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Dr Hugh Chittenden chairman of the Robert books announced that this bird was thought be be extinct. It was first classified when a school boy shot one during 1958. He was not sure what it was and took it to a museum in Lourenco Marques. The bird was classified as a Green Tinker Barbet. This bird was included in all bird books since then, although no one has seen one since, according to Dr Chittenden. They thought of removing it from the bird books but last week they located a colony north of the Limpopo river. The exact spot has not been disclosed at this stage.

Apparently the area where the birds were spotted is so remote that the children of the villiage have never seen white people and are very sceptical about all the visitors.

This is excellent news. (Now where is that elusive Dodo?)

Well if they could find this bird after 50 years then Id say theirs still hope to find the dodo, quagga and dinosaurs

thanks for posting, good news

Wonderful news and exciting stuff! Thanks Rooies, for posting.
(Wonder if you may post one of the photo's)

North of the Limpopo Rooies, how would we 'attrach' some south, and into Kruger?

There is a photo of the bird and article in today's issue of 'Die Volksblad' Apparently, it is one of the first photos ever taken of this bird. Dr Hugh took the picture.

According to the newspaper, there is a website www.rarebirds.co.za, which features the bird. I have not checked the site out.

Here is the direct link to the article

http://www.rarebirds.co.za/rarebirds/54 ... erbird.htm

This is absolutely amazing. I think it's great that they first educate the local community. This will just ensure they understand the value of this bird they never thought about twice. Even help support them with eco tourism.

It looks like a mossie