Some special species to look out for at Okonjima

This section is intended for the more serious birder, and includes some species that are only rarely seen, even by the Okonjima guides and staff themselves.

If good rains have fallen and there is a lot of water around, it is worth keeping an eye out for Dwarf Bittern and Green Sandpiper, especially down at the dam, both species have been recorded at Okonjima before.

Four of the five Courser species occurring in southern Africa have been recorded at Okonjima. Temminck's Courser is common on the Cheetah Trail, though they can be seen elsewhere just as often. The similar Burchell's Courser is a bird of the more arid areas, where vegetation is sparse. The gravel plains below the sundowner spot on the northern escarpment is a good place to look out or these birds. They can be identified by the white secondary wing feathers observed in flight, and by their grey (not rufous) back to their crown. The Double-banded Courser is another bird that prefers dry conditions, and may be hard to find in times of good rain as they may move out of the area. Again the open plains below North Mountain is the obvious spot for these birds, although keep a look out along the gravel roads as you drive in to Okonjima. The Bronze-winged Courser is more a bird of the woodlands, and should be looked out for towards evening as you return from game drives or any other activities. Anywhere on the plateau is a good spot for these birds, particularly the woodlands around the lodges.

Hartlaub's and Orange River Francolin can be found anywhere along the escarpments and mountains. Both species have a unique call, which is the best way of locating them. Hartlaub's Francolin is almost endemic to Namibia, with their range just extending into Angola.

Ruppell's Parrot has a similar distribution, and is another of Namibia's specials. They can be seen in the woodland on the plateau, and along the river beds where there are larger trees. These river beds are also the best spots to see Violet Woodhoopoe, such as the river below North Mountain. Two other, more common woodhoopoes occur, so have a look at the Okonjima Birding Pages for notes on identifying them.

Damara Hornbill can be seen anywhere on the plateau, as can Monteiro's Hornbill. Bradfield's Hornbill has also been recorded so keep an eye out for it. Have a look at the Okonjima Birding Pages for notes on how to differentiate these species.

Carp's Tit are often seen whilst waiting in the leopards hides, although anywhere at Okonjima is possible. They are black birds with white panels on the wings, and move trough the trees in small groups. This species is also a near endemic; again its distribution just reaches Angola. The Bare-cheeked Babbler has also been recorded, although not often, and one should look out for it during any activities at Okonjima, but be careful not to confuse it with the Pied babbler - have a look at our birding pages to make sure you are prepared!

The Rockrunner is endemic to Namibia, and its characteristic call can be heard during the mornings along the rocky ridges. A walk along the Yellow Route, or even a short stroll to the look-out point near the Education Centre could prove fruitful. One needs to be alert to actually see the bird though.

The White-tailed Shrike is a bird of the dry thornveld, and can be seen wherever acacias are the dominant vegetation. It is a striking bird, with contrasting black and white colours, and another of the Namibian specials.

The yellow phase of the common Crimson-breasted Shrike has also been recorded on Okonjima, so it is always worth checking out any of these birds you see.

Chestnut Weavers move into the area after good rains and quickly start to build their scruffy ball shaped nests in any large tree them find suitable. They are a nomadic species, and interesting to see with their chestnut colouration, so different from the yellow of all the other true weavers found in southern Africa.