MALAWI NOVEMBER 2006 TOUR REPORT

Transcription

1 MALAWI 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 Cinnamon- 1 Birdquest: Malawi 2006

2 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 2 Birdquest: Malawi 2006

3 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 3 Birdquest: Malawi 2006

4 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 Tit- Flycatcher 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

5 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. 5 Birdquest: Malawi 2006

6 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). 6 Birdquest: Malawi 2006

7 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 Whistling- Duck. 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 ( ), 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. 7 Birdquest: Malawi 2006

8 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 ( ), British doctor and missionary to Nyassaland (now Malawi). 8 Birdquest: Malawi 2006

9 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

10 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

11 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

12 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 ( ), 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

13 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

14 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

15 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

16 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