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.

Mute Swans in a courtship display

20 Birds That Mate for Life (Avian Monogamy Explained)

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...

Wisdom the Laysan Albatross with her chick

14 Longest-Living Birds with Verified Lifespans

Avian longevity varies dramatically, from just a few years to nearly a century, shaped by factors such as size, lifestyle, and environment. The kakapo is the world’s longest-living bird, with individuals reaching an age of 90-100 under...

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird hovers near cardinal flower

17 Native Flowering Plants That Attract Hummingbirds

Across North America, hummingbirds favor a wide range of brightly colored, tubular flowers rich in nectar. Among their top choices are plants from the Penstemon, Castilleja, and Salvia genera, which you can grow in your garden to attract these birds...

Gouldian Finch (red-headed morph)

21 Most Colorful Birds (Some Look Almost Cartoonish)

Across the avian world, some species are so brightly colored they look almost cartoonish. The Gouldian finch, paradise tanager, mandarin duck, rainbow lorikeet, and painted bunting stand out as the most colorful birds, their plumage arranged in...

Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo)

16 Birds of Prey in the UK (with Pictures for Easy ID)

The UK is home to an impressive diversity of birds of prey, with 16 species present year-round across the country’s varied landscapes. Among them, the common buzzard, Eurasian kestrel, and Eurasian sparrowhawk are the most widespread and...