FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology
@africanornithology.bsky.social
Research Institute within the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, South Africa
https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/fitz-news/current-news
https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/fitz-news/current-news
FitzPatrick Institute PhD student Michelle Risi is using long-term datasets on Northern and Southern Giant Petrels to understand how seabirds breeding on sub-Antarctic islands are responding to environmental change.
#AfricanOrnithology
www.acap.aq/latest-news/...
#AfricanOrnithology
www.acap.aq/latest-news/...
September 23, 2026 at 5:18 AM
FitzPatrick Institute PhD student Michelle Risi is using long-term datasets on Northern and Southern Giant Petrels to understand how seabirds breeding on sub-Antarctic islands are responding to environmental change.
#AfricanOrnithology
www.acap.aq/latest-news/...
#AfricanOrnithology
www.acap.aq/latest-news/...
🪶 Built to impress! During the breeding season, male Pennant-winged Nightjars grow spectacularly long flight feathers, transforming their silhouette in the air as they perform elaborate display flights. #AfricanOrnithology
September 21, 2026 at 4:30 PM
🪶 Built to impress! During the breeding season, male Pennant-winged Nightjars grow spectacularly long flight feathers, transforming their silhouette in the air as they perform elaborate display flights. #AfricanOrnithology
🥚 Nesting on the ground in the summer heat is not for the light-hearted! Pennant-winged Nightjars lay 1–2 eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground under the hot sun and must protect them from the intense heat throughout the day. #AfricanOrnithology
September 14, 2026 at 4:30 PM
🥚 Nesting on the ground in the summer heat is not for the light-hearted! Pennant-winged Nightjars lay 1–2 eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground under the hot sun and must protect them from the intense heat throughout the day. #AfricanOrnithology
Why would a bird kill another's chicks? A 12-year study of Sociable Weavers documented 50 cases of infanticide, finding no evidence of direct reproductive benefits. Instead, competition between breeding groups may drive this rare and extreme behaviour.
doi.org/10.24072/pcj...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.24072/pcj...
#AfricanOrnithology
August 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Why would a bird kill another's chicks? A 12-year study of Sociable Weavers documented 50 cases of infanticide, finding no evidence of direct reproductive benefits. Instead, competition between breeding groups may drive this rare and extreme behaviour.
doi.org/10.24072/pcj...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.24072/pcj...
#AfricanOrnithology
A new Nature Africa feature explores how researchers are using online images and videos to uncover insights into where birds live, what they eat, and how they behave.
Read more: www.nature.com/articles/d44...
#AfricanOrnithology
Read more: www.nature.com/articles/d44...
#AfricanOrnithology
August 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM
A new Nature Africa feature explores how researchers are using online images and videos to uncover insights into where birds live, what they eat, and how they behave.
Read more: www.nature.com/articles/d44...
#AfricanOrnithology
Read more: www.nature.com/articles/d44...
#AfricanOrnithology
Life in a Sociable Weaver colony is highly competitive. They compete over food and space, but does a bigger bib mean higher status? After studying >1,800 birds over 11 years, researchers found the black bib grows with age and not dominance.
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#AfricanOrnithology
August 21, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Life in a Sociable Weaver colony is highly competitive. They compete over food and space, but does a bigger bib mean higher status? After studying >1,800 birds over 11 years, researchers found the black bib grows with age and not dominance.
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1093/behe...
#AfricanOrnithology
The clock is ticking ⏰⏳
The deadline to apply to join the class of 2027 Conservation Biology Masters programme is the 31st of August.
Follow the link to instructions for applicants: science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/...
#AfricanOrnithology
The deadline to apply to join the class of 2027 Conservation Biology Masters programme is the 31st of August.
Follow the link to instructions for applicants: science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/...
#AfricanOrnithology
August 18, 2026 at 4:30 PM
The clock is ticking ⏰⏳
The deadline to apply to join the class of 2027 Conservation Biology Masters programme is the 31st of August.
Follow the link to instructions for applicants: science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/...
#AfricanOrnithology
The deadline to apply to join the class of 2027 Conservation Biology Masters programme is the 31st of August.
Follow the link to instructions for applicants: science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick/...
#AfricanOrnithology
Strong friendships aren't just important for humans. A long-term study of Sociable Weavers found that birds with more strong social bonds were more likely to survive in both summer and winter. Social connections can play a key role in survival.
doi.org/10.1111/1365...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/1365...
#AfricanOrnithology
August 14, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Strong friendships aren't just important for humans. A long-term study of Sociable Weavers found that birds with more strong social bonds were more likely to survive in both summer and winter. Social connections can play a key role in survival.
doi.org/10.1111/1365...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/1365...
#AfricanOrnithology
How can deep learning transform the study of animal behaviour in the wild? Join Dr Rita Covas for our next Fitz seminar, exploring AI-based methods for individual recognition and automated behavioural monitoring.
📅 13 August | 13:00
📍 Niven Library
📅 13 August | 13:00
📍 Niven Library
August 12, 2026 at 10:00 AM
How can deep learning transform the study of animal behaviour in the wild? Join Dr Rita Covas for our next Fitz seminar, exploring AI-based methods for individual recognition and automated behavioural monitoring.
📅 13 August | 13:00
📍 Niven Library
📅 13 August | 13:00
📍 Niven Library
Do males and females follow the same social rules? An 11-year study of Sociable Weavers found male dominance increased with age, while female dominance did not, suggesting males and females use different strategies or cues to navigate their social world. #AfricanOrnithology #AnimalBehaviour
August 11, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Do males and females follow the same social rules? An 11-year study of Sociable Weavers found male dominance increased with age, while female dominance did not, suggesting males and females use different strategies or cues to navigate their social world. #AfricanOrnithology #AnimalBehaviour
🌍 From nest-scale microclimates to colony-wide patterns, the Hot Birds Research Project at the FitzPatrick Institute is investigating how warming temperatures affect breeding by albatrosses and giant petrels on Marion Island.
www.acap.aq/latest-news/...
#AfricanOrnithology
www.acap.aq/latest-news/...
#AfricanOrnithology
August 6, 2026 at 8:09 AM
🌍 From nest-scale microclimates to colony-wide patterns, the Hot Birds Research Project at the FitzPatrick Institute is investigating how warming temperatures affect breeding by albatrosses and giant petrels on Marion Island.
www.acap.aq/latest-news/...
#AfricanOrnithology
www.acap.aq/latest-news/...
#AfricanOrnithology
Southern Ground-Hornbills are generalist predators, feeding on everything from insects and frogs to snakes, tortoises and small mammals. Groups forage together across the savanna, helping feed both the nesting female and the chick during breeding.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
July 31, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Southern Ground-Hornbills are generalist predators, feeding on everything from insects and frogs to snakes, tortoises and small mammals. Groups forage together across the savanna, helping feed both the nesting female and the chick during breeding.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
Artificial nesting sites (nestboxes) can boost breeding opportunities for the Southern Ground-Hornbill. In South Africa, nestboxes increased the number of breeding groups, revealing their value as a conservation tool where natural nest sites are scarce.
doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#AfricanOrnithology
July 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Artificial nesting sites (nestboxes) can boost breeding opportunities for the Southern Ground-Hornbill. In South Africa, nestboxes increased the number of breeding groups, revealing their value as a conservation tool where natural nest sites are scarce.
doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1017/S095...
#AfricanOrnithology
🐧 Join us for our next FitzPatrick Seminar! Khaya Ntwimbi will explore African Penguin conservation and rehabilitation, and the marine threats facing these birds, from oil spills to food scarcity. Plus, discover careers in conservation. #AfricanOrnithology
July 21, 2026 at 4:30 PM
🐧 Join us for our next FitzPatrick Seminar! Khaya Ntwimbi will explore African Penguin conservation and rehabilitation, and the marine threats facing these birds, from oil spills to food scarcity. Plus, discover careers in conservation. #AfricanOrnithology
Raising a Southern Ground-Hornbill chick takes a team. These birds live in cooperative groups where helpers assist with feeding and protection. Despite this teamwork, groups can raise only a single chick per breeding attempt, and successful breeding events may be years apart.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
July 17, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Raising a Southern Ground-Hornbill chick takes a team. These birds live in cooperative groups where helpers assist with feeding and protection. Despite this teamwork, groups can raise only a single chick per breeding attempt, and successful breeding events may be years apart.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
🌡️ Hotter and drier conditions pose a challenge for Southern Ground-Hornbill populations. A 17-year study found that high temperatures delayed laying dates and reduced nestling mass, while drought reduced breeding probability.
doi.org/10.1086/739305
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1086/739305
#AfricanOrnithology
July 15, 2026 at 5:30 PM
🌡️ Hotter and drier conditions pose a challenge for Southern Ground-Hornbill populations. A 17-year study found that high temperatures delayed laying dates and reduced nestling mass, while drought reduced breeding probability.
doi.org/10.1086/739305
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1086/739305
#AfricanOrnithology
What is iOrnithology? This emerging field uses web-sourced photos and videos to study birds. A review of 64 studies highlights its growing role in understanding the ecology, biology, and conservation of avian species.
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
#AfricanOrnithology
July 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM
What is iOrnithology? This emerging field uses web-sourced photos and videos to study birds. A review of 64 studies highlights its growing role in understanding the ecology, biology, and conservation of avian species.
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
#AfricanOrnithology
How much space does Africa's smallest diurnal raptor need? We tracked Pygmy Falcons with miniaturised GPS tags and found that the breeding home range averaged just 0.93 km². This provides baseline data for the spatial requirements of small raptors.
bit.ly/3SHwPpu
#AfricanOrnithology
bit.ly/3SHwPpu
#AfricanOrnithology
July 9, 2026 at 4:56 PM
How much space does Africa's smallest diurnal raptor need? We tracked Pygmy Falcons with miniaturised GPS tags and found that the breeding home range averaged just 0.93 km². This provides baseline data for the spatial requirements of small raptors.
bit.ly/3SHwPpu
#AfricanOrnithology
bit.ly/3SHwPpu
#AfricanOrnithology
🔊 Heard a deep booming call at dawn? It might be a Southern Ground-Hornbill. Their iconic calls travel for kilometres, helping groups defend vast territories and identify neighbouring groups through unique vocal signatures.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
July 7, 2026 at 4:31 PM
🔊 Heard a deep booming call at dawn? It might be a Southern Ground-Hornbill. Their iconic calls travel for kilometres, helping groups defend vast territories and identify neighbouring groups through unique vocal signatures.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
The nestlings of the Zitting Cisticola may have a clever defence against predators. Research suggests their hissing calls resemble those of snakes, potentially deterring would-be nest predators through acoustic mimicry.
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1080/0394...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1080/0394...
July 1, 2026 at 8:01 AM
The nestlings of the Zitting Cisticola may have a clever defence against predators. Research suggests their hissing calls resemble those of snakes, potentially deterring would-be nest predators through acoustic mimicry.
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1080/0394...
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1080/0394...
Cisticolas are notoriously difficult to identify, with many species looking remarkably similar. New species are still being discovered; two were formally described as recently as 2021, highlighting Africa’s hidden avian diversity.
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
June 30, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Cisticolas are notoriously difficult to identify, with many species looking remarkably similar. New species are still being discovered; two were formally described as recently as 2021, highlighting Africa’s hidden avian diversity.
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
#AfricanOrnithology
doi.org/10.1111/ibi....
Identifying cisticolas can be even harder than you might think! Many species undergo dramatic seasonal changes, with breeding birds showing darker bills, brighter plumage, and shorter tails than their non-breeding counterparts.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
June 26, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Identifying cisticolas can be even harder than you might think! Many species undergo dramatic seasonal changes, with breeding birds showing darker bills, brighter plumage, and shorter tails than their non-breeding counterparts.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
🐜🐟🐦🐬👩🔬 What does it take for completely different species to work together?
A global team of researchers explores the communication behind remarkable cross-species partnerships in a new review in Animal Behaviour.
📄 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...
#AfricanOrnithology
A global team of researchers explores the communication behind remarkable cross-species partnerships in a new review in Animal Behaviour.
📄 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...
#AfricanOrnithology
June 19, 2026 at 9:56 AM
🐜🐟🐦🐬👩🔬 What does it take for completely different species to work together?
A global team of researchers explores the communication behind remarkable cross-species partnerships in a new review in Animal Behaviour.
📄 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...
#AfricanOrnithology
A global team of researchers explores the communication behind remarkable cross-species partnerships in a new review in Animal Behaviour.
📄 doi.org/10.1016/j.an...
#AfricanOrnithology
Cisticolas are masters of coexistence. In some parts of Africa, up to 15 species live side by side in the same area, each occupying its own ecological niche.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
June 17, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Cisticolas are masters of coexistence. In some parts of Africa, up to 15 species live side by side in the same area, each occupying its own ecological niche.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
With 53 recognised species worldwide, the genus Cisticola ranks among the most species-rich bird genera on Earth. All but one species occur in Africa, highlighting the continent's incredible avian diversity.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology
June 10, 2026 at 5:05 PM
With 53 recognised species worldwide, the genus Cisticola ranks among the most species-rich bird genera on Earth. All but one species occur in Africa, highlighting the continent's incredible avian diversity.
#AfricanOrnithology
#AfricanOrnithology