A time-honored symbol for the coming of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, the barn swallow is a distinctive, widespread, and revered species. It is the subject of many cultural references and features prominently in literary works. There are six...
A large raptor with a small and dwindling population size, the greater spotted eagle belongs to the Accipitridae – a family of eagles, kites, harriers, and hawks. The name clanga means scream in Ancient Greek, but the genus name is derived from the...
The cormorants are believed to be an ancient group of birds. A fossil of one of the earliest known birds reflected a structure markedly similar to the cormorant. Their closest living relatives are darters, gannets, boobies, and pelicans. Cormorants...
For thousands of years, ravens have coexisted with humans. Their imprint in society reflects throughout history in art, culture, and literature. For centuries, ravens have been prominent symbols in mythology and folklore. They were also revered as...
For centuries, the sacred ibis was a venerated bird in Ancient Egypt. Millions of ibises were sacrificed as offerings to the Egyptian god Thoth. These birds were also revered by the ancient Greeks and Romans. And centuries later, they were...
Imagine the idyllic African landscape at sunset, along the banks of one of the mighty African rivers, as an eagles cry reverberates through the bushveld. The distinctive call of the African fish eagle perfectly captures the essence of Africa. This...
Hoopoes are attractive, instantly recognizable birds that have featured prominently in history since ancient times. There are three species of hoopoes: The Eurasian hoopoe, of which there are nine subspecies, the African hoopoe, and the insular...
Cranes are among the most beautiful of all creatures. Their elegant long necks, slender build, poised stance, and elaborate dances have inspired cultures for centuries. Cranes have graced the earth for over twenty million years. Today, three genera...
The black sparrowhawk is one of the largest Accipiter species which includes goshawks and other sparrowhawks. There are two subspecies of black sparrowhawks occurring in different regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Accipiter melanoleucus temminckii are...
If there ever was a misunderstood creature, it is the barn owl. Barn owls are incredibly useful animals. They have been helping us keep rodents at bay for centuries. Yet they are feared across many cultures, earning the names demon owls or ghost...