MALAWI
11 - 27 NOVEMBER 2006
TOUR REPORT
LEADER: MARK VAN BEIRS
On our recent visit to the extensive miombo woodlands, mopane forests, montane copses, rolling
open moorlands, dense thickets and riverine marshes of the small, friendly and little-known Central
African country of Malawi we recorded 392 species of birds and 30 species of mammals. The bird of
the tour was the formidable and much-wanted Pel’s Fishing Owl and other highlights included
White-backed Night Heron, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Wattled Crane, Red-chested Flufftail, Lesser Jacana,
Lilian’s Lovebird, Böhm’s Bee-eater, Pale-billed Hornbill, Whyte’s Barbet, Stierling’s Woodpecker,
Blue Swallow, Cinnamon-breasted Tit, Boulder Chat, Arnott’s Chat, White-chested Alethe, Whitewinged Apalis, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Souza’s Shrike, Black-fronted Bush Shrike, White-winged
Babbling Starling, Anchieta’s Sunbird, Olive-headed Weaver, Green Twinspot and Locust Finch.
Amongst a good crop of mammals we will remember the splendid observations of Serval and Roan
and Sable Antelopes.
A fairly painless overnight flight via Johannesburg was followed by smooth immigration and customs
at Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi. We were welcomed by our professional outfitters and not too
long after arriving found ourselves in the vine-smothered woods of a small local nature reserve where
comical Schalow’s Turacos, a rather sneaky Black-throated Wattle-eye and a pair of gorgeous, but
secretive Red-throated Twinspots were the highlights amongst a bunch of more widespread species.
We heard the bizarre display sounds of an African Broadbill emanating from a dense thicket, but the
bird did not want to cooperate.
Early next morning we were already strolling through the attractive open woodlands of the famous
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. This easily accessible habitat, called miombo or Brachystegia, is only
found in the southern central part of Africa and holds a very distinctive avifauna. There had been
regular showers over the last couple of weeks and the trees showed off their striking fresh green and
orange leaves. The breeding season had already started, so the large bird parties so characteristic of
miombo woodland had dissipated. Many magnificent orchids held our attention during the quieter
moments, but luckily bird activity was at a premium, maybe because of the intermittent showers we
endured. Pale-billed Hornbills fed in a fruiting fig tree, White-breasted Cuckooshrikes sat sedately in
the subcanopy, Eastern Saw-wings showed off their white underwing coverts, cute Cinnamon1 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
breasted Tits churred at us whilst hanging upside down, a Miombo Rock Thrush sang from an open
perch, a Kurrichane Thrush was digging for worms, a flock of loud-mouthed Green-capped
Eremomelas flitted through the canopy, Stierling’s Barred Warblers uttered their endless mechanical
tlip-tlip-tlip calls, a pair of Souza’s Shrikes were attending a nest with two downy young, a flowering
protea held Miombo Double-collared and Anchieta’s Sunbirds and we also noted Cabanis’s Bunting
and Stripe-breasted and Black-eared Canaries. More widespread or well-known birds seen today
included Gabar Goshawk, Eurasian Hobby, African Green Pigeon, Klaas’s Cuckoo, European and
Little Bee-eaters, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Greater Honeyguide, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Black
Cuckooshrike, African Golden and Black-headed Oriole, many migrant Willow Warblers, Southern
Black Flycatcher, Black-backed Puffback, Brubru, Black-crowned Tchagra, Amethyst Sunbird and
Golden-breasted Bunting. As this habitat still had so much to offer to us we spent another full day in
the splendid tracts of Dzalanyama. Next to many already seen species, we also noted an excellent
assortment of new birds. An African Cuckoo granted perfect scope views and we managed to study a
well-camouflaged Fiery-necked Nightjar amongst the leaf litter. Lovely Black-collared Barbets
performed very well and we were treated to multiple in depth studies of uncommon Stierling’s
Woodpeckers. We were able to compare Yellow-breasted and Mashona Hyliotas in the same tree
and enjoyed scope views of Central Bearded Scrub-Robin and Boehm’s Flycatcher. In the afternoon
we climbed one of the forested kopjes and after an appropriate amount of sweating and swearing we
obtained terrific views of the striking Boulder Chat. Luckily it looked a lot better than its disappointing
illustration in the field guides. I heard some grumbles and some well-worded cursing during (and
even after) the climb, but by the end of the day everyone seemed happy with the hard earned
ornithological reward, as this bird is virtually confined to beautiful Zimbabwe, which, for the time
being, is sadly out of bounds for the international birder. Here too, a Striped Pipit allowed us to
admire its green primaries and a couple of Peregrine Falcons showed off their flying prowess
overhead. Other interesting species today included African Pygmy Kingfisher, Green Woodhoopoe,
Common Scimitarbill, Bearded Woodpecker, Grey-rumped Swallow, Red-capped Crombec, Whitecrested Helmetshrike, African Yellow White-eye and Violet-backed Sunbird.
The following morning, just after dawn, we were overlooking a couple of marshy ponds on the
outskirts of Lilongwe, where we enjoyed a very birdy couple of hours. A White-backed Duck, a
quartet of Lesser Jacanas and three Painted Snipes stole the show, but amongst the lily pads and in
the rank vegetation we also noted Red-billed Teal, Red-necked Spurfowl, African Rail, Black Crake,
Lesser Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Three-banded Plover, Burchell’s Coucal, African Stonechat,
African Reed and Little Rush Warbler, Brown-crowned Tchagra and Yellow-mantled Widowbird.
After breakfast and watching a Garden Warbler in the hotel gardens we drove south to the old capital
of Zomba. During a short stop we started a Mozambique birdlist with Common Buzzard and Tawnyflanked Prinia as we briefly stepped into this poor country, which until recently had been ravaged by
an ongoing civil war. Impressive kopjes escorted us on our drive south and along the road we
regularly saw kids selling grilled mice on a skewer, but none of us really wanted to taste this delicious
snack. We were not hungry enough yet! We then visited a patch of montane forest overlooking the
old town of Zomba where a couple of exquisite and rare White-winged Apalises soon showed very
well. Africa’s best looking warbler performed at length for all of us and we also added White-eared
Barbet, Square-tailed Drongo, Eastern Olive Sunbird, Dark-backed Weaver and Green Twinspot to
the tally. We arrived in late afternoon at our marvellous hotel in Blantyre where the best dinner of
the tour was much appreciated.
The next day was the most frustrating day of the trip. It was very misty, so we could not see the slopes
or the top of the mountain we were climbing. We were aiming to reach the habitat of the fabled
Thyolo (or Cholo) Alethe, exactly like we had done on our previous successful tour. But, already
when hiking up things did not really look right as almost all the trees had disappeared. And whilst the
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mist was lifting, we also saw that the once forested plateau on top of the mountain was totally bare,
except for a few lone forest giants standing amongst partly burned undergrowth. What a sad sight!Al
the trees had been – illegally - chopped! It really made us feel miserable. The same thing had
happened five years ago on Mount Thyolo and it sure looks as if the future for the Alethe looks rather
grim. Luckily, a couple of splendid Lanner Falcons, Livingstone’s Turaco, Familiar Chat, Whitebrowed Scrub-Robin, Red-winged Starling, Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting and Cape Bunting
provided some consolation. In the afternoon we visited some patches of remaining highland forest on
a nearby tea estate, but the birds proved singularly uncooperative. The rain did not help and we had
to satisfy ourselves with a male African Goshawk, Broad-billed Roller, Trumpeter Hornbill, Yellowstreaked Greenbul and Green-winged Pytilia, while in the distance we heard Emerald Cuckoo and
Green-headed Oriole.
We spent the following morning exploring the Zomba plateau. Most of the slopes have been
converted to rather birdless pine plantations, but here and there gullies with original montane forest
remain and here we observed Black-chested Snake Eagle, Golden-rumped Tinkerbird, Cabanis’s,
Little Green, Sombre and Stripe-cheeked Bulbuls, African Yellow Warbler, Yellow-throated
Woodland Warbler, Malawi Batis, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Forest Double-collared Sunbird
and Yellow-bellied Waxbill, but best of all was the pair of terrific and rarely-seen Olive-headed
Weavers, that we found foraging on trunks like nuthatches. Excellent stuff!
Our next port of call was the famous Liwonde National Park. After checking in into our comfortable
camp on the banks of the Shire River, we took a late afternoon boat trip on this wide river and this
provided a superb introduction to the splendours of this marvellous park. A fine adult White-backed
Night Heron posed in the open allowing us to admire all the details of its intricate finery. A
Dickinson’s Kestrel favoured a gigantic Borassus palm and adorable, much-wanted Boehm’s Beeeaters were lining the riverine bushes. Amongst the many other bird species observed we should also
mention African Open-billed Stork, Palm-nut Vulture, African Fish Eagle, Osprey, Spur-winged and
Wattled Lapwings, Water Thick-knee, Pied, Giant and Brown-hooded Kingfishers and Southern
Brown-throated and Red-headed Weavers. Scores of grumpy hippos and smiling crocodiles adorned
the shore. An after dinner game drive gave us Scrub Hare, African Elephant and a sleek Blotched
Genet, but best of all was that fabulous Pel’s Fishing Owl that peered at us from the top of a nearby
tree. The views of this huge orange nocturnal predator were out of this world, so no wonder it was
voted as Bird of the Trip.
At dawn, we explored the thickets surrounding our camp on foot. The dense undergrowth of this
riverine woodland provided us with gems like Hildebrandt’s Francolin, a pair of roosting African
Wood Owls, a fierce-looking African Barred Owlet, Southern Black Tit, Yellow-bellied Greenbul,
Collared Palm Thrush, a delightful Livingstone’s Flycatcher and a pair of Green Twinspots allowing
intimate scope studies. In the more open areas we found Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Meyer’s Parrot,
Lilian’s Lovebird, Diderick Cuckoo, Red-faced Mousebird, Woodland Kingfisher, Broad-billed Roller,
Meves’s Long-tailed Starling, White-bellied Sunbird and Greater Kudu. After a scrumptious breakfast
we explored the wider surroundings of the lodge and added Brown and Western Banded Snake
Eagle, Grey Go-Away-Bird and Cut-throat Finch to the tally. In the afternoon we learned what
mopane forest is all about and in this distinctive woodland with its bare black trunks decorated with
characteristic double leaved greenery we located Brown-headed Parrot, Striped Kingfisher, Rackettailed Roller, Crested Barbet, Reichenow’s Woodpecker and several striking Arnott’s Chats. Parties of
very smart White-crested and Retz’s Helmetshrikes performed splendidly and whilst sipping our
sundowner on the shore of the Shire River a Red-necked Falcon and a handsome Sable Antelope
could be admired. We stood in awe for a most beautiful blood-drenched sunset with churring
Square-tailed Nightjars serenading us. Soon we obtained point blank views of these charming
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nightbirds and not much later found a minute African Scops Owl on top of a bush. Our return drive
to camp was enlivened by an excellent selection of mammals, including marvels like Greater Galago,
White-tailed and Marsh Mongooses, Blotched Genet and an endearing Serval. Our last morning at
Liwonde started with another walk in the thickets near Mvuu camp. A performing Black Egret and
three Painted Snipe boded well and then we found ourselves in the midst of dense thickets
surrounded by a herd of elephants. Trying to lure in skulking birds in the near presence of jumbos
was not an easy task at all and several times we had to manoeuvre very cautiously out of their reach.
We heard the rumbling of their bowels closeby in the dense shrubbery. Quite an experience! We did
see several good birds including Terrestrial Brownbul, Eastern Bearded Scrub-Robin and Grey TitFlycatcher and obtained exquisite views of a dashing Dickinson’s Kestrel. We then said goodbye to
Mvuu Lodge and its gracious hosts and spent the rest of the day driving north towards distant
Chintheche, keeping huge Lake Malawi on the right hand side. This part of Malawi is densely
populated and our journey provided some insight into the African way of life. Most of the countryside
had been transformed into farmland, excepts for small pockets of woodland on distant hills. We ate
our lunch on the shore of lake Malawi watching White-winged Terns and Grey-headed Gulls and
arrived in late afternoon at our homely hotel at Chintheche.
In the early morning we paid a visit to one of the nearby blocks of lowland rain forest, where we
soon located several well-performing East Coast Akalats. Although quite skulky, we managed to get
brilliant views of these subtly beautiful creatures. An Eastern Nicator equally performed extremely
well and nearby we also found Blue-spotted Wood-Dove, Red-faced Cisticola and Purple-banded
Sunbird. In mid morning we drove up towards the Nyika National Park. A short stop yielded a pair of
powerful Verreaux’s Eagles and in a area of partially chopped miombo woodland we watched
Martial Eagle, Whyte’s Barbet, Miombo Blue-eared Starling and White-tailed Blue Flycatcher. We
entered Nyika, left the miombo woods after us and entered the open bracken-cloaked, rolling hills
that cover vast expanses of this splendid reserve. We picked up Olive Pigeon, Mosque Swallow,
Brown-headed Apalis, Ludwig’s Double-collared Sunbird and Southern Reedbuck on the drive and
were welcomed by my old, precious friend and birder extraordinaire Abasi at our lovely wooden
chalets. The day ended with an excellent dinner and a snug and inviting wood fire in our rooms.
Just after dawn we took a leisurely drive across the plateau where peaceful herds of majestic Eland,
comical Zebra and appealing Roan Antelope grazed. We watched several dignified Wattled Cranes,
stately Denham’s Bustards, Red-winged Francolins, Dusky Turtle Doves, Churring and Black-lored
Cisticolas and adorable Mountain Marsh Widowbirds and heard both Striped and Red-chested
Flufftail in a marshy valley. Best of all were the rare, delightful and mega elegant Blue Swallows that
were darting over a small lake. Later we visited several small blocks of montane forest on the
Zambian border where our sharp-eyed party managed great views of beauties like Bar-tailed Trogon,
Moustached Green Tinkerbird, Olive-headed Greenbul, Olive-flanked Robin, White-chested Alethe
(simply awesome!), Sharpe’s Akalat, Chapin’s Apalis, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Black-fronted
Bush-Shrike and Waller’s Red-winged Starling. More open areas yielded Eurasian Marsh Harrier,
Angola Swallow, smart White-headed Saw-wings, Wing-snapping and Wailing Cisticolas, Malachite
and Bronze Sunbirds and a tiptoeing Klipspringer. After dinner we took a nightdrive in separate
vehicles and bagged Pennant-winged Nightjar and Marsh Owl and obtained close up views of a pair
of Wattled Cranes roosting in the shallow water of a dam. Early next morning, in a shrubby valley at
the edge of a Hagenia forest we found Mountain Yellow Warbler, a splendidly-posturing Cinnamon
Bracken Warbler, Bar-throated Apalis, Baglafecht Weaver and Yellow-browed Seedeater. We
explored another patch of montane forest where it was unbelievable quiet except for Olive
Woodpecker and a pair of Fülleborn’s Black Boubous. We also heard Orange Ground Thrush here.
Red-rumped and yummy Blue Swallows escorted us over the grasslands back to the lodge for a
midday pause. The afternoon game drive over the endless rolling hills was extremely satisfying and
4 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
pleasant. Careful scanning over these wide expanses gave us cracking male and female Pallid
Harriers, close up Red-winged Francolins, dramatic flight views of Denham’s Bustard, Banded
Martins, Side-striped Jackal and Common Duiker. In late afternoon we positioned ourselves
strategically at a suitable looking marsh and managed to get superb views of a male and a female
Red-chested Flufftail. Cherished moments!
Next morning, after a hearty breakfast, we left our idyllic lodge on the Nyika plateau and visited
another nice bit of montane forest where we noted Scarce Swift overhead and again heard Orange
Ground Thrush. A splendid tract of miombo woodland on our way to Vwaza Marsh National Park
gave us an excellent harvest of marvels. The highlight here was a pair of White-winged Babbling
Starlings that were attending young in a hole in a tree. We achieved tremendous scope views of these
strange and not really starling-like creatures. A male Narina Trogon was singing away at very close
range and Racket-tailed Roller, Miombo Pied Barbet, Lesser Honeyguide and Retz’s Helmetshrike
provided even more distraction. We then drove to Vwaza Marsh and after settling into our rather
rustic accommodation, we explored the nearby lake with its dozens and dozens of snorting Hippos.
Here we found the first Sanderling for the park as well as many Kittlitz’s Plovers and several Little
Stints and Collared Pratincoles. On the early morning walk in the woodland and along the lakeshore
near our lodgings at Vwaza Marsh we saw lots of obvious signs of Elephant and Hippo and good
birds included White-faced Duck, a Eurasian Hobby cavorting with a Pallid Harrier, Common Ringed
Plover, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Red-faced Crombec, Senegal Coucal and White-winged Black Tit. The
rest of the day saw us driving south towards Lilongwe. A welcome stop at a roadside lake gave us a
good selection of duck including a dozen Southern Pochard in addition to no fewer than nine Lesser
Jacanas, an obviously lost Grey Plover, Plain-backed Pipit and a party of Orange-breasted Waxbills.
Our last night in Malawi was marred by a powerful thunderstorm and heavy showers. As dawn was
breaking, we drove under heavily leaking thunderclouds to our favourite dambo (grassy marsh).
Eventually the rains almost stopped and we explored the short grass plains. We first managed to
scope a couple of African Quail Finches and not much later a quartet of Locust finches also
performed very well. We also flushed a Little Buttonquail, studied a bedraggled Temminck’s Courser
and ticked off Yellow-throated Longclaw, Yellow Bishop and several Pin-tailed Whydahs in breeding
plumage.
A fitting end to a great trip in a most welcoming country.
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SYSTEMATIC LIST
Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H).
Species which were not personally recorded by the leader are indicated by the symbol (NL).
Subspecies names are given where known and/or appropriate, either in a comment or in parentheses.
PODICIPEDIDAE
Little Grebe (Dabchick) Tachybaptus ruficollis: Small numbers were observed on the dams on the
Nyika plateau. The race concerned is capensis.
PHALACROCORACIDAE
White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus: c200 were seen along the Shire River at Liwonde
National Park.
Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus: The name Long-tailed Cormorant is more widely used and
the nominate race is the form concerned. Small numbers were seen along the Shire River
at Liwonde NP.
ARDEIDAE
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: Small numbers of the nominate race were noted all over the circuit.
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala: A common and widespread species. Several active
colonies were noted.
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath: Three observations of Africa’s largest heron at Liwonde National Park.
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: A couple of sightings along the Shire River in Liwonde National Park.
Great Egret (Great White Egret) Egretta alba: The race melanorhynchos was not uncommon along the
Shire River at Liwonde NP. The species is sometimes placed in the genus Casmerodius
and the specific name then changes to albus.
Little Egret Egretta garzetta: Only a handful of observations of the nominate race.
Yellow-billed Egret (Intermediate Egret) Egretta intermedia: Just a few along the Shire River at
Liwonde National Park.
Black Egret (Black Heron) Egretta ardesiaca: We scoped a single bird doing its umbrella-feeding
along the Shire River at Liwonde NP.
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Fairly common and widespread.
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides: Regular observations of birds in non-breeding attire. Most were
seen along the Shire River at Liwonde NP.
Green-backed Heron (Striated Heron) Butorides striatus: Regular observations. The race concerned is
atricapillus.
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: Four sightings of the nominate race at Liwonde
NP.
White-backed Night Heron Gorsachius leuconotus: Definitely one of the highlights of the tour!!
Superb studies of this nocturnal creature at its roost along the Shire River at Liwonde NP.
A splendid adult bird posed for us in the open during broad daylight showing off its
amazingly large eyes and white back. A really smart bird!! The number two in the BIRD
of the TRIP contest. The favourite bird of the tour for Rita and Eileen.
SCOPIDAE
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta: Several observations of the nominate race. The taxonomic position of
the Hamerkop remains a bit of an enigma as it shows affinities to herons, flamingos,
storks and even to plovers (closely related ecto-parasites).
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CICONIIDAE
African Open-billed Stork Anastomus lamelligerus: The nominate race was particularly obvious along
the Shire River at Liwonde NP. The species is often referred to as African Openbill.
Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis: A pair of these impressive storks showed in flight
along the Shire River at Liwonde NP.
Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis: Regular sightings at the Liwonde and Vwaza Marsh National Parks.
THRESKIORNITHIDAE
African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus: Several of the nominate race along the Shire River at
Liwonde NP.
Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: c100 along the Shire River at Liwonde NP.
Hadeda Ibis Bostrychia hagedash: Extremely noisy birds of the race brevirostris along the Shire River
at Liwonde NP. The name is more commonly spelt Hadada.
African Spoonbill Platalea alba: A few at the Liwonde and Vwaza Marsh National Parks.
ANATIDAE
White-faced Duck Dendrocygna viduata: Small numbers were noted in Vwaza National Park and on
a lake near Kasungu. The species is more commonly known as White-faced WhistlingDuck.
White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus: Terrific scope studies of a single bird on a pond in
Lilongwe. A cracker of a bird when seen well!!
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus: Small numbers were seen along the Shire River at Liwonde
NP and at Vwaza Marsh NP.
Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata: Small numbers were noted on the dams on the Nyika plateau
and a flock of c120 on a lake near Kasungu. The nominate race is the form concerned.
Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha: Small numbers were seen on ponds and lakes all over our
circuit, but c100 on a lake near Kasungu was quite unusual.
Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma: We found a dozen of these neat ducks on a lake near
Kasungu.
Comb Duck (Knob-billed Duck) Sarkidiornis melanotos: Four showed at Liwonde NP and two more
in the north of the country. A widespread pantropical species.
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis: c20 favoured a marshy patch along the Shire River at
Liwonde NP. This is the southern-most extent of range of the nominate race which is
replaced by the darker-faced niger south of the Zambezi.
ACCIPITRIDAE
Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius: Regular observations of this well known species. All birds seen
appeared to be of the race parasitus,
Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus: Four roadside sightings of the nominate race.
Verreaux’s Eagle (Black Eagle) Aquila verreauxii: Cracking views of this magnificent bird of prey, both
in flight and perched. A truly glorious species that favours rocky areas with ample
supplies of hyraxes.
Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi: Eleven sightings of this small eagle, which is an intra African
migrant. The bird is named after Johan August Wahlberg (1810-1856), a Swedish
naturalist and collector in South Africa, who was killed by an elephant.
Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus: Two young birds showed quite well in Liwonde NP and a
smashing smart adult gave great views in the miombo below the Nyika NP.
Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus: A single, rather distant observation in Liwonde NP.
Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis: A distant bird at Zomba was followed by a perched
bird that allowed fantastic views at Vwaza Marsh NP.
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Western Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens: A couple of excellent encounters at Liwonde
NP.
Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus: Only two observations of this strange tail-less raptor at Liwonde NP.
A splendid bird of prey.
Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis: Several showed beautifully at Liwonde NP. This striking
bird is also known as Vulturine Fish Eagle - the world’s only mainly vegetarian raptor! It
feeds mainly on the fleshy pericarp of palm fruits, but will also eat fish, crabs etc.
African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer: Only seen at Liwonde NP. The call is definitely one of the most
characteristic sounds of Africa.
Common Buzzard Buteo buteo: Regular sightings. The form concerned, vulpinus, is a Palearctic
migrant and is considered by some taxonomists to be approaching full specific status.
One for the bank!
Augur Buzzard Buteo augur: The nominate race is one of Africa’s most handsome raptors. Seen well
on the Nyika plateau. We also observed a single, striking dark morph bird.
Black Sparrowhawk (Great Sparrowhawk) Accipiter melanoleucus (NL): Connie saw one from his
chalet at Nyika.
Shikra (Little Banded Goshawk) Accipiter badius: A single sighting of the race polyzonoides at
Liwonde NP. This widespread raptor also occurs in Central and Southern Asia.
African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro: A couple of sightings. A nice and well-behaved male posed for a
while along a forest edge near Blantyre.
Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar: Good views of a smart adult in the Dzalanyama miombo.
Eurasian Marsh Harrier (Western Marsh Harrier) Circus aeruginosus: A single female showed well on
the Nyika plateau. This Palearctic migrant is only rarely observed in Malawi.
Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus: Several excellent encounters with this delightful Palearctic migrant
on the Nyika plateau. The dainty males especially are incredibly handsome. This species
is treated as ‘Near-Threatened’ in “Threatened Birds of the World”, BirdLife
International’s magnificent book on the future of the birds on our planet.
African Harrier Hawk (Gymnogene) Polyboroides typus: Three sightings of the nominate race of this
widespread and well-known African bird of prey.
PANDIONIDAE
Osprey Pandion haliaetus: Good views of this widespread piscivore along the Shire River in Liwonde
NP.
FALCONIDAE
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: Great views of a displaying pair over a forested kopje at
Dzalanyama. The race involved is minor.
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus: Six observations of this widespread and powerful bird of prey. Best of
all were the two that posed so well on top of Mount Soche.
Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo: Ten sightings of the nominate race of this speedy Palearctic
migrant. We saw them catching dragonflies over the lake at Vwaza, where we also
witnessed some impressive aerobatic interaction with a female Pallid Harrier.
Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera ruficollis: A single bird was scoped at length along the Shire
River at Liwonde NP. Always a good bird to see!
Dickinson’s Kestrel Falco dickinsoni: Several magnificent sightings of this much-wanted species in
Liwonde NP. Terrific scope views of this most charming falcon. The bird is named after J.
Dickinson (1832-1863), British doctor and missionary to Nyassaland (now Malawi).
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PHASIANIDAE
Coqui Francolin Peliperdix coqui (H): We heard the distinctive voice in the Vwaza area. The name
is obviously onomatopoeic.
Red-winged Francolin Scleroptila levaillantii: Several superb encounters with this attractive species
on the Nyika plateau. The race involved is crawshayi, which is endemic to this area of
Malawi.
Hildebrandt’s Francolin Pternistes hildebrandti: Several excellent encounters with pairs at Liwonde
NP and on the Nyika plateau.
Red-necked Francolin Pternistes afer: A few observations with the striking race melanogaster.
Regularly heard.
NUMIDIDAE
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris: Regular all over the country, but most numerous in
Liwonde NP. The race concerned is mitrata.
TURNICIDAE
Small Buttonquail (Kurrichane B/Common B/Little B/ Andalusian Hemipode) Turnix sylvatica: We
flushed one in a dambo near Lilongwe airport on the last morning of the tour.
GRUIDAE
Wattled Crane Grus carunculatus: Several of these splendid birds showed very well on the Nyika
plateau. Our best views however were at night when some of us managed to get within
20m of a sleeping pair. Exquisite!! The genus Bugeranus is often used for this species. The
total population is estimated at 13,000 to 15,000 birds, with the main stronghold being in
Zambia. This species is treated as ‘Vulnerable’ in “Threatened Birds of the World”,
BirdLife International’s magnificent book on the future of the birds on our planet.
RALLIDAE
Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa: Perfect views for all of a male and a female of this expert
skulker in a marshy area on the Nyika plateau. The nine species of flufftails, genus
Sarothrura, are amongst the most enigmatic avian inhabitants of sub-Saharan Africa and
Madagascar.
Striped Flufftail Sarothrura affinis (H): We heard it in the same marshy area where the previous
species had obliged so well.
African Rail Rallus caerulescens: Some of us had excellent looks at one along a reedy edge in
Lilongwe. We also heard the high-pitched trill.
Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris: Many sightings of this lovely species along the Shire River at
Liwonde NP.
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: A few at a pond in Lilongwe.
Lesser Moorhen Gallinula angulata: Several showed very well together with the previous species at a
pond in Lilongwe.
African Purple Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis: Eight of these impressive brutes were
foraging along a muddy reed edge in Lilongwe.
Red-knobbed Coot (Crested Coot) Fulica cristata: Regular on the Nyika dams and also seen on the
lake at Vwaza Marsh.
9 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
OTIDIDAE
Denham’s Bustard (Stanley’s Bustard) Neotis denhami: Eleven first-rate observations of this fabulous
bird on the Nyika plateau. We saw it several times at very close range and some of the
flight views were really outstanding. The form concerned is jacksoni, colloquially known
as Jackson’s Bustard. This species is treated as ‘Near-Threatened’ in “Threatened Birds of
the World”, BirdLife International’s magnificent book on the future of the birds on our
planet.
JACANIDAE
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus: Easy to see on the Shire River in Liwonde NP, but also seen at
several other ponds and lakes.
Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis: We first found four on a pond in Lilongwe and later encountered
another nine at a lake near Kasungu. Magnificent scope studies of this gorgeous little
critter. A much-wanted bird!!
ROSTRATULIDAE
Greater Painted-Snipe Rostratula benghalensis: Three played hide and seek amongst the reeds of a
pond in Lilongwe and we found another three along the Shire River at Liwonde NP.
Great views of the handsome female and the more cryptically-coloured male. This
species is widespread throughout the warmer parts of the Old World and shows notable
reversed sexual dimorphism in plumage. The female is unique amongst Charadriiformes
in having an oesophageal crop, which is used in vocal courtship.
CHARADRIIDAE
Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula: A single migrant was found at vwaza Marsh NP.
Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius: 15 birds showed very well on the dry mudflats at Vwaza
Marsh.
Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris: A couple were noted at a pond in Lilongwe.
Grey Plover (Black-bellied Plover) Pluvialis squatarola: We found a lone individual in non-breeding
plumage at a lake near Kasungu.
Spur-winged Lapwing (S-w Plover) Vanellus spinosus: At least two were noted on the Shire River in
Liwonde NP. This is a rare bird in Malawi and still only known from this site.
Blacksmith Lapwing (B Plover) Vanellus armatus: A few dapper individuals along the Shire River in
Liwonde NP.
African Wattled Lapwing (W Plover) Vanellus senegallus: A few of the race lateralis were seen along
the Shire River in Liwonde NP.
Long-toed Lapwing (L-t Plover) Vanellus crassirostris: A few along the Shire River at Liwonde NP.
More secretive than other members of the genus.
SCOLOPACIDAE
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: Common indeed.
Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: Four sightings of this Palearctic migrant.
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: This Palearctic migrant was most common in Liwonde NP.
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis: A single at Liwonde NP and at least six at Vwaza Marsh.
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: A few only at Liwonde and several at Vwaza Marsh. The
high water levels of the Shire River were definitely not ideal for waders.
Little Stint Calidris minuta: Three showed well at Vwaza Marsh.
Sanderling Calidris alba: A single bird in distinctive winter plumage at Vwaza Marsh. Unusual this far
inland!!
Ruff Philomachus pugnax: Regular observations along the Shire River.
10 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
BURHINIDAE
Water Thick-knee (Water Dikkop) Burhinus vermiculatus: Repeated good views of the nominate race
along the Shire River in Liwonde NP and at Vwaza Marsh NP.
GLAREOLIDAE
Temminck’s Courser Cursorius temminckii: Excellent scope views of a rather bedraggled bird on a
patch of burnt grassland near Lilongwe airport.
Collared Pratincole (Red-winged P) Glareola pratincola: Several showed well at Vwaza Marsh NP.
LARIDAE
Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus: A few sightings only.
Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica: Good numbers were seen along the Shire River in Liwonde NP. The
terns are sometimes placed in a separate family: Sternidae and this species is sometimes
placed in the genus Gelochelidon.
White-winged Tern (White-winged Black Tern) Chlidonias leucopterus: Many were hovering over
Lake Malawi.
COLUMBIDAE
Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia: No comment!!
African Olive Pigeon (Rameron Pigeon) Columba arquatrix: This attractive pigeon was regularly seen
on the Nyika plateau. Really smart when seen well.
Pink-breasted Turtle Dove (Dusky Turtle Dove) Streptopelia lugens: Superb views on the Nyika
plateau, with a maximum of 15 on 22/11. Here at the extreme southern edge of its area
of distribution.
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata: Easily recognized as it sings its name “I am a Red-eyed
Dove”. Common.
Mourning Dove (African Mourning Dove) Streptopelia decipiens: Great views of the race ambigua at
Liwonde NP. Remember the white iris!!
Cape Turtle Dove Streptopelia capicola: The race tropica was abundant at lower levels. Everyone
will remember the commonly-heard ”work harder, work harder” song. The name Ringnecked Dove is more widely used.
Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis: Just a few observations of this widespread species.
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis: A couple shot across the road upon our return to Lilongwe.
Blue-spotted Dove Turtur afer: A few showed briefly in the Chintheche area.
Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove (Green-spotted Dove) Turtur chalcospilos: Far more widespread and
replacing the previous species in drier areas. Many great views.
Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria: More often heard than seen, but several really nice sightings.
Lemon Dove (Cinnamon Dove) Aplopelia larvata: We flushed two in the montane forests of the
Nyika plateau.
African Green Pigeon Treron calva: Several excellent scope observations. A most peculiar song!!
PSITTACIDAE
Grey-headed Parrot Poicephalus suahelicus: Good flight views of four in Dzalanyama and we also
heard it at Liwonde NP. A recent split from Brown-necked Parrot P. robustus.
Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus cryptoxanthus: Several observations in Liwonde NP. The race
concerned is tanganyikae.
Meyer’s Parrot (Brown Parrot) Poicephalus meyeri: Several excellent sightings. The race concerned is
matschiei.
11 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Lilian’s Lovebird Agapornis lilianae: Noisy, fairly common, extremely attractive and quite cooperative in Liwonde NP. We noted a maximum of 12 on 19/11. The bird is named after
Lilian Sclater, British naturalist and traveller in East Africa at the end of the19th century.
MUSOPHAGIDAE
Livingstone’s Turaco (Livingstone’s Lourie) Tauraco livingstonii: We obtained great views of the
nominate race on the Zomba plateau and also on Soche mountain. The bird is of course
named after famous David Livingstone (1813-1873), Scottish missionary to tropical
Africa, anti-slaver, explorer and author. The 23 species of turacos, go-away birds and
plantain-eaters form a truly remarkable family, restricted to sub-Saharan Africa. A unique
feature of the family is the presence of two copper pigments, red turacin and green
turacoverdin, which are unknown in any other birds, or indeed anywhere else in the
Animal Kingdom. Bright colours in birds are usually produced by melanins and
lipochromes, or by diffraction of light from the feather surface, but not so with turacos.
The long-perpetuated fallacy that turacin is washed out of the birds’ plumage during
rainstorms is of course totally wrong: The pigment is soluble only in alkali and in no
other solution.
Schalow’s Turaco (Schalow’s Lourie) Tauraco schalowi: Many splendid sightings of these wonderful
birds with their stunning crests. They were first seen well in the Lilongwe Nature
Sanctuary.
Purple-crested Turaco (Purple-crested Lourie)
Tauraco porphyreolophus
(H): The race
chlorochlamys was regularly heard at Liwonde NP, but it never performed.
Grey Go-Away-Bird (Grey Lourie) Corythaixoides concolor: The nominate race was seen well in
Liwonde NP. The species is named after its distinctive call.
CUCULIDAE
African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis: Perfect scope views of one at Dzalanyama and then also seen in
Liwonde NP. We also heard the hoopoe-like song a few times. A parasitic species of
which the only known hosts are Fork-tailed Drongo and Yellow-billed Shrike.
Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius: A few observations and much more often heard, also at
night. A brood parasite on thrushes and robins.
Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus (H): We heard the distinctive mournful song in the Vwaza area. It
parasitizes several species of Bush-Shrike, Tropical Boubou and especially in miombo
habitat African Golden Oriole.
Levaillant’s Cuckoo (Striped Cuckoo) Oxylophus levaillantii: One showed quite well at Dzalanyama
and then we were treated to multiple perfect scope studies at Vwaza Marsh.
African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus (H): We heard the distinctive “hello georgie” call
near Blantyre, but the bird remained distant. A brood parasite on small insectivorous
passerines.
Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas: Several great sightings. A brood parasite on small insectivorous
passerines, principally warblers and sunbirds. Said to be named by Levaillant after his
servant whose wife, Narina (the name he dedicated to a most beautiful trogon), also just
happened to be Levaillant’s mistress!
Diderick Cuckoo (Diederik/Didric Cuckoo) Chrysococcyx caprius: Seen very well at Liwonde NP.
Named after its call, it mainly parasitizes weavers.
CENTROPODIDAE
Green Coucal (Yellowbill) Ceuthmochares aereus (H): We heard it in dense thickets at Liwonde NP,
but we had to move because of the elephants. The race concerned is australis.
12 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Senegal Coucal Centropus senegalensis: Good views of three at Vwaza Marsh. A rather localized
species in Malawi.
Burchell’s Coucal Centropus burchelli: Widespread sightings. The species is often lumped in Whitebrowed Coucal C. superciliosus.
STRIGIDAE
African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii: Great views of two birds at their roost in riverine forest at
Liwonde NP.
African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis: Cracking views of one at close range on a night drive at
Liwonde NP. A little marvel!!
Southern White-faced Scops-Owl Ptilopsis granti (H): We heard it at night at Vwaza Marsh.
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum (H): Heard a couple of times in the distance, but not
pursued. The race concerned is licua.
African Barred Owlet Glaucidium capense: A couple of superb daytime views of this fierce little
owlet. The race concerned is ngamiense.
Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo africanus: Several excellent nocturnal sightings on the Nyika plateau. Great
stuff. Yellow eyes!!!
Verreaux’s Eagle Owl (Giant Eagle Owl) Bubo lacteus (H): Its distinctive voice was heard at night at
Liwonde NP.
Pel’s Fishing Owl Scotopelia peli: THE BIRD OF THE TRIP!! Fantastic views of this really special bird
on one of our night drives at Liwonde NP. The “ginger teddybear” is one of those must
see birds and is always high on people’s wish lists!! It feeds mainly on fish, but also eats
frogs, crabs and freshwater mussels. The favourite bird for Glenn, Connie and Allan.
Marsh Owl Asio capensis: A couple of rather brief observations on night drives on the Nyika plateau.
CAPRIMULGIDAE
Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis: Great looks in broad daylight at a male in the
Dzalanyama Forest Reserve.
Mountain Nightjar Caprimulgus poliocephalus: Males and females of the race guttifer were seen well
at Chelinda (Nyika NP). It has been suggested that this form known as Usambara Nightjar
differs vocally and may be specifically distinct. One for the bank!
Square-tailed Nightjar (Mozambique/Gabon Nightjar) Caprimulgus fossii: Perfect views of several in
the Shire River floodplain at Liwonde NP. A distinctive song!!
Pennant-winged Nightjar Macrodipteryx vexillarius (NL): A male showed to half the group on a night
drive at Nyika.
APODIDAE
European Swift (Common Swift) Apus apus: Several enormous flocks of Palearctic migrants of the
nominate race were noted along the shores of Lake Malawi.
White-rumped Swift Apus caffer: Just a few observations of this widespread African species.
Little Swift Apus affinis: Regular sightings. The race concerned is aerobates.
Scarce Swift Schoutedenapus myoptilus: Three birds showed quite well on the Nyika plateau. The
race concerned is myoptilus.
African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus: The race myochrous was common and widespread.
13 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
COLIIDAE
Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus: Several races occur in Malawi. The race berlepschi occurs on
the Nyika plateau, simulans along the Shire River and affinis elsewhere. The six species of
mousebird form an endemic African family (and order) and differ from most other birds
because their feathers do not grow in tracts, but all over the body. These frugivorous birds
display a highly flexible foot structure, which allows them to oppose one or two toes, or
to turn all four forwards.
Red-faced Mousebird Colius indicus: Good views of several birds of the race mossambicus in the
Liwonde area.
TROGONIDAE
Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina: A male of the nominate race showed perfectly at close range in
the Vwaza miombo, whilst uttering its distinctive hooting. The name narina is a Hottentot
word meaning flower and was given by the 18th century French explorer and adventurer
François Levaillant. Subsequently it was claimed that Levaillant had named the trogon
after a Hottentot servant girl. Barbara’s favourite species of the tour.
Bar-tailed Trogon Apaloderma vittatum: Good looks in the montane forests of the Nyika plateau. All
40 members of the pantropical trogon family have an incredibly thin skin and very
loosely attached feathers, but only the New World members have a serrated bill. Three
species only occur in Africa.
ALCEDINIDAE
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis: Common along the Shire River at Liwonde NP.
Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima: A handful of observations, mainly along the Shire River at
Liwonde NP.
Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata: The race galerita was easy to see along the Shire River at
Liwonde NP.
African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picta: A splendid sighting of a couple of birds of the race
natalensis in Dzalanyama. Glorious.
Woodland Kingfisher Halcyon senegalensis: Regular encounters in Liwonde NP. Very vocal.
Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris: A number of sightings of the race orientalis.
Grey-headed Kingfisher (Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher) Halcyon leucocephala: A single observation
only at Vwaza.
Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti: Good views of a single bird of the nominate race at Liwonde
NP. Regularly heard.
MEROPIDAE
European Bee-eater Merops apiaster: The passage of these Palearctic migrants appeared to bealmost
over, but we still heard them regularly overhead.
Böhm’s Bee-eater Merops boehmi: This pretty little bee-eater was much admired in Liwonde NP
where they were common. A garden bird at the lodge! A species with a restricted range
in southern Central Africa. The bird is named after Richard Boehm (1854-?), German
ornithologist, collector in tropical Africa and author.
Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus: The race meridionalis was common and widespread.
CORACIIDAE
Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata: Vividly coloured examples of the nominate race were seen
throughout the tour in suitable habitat.
Racket-tailed Roller Coracias spatulata: A much-wanted bird which was seen very well in Liwonde
NP and then again at Vwaza.
14 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Broad-billed Roller Eurystomus glaucurus: Most common in Liwonde NP, where some intensely
coloured birds of the race suahelicus were seen.
UPUPIDAE
African Hoopoe Upupa africana: A few sightings only. The form concerned is often lumped in
Eurasian Hoopoe U. epops.
PHOENICULIDAE
Green Woodhoopoe (Red-billed Woodhoopoe) Phoeniculus purpureus: Squabbling groups were best
seen in Dzalanyama and in Liwonde NP. The race concerned is marwitzi.
Common Scimitarbill (Greater Scimitarbill) Rhinopomastus cyanomelas: The race shalowi was seen
well in Dzalanyama and in Liwonde NP.
BUCEROTIDAE
Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator: Easily seen in the tea estates near Blantyre and along the
Shire River at Liwonde NP.
African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus: The race epirhinus was most common in Vwaza Marsh NP.
Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris: This was the most common hornbill in Liwonde NP.
A recent split from Red-billed Hornbill T. erythrorhynchus.
Pale-billed Hornbill Tockus pallidirostris: Great looks at a vocal pair at Dzalanyama. This is a
miombo Brachystegia specialist that needs extensive stands of tall trees.
Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus: Good views of several in the Vwaza Marsh miombo.
Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri (H): We heard the loud and deep booming call at
dawn in Liwonde NP. The ground hornbills are often placed in a separate family, the
Bucorvidae.
CAPITONIDAE
Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus: This gorgeous critter was first seen in Dzalanyama. Three
races occur in Malawi. Our birds probably all referred to vivascens. A great voice!!
Miombo Pied Barbet Tricholaema frontatus: Excellent scope views of a singing bird in a patch of
miombo near Vwaza Marsh. Here at the eastern edge of its area of distribution.
White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis: Good views of the nominate race above Zomba and on
Soche mountain.
Whyte’s Barbet Stactolaema whytii: Perfect scope views in the miombo near Vwaza Marsh. The race
concerned is angoniensis which is sometimes considered part of a recognisable form
known as Sowerby’s Barbet.
Moustached Green Tinkerbird Pogoniulus leucomystax: Several showed well in the montane forests
of the Nyika plateau. Several others were heard.
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus: Many sightings of the race extoni.
Golden-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus: Several great views in the Blantyre area. The
species is also known as Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird.
Crested Barbet (Levaillant’s Barbet) Trachyphonus vaillantii: Great looks at the race suahelicus in
Liwonde NP and again near Vwaza Marsh NP. A clown of a bird, splashed with colour!
INDICATORIDAE
Greater Honeyguide (Black-throated Honeyguide) Indicator indicator: Good scope views of a male at
the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve and also seen at Vwaza Marsh NP. This is the original
honeyguide that may lead man and Honey Badgers (Ratels) to bees nests. A brood
parasite favouring a wide range of mainly hole-nesting species.
15 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor: Good looks at a bird of the race teitensis in the Vwaza area. A
brood parasite on barbets in particular.
Sharp-billed Honeyguide Prodotiscus regulus: Brief views of one near Vwaza Marsh NP, just before it
starting raining in earnest. The species is also known as Wahlberg’s or Brown-backed
Honeybird. It parasitizes hole-nesting birds or birds with globular nests like Yellowthroated Petronia, Grey-backed Camaroptera, cisticolas and sunbirds.
PICIDAE
Bennett’s Woodpecker Campethera bennettii: A couple of sightings in the Vwaza area.
Reichenow’s Woodpecker Campethera scriptoricauda: Excellent views in the mopane woods at
Liwonde NP. This form used to be lumped in Bennett’s Woodpecker Campethera
bennettii, but has recently been split by several authors. The authoritative “The Birds of
Africa” retains it in Bennett’s Woodpecker. It differs in having a dark band behind the eye
and in having the chin and throat spotted with black.
Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni: Several good sightings in Dzalanyama and in
Liwonde NP.
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens: The race hartlaubii was the most commonly seen
woodpecker.
Stierling’s Woodpecker Dendropicos stierlingi: Several excellent eye-ball to eye-ball encounters with
this Brachystegia specialist in the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. The bird is named after N.
Stierling, a German traveller and collector in Nyassaland and Tanganyika at the
beginning of the 20th century.
Bearded Woodpecker
Dendropicos namaquus: Good views of this widespread species at
Dzalanyama.
Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus: Good looks at this distinctive species in the forests
of the Nyika plateau. The race involved is ruwenzori.
EURYLAIMIDAE
African Broadbill Smithornis capensis (H): We heard the distinctive display in the Lilongwe Nature
Sanctuary (cryptoleucus). This attractive and mainly Asian family counts four species in
sub-Saharan Africa.
ALAUDIDAE
Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana: A few were seen on the Nyika Plateau, which is home to the
endemic race nyikae.
HIRUNDINIDAE
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Good numbers of Palearctic migrants of the nominate race were seen
all over the country.
Angola Swallow Hirundo angolensis: Good looks at several on the Nyika Plateau.
Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea: This fabulous bird with its long and delicate tail streamers was
easy to see well on the Nyika Plateau. It is classed as ‘Vulnerable’ in “Threatened Birds of
the World”, BirdLife International’s magnificent book on the future of the birds on our
planet. It is seriously threatened everywhere in its restricted range by afforestation.
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii: The nominate race was most common in the south.
Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: Several individuals of the race emini were seen on the Nyika
plateau.
Red-breasted Swallow (Rufous-chested Swallow) Hirundo semirufa (NL): Rita and Vikus saw several
birds on the lower reaches of Mount Soche.
16 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis: Two birds of the race monteiri showed rather briefly over the
lower slopes of the Nyiaka plateau.
Lesser Striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica: The race unitatis was commonly encountered.
Rock Martin Hirundo fuligula: A few were noted in the Blantyre area.
Common House Martin Delichon urbica: A few of these Palearctic migrants (nominate race) could
be observed at Vwaza Marsh.
Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga: Perfect views of a perched bird at the Dzalanyama
Forest Reserve.
Banded Martin Riparia cincta: A couple of these large hirundines over the grasslands of the Nyika
plateau.
Eastern Saw-wing Psalidoprocne orientalis: Dzalanyama and Soche mountain were the places where
we saw this species.
White-headed Saw-wing Psalidoprocne albiceps: A most attractive swallow. Males and females of
the nominate race were much admired as they showed off along forest edges on the
Nyika Plateau.
CAMPEPHAGIDAE
Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava: Seen well in Dzalanyama and Liwonde. Females especially
are very distinctive.
White-breasted Cuckooshrike Coracina pectoralis: Many excellent looks at this subtly beautiful
species in the Dzalanyama miombo.
DICRURIDAE
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis: The nominate race was a common dry country species.
Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii: The nominate race was seen well at Zomba. The English
name is misleading as it has a forked rather than a square tail.
ORIOLIDAE
Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus: Several encounters with these Palearctic migrants.
African Golden Oriole Oriolus auratus: Many excellent views of the race notatus at Dzalanyama. A
glorious species.
Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus: The race rolleti occurred alongside the previous species at
Dzalanyama, but we also noted it elsewhere.
Green-headed Oriole Oriolus chlorocephalus (H): We heard the distinctive song in the distance at
one of the tea estates near Thyolo (or Cholo). We tried to entice it closer, but no joy. This
much-wanted bird has a tiny range and is only known from two areas in SE Kenya,
several mountain ranges in Tanzania, five localities in Malawi and two mountains in
Mozambique. Have a look at the eye-opening distribution map in “The Birds of Africa”,
vol VI.
CORVIDAE
Pied Crow Corvus albus: An abundant roadside and village bird.
White-necked Raven (White-naped Raven) Corvus albicollis: Only seen on the Nyika plateau, where
up to eight could be seen together.
PARIDAE
Miombo Tit (Northern Grey Tit) Parus griseiventris: A few brief observations in the Dzalanyama
miombo.
Southern Black Tit Parus niger: Good views of the race xanthostomus in Liwonde NP.
17 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
White-winged Black Tit Parus leucomelas: A couple showed well at Vwaza Marsh NP. Here at the
southestern edge of their area of distribution.
Cinnamon-breasted Tit Parus pallidiventris: We were treated to several superb views of the paler race
masukuensis in Dzalanyama. A delightful miombo specialist. Sometimes lumped in
Rufous-bellied Tit Parus rufiventris.
TIMALIIDAE
Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii: A few encounters only and best seen at Vwaza Marsh.
Noisy!!
PYCNONOTIDAE
Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor: The race concerned, layardi was abundant throughout. A
recent split from Common Bulbul P. barbatus.
Terrestrial Bulbul Phyllastrephus terrestris: We all had good views of the race intermedius in the
thickets at Liwonde NP. The species is more commonly known as Terrestrial Brownbul.
Cabanis’s Bulbul Phyllastrephus cabanisi: Excellent views on the Zomba plateau. The members of
the genus Phyllastrephus are more usually referred to as greenbuls.
Yellow-streaked Bulbul Phyllastrephus flavostriatus. Good looks at three birds of the race vincenti
near Blantyre and several birds of the race alfredi showed well in the montane forests of
Nyika. The latter form is sometimes considered as a separate species: Sharpe’s Greenbul
P. alfredi.
Little Green Bulbul Andropadus virens: The race zombensis was regular and noisy in appropriate
habitat near Blantyre. This widespread species is more commonly known as Little
Greenbul.
Sombre Bulbul (Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul) Andropadus importunus: The more brightly coloured
race hypoxanthus was seen at length in the Blantyre area.
Olive-breasted Mountain Bulbul Andropadus tephrolaemus: Close-up views of the race fusciceps on
the Nyika Plateau. There is much taxonomic debate concerning the tephrolaemus
complex. The form concerned is now usually either split as part of a separate species,
Mountain Greenbul A. nigriceps or as a species in its own right, Southern Mountain
Greenbul A. fusciceps. Take your pick!
Stripe-cheeked Bulbul Andropadus milanjensis: Strikingly pale-eyed birds of the race olivaceiceps
were seen on the Zomba plateau. This form is sometimes split off as a separate species,
Olive-headed Greenbul A. olivaceiceps.
Yellow-bellied Bulbul Chlorocichla flaviventris: Good views of the race occidentalis on several
occasions.
Eastern Nicator (Yellow-spotted Nicator) Nicator gularis: We first heard the distinctive vocalizations
in the thickets at Liwonde NP, but the nearby elephants prevented us going for it. But
luckily, we later obtained excellent views in the forest near Chintheche. Some
taxonomists place the nicators with the bush shrikes: Malaconotidae.
TURDIDAE
Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus: Regular observations of the race tropicalis.
Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus (H): We heard it on the Zomba plateau.
Orange Ground Thrush Zoothera gurneyi (H): We heard this skulker on two occasions in patches of
montane forest on the Nyika plateau. It inspected us closely, but we never saw it.
Miombo Rock Thrush Monticola angolensis: Repeated great views of the race hylophila in
Dzalanyama. As its name implies, this species is a miombo specialist. We also noted
recently fledged young.
18 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Familiar Chat (Red-tailed Chat) Cercomela familiaris: A few birds of the race falkensteini on Soche
Mountain.
Arnott’s Chat (White-headed Black Chat) Thamnolaea arnotti: Excellent views of the nominate race
of this attractive chat were obtained at Liwonde NP. Males and females are quite
differently patterned.
African Stonechat Saxicola torquata: The race promiscua was regularly encountered. Recent DNA
work has suggested that the resident African races are worthy of specific rank, distinctive
from the Palearctic birds. The European Common Stonechat is then renamed S. rubicola
because the type specimen described by Linnaeus in 1758 came from the Cape of Good
Hope of all places! According to recent scientific studies, it has been found that the
‘African’ stonechats have a lower metabolic rate than their European relatives and
therefore lead a slower, less hectic and more laid back life style more suited to the
tropics!
White-browed Robin-Chat (Heuglin’s Robin-Chat) Cossypha heuglini: Many good views were had of
the nominate race.
Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra: The race iolaema was repeatedly seen well on the Zomba and the
Nyika plateaus.
Olive-flanked Robin Cossypha anomala: We had close up views of this delightful little robin-chat in
the montane forests of the Nyika Plateau. The race concerned is macclounii.
Collared Palm Thrush Cichladusa arquata: Common and easy to see in Liwonde NP. A lovely bird.
White-chested Alethe Alethe fuelleborni: Superb views for all of this inveterate skulker in the
montane forests on the Zambian side of the Nyika NP. A regular attender of army ant
swarms. The mountains of Eastern Tanzania are its main stronghold, but it also occurs in
tiny areas in eastern Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique.
White-starred Robin (Starred Robin) Pogonocichla stellata: Very good views of the race orientalis on
the Zomba plateau and on the Nyika plateau. A really attractive species.
Sharpe’s Akalat Sheppardia sharpei: Perfect views of this unobtrusive species in montane forest on
the Zambian side of the Nyika NP. This species has a restricted range and only occurs in
eastern and south-western Tanzania, northern Malawi and eastern Zambia.
East Coast Akalat (Gunning’s Robin) Sheppardia gunningi: We had amazing views of the isolated
endemic race bensoni near Chintheche. The population in Malawi is estimated to be
around three thousand pairs and this species is treated as ‘Vulnerable’ in “Threatened
Birds of the World”, BirdLife International’s magnificent book on the future of the birds
on our planet. The bird is named after Jan Willem Gunning (1860-1912), South African
zoologist and director of the Pretoria Museum.
Boulder Chat Pinarornis plumosus: It took a bit of climbing to get to the boulder habitat of this muchwanted species on a forested kopje in the Dzalanyama Forest Reserve. Once there,
several birds really showed off at length and everyone who made the ascent came away
with great views of his well-named creature, the only member of its genus. With
Zimbabwe (its stronghold) out of bounds for the international birder, Malawi is now the
place to see this different-looking species. The number four in the BIRD of the TRIP
contest. David’s favourite!!
White-browed Scrub-Robin (White-browed Robin) Erythropygia leucophrys: Nice views of a pair on
Soche Mountain.
Central Bearded Scrub-Robin (Miombo Bearded Robin) Erythropygia barbata: Excellent views in the
miombo of Dzalanyama and near the Nyika gate.
Eastern Bearded Scrub-Robin Erythropygia quadrivirgata: The nominate race was first seen in
Liwonde NP. Great looks.
19 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
SYLVIIDAE
Garden Warbler Sylvia borin: One showed quite well in the gardens of our Lilongwe hotel.
Yellow-bellied Hyliota Hyliota flavigaster: Several of the race barbozae were seen at Dzalanyama.
Mashona Hyliota (Southern Hyliota) Hyliota australis: The race inornata was seen very well at
Dzalanyama, where we could compare it directly with the previous species.
African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus: Fair views of two in a marshy area in Lilongwe.
Lesser Swamp Warbler (Cape Reed Warbler) Acrocephalus gracilirostris: Several excellent sightings
of the race leptorhynchus.
Dark-capped Yellow Warbler (African Yellow Warbler) Chloropeta natalensis: Great looks at
foraging and singing birds on the slopes of the Zomba plateau. Also called African Yellow
Warbler.
Mountain Yellow Warbler Chloropeta similis: Scope views of a posing bird along a forest edge on the
Nyika plateau.
Little Rush Warbler (African Sedge Warbler) Bradypterus baboecala: Magnificent views of a
unusually very well behaved bird in a reedbed in Lilongwe.
Evergreen Forest Warbler Bradypterus mariae (H): The race granti was heard on the Zomba plateau
and on Soche mountain, and we also heard this mega skulker on the Nyika plateau.
Cinnamon Bracken Warbler Bradypterus cinnamomeus: The race nyassae showed perfectly in the
scope in a patch of montane forest on the Nyika plateau. Another usually very secretive
creature.
Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus: Two races of this common Palearctic migrant occur, namely
the variable acredula and the grey-brown yakutensis. Our birds were not sub-specifically
identified but were probably the former.
Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapillus: Good looks at one on the Zomba
plateau. The race involved is johnstoni.
Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica: A highly variable species with untold races. On the Nyika
plateau the white underparts of the race youngi were seen.
Yellow-throated Apalis Apalis flavigularis: We saw this striking yellow throated/breasted species,
which is endemic to south-east Malawi and adjacent Mozambique very well on the
Zomba plateau. “Threatened Birds of the World”, BirdLife International’s magnificent
book on the future of the birds on our planet considers it ‘Endangered’.
White-winged Apalis Apalis chariessa: Probably the most beautiful African warbler!! We were
treated to perfect scope-views of a pair of the race macphersoni on the Zomba plateau.
Definitely one of the highlights of the tour!! It is thought that there are no more than one
hundred pairs in Malawi and this species is treated as ‘Vulnerable’ in “Threatened Birds
of the World”, BirdLife International’s magnificent book on the future of the birds on our
planet. This leaf and twig-gleaning species is known only from Kenya (where very rare or
already extinct along the lower Tana River - nominate race), Tanzania (fairly common
very locally), Mozambique (on one mountain) and Malawi (holding itself in nine patches
of mountain forest).
Chapin’s Apalis Apalis chapini: Excellent views of the race strausae in a patch of montane forest on
the Nyika plateau. This is a fairly recent split from Chestnut-throated Apalis A.
porphyrolaema, as this form differs both in plumage and vocalizations. This species
occurs only in eastern Zambia, Malawi and eastern Tanzania. It is named after James
Chapin (1889-1964), US ornithologist, collector in the Belgian Congo, curator of the
American Museum of Natural History and author, but this gentleman will remain most
famous for discovering and describing the holy grail of African birders, the Congo
Peacock Afropavo congensis.
Brown-headed Apalis Apalis alticola: Great looks at a single bird in montane forest on the Nyika
plateau.
20 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Black-headed Apalis Apalis melanocephala: On the Zomba plateau we encountered the race
adjacens.
Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida: The race neglecta was commonly observed, especially in the
Liwonde thickets.
Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii: A single bird showed well in Vwaza Marsh NP.
Long-billed Crombec (Cape Crombec) Sylvietta rufescens: A lovely sighting of a pair of the race
pallida at Liwonde NP.
Red-capped Crombec Sylvietta ruficapilla: Excellent views of a single bird of the race chubbi in the
Dzalanyama miombo.
Green-capped Eremomela Eremomela scotops: The race pulchra was commonly encountered in
Dzalanyama. Very vocal.
Grey-backed Bleating Warbler Camaroptera brevicaudata: Widespread sightings of the race sharpei.
There is much taxonomic debate over this and Green-backed Camaroptera C. brachyura,
which are often lumped together as Bleating Warbler C. brachyura.
Stierling’s Barred Warbler (Stierling’s Wren-Warbler) Camaroptera stierlingi: Several great looks in
the miombo at Dzalanyama. Many others were heard.
Zitting Cisticola (Fan-tailed C) Cisticola juncidis: The race terrestris was seen in the Lilongwe airport
dambo.
Ayres’s Cisticola (Wing-snapping C) Cisticola ayresii: The amazing display of the nominate race was
admired by all on the Nyika Plateau. We also saw it walk on the track there.
Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais: The race semifasciatus was seen on the Nyika platea. The protea
scrub habitat, duller colour, greyer throat and varied vocalizations ruled out the very
similar Churring Cisticola.
Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana: The race emendatus was easily seen on several occasions.
Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans (H): We heard it in shrubby habitat on the Nyika plateau, but we
had other things on our minds.
Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops: Great scope studies of this marsh dweller at Chintheche.
Black-lored Cisticola Cisticola nigriloris: Many great sightings of duetting pairs on the Nyika plateau.
A restricted range species, occurring only in north-eastern Zambia, northern Malawi and
southern Tanzania.
Churring Cisticola Cisticola njombe: The race mariae is endemic to the Nyika Plateau. Its
monotonous song was often heard and we obtained repeated good views.
Short-winged Cisticola (Siffling C) Cisticola brachypterus: Brief views in the Lilongwe area.
Neddicky (Piping Cisticola) Cisticola fulvicapillus (H): A few audio encounters with the race
muelleri.
Red-winged Warbler Heliolais erythroptera (H): We heard it in a patch of rank grass at Dzalanyama.
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava: The race mutatrix was widely encountered and often heard.
MUSCICAPIDAE
Boehm’s Flycatcher Myopornis boehmi: Superb looks at several in Dzalanyama and in Vwaza. An
endearing Brachystegia specialist that sat and posed for us at length. Another restricted
range species occurring only in southern Central Africa.
Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata: Regular observations. Two races of this Palearctic migrant
occur, namely neumanni and the nominate. Our birds were not sub-specifically
identified.
African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta: The race subadusta was observed at Dzalanyama, on
Soche Mountain (where we found a nest) and on Nyika.
Ashy Flycatcher (Blue-grey Flycatcher) Muscicapa caerulescens: We saw the race vulturna at
Dzalanyama.
21 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Grey Tit-Flycatcher (Fan-tailed/Lead-coloured F) Myioparus plumbeus: The race orientalis was seen
well in Dzalanyama and also at Vwaza.
Southern Black Flycatcher
Melaenornis pammelaina: Regular sightings in the Brachystegia
woodlands.
Cape Batis Batis capensis: We had marvellous views of this most attractive bird. Often tame and
confiding, the views could not have been bettered. We saw the race dimorpha on the
Zomba plateau and sola on the Nyika plateau. These forms are sometimes split off as a
separate species, Malawi Batis B. dimorpha. The batises and wattle-eyes are more
usually placed in a separate family, Platysteiridae.
Chinspot Batis Batis molitor: Widespread sightings of the race puella.
Black-throated Wattle-eye (Wattle-eyed Flycatcher) Platysteira peltata: Good, but brief views in the
Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary.
Livingstone’s Flycatcher Erythrocercus livingstonei: We had marvellous views of the race francisci of
this charming and very active little flycatcher in Liwonde NP. This and the following
flycatchers are more usually placed in the family Monarchidae, the ‘Monarch
Flycatchers’. The species is obviously named after David Livingstone (1813-1873), the
famous Scottish missionary to tropical Africa, anti-slaver, explorer and author.
White-tailed Blue Flycatcher Elminia albicauda: Another charming bird seen well in the miombo at
the Nyika NP gate.
White-tailed Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus albonotatus: The race subcaerulea was seen on the
Zomba plateau and the nominate on the Nyika plateau. The species is sometimes placed
in the genus Elminia.
African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis: The race plumbeiceps was regularly seen and
always much appreciated.
MOTACILLIDAE
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp: Widespread sightings of the race vidua.
Mountain Wagtail (Long-tailed Wagtail) Motacilla clara: A single sighting of the race torrentium on
the Zomba plateau.
Grassveld Pipit (African Pipit) Anthus cinnamomeus: The taxonomy of pipits is poorly understood
and is open to debate. The field identification of them is notoriously difficult. Two races
of this species occur in Malawi; the darker race lichenya in the north is more heavily
streaked above, richer buff below with ‘sharper’ breast streaking that sometimes extends
onto the flanks and spurium in the south is a colder, greyer colour with blacker but more
restricted breast streaking. We would have encountered both forms.
Wood Pipit Anthus nyassae (H): We heard this woodland-inhabiting species in the Dzalanyama
miombo. “The Birds of Africa” lump this form into Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis, but
this is obviously too easy a solution. The whole situation is probably much more complex
and needs some thorough study.
Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys: Good views of one along the shore of Kasungu lake.
Striped Pipit Anthus lineiventris: Unbeatable scope views of this distinctive pipit on the forested
kopje at Dzalanyama. Splendid stuff!! A lovely song too.
Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus: Five showed well in a dry dambo near Lilongwe.
LANIIDAE
Common Fiscal Shrike Lanius collaris: Two races occur, the more extensive capelli and humeralis on
the Nyika plateau and south-eastern mountains. The only difference is the extent of white
in the tail.
Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio: Several lovely observations of this Palearctic migrant. Both males
and females were seen.
22 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Souza’s Shrike Lanius souzae: Splendid scope views of this much-wanted and rather unobtrusive
species in the Dzalanyama miombo. A nest with two fluffy young was found. The race
involved is tacitus. Malawi is the place to see this charming bird. The species is named
after the Portuguese zoologist J.A. de Souza (1836-1889).
MALACONOTIDAE
Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus: All our sightings were of the race mossambicus. Much more
often heard than seen!
Fülleborn’s Black Boubou Laniarius fuelleborni: It took a while, but eventually we obtained great
views of the nominate race of this very skulky bush shrike on the Nyika plateau. Its small
range encompasses the mountains of eastern Tanzania, eastern Zambia and northern
Malawi.
Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla: The race hamatus was commonly encountered, often
enough with a puffed up lower back, which explains its South African name Sneeubal (=
snowball).
Brubru Nilaus afer: Several great views of the race nigritemporalis. This race has, historically, been
treated as a separate species.
Brown-crowned Tchagra (Brown-headed/Three-streaked Tchagra) Tchagra australis: A couple of
sightings of the race minor. It is better to use the name Brown-crowned Tchagra to avoid
confusion with the ‘real’ Three-streaked Tchagra T. jamesi of East Africa.
Black-crowned Tchagra (Black-headed Tchagra) Tchagra senegala: More often heard than seen, but
great views at Dzalanyama and at Vwaza. The race concerned is armena.
Orange-breasted Bush Shrike (Sulphur-breasted B S) Telophorus sulfureopectus: An excellent sighting
of three birds of the race similis at the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary.
Black-fronted Bush Shrike Telophorus nigrifrons: Magnificent views of this striking bird in a patch of
montane forest at Nyika.
PRIONOPIDAE
White-crested Helmetshrike (White Helmetshrike) Prionops plumatus: Always a treat to see, we
encountered several flocks of the race poliocephala during the tour.
Retz’s Helmetshrike (Red-billed Helmetshrike: Prionops retzii: Another bird full of character and seen
well at Liwonde and near Vwaza. The race concerned is tricolor. A glorious bird.
STURNIDAE
Violet-backed Starling (Plum-coloured/Amethyst Starling) Cinnyricinclus leucogaster: Many shining
examples of the race verreauxi were seen during the tour. The females can be quite
confusing at times.
Meves’s Starling (Long-tailed Starling) Lamprotornis mevesii: The nominate race was abundant in the
Liwonde area.
Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus: The race sycobius was most numerous in the
Liwonde area.
Miombo Blue-eared Starling (Southern Blue-eared Starling) Lamprotornis elisabeth: Positively
identified in the miombo near the Vwaza turn-off. A true miombo specialist.
Waller’s Red-winged Starling Onychognathus walleri: Regular encounters in montane forest on the
Nyika plateau.
Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio: The nominate race is the form concerned. Several
excellent encounters.
23 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
White-winged Babbling Starling Neocichla gutturalis: Surely one of the best and most unusual birds
of the tour. We were treated to some unbeatable views of this attractive and most unusual
starling, which looks like a cross between a babbler and a helmet-shrike, in the Vwaza
area. We saw two birds attending young in a nesthole. The race concerned is angusta.
Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus: The race scotinus was seen in Liwonde NP.
NECTARINIIDAE
Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa: Many great views of males and females at protea flowers on
the Nyika plateau. We kept our eyes open for the Red-tufted Malachite Sunbird, but
never really managed to identify one.
Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis: A gorgeous male showed well in a flowering bush on the
Nyika plateau.
Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciata: The race microrhyncha was a fairly common garden bird
at Chintheche. Splendid looks.
Miombo Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris manoensis: Many great looks at the nominate race in
Dzalanyama.
Eastern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris mediocris: Seen on the Zomba plateau and on Nyika. The
form concerned is split by some authorities as Forest Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris
fuelleborni.
Greater Double-coloured Sunbird Cinnyris afra: Good views were had on the Nyika plateau. Sibley
and Monroe treat whytei, the form concerned, as part of a separate species, Prigogine’s
Double-collared Sunbird N. prigoginei. Urban, Keith & Fry in their authorative “The
Birds of Africa, volume VI” treat the form concerned as a subspecies of Ludwig’s Doublecollared Sunbird Cinnyris ludovicensis, a species occurring mainly in western Angola,
and acknowledges that this may be an unnatural situation!! Sinclair & Ryan in “Birds of
Africa, south of the Sahara” also treat it as a race of Ludwig’s Double-collared Sunbird
Cinnyris ludovicensis. Make sure you note where you saw this form!!
Variable Sunbird (Yellow-bellied Sunbird) Cinnyris venusta: Several sightings of the race falkensteini.
White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala: Several good views were had in Liwonde NP.
Eastern Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea: A few encounters with the race alfredi in forest habitat.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis: Several sightings of the race gutturalis in the south.
Always a delight to watch.
Amethyst Sunbird (African Black S) Chalcomitra amethystina: The race kirkii was common in
Dzalanyama and Vwaza.
Red and Blue Sunbird (Anchieta’s Sunbird) Anthreptes anchietae: Repeated excellent views of this
different-looking species in Dzalanyama. The bird is named after J. de Anchieta, a 19th
century Portuguese naturalist and collector in Mozambique.
Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes longuemarei: A few in the Dzalanyama miombo. The race
concerned is angolensis and the species is also known as Western Violet-backed Sunbird.
Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris: The race zambesianus was commonly encountered in the
south.
ZOSTEROPIDAE
African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis: Widespread sightings of the race stierlingi.
PLOCEIDAE
White-browed Sparrow Weaver Plocepasser mahali: The race pectoralis was abundant in Liwonde
NP.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Introduced birds of the race indicus have settled in well.
Northern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer griseus: We noted several in the Lilongwe area.
24 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus: These were the sparrows seen in Liwonde NP.
Yellow-throated Petronia (African Yellow-throated Sparrow) Petronia superciliaris: Common in
Dzalanyama and also observed at Vwaza.
Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons: Also called Grosbeak Weaver. We saw several on the
tea estate south of Blantyre.
Baglafecht Weaver Ploceus baglafecht: Several seen on the Nyika Plateau were of the race nyikae.
The form concerned has historically been split as part of a separate species, Stuhlmann’s
Weaver P. stuhlmanni.
Dark-backed Weaver (Forest Weaver) Ploceus bicolor:Regular encounters in the Zomba area, where
the race concerned is stictifrons.
Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis: Several sightings of the race suahelicus in the southern part of
the country.
Village Weaver (Spotted-backed/Black-headed Weaver) Ploceus cucullatus: A large breeding colony
was in the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and others were seen elsewhere. The race
concerned is spilonotus.
Southern Masked Weaver (Vitelline Masked W) Ploceus velatus: A few sightings in Liwonde NP.
Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius: A few sightings of the race cabanisii.
Golden Weaver (Holub’s Golden Weaver) Ploceus xanthops: Just a few.
Yellow Weaver (African Golden Weaver) Ploceus subaureus: Several attending nests in a reedbed
near Lake Malawi.
Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus: Good numbers of the nominate race
included some fine breeding plumaged males in Liwonde NP.
Olive-headed Weaver Ploceus olivaceiceps: Two birds were observed doing their thing in some wet
miombo at 1700m altitude on the Zomba plateau. Their tit-like foraging behaviour was
very obvious. A species with a very restricted range in southern Central Africa. This
species is treated as ‘Near-Threatened’ in “Threatened Birds of the World”, BirdLife
International’s magnificent book on the future of the birds on our planet.
Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps: Some fine males of the nominate race were much
admired attending nests in Liwonde NP.
Yellow Bishop (Yellow-rumped Widow) Euplectes capensis: Good views of both breeding and nonbreeding plumaged birds of the race xanthomelas in a dmbo near Lilongwe.
White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus: Several encounters with non-breeding plumaged
birds at Dzalanyama.
Yellow-mantled Widowbird (Yellow-backed Widow)
Euplectes macrourus: Several breeding
plumaged males of the nominate race were seen in a marshy area in Lilongwe.
Mountain Marsh Widow Euplectes psammocromius: Superb beautiful breeding-plumaged males
were watched displaying over the moorlands of the Nyika plateau. This species is
sometimes lumped with Marsh Widow E. hartlaubi.
ESTRILDIDAE
Green-winged Pytilia (Melba Finch) Pytilia melba: Regular sightings of this attractive species. There is
no explanation available for ‘melba’.
Green Twinspot (Green-backed Twinspot) Mandingoa nitidula: Great views for most in shrubby
montane growth above Zomba were followed by exquisite scope views for all in dense
riverine thickets at Liwonde NP. A cracker of a bird!! The number three in the BIRD of
the TRIP contest. Richard’s favourite.
Red-throated Twinspot (Peter’s Twinspot) Hypargos niveoguttatus: Several nice encounters with this
little gem in the Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary and several other locations on the tour.
African Firefinch (Blue-billed F) Lagonosticta rubricata: Just a few encounters with this widespread
species.
25 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala: The race rendalli was most common in Liwonde NP.
Blue Waxbill (Cordon-bleu) Uraeginthus angolensis: The race niassensis was common and
widespread.
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild: Regular observations of the race cavendishi.
Yellow-bellied Waxbill (East African Swee) Estrilda quartinia: Splendid views of the race kilimensis
on several occasions.
African Quail Finch Ortygospiza atricollis: Scope views of this little tyke in a dambo near Lilongwe.
Never really easy to see well.
Locust Finch Ortygospiza locustella: We all managed to obtain good flight views of the nominate
race of this tiny little finch and several of us got scope views of these little gems on the
deck.
Orange-breasted waxbill (Zebra Waxbill) Sporaeginthus subflavus: Splendid scope views in the reeds
at Kasungu lake and in the Lilongwe area.
Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata: A pair of these striking birds showed well in Liwonde NP.
Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullatus: Many sightings of the race scutata.
Red-backed Mannikin Spermestes nigriceps: Great looks on several occasions in the southern part of
the country. Attractive.
VIDUIDAE
Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura: Several observations of breeding-plumaged males.
FRINGILLIDAE
Yellow-fronted Canary (Yellow-eyed C) Serinus mozambicus: The nominate race was common and
widespread.
Cape Canary Serinus canicollis: The race sassii was common on the Nyika Plateau. The Central and
Eastern African, mainly montane, forms are sometimes split off as a separate species:
Yellow-crowned Canary Serinus flavivertex.
African Citril Serinus citrinelloides: Regular encounters. The form concerned is sometimes split as a
separate species: Southern Citril S. hypostictus.
Stripe-breasted Canary Serinus reichardi: A few of the nominate race at Dzalanyama.
Black-eared Canary Serinus mennelli: Many excellent views at Dzalanyama. Another Brachystegia
specialist.
Yellow-browed Seedeater Serinus whytii: A few in bracken growth on the Nyika plateau. It is
restricted to southern Tanzania, eastern Zambia and northern Malawi. It is often
considered a subspecies of Streaky Seedeater Serinus striolatus.
EMBERIZIDAE
Cabanis’s Bunting Emberiza cabanisi: Several encounters with the race orientalis in Dzalanyama and
on Soche Mountain. The bird is named after Jean Louis Cabanis (1816-1906), German
ornithologist, author and founding editor of the famous Journal für Ornithologie.
Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris: Several excellent views of the nominate race.
Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (C-b Rock Bunting) Emberiza tahapisi: Good looks on several occasions.
Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis: Great looks at two on the lower slopes of Mount Soche. The form
concerned is sometimes, for example in the Clements checklist, split off as a separate
species: Vincent’s Bunting E. vincenti.
MAMMALS
Yellow Baboon Papio cyanocephalus: Commonly encountered.
Vervet Monkey (Vervet) Cercopithecus pygerythrus: Another common mammal.
26 Birdquest: Malawi 2006
Gentle Monkey (Diademed Guenon) Cercopithecus mitis: A few were seen on Soche mountain and
on the Nyika plateau. The form concerned is sometimes split as a separate species,
White-throated Monkey or Guenon C. albogularis.
Greater Galago (Thick-tailed Bushbaby) Otolemur crassicaudatus: We heard the bizarre calls and
saw the eyes reflect at Liwonde NP.
Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis: Regular sightings.
Smith’s Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi: Easy to see in Liwonde NP.
Red-legged Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus rufobrachium: A few at Liwonde NP.
Savannah Cane-Rat Thryonomys swinderianus: Seen by a few of us at a Lilongwe pond.
Side-striped Jackal Canis adustus: Great views of several on the Nyika plateau.
Slender Mongoose Galerella sanguinea: Several encounters.
Marsh Mongoose (Water M) Atilax paludinosus: A single on a night drive at Liwonde NP.
White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda: One showed well on our night drive at Liwonde NP.
Blotched Genet (Large-spotted Genet) Genetta tigrina: Great looks at this endearing animal at
Liwonde NP.
Serval Felis serval: A magnificent specimen showed very well on our night drive at Liwonde NP.
Very much appreciated.
Southern Tree Hyrax Dendrohyrax arboreus: A few showed briefly in the montane forests of Nyika.
African Elephant Loxodonta africana: Good numbers and excellent views in Liwonde NP. Maybe a
bit too close for comfort on our walk in the thickets, but still good fun.
Common Zebra (Burchell’s Zebra) Hippotigris quagga: Regular on the Nyika plateau.
Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius: Dozens in the Shire River in Liwonde NP and also
common at Vwaza Marsh NP.
Common Warthog Phacochoerus aethiopicus: Regular encounters.
Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus: Very easy to see on the Nyika plateau and also found at Liwonde
NP.
Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros: Only seen at Liwonde NP.
Eland Tragelaphus oryx: These huge antelopes were common on the Nyika plateau. Eland is the
Dutch name for Moose or Elk and was used by the first settlers in South Africa for a
resembling (?) species.
Common Duiker (Grey/Bush Duiker) Cephalophus grimmia: A few on the Nyika plateau.
Blue Duiker Cephalophus monticola (H): We heard its distinctive sneezing call in a patch of
montane forest.
Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus: Several on kopjes of the Nyika plateau.
Southern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum: Very common on the Nyika plateau.
Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus: Common in Liwonde NP.
Impala Aepyceros melampus: Very common in Liwonde NP.
Roan Hippotragus equinus: An attractive antelope seen well on the Nyika plateau. A great head
pattern.
Sable Hippotragus niger: A most graceful antelope. We were fortunate to see a single animal
showing off in Liwonde NP. Impressive!!
REPTILES
Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus: Many smiling jaws in the Shire River in Liwonde NP.
Water Monitor (Nile Monitor) Varanus niloticus: A few in Liwonde NP.
27 Birdquest: Malawi 2006