During the next few months this blog will provide
information about the birdlife in our village. The text and most of the photographs
are provided by Philip van den Berg (U34) who is an acclaimed environmentalist
and wildlife photographer.
This month we feature doves and pigeons.
PHILIP VAN DEN BERG writes: Warmbad Renaissance is situated in the
broad-leaved woodlands region of the Bushveld savannah. Broad-leaved woodlands
are found on the higher ridges with nutrient-poor, well-drained soil. In the
village the predominant trees are Combretums,
although other kinds have also been planted here. Because of the nutrient-poor
soil, this habitat does not have a wealth of animals, although some specialized
species have made this their home.
Birds occurring in our village are predominantly arboreal
(tree-living), and there are only a few terrestrial species. Seed-eating birds
are also rare, apart from pigeons and doves that are abundant. This is not
because of the natural availability of food, but because many inhabitants put
out seeds.
In this first article the focus is on pigeons and doves.
Pigeons and doves breed on a flimsy platform of sticks and
normally produce a clutch of two eggs. Fledglings are fed by a milky substance
produced in the crop of the parent.
Speckled Pigeons often nest on man-made structures. In many
areas they are regarded as pests by grain farmers. They can cause huge damage
in sunflower fields where they concentrate in large numbers.
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| A Speckled Pigeon |
African Green-Pigeons are fruit-eating and have a preference
for wild figs. They often visit the village where they are especially attracted
to fruiting Wild Plum trees.
 |
| African Green Pigeons |
Laughing Doves and Red-eyed Doves are common visitors to
feeding tables.
 |
| A Laughing Dove |
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| A Red-eyed Dove |
