Widespread and adaptable, the Common Bulbul is ecologically flexible, making it a powerful model for studying evolutionary responses to global change. But how common is the Common Bulbul? Is it really that common, or is it just conspicuous - what do you think? #AfricanOrnithology
In the cuckoo finch–prinia system, rapid evolution occurs on both sides. Over just 50 years, parasites improved egg mimicry while hosts evolved away, maintaining imperfect mimicry; clear evidence of ongoing “chase-away” co-evolution in the wild. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1038/s415...
The African Cuckoo Project uses brood parasites like the Cuckoo Finch to study co-evolution in the wild. Combining fieldwork, genetics, sensory biology and experiments, the research reveals how hosts and parasites co-adapt from egg mimicry to counter-defence. #AfricanOrnithology
Precise egg mimicry in brood parasites reveals co-evolution in action. In the cuckoo finch–prinia system, variation in eggshell pigments shapes an impressive array of egg colours, proving that mimicry involves complex chemistry, not just appearance. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1098/rsbl...
🎙️ We loved this interview with Miqkayla Stofberg, a former Fitz PhD student, sharing her journey into ornithology, fieldwork, and bird conservation in South Africa. An inspiring read for bird lovers and young scientists alike.
travelosophy.co.za/birds-of-sou...
Cuckoo Finch chicks often hatch earlier than host chicks, giving them a competitive advantage. This timing increases survival but places strong selection pressure on hosts to reject foreign eggs. #AfricanOrnithology
This month we spotlight the Cuckoo Finch (Anomalospiza imberbis), a remarkable brood parasite locked in an evolutionary arms race with its hosts. Its finely tuned egg mimicry reveals how co-evolution shapes behaviour, biology, and biodiversity across Africa. #AfricanOrnithology
The African Penguin has been listed as threatened since 1984, but long-term data reveal a steep decline. The population has more than halved in the past decade, which prompted a reassessment of its conservation status to Critically Endangered. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.2989/0030...
This is truly incredible. We were running an intra-African migration bird research programme (led by my then-postdoc Dayo Osinubi) between SANBI + @africanornithology.bsky.social. If only I’d known that swifts from Beijing could be visiting, I might’ve set mistnets+allocated funding differently!
8. See the background to the new Nature paper on LinkedIn by Nomsa Nkomo: www.linkedin.com/posts/merlyn...
1. Reframing the way we think about power dynamics in conservation’s khaki colonial history: a welcome @nature.com paper
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
by #moreangelsmbizvah and her team including @merynomsa.bsky.social
@amydickman.bsky.social …a 7-part personal 🧵
@africanornithology.bsky.social
Tamas Szekely (l) introducing Robert Thomson (r) from @africanornithology.bsky.social. Robert gave a fascinating talk about how Sociable Weavers act as ecosystem engineers in the Kalahari. Their massive nests drive biodiversity & species interactions, featuring the remarkable African Pygmy Falcons.
🐧 Bird of the Month: African Penguin
Africa’s only penguin is now Critically Endangered and rapidly declining. Once abundant, it now faces food shortages, climate change, and habitat loss. It is a sign of our oceans’ health and a species in urgent need of protection. #AfricanOrnithology
Many indigobird species look alike, so their songs are the best way to tell them apart. In Nigeria, an undescribed firefinch species was discovered after an indigobird was recorded mimicking its song, later identified as the Rock firefinch. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/j.14...
Indigobirds & Whydahs parasitise grassfinches, including waxbills, firefinches, and pytilias, whose nestlings have unusually elaborate appearances. Parasitism accelerates the evolution of nestling appearance in hosts, leading to co-evolution. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1093/evol...
Speciation in indigobirds & whydahs occurs when they colonize new hosts. Males learn their host’s song, and females prefer males who sing like their hosts. If a female parasitizes a new host, her offspring form a new reproductively isolated lineage! #AfricanOrnithology
rdcu.be/eSYrl
Indigobirds & whydahs must mimic the markings inside the mouth of their hosts because host parents can detect odd chicks and feed them less than ones that match the appearance of their own offspring. #AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
🪶The pygmy falcon relies solely on the iconic nest colonies of the sociable weaver in the Kalahari for breeding and roosting, typically occupying at least one "room" within the structure.
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
🌵 In the Kalahari, Pygmy Falcons find refuge in Sociable Weaver nests that keep them cool by day and warm by night. But this partnership is complex—falcons sometimes prey on their hosts.
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
🔬 Long-term research on Pygmy Falcons shows shifting breeding success in the Kalahari. These tiny raptors nest in Sociable Weaver colonies, laying up to 3 eggs per clutch—though predation causes nearly half of nest failures.
doi.org/10.1007/s103...
#PygmyFalcon #AfricanOrnithology
🪶 Bird of the Month: The Pygmy Falcon, Africa's smallest diurnal raptor. Tiny, bold, and fiercely territorial. Found in arid savannas of southern and eastern Africa.
#AfricanOrnithology #PygmyFalcon
💡 Did you know? Though widespread, Woodland Kingfishers remain important ecological indicators. Their presence often signals healthy insect populations in woodlands.
#WoodlandKingfishers #AfricanOrnithology
Are Bearded Vultures in Trouble?🦅 In the Maloti-Drakensberg, breeding territories have declined by up to 51% over 50 years, with birds now confined to a smaller range. Protecting them is more urgent than ever. doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#VultureConservation #AfricanOrnithology
🦅 Bearded Vultures in Southern Africa have declined dramatically, but reintroduction offers hope to expand their small range. Captive breeding & release of young could cut extinction risk by 30% over 50 years, a vital lifeline for the species. doi.org/10.2989/0030...
#AfricanOrnithology
Did you know?🌳 Unlike river-dependent species, Woodland Kingfishers thrive in savannas, woodlands, and even gardens, showing their adaptability to human-altered landscapes.
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
🕊️ Woodland Kingfishers show striking diversity across Africa. Southern birds have longer wings, and genetics reveal two subspecies that split about 1 million years ago—shaped by climate and geography.
doi.org/10.2989/0030...
#AfricanOrnithology
🦅 Nearly 50% of Bearded Vulture territories in southern Africa have been abandoned. Human impacts, power lines & settlements, are key drivers, with food shortages adding pressure. Protecting them means tackling these threats head-on. doi.org/10.1650/COND... #VultureConservation #AfricanOrnithology
Did you know? 🪶 Their wings and tails contain structural colors. The shimmering turquoise isn’t pigment but microscopic feather structures bending light; a marvel of avian evolution.
#WoodlandKingfisher #AfricanOrnithology
🕊️ Woodland Kingfishers migrate 4000 km from South Africa to South Sudan, flying at night up to 2890 m. Their journeys show intra-tropical migrations can rival long-distance flyways.
doi.org/10.1098/rspb...
#AfricanOrnithology
