Common Birds
 

I going to Botswana next summer with my children and I am trying to put together a Spotters BINGO for them including birds, plants and animals. I think I have good lists for the animals and plants, but, although I can find lots of bird lists, I am having difficulty determining what is common vs. rare. I am trying to get a list of about 20 birds that we are likely to see in the Okavango Delta or the Kalahari Dessert in August. It would be a extra bonus if they were visually interesting.

Thanks

I highly recommend that you also get them, one each of course of the African Wildlife Nature Activity Book: Educational Games & Activities for Kids of All Ages (Nature Activity Books - Waterford Press). You easily find 20 different birds in there illustrated and in color. It's available on amazon at

http://www.amazon.com/African-Wildli.../dp/1583552596

Get one for yourself too!!

lilac breasted roller
fish eagle
ground hornbill
bee eater (little, swallow tail etc)
vulture (lappet faced)
saddle billed stork
oxpecker

Here is a start.

cj

Thank you Safarimama for the activity book suggestion - I'll check it out.

And thank you Kiboko for your prompt reply. At last my list is started!

Also

Ostrich
Secretary Bird
Yellow-billed hornbill (I think they call them flying bananas)
Kori bustard (relively common -- I was told its the heaviest flying bird)
Hammerkop
Pied kingfisher (the littel black and white kingfisher)
Francolins

I have a book called Wildlife of the Okavango by Duncan Butchart. It has lots of birds in full color. I ordered it at Barnes and Noble. The mashatu.com website has a bird and mammal checklist that you can print out. I know it's not where you are going, but it's a start. If you are going to Wilderness Safaris camps, they will give you a checklist and the guide will have a book to show you what you are looking at. I don't know about other camps, but I bet they do the same. I applaud you for making the birds a big deal for your. I wish I had on our first safari. They are beautiful. I've even gone on a bird watching adventure here at home now that I appreciate them more. Take good binoculars and take one pair for each of you. You don't have to spend a lot, but get the best you can afford.

A few to add to those already suggested:

Crested barbet;
Coppery tailed coucal (any coucal will do);
Guineafowl;
Cape turtle dove;
African jacana.

Check out this website: http://www.birdlifebotswana.org.bw/

Thanks everybody for the specific bird suggestions I've added them all to my list and I'm all set now.