsh Terrapin Pelomedusa subrufa v v v v
BLIND SNAKES FAMILY: TYPHLOPIDAE
* Schinz’s Beaked Blind Snake Rhinotyphlops schinzi v v v v
Schlegel’s Beaked Blind Snake Rhinotyphlops schlegelii v v
THREAD SNAKES FAMILY: LEPTOTYPHLOPIDAE
Peters’ Thread Snake Leptotyphlops scutifrons v v v v v
** Western Thread Snake Leptotyphlops occidentalis v v
** Damara Thread Snake Leptotyphlops labialis v v v v v v
PYTHONS FAMILY: PYTHONIDAE
** Anchieta’s Dwarf Python Python anchietae v v v v v
* Southern African Python Python natalensis v v v v
AFRICAN BURROWING SNAKES FAMILY: ATRACTASPIDIDAE
Bibron’s Burrowing Asp Atractaspis bibronii v v v v v
Kalahari Purple-glossed Snake Amblyodipsas ventrimaculata v
Bicoloured Quill-snouted Snake Xenocalamus bicolor v v v v
TYPICAL SNAKES FAMILY: COLUBRIDAE
Brown House Snake Lamprophis fuliginosus v v v v v v v v
Common Wolf Snake Lycophidion capense v v v
** Namibian Wolf Snake Lycophidion namibianum v v v v
** Angola File Snake Mehelya vernayi v v v v v
Mole Snake Pseudaspis cana v v v v v v
** Western Keeled Snake Pythonodipsas carinata v v v v
** South-western Shovel-snout Prosymna frontalis v v v v
** Viperine Bark Snake Hemirhagerrhis viperinus v v v v v
* Dwarf Beaked Snake Dipsina multimaculata v v v v v v
Striped Skaapsteker Psammophylax tritaeniatus v v v v
** Western Sand Snake Psammophis trigrammus v v v v v v
* Karoo Whip Snake Psammophis notostictus v v v v v
** Namib Sand Snake Psammophis leightoni v v v v v
Western Stripe-bellied Sand Snake Psammophis subtaeniatus v v v
Dwarf Whip Snake Psammophis angolensis v v
** Short-snouted Sand Snake Psammophis brevirostris v v v v v v
Spotted Bush Snake Philothamnus semivariegatus v v v v v
Rhombic Eggeater Dasypeltis scabra v v v
Common Tiger Snake Telescopus semiannulatus v v v v v
Boomslang Dispholidus typus v v
Vine Snake Thelotornis capensis v v
COBRAS, MAMBAS AND ALLIES FAMILY: ELAPIDAE
* Coral Shield Cobra Aspidelaps lubricus v v v v v v v
Shield Cobra Aspidelaps scutatus v v v v v
Anchieta’s Cobra Naja anchietae v v v
* Cape Cobra Naja nivea v v v
Black Spitting Cobra Naja nigricollis woodi v v v v v
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