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Hi Wingman.
Looks like a Southern Boubou.
Where was the picture taken?

Southern Boubou

Hi there Wingman, I don't know if it is just the photo with the sun interfering but it looks to me like this Boubou lacks the rufous vent that would clearly indicate a Southern Boubou.

If this was taken up in the Punda Maria area it could very well be a Tropical Boubou, but if not then I would go for a Southern Boubou, so let us know where it was taken

Hi it was taken around lower Sabie the lack of color was my issue as well

Please tell my wife whose pics these are that the bird on the left is not a juvenile common starling...

From our garden in Cape Town.

Howzit wingman, nice to bump into you again.

Can't help on the boubou either, for the same reasons.

Hey there all. I could say that I am not familiar with birds of the arid regions, but that would be just looking for an excuse. I am stumped with this one as I can't seem to find a robin or chat that matches. I took the pick a few days ago in the Karoo National Park. Any help please.......perhaps a Karoo Scrub Robin??

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Another at Century city.



I think I have an idea, but I am probably wrong,

Another angle

Okay lets give this a go. BB your first one I'm afraid I can't get a 100% ID on, but the shape and colouring suggest your wife may be correct with juv Common Starling.

Waterbuck, yours is a Chat, and based on the colouring I would go with Karoo Chat.

BB, with regard to your bird from Century City, I would say it's a Red Bishop.

Thanks MattA.

The males are in full plumage, and I took the shot not far from where he was.

Hi Matt

Is there any reason why Waterbucks bird is not a male grey form mountain wheatear? The white wing bar is not diagnostic for karoo chat.

good observation there adrianp. I thought it's probably a young Karoo Chat, which sometimes shows some white on the wings, and would also explain the slight mottling on the breast. I must admit that Mountain Wheatear never even crossed my mind, but now that you mention it, there is definitely a possibility that that's what it is. They are both pretty common in the Karoo National Park, although in different areas of the reserve. The only thing that worries me about grey morph Mountain Wheatear here is the mottling underneath, as it is usually a pretty uniform grey.

Hi guys - I also sent the pics to two non-forum bird fundis and the consensus seems to be grey/blue form of the Mountain Wheatear. I want to post some more difficult pics - perhaps tonight if I have time. Would greatly appreciate your help. Thanks !!!!

Okay that's great, I'm more than happy to go with Mountain Wheatear here. Well spotted adrianp
Sure Waterbuck, post away, we'll do the best we can here.

Thanks MattAxel
Here is the next one - can anybody confirm if these birds are Lark-like Buntings. That is my best guess, but your inputs will be much appreciated. Sorry for the poor quality of the photo !