At first glance, many people assume that a safari experience is all about seeing animals. To be fair, with social media being the main way people are exposed to safaris these days, it’s the visual elements that stand out – videos of lions walking past your vehicle, a leopard lounging in a tree, you get the picture.
But here’s the thing: there’s so much more to it than that. Sure, seeing amazing animals is a highlight, but a true Londolozi safari is a full-on sensory overload. We’re talking about the smells of earthy aromas, the feel of a well-worn rubbing post under your hand, and of course, the sounds of the African Wilderness.
And that’s where bird song comes in. It’s one of the most beautiful (and underrated) elements of being out in the bush. Whether it’s the Orange-breasted Bushshrike making its presence known in the early dawn, or the Fiery-necked Nightjar serenading you after dark, the bush is always alive with music. Each bird has its own unique song, and I’d love to share my top 10 favourite calls with you. Don’t worry, I’ll include links so you can actually listen to each one! The recordings have been lovingly uploaded to Soundcloud for your listening pleasure.
So where to begin, well this is probably self-explanatory:
1. African Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga vocifer)
This one’s a classic. If you asked me to name the most iconic sound of the African bush, it would be the call of the African Fish Eagle. These majestic birds love to perch near water sources and will often call while either perched or in flight. Fun fact: the species name vocifer refers to their, well, “vociferous” nature – these birds definitely aren’t shy about making themselves heard. You’ll hear their regal cry ringing out through the skies year-round.
A pair of African Fish Eagles, one slightly larger than the other – that’s the female. She also has a deeper call.
2. Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)
Distinguishing between nightjar species can be a tricky business… but not when you know their calls. The Fiery-necked Nightjar has a pretty distinctive one. Some say its call sounds like “Good Lord, deliver us” (once you hear it, you’ll know what I mean). This is one of those sounds that instantly transports you to the African night – it cuts through the stillness, usually from a tree or some other elevated perch.
3. African Scops Owl (Otus senegalensis)
In keeping with the nocturnal theme, let’s talk about the African Scops Owl. This little guy’s call is an insect-like trill that resonates through the night and even during twilight hours. These owls are tough to spot because they blend in so well with their surroundings, but you’ll hear them often enough – their timid, trembly call is almost constant once night falls.
A tiny but beautiful African Scops Owl, usually heard more than seen.
A beautiful African Scops owl in daylight hours.
4. Orange-breasted Bushshrike (Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus)
Moving from night to day, the call of the Orange-breasted Bushshrike is a real treat, especially as part of the dawn chorus. You’ll hear them throughout the day, too. The scientific name sulfureopectus hints at the bird’s striking yellow-orange breast – the plumage is stunning, but their “Coffee, tea, or me?” call is what you’ll notice first, echoing out from thick, leafy hideaways.
A rare, unobstructed view of an Orange-breasted Bushshrike in its typical, densely wooded habitat.
5. Southern Boubou (Laniarius ferrugineus)
A relative of the Orange-breasted Bushshrike, the Southern Boubou tends to stay hidden in dense vegetation. You’ll likely hear them calling in pairs, with the male and female performing an antiphonal duet – meaning they take turns and respond to each other. Their calls are so diverse it’s almost like they’re trying out different tunes, but once you get used to them, they’re instantly recognizable.
A Southern Boubou perched, with its hooked beak visible which is characteristic of the shrike family into which it falls. This photograph is courtesy of Warwick Tarboton on behalf of the Robert’s Bird app.
6. Woodland Kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis)
Unlike the first five birds, which are resident species, the Woodland Kingfisher is a migrant, returning to Southern Africa in the summer. Their trilling call marks the start of the warmer months, and you’ll hear it constantly from October until they leave again around April. Their “kri-trrrrrr” call, which starts high and then fades, is one of the most evocative sounds of the bush.
A Woodland Kingfisher perched and in song, with its characteristic turquoise blue plumage in stark contrast to the green summer hues. Interestingly, kingfishers can’t perch on the ground and therefore dive from perches like this to drink.
7. Red-chested Cuckoo (Cuculus solitarius)
Another breeding migrant that makes its voice heard during the summer months is the Red-chested Cuckoo, or as it’s affectionately called in Afrikaans, the “Piet-my-vrou.” This bird’s repetitive call sounds like it’s calling out for its partner, “Piet my wife.” You’ll hear it mostly during the heat of the day.
Also, did you know it’s a brood parasite? Meaning it lets other bird species (up to 20 of them!) raise its chicks. Talk about outsourcing, a wise tactic.
The Red-chested cuckoo is an interesting bird for many reasons. Apart from its characteristic call and beautiful plumage, it is a brood parasite.
8. Burchell’s Coucal (Centropus burchellii)
This bird’s mellow, bubbling call is like the sound of water being poured from a long-necked bottle. The call can often be heard in a loosely coordinated duet with another bird nearby. It’s often referred to as the rain bird because local folklore says its call predicts rain. While its official name pays tribute to British explorer William Burchell, many people simply know it as the harbinger of rain.
A Burchell’s Coucal perched on the branch of a wild date palm, one of the many plant species that this bird frequents near water.
9. Red-faced Cisticola (Cisticola erythrops)
Most of the birds I’ve mentioned so far are fairly well-known, and I would be surprised if they didn’t feature on most safari guides’ lists of favourite or most iconic bird calls. But the Red-faced Cisticola is less well-known. It might be due to its nondescript appearance, but its call more than makes up for it. You’ll hear these little birds near the river, and the distinctive and loud notes are usually heard as a prominent audible feature while in Camp.
Cisticolas are generally bland in appearance and it can be difficult to differentiate types based on appearance. Their unique call assists hugely in correctly identifying the bird. This photograph is courtesy of Warwick Tarboton on behalf of the Robert’s Bird app.
10. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur chalcospilos)
Last but not least, the Emerald-spotted Wood Dove. Described by the Robert’s Bird App as, “One of the most distinctive and evocative sounds of bushveld areas,” I feel that this list would be incomplete without including this bird’s call.
Its melancholic, descending call is a bushveld classic, especially during the heat of the day. For me (and I’m sure for many others), this bird’s song is an inseparable part of the safari experience.
Aptly named due to its emerald-green wing spots, this species a often seen and heard whilst on safari.
While I could have easily added more to this list, these 10 are my absolute favourites. Do any of these bird calls bring back memories for you? Or maybe there’s one you think should’ve made the cut? Let me know in the comments below!
Robert Ball
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