The Kruger National Park Birds Of Prey – Information And Birding Photo’s

Birds of prey, also known as Raptors, play an important part in the Kruger National Park‘s ecosystem. In this article, we will discuss the more common Birds of prey that occur in the Kruger National Park, and go in-depth so you can learn about these fascinating and beautiful bird species.

The Kruger National Park, located in South Africa, is one of the largest and most famous game reserves in Africa. Covering an area of approximately 19,485 km², the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous “Big Five” animals (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The park also boasts an impressive variety of bird species, including numerous birds of prey.

An Overview Of The Raptors Of The Kruger National Park

Birds of prey, also known as raptors, are birds that hunt and feed on other animals, primarily smaller birds and mammals. They are known for their keen eyesight, powerful talons, and sharp beaks, which enable them to catch and kill their prey with precision and speed. In Kruger National Park, birds of prey can be found throughout the park, from the grassy plains to the dense forests.

In this article, we will explore some of the most common and iconic birds of prey found in Kruger National Park, including their physical characteristics, hunting habits, and conservation status.

We will discuss the more common raptors of the Kruger, which will include the African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Bateleur, Lanner Falcon, Tawny Eagle and the Secretary Bird. There are also Owls and Vultures that fall into this category, but we will discuss these in another wildlife blog post article. The central regions are all good for seeing the raptors that we will be discussing. You can read about one of the central areas here; Orpen…

Birds Of Prey: The African Fish Eagle

The African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is a large bird of prey that is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including the Kruger National Park. It is easily recognised by its distinctive brown and white plumage, hooked beak, and piercing yellow eyes. The call is one of a kind, and is known as the sound of Africa. It can be heard in the video below this extract.

The African Fish Eagle is primarily a fish-eater, as its name suggests. It is often seen perched on a tree branch overlooking a river or lake, waiting for an opportunity to swoop down and snatch a fish from the water with its powerful talons. In addition to fish, the African Fish Eagle also preys on other birds and small mammals.

The African Fish Eagle is considered a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), thanks in part to its large population and wide distribution throughout Africa. However, the species is still threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as persecution by humans who view it as a competitor for fish.

Birds Of Prey: The Martial Eagle

The Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in Africa, with a wingspan of up to 2.6 meters. It is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including the Kruger National Park.

The Martial Eagle is easily recognized by its dark brown plumage, powerful talons, and fierce expression. It is a formidable predator, capable of taking down prey as large as antelopes and monkeys. However, it also preys on smaller animals such as rodents and reptiles.

Despite its impressive size and strength, the Martial Eagle is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. The species is threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as persecution by farmers and hunters who view it as a threat to their livestock and game animals.

Birds Of Prey: The African Hawk-Eagle

The African Hawk-Eagle (Aquila spilogaster) is a medium-sized eagle that is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including the Kruger National Park. It is easily recognised by its dark brown plumage, white belly, and piercing yellow eyes.

The African Hawk-Eagle is a skilled hunter, using its powerful talons and sharp beak to catch a variety of prey, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles. It is often seen soaring high in the sky, scanning the ground below for potential prey.

The African Hawk-Eagle is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, thanks in part to its large population and wide distribution throughout Africa. However, the species is still threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as persecution by humans who view it as a threat to their livestock and game animals.

Birds Of Prey: The Bateleur

The Bateleur Eagle (Terathopius ecaudatus) is a medium-sized eagle that is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including the Kruger National Park. It is easily recognised by its striking black and white plumage, as well as its distinctive red facial skin. Dull brown birds are often seen, and these are sub-adult Bateleurs. They can often be seen using the thermals to circle over head. They can be identified by their short tail.

The Bateleur Eagle is an opportunistic predator, feeding on a variety of prey, including birds, small mammals, reptiles, and even insects. It is often seen flying low over the ground, scanning for potential prey. When it spots something, it swoops down and grabs it with its powerful talons.

The Bateleur Eagle is considered a near-threatened species by the IUCN, due to habitat loss and degradation, as well as persecution by humans who view it as a threat to their livestock and game animals. However, the species is still relatively common in the Kruger National Park and other protected areas.

Birds Of Prey: The Lanner Falcon

The Lanner Falcon (Falco biarmicus) is a medium-sized falcon that is found throughout Africa and parts of Europe and Asia. It is easily recognised by its mottled brown plumage and distinctive moustache-like markings on it’s face. They can often be seen perched in dead trees along gravel roads. They like the Shingwedzi area, and we have seen quite a few of them there.

The Lanner Falcon is a skilled hunter, using its speed and agility to catch a variety of prey, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles. It is often seen flying low over the ground, chasing after its prey in a series of fast and acrobatic manoeuvres.

The Lanner Falcon is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, thanks in part to its large population and wide distribution. However, the species is still threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as persecution by humans who view it as a threat to their game birds.

Birds Of Prey: The Tawny Eagle

The Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) is a large eagle that is found throughout sub-Saharan Africa and parts of the Middle East and Asia. It is easily recognized by its tawny brown plumage and distinctive white patches on its back and wings. It is a common brown Eagle, and is probably the most common bird of prey found throughout the Greater Kruger National Park.

The Tawny Eagle is a versatile predator, feeding on a variety of prey, including birds, small mammals, and reptiles. It is often seen perched on a high vantage point, scanning the ground below for potential prey. When it spots something, it swoops down and grabs it with its powerful talons. They have been known to take prey as large as Steenbok in the Kruger. They are also scavengers.

The Tawny Eagle is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, thanks in part to its large population and wide distribution. However, the species is still threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as persecution by humans who view it as a threat to their livestock and game animals.

Birds Of Prey: The Secretary Bird (Secretarybird)

The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a large bird of prey that is found in sub-Saharan Africa, including the Kruger National Park. It is easily recognised by its distinctive appearance, with its long legs, dark grey plumage, and unique feather crests on its head.

The Secretary Bird is an unusual bird of prey, using its long legs and powerful talons to hunt on the ground rather than in the air. It feeds primarily on snakes and other small reptiles, which it kills by stomping on them with its powerful feet.

The Secretary Bird is considered a species of least concern by the IUCN, thanks in part to its large population and wide distribution throughout Africa. However, the species is still threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as persecution by humans who view it as a threat to their livestock and game animals.

A Last Word About The Kruger Raptors…

These hunting, apex predators of the Kruger skies, are probably the most common 7 birds of prey you are likely to encounter on your Kruger Park safari.

The Kruger National Park is home to an impressive variety of birds of prey, from the majestic African Fish Eagle to the unusual Secretarybird. These birds are not only important predators in their own right but also serve as indicators of the overall health and biodiversity of the park’s ecosystems.

Despite their importance, many birds of prey are still threatened by habitat loss and degradation, as well as direct persecution by humans. It is essential that we work to protect these magnificent birds and their habitats if we want to ensure that they continue to thrive in the future.

In addition to protecting birds of prey, we can also take steps to support their conservation efforts by supporting organizations that work to protect them and their habitats. We can also educate ourselves and others about the important role that these birds play in their ecosystems, and work to promote conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

Ultimately, the fate of birds of prey in Kruger National Park and around the world depends on our willingness to act to protect them. By taking action now, we can help ensure that these magnificent birds continue to soar over the African savannahs for generations to come.