Another year, another year list. I have to confess to an increasing ambivalence about year lists. On the whole I kind of enjoy the impetus to target a bird I’ve seen before once, don’t have much interest in, and probably wouldn’t look at otherwise. And there is always fun in seeing how many you can get in a year. But on a few occasions earlier this year I began to wonder if I was dismissing good birds cause I already had them this year, or barely registering birds beyond ticking them off. It may simply be that I got a little birded out earlier this year, something that may seem heretical but also something I am aware can happen to me. So I’ll keep going for now, and see how I feel in 9 months.

So, how was 2014?

Quite birdy. In fact it had the most birds of any year since I started doing these lists, and also came mighty close to breaking 500. 479 birds, including (around) 109 lifers is not a bad haul, for me at least. As seems to be the pattern every year I start strong, peter out, get a hit of Australian birds in the middle, then end strong. This bookmarking of the year is a product of the importance of the holiday season in the southern hemisphere – it’s the Christmas and summer break all in one go.

Africa, tell us more about that…

The trip was smeared across the new year, boosting both year counts by a lot. It also boosted South Africa to the country I’ve seen the most birds in and made it the first country I’ve seen more than 300 bird in. Last year I added one new country to my birding life list, Lesotho. I was barely there a few hours, but it added some important lifers including the African Black Duck, Lammergier, Mountain Pipit and Lanner Falcon Similarly this year I went to Zimbabwe for the first time, adding the rather lovely Schalow’s Turaco.

A curious quirk of my year list this year is that it has a number of birds seen in a country I didn’t technically visit. You’ll see a number of references to Namibia, a country who’s border I birded along by boat. I even managed to add lifers, but strictly speaking I didn’t go there this year.

Helmeted Guinefowl

The rules (that I probably won’t enforce)

All my usual rules apply. I follow whichever taxonomy suits me (or whichever one I happen to read first), rather that picking one and sticking with it, although I typically follow the IOC one.

Since I’m the New Zealand beat writer I’ll be using their names for their species, but for clarity I will give other commonly used names if a species has them.

I am not overly prone to wondering if a species counts or not, and I do list species that I have heard but not seen (but I will indicate these heard records as such). I’m a terrible birder and may be wrong about identification. If you spot these mistakes feel free to point them out under the condition that I may not care a great deal. I list mammals as well, at the end, where I have been able to identify them.

Species are listed by family according to the order eBird spits them out to me in. Lifers are in bold and red, and I may annotate with additional comments as the mood takes me. This year I think I’ll use some photos too to make the list more for the two or three people that read it.

And the mammals?

The mammals are still at the bottom.

The Birds

Year bird list: 580

Lifers: 96

Struthionidae (Ostriches)

Ostritch (Struthio camelus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

ANATIDAE (DUCKS)

White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Lesser Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna javanica); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Greylag Goose (Anser anser); Cheshire, UK, 17 December

Brent Goose, or Black Brant (Branta bernicla); Wirral, UK, 20 December

Canada Goose (Branta canadensis); Cheshire, UK, 17 December

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor); Frankfurt, Germany, 12 December

Black Swan (Cygnus atratus); Wellington, New Zealand, 4 May

Knob-billed Duck, or Comb Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Egyptian gose

Egyptian Goose

South African Shelduck (Tadorna cana); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

Common Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna); Shropshire, United Kingdom, 29 December

Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

African Pygmy-goose (Nettapus auritus); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 1 January

Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis); Underberg, South Africa, 15 December

Maned Duck, or Australian Wood Duck, (Chenonetta jubata); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Gadwall, (Anas strepera); London, UK, 31 December

Eurasian Widgeon (Anas penelope); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 27 December

Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata); Wirral, United Kingdom, 27 December

Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 3 February

Eurasian Teal (Anas crecca); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Cape Teal (Anas capensis); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Grey Teal (Anas gracilis); Warriewood Wetlands, NSW, 28 July

Chestnut Teal (Anas castanea); Royal NP, NSW 25 July

Brown Teal (Anas chlorotis); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Common Pochard (Aythya ferina); Heidleberg, Germany, 12 December

Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 27 December

New Zealand Scaup (Aythya novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

Maccoa Duck (Oxyura maccoa); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

MEGAPODIIDAE (MEGAPODES)

Australian Brush-Turkey (Alectura lathami); Sydney, NSW, 26 July

Numididae (Guineafowl)

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Crested Guineafowl, (Guttera pucherani); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

PHASIANIDAE (PHEASANTS AND ALLIES)

Crested Francolin (Dendroperdix sephaena); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Red-billed Spurfowl, or Red-billed Francolin (Pternistis adspersus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Natal Francolin (Pternistis natalensis); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Swainson’s Spurfowl, or Swainson’s Francolin (Pternistis swainsonii);  Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 31 January

Red Junglefowl, (Gallus gallus); Pasir Ris, Singapore, 26 February

Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 13 December

Gaviidae (Loons and divers)

Common Loon, or Great Northern Diver (Gavia immer); Wirral, United Kingdom, 16 December

ODICIPEDIDAE (GREBES)

Little Grebe, or Dabchick (Tachybaptus ruficollis); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Australasian Grebe (Tachybaptus novahollandiae); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus); Shropshire, United Kingdom, 29 December

Diomedeidae (Albatrosses)

Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophris); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

PROCELLARIIDAE (PROCELLARIIDS)

Fairy Prion (Pachyptila turtur); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

Fluttering Shearwater (Puffinus gavia) Wellington, New Zealand, 5 November

Ciconiidae (Storks)

African Openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Wooly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

White Stork (Ciconia ciconia); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus); Kasane, Botswana, 4 January

Milky Stork (Mycteria cinerea); Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore, 27 December

Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

PHALACROCORACIDAE (CORMORANTS AND SHAGS)

Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax lucidus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Great Cormorant, or Black Shag, (Phalacrocorax carbo); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Spotted Shag (Stictocarbo punctatus); Wellington, New Zealand, 13 March

European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis); Wirral, United Kingdom, 16 December

Australian Pied Cormorant or Pied Shag (Phalacrocorax varius); Wellington, New Zealand, 7 March

Little Pied Cormorant (Phalocrocorax melanoleucos); Wellington, New Zealand, 17 March

Long-tailed Cormorant, or Reed Cormorant (Microcarbo africanus); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 2 January

ANHINGIDAE (DARTERS)

African Darter (Anhinga rufa); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 2 January

Australasian Darter (Anhinga novahollandiae), Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

PELECANIDAE (PELICANS)

Australian Pelican (Pelecanus conspicillatus); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

Pink-backed Pelican (Pelecanus rufescens); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 30 January

Scopidae (Hamerkops)

Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 1 January

ARDEIDAE (HERONS)

Yellow Bittern (Ixobrychus sinensis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Von Schrenck’s bittern (Ixobrychus eurhythmus); Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore, 27 December

Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea); Chobe River, Botswana, 2 January

Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Great Egret or White Heron, (Ardea alba); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Little Egret (Egretta garzetta); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Black Egret (Egretta ardesiaca); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Chinese Pond Heron (Ardeola bacchus); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Striated Heron, or Green Heron, (Butorides striatus); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 2 December

Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

THERSKIORNITHIDAE (SPOONBILLS AND IBISES)

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Australian Ibis, or Sacred Ibis, (Threskiornis molucca); Sydney, NSW,25 July

Straw-necked Ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis); Canberra, ACT, 29 July

Southern Bald Ibis (Geronticus calvus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Hadeda Ibis (Bostrychia hagedash); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

African Spoonbill (Platalea alba); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Sagittariidae (Secretarybird)

Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 3 February

PANDIONIDAE (OSPREY)

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 3 February

ACCIPITRIDAE (HAWKS, EAGLES AND ALLIES)

Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 10 January

Gymnogene, or African Harrier-hawk (Polyboroides typus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Palm-nut Vulture (Gypohierax angolensis); Tembe Elephant, South Africa, 17 January

African Cuckoo-hawk (Aviceda cuculoides); Tembe Elephant, South Africa, 14 January

White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 24 January

Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus); Botswana/Zimbabwe Border, Zimbabwe, 3 January

Black-breasted Snake-eagle (Circaetus pectoralis); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 17 January

Brown Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinereus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 17 January

Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 8 January

Wahlberg’s Eagle (Hieraaetus wahlbergi); Imfolozi GR, South Park, 7 February

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

Wedge-tailed Eagle (Aquila audax); Canberra, ACT, 29 July

African Hawk-eagle (Aquila spilogaster); Madikwe, South Africa, 19 February

Lizard Buzzard (Kaupifalco monogrammicus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 8 January

Dark Chanting-goshawk (Melierax metabates); Chobe NP, Botswana, 4 January

Pale Chanting-goshawk (Melierax canorus); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Gabar Goshawk (Micronisus gabar); Kasane Airport, Botswana, 4 January

African Marsh Harrier (Circus ranivorus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

Swamp Harrier, or Australasian Harrier (Circus approximans); Hamilton Airport, New Zealand, 4 July

Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 18 December

Black Goshawk (Accipiter melanoleucus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 1 February

Yellow-billed Kite (Milvus aegyptius); Natal, South Africa, 15 December

Black Kite (Milvus migrans); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 3 February

Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Common Buzzard, or Steppe Buzzard (Buteo buteo); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 6 January

Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Otididae (Bustards)

Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Blue Bustard (Eupodotis caerulescens); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

Black-bellied Bustard (Lissotis melanogaster); Tembe Elephant Park, 7 January

RALLIDAE (RAILS)

White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostra); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 10 January

Purple Swamphen, or Pukeko, (Porphyrio porphyrio); Hutt Valley, New Zealand, 13 March

Takahe (Porphyrio hochstetteri); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus); Zululand, South Africa, 2 February

Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Red-knobbed Coot (Fulica cristata); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Eurasian Coot (Fulica atra); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Gruidae (Cranes)

Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum);Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Blue Crane (Anthropoides paradiseus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Burhinidae (Thick-knees)

Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis); Zimanga GR, South Africa, 5 January

RECURVIROSTRIDAE (STILTS AND AVOCETS)

Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus); Mkuze, South Africa, 19 December

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)

Eurasian Oystercatcher (Haematopus ostralegus); Wirral, United Kingdom, 20 December

CHARADRIIDAE (PLOVERS)

Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

European Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria); Wirral, United Kingdom, 20 December

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 13 December

Long-toed Plover (Vanellus crassirostris); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Blacksmith Plover, or Blacksmith Lapwing (Vanellus armatus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

White-crowned Lapwing (Vanellus albiceps); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Senegal Lapwing (Vanellus lugubris); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 30 January

Crowned Plover, or Crowned Lapwing (Vanellus coronatus); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Masked Lapwing, or Spur-winged Plover, (Vanellus miles); Hutt Valley, New Zealand, 14 March

Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula); Wirral, United Kingdom, 20 December

Three-banded Plover (Charadrius tricollaris); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 10 January

White-fronted Plover (Charadrius marginatus): Sodwana Bay, South Africa, 11 January

Jacanidae (Jacanas)

African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

SCOLOPACIDAE (SANDPIPERS)

Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Common Redshank (Tringa totanus); Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore, 27 December

Whimbrel (Numenis phaeopus); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata); Wirral, United Kingdom, 20 December

Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 27 December

Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres); Wirral, United Kingdom, 20 December

Curlew Sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

Little Stint (Calidris minuta); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 December

Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Glareolidae (Coursers and pratincoles)

Bronze-winged Coursers (Rhinoptilus chalcopterus); Mkuze, South Africa, 22 December

LARIDAE (GULLS AND TERNS)

Red-billed Gull (Chroicocephalus scopulinus); Wellington, New Zealand, 2 March

Silver Gull (Chroicocephalus novahollandiae); Sydney, NSW, 3 August

Grey-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus); Frankfurt, Germany, 11 December

Common Gull or Mew Gull, (Larus canus); Wirral, United Kingdom, 20 December

Herring Gull (Larus argentatus); Wirral, United Kingdom, 16 December

Greater Black-backed Gull (Larus marinus); Wirral, United Kingdom, 20 December

Kelp Gull, or Southern Black-backed Gull, (Larus dominicanus), St Lucia, South Africa, 27 January

Caspian Tern (Hydroprogne caspia); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata); Wellington, New Zealand, 2 March

Great Crested Tern (Thalasseus bergii); Sydney, NSW, 25 July

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

Pteroclididae (Sandgrouse)

Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (Pterocles gutturalis); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Double-banded Sandgrouse (Pterocles bicinctus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 4 January

COLUMBIDAE (PIGEONS)

Rock Dove, or Feral Pigeon, (Columba livia); Johannesburg Airport, South Africa, 4 January

African Rock Pigeon, or Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea); Johannesburg Airport, South Africa, 17 February

Stock Dove (Columba oenas);  Wirral, United Kingdom, 27 December

Common Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus);; Frankfurt, Germany, 11 December

Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 15 December

Mourning Collared Dove (Streptopelia decipiens); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Cape Turtle Dove (Streptopelia capicola); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 2 January

Red Collared Dove (Streptopelia tranquebarica); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Spotted Dove, or Spotted Turtle-dove, (Streptopelia chinensis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Emerald-spotted Wood-dove (Turtur chalcospilos); Chobe NP, Botswana, 4 January

Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 12 January

Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Common Bronzewing (Phaps chalcoptera); Canberra, ACT, 29 July

Crested Pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

Zebra Dove (Geopelia striata); Paser Ris, Singapore, 26 February

Pink-necked Green Pigeon (Treron vernans); Paser Ris, Singapore, 26 February

African Green Pigeon (Treron calvus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

New Zealand Pigeon or Kereru (Hemiphaga novaseellandiae); Wellington, NZ, 7 March

Musophagidae (Turacos)

Livingstone’s Turaco (Tauraco livingstonii); St Lucia, South Africa, 27 January

Schalow’s Turaco (Tauraco schalowi); Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 3 January

Purple-crested Turaco (Tauraco porphyreolophus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Grey Go-away-bird, or Grey Lourie (Corythaixoides concolor); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

CUCULIDAE (CUCKOOS)

Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus); Kasane NP, Botswana, 1 January

Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 10 January

Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus): Heard in Imfolozi, South Africa, 3 February

African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis); Imfolozi, South Africa, 12 February

Bronze Shining-cuckoo (Chrysococcyx lucidus); HeardWellington, New Zealand, 3 October

Klaas’s Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 15 January

Diderik Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius); Underberg, South Africa, 16 December

Asian Koel (Eudynamys scolopaceus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Senegal Cuckoo (Centropus senegalensis); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Burchell’s Cocual (Centropus burchelli); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

STRIGIDAE (OWLS)

Spotted Eagle-owl (Bubo africanus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 14 January

Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, or Giant Eagle-owl (Bubo lacteus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 16 January

Buffy Fish-owl (Bubo ketupu); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum); Heard in Madikwe, South Africa, 19 February

Spotted Wood-owl (Strix seloputo); Paser Ris, Singapore, 26 February

Tawny Owl (Strix aluco); heard Cheshire, United Kingdom, 20 December

Morepork, or Southern Boobook (Ninox novaeseelandiae); Heard Wellington, New Zealand, 13 January

Caprimulgidae (Nightjars)

Firey-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 17 January

Square-tailed Nightjar, or Mozambique Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 31 January

APODIDAE (SWIFTS)

Little Swift (Apus affinis); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 8 January

White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 22 January

African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus); Kasane, Botswana, 3 January

Colliidae (Mousebirds)

Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

Red-faced Mousebird (Urocolius indicus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

ALCEDINIDAE (KINGFISHERS)

Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Azure Kingfisher (Alcedo azurea); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata); Chobe River, Botswana, 2 January

African Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaguineae); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Stork-billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis); Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore, 27 December

White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis); Chobe River, Botswana, 4 January

Mangrove Kingfisher (Halcyon senegaloides); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 15 January

Striped Kingfisher (Halcyon chelicuti); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 6 February,

Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Sacred Kingfisher(Todiramphus sanctus); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 April

Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima); St Lucia, South Africa, 26 January

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

MEROPIDAE (BEE-EATERS)

Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus), Caprivi, Namibia, 2 January

Blue-throated Bee-eater (Merops viridis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 8 January

Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicoides); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

CORACIIDAE (ROLLERS)

European Roller (Coracias garrulus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 14 January

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus); Zambezi NP, Zimbabwe, 3 January

Purple Roller(Coracias naevius); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Broad-billed Roller, or Cinnamon Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 4 January

Upupidae (Hoopoes)

Hoopoe (Upupa epops); Chobe NP, Botswana, 4 January 

Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes) 

Green Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 4 January

Common Scimitarbill (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

Bucerotidae (Hornbills)

Southern Ground-hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri); Zambezi NP, Zimbabwe, 3 January

Southern Red-billed Hornbill (Tockus rufirostris); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 6 January

African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January (First bird of the year!)

Capitonidae (Barbets)

Crested Barbet (Trachyphonus vaillantii); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 30 January

Red-fronted Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus pusillus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 11 January

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Pogoniulus bilineatus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 30 January

Black-collared Barbet (Lybius torquatus); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)

Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 25 January

Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

PICIDAE (WOODPECKERS)

Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni); Kasane, Botswana, 2 January

Ground Woodpecker (Geocolaptes olivaceus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 21 January

Bearded Woodpecker (Dendropicos namaquus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 21 January

Greater Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 13 December

Banded Woodpecker (Picus miniaceus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Common Flameback (Dinopium javanense); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

FALCONIDAE (FALCONS)

Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus); Heidleberg, Germany, 12 December

Red-footed Falcon (Falco vespertinus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 29 January

Sooty Falcon (Falco concolor); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 3 February

New Zealand Falcon (Falco novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 31 May

Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 8 January

STRIGOPIDAE (NEW ZEALAND PARROTS)

New Zealand Kaka (Nestor meridionalis) Wellington, New Zealand,28 February

CACATUIDAE (COCKATOOS)

Galah (Eolophus roseicapilla); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

Little Corella (Cacatua sanguinea); Royal NP, NSW 1 August

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

PSITTACIDAE (TYPICAL PARROTS)

Australian King Parrot (Alisterus scapularis); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Crimson Rosella (Platycercus elegans); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Eastern Rosella (Platycercus eximius); Wellington, New Zealand, 30 May

Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus haematodus); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Blue-crowned Hanging Parrot (Loriculus galgulus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Menuridae (Lyrebirds)

Superb Lyrebird (Menura novaehollandiae); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

PTILONORHYNCHIDAE (BOWERBIRDS)

Satin Bowerbird (Ptilonorhynchus violaceus); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Climacteridae (Australian Treecreepers)

White-throated Treecreeper (Cormobates leucophaea); Canberra, ACT, 29 July

MALURIDAE (FAIRY-WRENS, EMU-WRENS AND GRASSWRENS)

Superb Fairy-wren (Malurus cyaneus);  Canberra, ACT, 31 July

Variegated Fairy-wren  (Malurus lamberti);  Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

MELIPHAGIDAE (HONEYEATERS)

Eastern Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris); Sydney, NSW, 25 July

Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae); Wellington, New Zealand, 1 March

New Zealand Bellbird (Anthornis melanura); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

Lewin’s Honeyeater (Meliphaga lewinii); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Yellow-faced Honeyeater (Lichenostomus chrysops); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Noisy Miner (Manorina melanocephala); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Little Wattlebird (Anthochaera chrysoptera); Sydney, NSW, 26 July

White-plumed Honeyeater (Lichenostomus penicillatus); Canberra, ACT, 31 July

New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novahollandiae); Royal NP, NSW, 1 August

White-napped Honeyeater (Melithreptus lunatus); Canberra, ACT, 31 July

PARDALOTIDAE (PARDALOTES)

Spotted Pardalote (Pardalotus punctatus); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

ACANTHIZIDAE (AUSTRALASIAN WARBLERS)

White-browed Scrubwren (Sericornis frontalis); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

Speckled Warbler (Pyrrholaemus sagittatus); Canberra, ACT, 31 July

Buff-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza reguloides); Canberra, ACT, 31 July

Brown Thornbill (Acanthiza pusilla); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Yellow-rumped Thornbill (Acanthiza chrysorrhoa); Canberra, ACT, 31 July

Yellow Thornbill (Acanthiza nana); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

Brown Gerygone (Gerygone mouki); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

Grey Warbler (Gerygone igata); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

Mohouidae (MOHOUAS)

Whitehead (Mohoua albicilla); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

CALLAEIDAE (NEW ZEALAND WATTLEBIRDS)

North Island Saddleback (Philesturnus rufusater); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

NOTIOMYSTIDAE (STITCHBIRD)

Stichbird (Notiomystis cincta); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

CINCLOSOMATIDAE (WHIPBIRDS, THRUSH-QUAILS AND TENTATIVE ALLIES)

Eastern Whipbird (Psophodes olivaceus); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Platysteiridae (Batises and wattle-eyes)

Woodward’s Batis (Batis fratrum); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

Chinspot Batis (Batis molitor); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 14 January

Vangidae (Vangas and allies)

White-crested Helmetshrike (Prionops plumatus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 20 January

Retz’s Helmetshrike (Prionops retzii); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 15 January

Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes)

Brubru (Nilaus afer); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 21 January

Black-backed Puffback (Dryoscopus cubla); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegala); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 9 January

Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus); Chobe NP, Botsana, 1 January

Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus); Heard Mkuze GR, South Africa, 22 January

Crimson-breasted Shrike, or Crimson-breasted Gonolek (Laniarius atrococcineus); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Bokmakierie (Telophorus zeylonus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

Orange-breasted Bushshrike (Telophorus sulfureopectus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 23 January

Gorgeous Bushshrike (Telophorus viridis); Heard in Mkuze GR, South Africa, 22 January

Grey-headed Bushshrike (Malaconotus blanchoti); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

ARTAMIDAE (WOODSWALLOWS, CURRAWONGS AND BUTCHERBIRDS)

Australasian Magpie (Gymnorhina tibicen), Wellington, New Zealand, 31 March

Pied Currawong (Sterpera graculina); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

CAMPEPHAGIDAE (CUCKOO-SHRIKES)

Black Cuckooshrike (Campephaga flava); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 21 January

Pied Triller (Lalage nigra); Paser Ris, Singapore, 26 February

Black-winged Cuckooshrike (Coracina melaschistos); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

LANIIDAE (SHRIKES)

Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio); Chobe NP, Botswana, 4 January

Long-tailed Shrike (Lanius schach); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Lesser Grey Shrike (Lanius minor); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 4 February

Southern Fiscal (Lanius collaris), Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 9 January

Magpie Shrike (Urolestes melanoleucus); Madikwe, South Africa, 20 February

ORIOLIDAE (ORIOLES)

African Golden Oriole (Oriolus auratus); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Black-naped Oriole (Oriolus chinensis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 125 February

Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus): Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Australian Figbird  (Sphecotheres vieilloti); Sydney, NSW, 1 August

DICRURIDAE (DRONGOS)

Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 21 January

Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Ashy Drongo (Dicrurus leucophaeus); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

RHIPIDURIDAE (FANTAILS)

Willie Wagtail (Rhipidura leucophrys);  Canberra, ACT, 29 July

Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa); Sydney, NSW, 28 July

New Zealand Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa); Wellington, New Zealand, 8 March

MONARCHIDAE (MONARCH-FLYCATCHERS)

African Paradise-flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Magpie-lark (Grallina cyanleuca);  Sydney, NSW, 28 July

CORVIDAE (CROWS)

Eurasian Jay (Garrulus glandarius);  Cheshire, United Kingdom, 14 December

Eurasian Magpie (Pica pica); Heidelberg, Germany, 12 December

House Crow (Corvus splendens); Central Singapore, Singapore, 26 February

Cape Crow (Corvus capensis); Rd to Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Rook (Corvus frugilegus); Shropshire, United Kingdom, 18 December

Carrion Crow (Corvus corone); Frankfurt, Germany, 11 December

Australian Raven (Corvus coronoides); Royal NP, NSW, 5 July

Pied Crow (Corvus albus); Kasane, Botswana, 3 January

Common Raven (Corvus corax); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 24 December

Corcoracidae (Mud-nesters)

White-winged Chough (Corcorax melanorhamphos); Canberra, ACT, 29 July

PETROICIDAE (AUSTRALASIAN ROBINS)

Scarlet Robin (Petroica boodang);  Canberra, ACT, 31 July

Rose Robin (Petroica rosea); Canberra, ACT, 31 July

Eastern Yellow Robin (Eopsaltria australis); Royal NP, NSW, 2 August

Nicatoridae (Nicators)

Eastern Nicator (Nicator gularis); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 30 January

Alaudidae (Larks)

Rufous-napped Lark (Mirafra africana); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 8 January

Flappet Lark (Mirafra rufocinnamomea); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 23 January

Rudd’s Lark (Heteromirafra ruddi); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Sabota Lark (Calendulauda sabota); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 29 January

Spike-healed Lark (Chersomanes albofasciata); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-lark (Eremopterix leucotis); Madikwe, South Africa, 19 February

Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Botha’s Lark (Spizocorys fringillaris); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

HIRUNDINIDAE (SWALLOWS)

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia); Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 3 January

Banded Martin (Riparia cincta); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Rock Martin (Ptyonoprogne fuligula); Johannesburg Airport, South Africa, 24 G+February

Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

White-throated Swallow (Hirundo albigularis); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii); Chobe River, Botswana, 2 January

Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) ; Wellington, New Zealand, 15 April

Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Greater Striped Swallow (Cecropis cucullata); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Lesser Striped Swallow (Cecropis abyssinica); Zimanga GR, South Africa, 5 January

Red-breasted Swallow (Cecropis semirufa); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 25 January

South African Cliff-swallow (Petrochelidon spilodera); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Common House Martin (Delichon urbicum); Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, 3 January

Black Sawwing (Psalidoprocne pristoptera); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 22 January

Paridae (Tits)

Coal Tit (Periparus ater); Cheshire, United Kingdom,14 December

Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus);Heidelberg, Germany, 12 December

Great Tit (Parus major); Heidelberg, Germany, 12 December

Japanese Tit (Parus minor); Hong Kong, 10 December

Southern Black Tit (Parus niger); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 9 January

Aegithalidae (Long-tailed tits)

Long-tailed Tit (Aegithalos caudatus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 15 December

Sittidae (Nuthatches)

Eurasian Nuthatch (Sitta europaea); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 13 December

Troglodytidae (Wrens)

Eurasian Wren (Troglodytes troglodytes); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 14 December

PYCNONOTIDAE (BULBULS)

Sombre Greenbul (Andropadus importunus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 22 January

Yellow-bellied Greenbul (Chlorocichla flaviventris); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Terrestrial Brownbul (Phyllastrephus terrestris); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 6 January

Yellow-streaked Greenbul (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

Red-whiskered Bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

Chinese Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

Dark-capped Bulbul or Common Bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Red-eyed Bulbul (Pycnonotus nigricans); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Yellow-vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus goiavier); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Olive-winged Bulbul (Pycnonotus plumosus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Chestnut Bulbul (Hemixos castanonotus); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

Regulidae (Kinglets)

Goldcrest (Regulus regulus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 17 December

Macrosphenidae (African warblers)

Long-billed Crombec (Sylvietta rufescens); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Cape Grassbird (Sphenoeacus afer); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

PHYLLOSCOPIDAE (LEAF WARBLERS)

Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus); Kasane, Botswana, 10 December

Dusky Warbler (Phylloscopus fuscatus); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 8 January

Arctic Warbler (Phylloscopus borealis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Acrocephalidae (Reed warblers)

African Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus baeticatus); Caprivi Strip, Botswana, 2 January

CISTICOLIDAE (CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES)

Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 8 January

Rudd’s Apalis (Apalis ruddi); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 30 January

Green-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brachyura); Tembe Elephant Park, 11 January

Grey-backed Camaroptera (Camaroptera brevicaudata); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chiniana); Tembe Elephant Park, 16 January

Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis):  Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Levailliant’s Cisticola (Cisticola tinniens); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

Wing-snapping Cisticola (Cisticola ayresii); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong,10 December

Dark-necked Tailorbird (Orthotomus atrogularis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Ashy Tailorbird (Orthotomus ruficeps); Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore, 27 December

Tawny-flanked Prinia (Prinia subflava); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Plain Prinia (Prinia inornata); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Sylviidae (Sylviid babblers)

Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler (Sylvia subcaerulea); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Bush Blackcap (Lioptilus nigricapillus); Heard in Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

ZOSTEROPIDAE (WHITE-EYES, YUHNIAS AND ALLIES)

Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus); Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore, 27 December

Japanese White-eye (Zosterops japonicus); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis); Wellington, New Zealand, 22 March

Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes)

Hartlaub’s Babbler (Turdoides hartlaubii); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 2 January

Southern Pied Babbler (Turdoides bicolor); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii); Kasane, South Africa, 1 January

Masked Laughingthrush (Garrulax perspicillatus); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

Silver-eared Mesia (Leiothrix argentauris); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

MUSCICAPIDAE (OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS AND CHATS)

Southern Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina); Mkuze, South Africa, 19 January

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 21 January

Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Ashy Flycatcher (Muscicapa caerulescens); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 15 January

Oriental Magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Cape Robin-chat (Cossypha caffra); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

White-throated Robin-chat (Cossypha humeralis); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 3 February

White-browed Robin-chat (Cossypha heuglini); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Red-capped Robin-chat, or Natal Robin (Cossypha natalensis); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 12 January

Collared Palm-thrush (Cichladusa arquata); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

European Robin (Erithacus rubecula); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 13 December

Daurian Redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

Sentinel Rock Thrush (Monticola explorator); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

European Stonechat (Saxicola rubicola);  Wirral, United Kingdom, 27 December

Stejneger’s Stonechat (Saxicola stejnegeri); Hong Kong, 10 December

African Stonechat (Saxicola torquatus); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 2 January

Buff-streaked Bushchat (Campicoloides bifasciatus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

Southern Anteater-chat (Myrmecocichla formicivora); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Mocking Cliff-chat (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 5 February

Familiar Chat (Cercomela familiaris); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Mountain Wheatear (Oenanthe monticola); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

TURDIDAE (THRUSHES)

Bassian Thrush (Zoothera lunulata); Royal NP, NSW, 25 July

Kurrichane Thrush (Turdus libonyana); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 23 January

Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula); Wellington, New Zealand, 28 February

Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 14 December

Redwing (Turdus iliacus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 13 December

Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos); Wellington, New Zealand, 29 August

Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 14 December

STURNIDAE (STARLINGS)

Asian Glossy Starling (Aplonis panayensis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Javan Myna (Acridotheres javanicus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis); Johannesburg Airport, South Africa, 4 January

Crested Myna (Acridotheres cristatellus); Hong Kong Airport, Hong Kong, 10 December

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris); Wellington, New Zealand, 1 March

Wattled Starling (Creatophora cinerea); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Black-collared Starling (Gracupica nigricollis); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis nitens); Mkuze, South Africa, 19 February

Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Burchell’s Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis australis); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Black-bellied Starling (Lamprotornis corruscus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 23 January

Plum-coloued Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster); Chobe NP, South Africa, 1 January

African Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Red-winged Starling (Onychognathus morio); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 2 February

Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)

Red-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus erythrorhynchus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

Yellow-billed Oxpecker (Buphagus africanus); Chobe NP, Botswana, 2 January

DICAEIDAE (FLOWERPECKERS)

Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

NECTARINIDAE (SUNBIRDS)

Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Grey Sunbird (Cyanomitra veroxii); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 6 January

Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina); Kasane, Botswana, 3 January

Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

Marico Sunbird (Cinnyris mariquensis); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Purple-banded Sunbird (Cinnyris bifasciatus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 9 January

White-breasted Sunbird (Cinnyris talatala); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 9 January

Olive-backed Sunbird (Nectarinia jugularis); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Fork-tailed Sunbird (Aethopyga christinae); Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

PRUNELLIDAE (ACCENTORS)

Dunnock (Prunella modularis); Wellington, New Zealand, 19 March

MOTACILLIDAE (WAGTAILS AND PIPITS)

Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava); Zimbabwe/Botswana Border, Zimbabwe, 3 January

Eastern Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla tschutschensis); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Cape Wagtail (Motacilla capensis); Johannesburg Airport, South Africa, 4 January

Pied Wagtail (Moticilla alba); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 23 January

Striped Pipit (Anthus lineiventris); Imfolozi GR, South Africa, 11 February

African Rock Pipit (Anthus crenatus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 23 February

Olive-backed Pipit (Anthus hodgsoni);  Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

Yellow-breasted Pipit (Anthus chloris); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Cape Longclaw (Macronyx capensis); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Yellow Longclaw (Macronyx croceus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 9 January

Emberizidae (Buntings)

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (Emberiza tahapisi); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 8 January

FRINGILLIDAE (FINCHES)

Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs); Wellington, New Zealand, 21 March

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 15 December

Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 13 December

European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 25 December

Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis flammea); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 18 December

European Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis); Wellington, New Zealand, 5 March

European Siskin (Spinus spinus); Cheshire, United Kingdom, 25 December

Cape Canary (Serinus canicollis); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Yellow-fronted Canary (Serinus mozambicus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Black-throated Canary (Serinus atrogularis); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Lemon-breasted Canary (Serinus citrinipectus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 16 January

PASSERIDAE (SPARROWS)

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus); St Lucia, South Africa, 28 January

Great Sparrow (Passer motitensis); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Cape Sparrow (Passer melanurus); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Southern Grey-headed Sparrow (Passer diffusus); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus); Singapore Botanical Gardens, Singapore, 25 February

Yellow-throated Petronia (Petronia superciliaris); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 25 January

Ploceidae (Weavers)

Red-billed Buffalo-weaver (Bubalornis niger); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

White-browed Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali); Madikwe, South Africa, 19 February

Spectacled Weaver (Ploceus ocularis); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Yellow Weaver (Ploceus subaureus); St Lucia, South Africa, 26 January

Southern Brown-throated Weaver (Ploceus xanthopterus); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Lesser Masked Weaver (Ploceus intermedius); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus); Mkuze, South Africa, 19 January

Dark-backed Weaver (Ploceus bicolor); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 16 January

Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea); Kasane Airport, Botswana, January

Southern Red Bishop (Euplectes orix); Mkuze, South Africa, 19 January

Yellow Bishop, or Yellow-rumped Widowbird (Euplectes capensis); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Red-collared Widowbird (Euplectes ardens); Rd to Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 21 February

Fan-tailed Widowbird (Euplectes axillaris); Caprivi Strip, Namibia, 2 January

Thick-billed Weaver, or Grosbeak Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

ESTRILDIDAE (ESTRILDID FINCHES)

Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 14 January

Black-faced Waxbill (Estrilda erythronotos); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Cordonbleu, or Blue Waxbill (Uraeginthus angolensis); Chobe NP, Botswana, 1 January

Violet-eared Waxbill (Uraeginthus granatinus); Madikwe, South Africa, 17 February

Pink Twinspot (Hypargos margaritatus); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 14 January

Green-winged Pytilia (Pytilia melba); Zululand, South Africa, 19 January

Red-billed Firefinch (Lagonosticta senegala); Mkuze GR, South Africa, 25 January

Jameson’s Firefinch (Lagonosticta rhodopareia); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Red-headed Finch (Amadina erythrocephala); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

African Quailfinch (Ortygospiza fuscocrissa); Wakkerstroom, South Africa, 22 February

Beautiful Firetail (Stagonopleura bella); Royal NP, NSW, 1 August

Red-browed Finch, or Red-browed Firetail (Neochmia temporalis); Royal NP, 25 July

Bronze Mannikin (Lonchura cucullata); Kasane, Botswana, 1 January

White-rumped Munia (Lonchura striata); Long Valley, Hong Kong, 10 December

Scaly-breasted Munia (Lonchura punctulata);  Ng Tung Chai, Hong Kong, 10 December

Viduidae (Whydahs and indigobirds)

Pin-tailed Whydah (Vidua macroura); Zimanga GR, South Africa, 5 January

Long-tailed Paradise-whydah (Vidua paradisaea);  Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Shaft-tailed Whydah (Vidua regia); Madikwe, South Africa, 18 February

Village Indigobird (Vidua chalybeata); Tembe Elephant Park, South Africa, 7 January

Mammals

Bovidae (Antelopes)

Impala (Aepyceros melampus)

Red Hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus)

Blue Wildebeest (Connochaetes taurinus)

Blesbok (Damaliscus pygargus phillipsi)

Common Tsessebe or (Damaliscus lunatus)

Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Suni (Neotragus moschatus)

Klipspringer (Oreotragus oreotragus)

African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer)

Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

Nyala (Nyala angasii)

Bushbuck (Tragelaphus sylvaticus)

Red Duiker (Cephalophus natalensis)

Common Duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia)

Sable (Hippotragus niger)

Gemsbok (Oryx gazella)

Waterbuck (Kobus ellipsiprymnus)

Red Lechwe (Kobus leche)

Puku (Kobus vardonii)

Mountain Reedbuck (Redunca fulvorufula)

Suidae (Oink-oinks)

Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus)

Giraffidae (Giraffes and okapis)

Giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis

Equidae (Horses)

Plains Zebra (Equus quagga)

Rhinocerotidae (Rhinos)

Black Rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis)

White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

Hyracoidea (Hyraxes and dassies)

Rock Hyrax (Procavia capensis)

Macroscelididae (Sengis)

Four-toed Elephant-shrew (Petrodromus tetradactylus)

Proboscidea (Elephants)

Bush Elephant (Loxodonta africana)

Emballonuridae (Sac-winged bats)

Mauritian Tomb Bat (Taphozous mauritianus)

Felidae (Cats)

Lion (Panthera leo)

Leopard (Panthera pardus)

Cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus)

Viverridae (Civets)

African civet (Civettictis civetta)

Large-spotted Genet (Genetta tigrina)

Hyaenidae (Hyenas)

Brown Hyena (Hyaena brunnea)

Spotted Hyena (Crocuta crocuta)

Herpestidae (Mongooses)

Yellow Mongoose (Cynictis penicillata)

Slender Mongoose (Galerella sanguinea)

White-tailed mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda)

Banded Mongoose (Mungos mungo)

Meerkat (Suricata suricatta)

Canidae (Dogs)

Side-striped Jackal (Canis adustus)

Black-backed Jackal (Canis mesomelas)

Painted Wolf, or African Wild Dog (Lycaon pictus)

Mustelidae (Weasels and allies)

Zorilla, or Striped Polecat (Ictonyx striatus)

Nesomyidae (African mice)

Southern African Pouched Mouse (Saccostomus campestris)

Sciuridae (Squirrels)

Yellow-footed Squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi)

Red Bush Squirrel (Paraxerus cepapi)

Leporidae (Hares and rabbits)

Scrub Hare (Lepus saxatilis)

Written by Duncan
Duncan Wright is a Wellington-based ornithologist working on the evolution of New Zealand's birds. He's previously poked albatrosses with sticks in Hawaii, provided target practice for gulls in California, chased monkeys up and down hills Uganda, wrestled sharks in the Bahamas and played God with grasshopper genetics in Namibia. He came into studying birds rather later in life, and could quit any time he wants to.