Nomtsas Safaris - Endemic Birds of Namibia

The Dune Lark - Calendulauda erythrochlamys
The Dune Lark is considered to be the only real endemic bird of Namibia, since most of Namibias other endemic birds have been seen close or across the border of Namibia and are therefore considered near-endemic species.

To find Dune Larks means to discover Namibia, since these birds live in the most beautiful surrounding mankind can ever imagine. I will guide you through the breathtaking dunes... inbetween tufts of various Bushman grasses we will find these ever so beautiful birds.

Rüppell's Korhaan - Eupodotis rueppellii
We would consider the Rüppell's Korhaan a near endemic bird, since they are probably also found in south-western Angola. They live in barren stony and gravelly semidesert to desert; usually associated with pale pinkish gravel flats of true Namib Desert, but I have regularly encountered them in the middle of the red sand dunes of the Namib.

Rüppell's Parrot - Poicephalus rueppellii
Like all parrots, these birds are first located by sound...Usually in pairs or small groups of up to 20 birds. Often perches in tops of tall trees, but shy and hard to see. When disturbed adopts upright posture and calls loudly before taking off; flight swift and direct. The Rüppell's Parrot drinks in the morning and afternoon, so come and join us at the hide at eight.

Damara Hornbill - Tockus damarensis
One of our "new" near-endemics; although they also choose woodland and savanna, they prefer drier thornbush areas than Red-billed Hornbill, and extend into more arid and mountainous regions. Hobatere Lodge offers great birding ... so check out these birds while having your breakfast.

Monteiros Hornbill - Tockus monteirii
What an impressive near-endemic this is. Monteiro's Hornbills are found in pairs or nonbreeding flocks of up to 50 or more birds. They are shy and wary and perch on tops of taller trees. Forages on ground, digging holes up to 30 cm across and 10 cm deep.

Bare-cheeked Babbler - Turdoites gymnogenys
This common but often hard to find babbler lives near bare rocky ground among thick brush along dry watercourses, rocky wooded hills, woodland and on open plains. Habits: Gregarious in small noisy groups. Sometimes associates with other babblers. Forages mainly on ground and in low scrub; flocks fly in loose succession from bush to bush and are often ever so present and gone so fast.

Carp's Tit - Parus carpi
Forages restlessly among lower branches of trees and bushes; flies quickly from tree to tree with dipping flight. These birds are very hard to take good shots at, since the eye remains quite dark when not on direct reflection with the sun. A real strong flash with a tape in an untaped area might deliver good results.

Herero Chat - Namibornis herero
Although Herero Chat are considered locally fairly common residents, they can be really tough to find. Early morning in rocky terrain. Don't use your tape, since they probably already know the tape very well. One hour before sunrise in the right habitat does the trick.

Gray's Lark - Ammomanopsis greyii
Barren pale pinkish grey gravel flats from desert edge to near coast, with or without sparse grass or low succulent shrubs; favours areas of grass 15-50 cm tall with much bare ground between - and there we have problem number one, because they blend in more than perfectly. We have tricks to get closer to them now - I guess the correct driving speed allows for stopping at the "spot it went down".

Barlow's Lark - Calendulauda barlowii
I love the Barlows Lark, because it lives inbetween the most interessting vegetation of desert succulents Namibia has to offer. When you found Barlows Lark, the area would have impressed you to the same degree at least. Although southern Namibia is not "packed" with birds, there are some really special sightings to be proud of "having".

Benguela Long-billed Lark - Certhilauda benguelensis
These Larks are poorly known - obviously hardly studied. If you walk around the Burnt Mountain area and Brandberg, keep your eyes in the distance and scroll the rocky plains- you won't overlook them if they are present. Calling is hardly of any use, they respond poorly.

Hartlaub's Francolin - Pternistis hartlaubii
Uncommon and localized resident, but fairly easy found in the granite outcrops of the Erongo and Hobatere area

White-tailed Shrike - Lanioturdus torquatus
although this extremely beautiful bird is considered near-endemic, quite a large number exist in Angola as well

Rosy-faced Lovebird - Agapornis roseicollis
A great place for finding Lovebirds are the Naukluft Mountains. Take your scope and focus on the numerous cracks in the overhang at Waterkloof trail. Pair bonds formed while still in immature plumage, maintained for life.

Damara Rockrunner - Archaetops pygnopygius
Probably the first mind-blower and near-endemic ticked by many visitors. A short walk in the Eros Mountains near Windhoek should deliver good results. Found at lower rocky slopes of hills and mountains, especially along dry watercourses.