Raeesah Habib

Raeesah Habib is a South African conservationist and freelance writer. She completed a diploma in nature conservation in 2016 through the University of South Africa (UNISA). During her internship, she spent a year working with wattled cranes on the Wattled Crane Recovery Programme (WCRP).

The program aims to prevent the local extinction of the wattled crane in Southern Africa through the release of captive-reared individuals into critically endangered wild populations across the country. During her time at the research facility, she was also responsible for the general monitoring and husbandry of other magnificent species, including blue cranes and secretary birds.

Following her internship, she was fortunate to have worked in some spectacular wilderness areas across the country, including the Cradle of Humankind, the Kruger National Park, and the northern Zululand. As a wildlife monitor, her responsibilities included conducting bird point counts. Birds surveys are a useful means to collect data on the avian populations in an area. The data helps researchers gain an understanding of population trends and ecosystem health.

When not in the field, Rae enjoys writing to share her passion, knowledge, and experiences with others.

Red-Winged Blackbird displaying territorial aggression

12 Most Dangerous Birds and Their Aggression Toward Humans

The southern cassowary is widely regarded as the world’s most dangerous bird due to its sheer aggression and deadly physical traits. In terms of actual human fatalities, however, the common ostrich is deadlier, with several deaths reported...

Common Ostrich sprinting across the savannah

12 Fastest-Running Birds in the World by Land Speed

The common ostrich is the world’s fastest-running bird, capable of sprinting at recorded speeds up to 97 km/h (60 mph) and sustaining steady runs at over 70 km/h (43 mph). Behind the ostrich, the greater rhea and lesser rhea follow as the next...

Wedge-Tailed Eagle in flight

10 Largest Eagles in the World (with Facts and Records)

The Tasmanian wedge-tailed eagle has the widest wingspan of any living eagle, reaching an impressive 2.84 meters (9.3 feet). The harpy eagle is the heaviest, with wild females weighing up to 10 kilograms (22 pounds), while the Steller’s sea...

Two crow species perched together

5 Types of Crows and Ravens Found in North America

North America’s crows and ravens belong to the genus Corvus, a group of highly intelligent and adaptable birds within the Corvidae family. Five species occur regularly in the United States and Canada, ranging from the widespread American crow...

Mute Swans in a courtship display

20 Monogamous Birds That Mate for Life Around the World

Around 90% of all bird species form monogamous pairs, but true lifelong bonds are far rarer. Among the species that do mate for life are the mute swan, snowy albatross, whooping crane, bald eagle, and many parrots, along with some vultures...

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula)

10 Types of Orioles Found in North America (with Pictures)

North American orioles belong to the genus Icterus in the blackbird family (Icteridae). Eight species occur regularly in the United States and Canada, while several others appear as occasional migrants, vagrants, or rare breeders along the southern...

Cardinal and finches at a seed feeder

7 Actionable Steps to Attract Birds to a New Feeder

A new bird feeder can feel like an empty promise at first. Days go by, and not a single visitor stops in. Birds need time to find and trust a new food source, but you can help attract them sooner. Follow these simple steps to turn your feeder into a...