Statistics may not be completely accurate, are constantly changing and are dependent on ever changing ecosystems.
Statistics are based on the whole St Lucia estuarine system located within iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Statistics may not be completely accurate, are constantly changing and are dependent on ever changing ecosystems.
Statistics are based on the whole St Lucia estuarine system located within iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
With over 520 bird species recorded in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the area is a perfect bird watching destination.
The area supports a rich diversity of habitats, which in turn attracts a diversity of bird communities. Birds using these habitats range from permanent residents to tropical and altitudinal migrants, regional nomads and long-distance migrants.
Lake St Lucia is one of the most important breeding areas for waterbirds in South Africa and one of the main features of Lake St Lucia… the main reason why Lake St Lucia has been awarded the status of a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
The numbers and diversity of waterbirds vary considerably in response to environmental changes. The lakes, pans and wetlands around Lake St Lucia hold large numbers of birds such as Pink-backed Pelican, Great White Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Whiskered Tern, African Fish Eagle, Grey-headed Gull, Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck, White-faced Whistling Duck, African Jacana, Pied Avocet and Lesser Flamingo. Palearctic migrant waders occur in summer, with Common Ringed Plover, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint making up the majority of the visitors.
Wetland-dependent species that occur include Black Heron, African Openbill, African Pygmy Goose, Long-toed Lapwing, African Grass Owl and Marsh Owl to name a few. Swampy backwaters with overhanging vegetation are home to the White-backed Night Heron, African Finfoot and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
The open floodplain and flooded grassland areas with dunes hold Short-tailed Pipit, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Swamp Nightjar, Black Coucal, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Southern Brown-throated Weaver and African Marsh Harrier.
Three restricted-range species of the South East African Coast EBA are common in sand forest thickets: Rudd’s Apalis, Neergaard’s Sunbird and Pink-throated Twinspot. The endemic nominate subspecies of African Broadbill is also found here. Coastal forests hold Southern Banded Snake Eagle, and in winter small numbers of the globally threatened Spotted Ground Thrush. Biome-restricted species associated with coastal forests include Brown Scrub Robin, Chorister Robin-Chat, Woodwards’ Batis, Black-bellied Starling and Grey Sunbird, while the woodlands hold White-throated Robin-Chat and Gorgeous Bush-Shrike. Large riverine trees are suitable for Bat Hawk. The Lemon-breasted Canary, is also present in patches of palm savanna.
Carnivorous birds resident to the estuary include birds of prey such as the African Fish Eagle, Osprey, African March Harriers and various species of Kingfishers.
St Lucia is a small town on the East coast of South Africa. Surrounded by an UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is at the heart of magnificent natural coastal forests, wild animals, majestic bird life, breathtaking beaches and hospitable people.
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