The ring-necked dove (Streptopelia capicola), also known as the Cape turtle dove or half-collared dove. Botswana.
The Egyptian goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca). They were considered sacred by the Ancient Egyptians. Not the best photo but I think they are very pretty geese. Botswana.
The hadada or hadeda ibis (Bostrychia hagedash), It has a distinctively loud, penetrating and recognisable haa-haa-haa-de-dah call that is often heard when the birds are flying or when startled, hence the name. South Africa, Mahikeng.
Hadeda in flight.
One of my favourite birds. The southern masked weaver or African masked weaver (Ploceus velatus)....
they are true artisans, creating distinct dome nests that hang suspended in trees. To build such an abode, the male selects a suitable branch, strips it of any leaves, then knots a long, thin blade of grass around it (no easy task when using just your beak and feet).
From this he weaves a sturdy hoop, continuing to thread, knot and plait until his construction resembles a neat oval dome. The whole process takes about five days, and the more experienced the weaver, the more intricate and attractive the results.
When he is finished, the male advertises the residence to potential mates with fluttering wings and song, but females are picky and select only the freshest, finest abodes. Indeed a male may have to build several before a partner is satisfied enough to move in, lining the nest herself before laying her eggs...
I could watch them for hours. This one was seen working in a garden close to Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.
The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali). Botswana...
Monogamous, colonial cooperative breeder, living in groups (nests within a large nest) in which each bird has their own nest. However, there can only be one active breeding pair per group who are usually the largest in size, remaining dominant until their death, at which point another pair steps up to the plate. The group are highly territorial, vigorously defending their 50 metre long foraging territory, often chasing intruders out of the territory....
The nest (see behind this bird) is built by both breeders in about 5-30 days but maintained throughout the year, consisting of an untidy, retort-shaped structure made of dry grass, with two entrances one of which is closed by the breeding pair. It is typically wedged into the branches of a thorny tree, but it may also use telephone wires, power lines and fences.
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