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Grootkolk, Kgalagadi

Larger view

Jumbo , KTP seems the place to see them

At Bedinkt Waterhole

Larger View

Chestnut-vented titbabbler (Parisoma subcaeruleum) seen at Kamqua picnic spot (KTP) in July last year.



This species is monogamous, pairing for life, building a cup nest in thick vegetation. The sexes are similar in appearance. Both males and females participate in nest building. Males and females do not differ in the amount of time spent incubating during the day, rearing nestlings and fledglings nor in their ability to warm eggs. In experiments it was found that males consistently maintained eggs at higher temperatures than their female partners, despite the absence of a brood patch, which only the females develop.

It is usually seen alone or in pairs, moving through vegetation as it forages for insects and other small invertebrates.

This titbabbler is widely distributed in South Africa, but I must agree that my best sightings have been at KTP as well.

The only time I have seen these little chaps was at Bitterpan, KTP in June last year! They were very busy foraging in some low bushes next to me. I managed to get a quick look at them through the bins but then they were off as quickly as they arrived...so no photos

Saw a pair on our plot in Midrand couple of years back. We did the whole indigenous thing and in a dead fallen acacia in the one corner I saw the pair at very close range [less than 2m].

Talk about a hard bird to photograph! They really do not sit still!

Not too sure if these birds have a similar migration pattern to Fairy Flycatchers, i.e. inter country (moving to the highveld in winter months). During the summer months in JHB/PTA region I have hardly ever seen them but now with winter approaching they seem to be all over. Zaagkuildrift Rd (North PTA) has them all over the place.

Suikerbosrand NR - 18 April 2010