Rare and Endangered Bird Species

An incredibly exciting month for bird species records here on the Grumeti Reserve with two very rare and endangered birds being spotted.

The first was the Madagascar squacco heron in the middle of the month. This bird came to our attention whilst on the Manchira River in the Ikorongo region, during guide training. Exploring the quiet rapids and pools of the river, the beautiful thick riparian, the Manchira always has special things waiting to be uncovered! The Manchira is not explored by many and its secret charms are only uncovered for those that dare to search off the beaten trail.

As we approached a hidden pool of clear water, laden with lily pads, the heron leapt into the air and dashed for cover in the overhanging branches of the closest trees. As it came to rest for a few minutes in the safety of cover, it allowed me just enough time to capture this beautiful bird.

This particular heron is a non-breeding visitor to the African mainland, coming all the way from Madagascar and the Comoros Islands and hiding away on quiet waterways here in Tanzania. There are perhaps as few as a couple of thousand of these birds left on our planet and to put this in perspective, it is more rare than black rhinos or African wild dogs!

Like many other species around the world, habitat loss is a major factor in its decline in numbers. The clearing, draining and destruction of their wetland habitats for the implementation of rice farms is having disastrous effects on the species.

The birds usually arrive with us in April and will only return to the breeding grounds once again around October.

Here is the photo that I managed to capture… You will notice the beautiful markings this species has. Far more prominent than the common squacco heron. Look at the deep chocolate browns and yellows!

I think you will agree, it sits within its environment very well, remaining relatively neutral with its wonderful camouflage.

Our second special little feathered visitor this July was the blue swallow.

This is another rare non-breeding visitor that moves up the continent from the south to Tanzania’s north-west. This species of swallow prefers moist highland grasslands and they have in fact been observed in the Lamai Triangle in recent years. To see them here in the central Grumeti Reserve is really something special and a first for our records!

The birds were spotted flying around the western side of Sasakwa Dam. They seemed to remain flying over the dampest area of grasses, on a seepage line. It seemed as if the birds were feeding on small insects just above the taller grasses. There must have been about eight individuals or so. We watched the birds steadily working up the wind feeding and then dart around with the wind once again and begin working back up steadily. Every once in a while the birds would find a favoured perch on a dried stalk or taller stem of grass and rest a while.

Once we had watched them for a while it was clear where their favoured perches were and so slowly we approached and patiently waited…

Eventually we were able to get some reasonable shots of the bird resting. Such a treat! Very pleasing to finally catch up to this elusive and rare species of swallow.

Incidentally, with the addition of these two special bird species, this in fact takes our Grumeti Bird List up to a total of 395 species recorded. We do hope to break the 400 mark as we consolidate lists over the next few months.

Story and photos by George Tolchard