SANParks.org Forums

Thank you lettuceleaf and Maxwell!

@Lionspoon

While you can't rule out Cape Vulture 100% I would say that your first two would both be White-backed Vultures.
Comparing the larger size of the bird in pic 2 with the birds in pic 3 it might well be a Cape Vulture. Not 100% sure though as it could be due to lens distortion etc.
Cape is quite uncommon in both KTP and KNP. Without seeing the straw-coloured eye of the Cape Vulture I would advise to always err on the side of caution and go with White-backed.

Pic 3 looks like White-headed.
Pic 4 I can't say for sure but they all look like White-backed to me. Some immatures and adults all mixed up. Don't see anything else on that pic.

Thanks, Johan, for your detailed answer. As we're not able to see the eyes in the webcam shots, we'll never know for sure whether pic 2 might be a Cape Vulture. Pity.

But I'll take the advice of all you three on the white-backed and the white-headed vultures and hold back the possible, but obviously unlikely Cape vulture.

Very succinct answer, Johann!

I would agree with your suspicion about the cape in pic 2.

All sorts around Orpen, with them seemingly nesting in the mountains outside the Park there, and rehabilitation centres nearby etc.?

Yes, I would guess the Orpen/Satara area would probably be best for Cape Vulture. My only two sightings in Kruger has been around here. First was about 1km away from N'wanetsi picnic site and more recently around 20km south of Satara on the tar road.

I've got another one, I'm not sure of the ID:



Verreaux's Eagle Owl?

Thanks!

Brown-headed Parrots

Is this one also Verreaux's?

Indeed, it shuge!

Could this be a water thick-knee?

Possibly a barn owl?

And another one


I was thinking either lappet-faced or white-headed vulture. Both have white legs. There seem to be white patches at the top of the breast which might mean white-headed. But when the wind ruffles the feathers you can see lighter patches on the top of the breast of a lappet-faced as well. Due to the large size I'd go for lappet-faced.

What do you think?

tough to say, but i think that's the most likely bet.


the 'face' certainly looks like a barn owl's, but i think it is just the angle of the pic. the size, colour and legs suggest verreaux's to me.


i am also going with lappet-faced vulture