South Africa/NC: Mokala NP – Birds

And there are tons of birds at Mokala NP – over 150 recorded bird species! The park has a very diverse mix of habitats – grasslands, acacia woodlands, and rocky hills – which makes for a diverse bird population, including raptors, large ground-dwelling birds, and colorful songbirds. Large ground-dwelling birds include Ostriches (we saw quite a few of them), Kori Bustards, Northern Black Korhaans (super loud, like an alarm clock), Helmeted Guineafowl, Double-banded Sandgrouse, and more. Colorful woodland birds included European Bee-eaters, Lilac-breasted Rollers, and truly awesome Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills. Plus lots of small dinky birds – finches, starlings, weavers, and the like. And finally, Mokala NP has some spectacular predator birds like Martial Eagles and massive White-backed Vultures.