Speak My Language: Not Just For The Birds
The Zululand coastal plane is home to a wide array of bird species. The province has proven to be the most diverse part of South Africa regarding bird life.
Often overshadowed by the infamous “Big Five”, the beauty of bird life is regularly overlooked. But with their exquisite feathers and their big part in the local Zulu culture, they are valued members of the African wildlife family.
The Bateleur Eagle, also known as the rocker and acrobat, sweeps through the sky, displaying spectacular acrobatic skills. Its vivid black and white feathers, accented by its red face and feet, adorn the sky. The Bateleur Eagle, when seen in unusual numbers, is thought to bring war and is thus feared among the local Zulus.
Another bird said to bring misfortune is the Ground Hornbill, a strange turkey-like bird which is believed by the local Zulus to be the bird of execution. The locals believe killing the bird will disrupt the elements and cause the destruction of homes by lightning or floods.
The Burchell’s Coucal, however, is a welcome sight, acting as the local weather forecaster. The Coucal predicts the weather and indicates imminent rainfall through his liquid bubbling call. According to the locals, if the bird’s call tumbles down the scales, the weather will be fine; but if the scale ascends, then rain is bound to follow.
The Litany Bird, also known as the Fiery-Necked Nightjar – exquisite with its shades of grey and brown – was in early years referred to as the “goatsucker”. Since the bird showed no other means of survival, locals believed it suckled goat’s milk at night, when nobody was looking.
Closely observed, the local bird life of KwaZulu-Natal is fascinating, not only due to their intricate beauty, but also due to the mirage of local folk lore that surrounds these delicate creatures.
So next time one fervently searches the bush for a glimpse of a lion or leopard, why not take a moment to notice the little creatures that hide among the trees?
