WINDHOEK & AVIS DAM
NAMIBIA
LOCALE
| Altitude (m): | 1700 |
| # Species: | 285 |
| # Excl Vagrants: | 285 |
| # Endemics: | 1 |
| # Near Endemics: | 7 |
| Habitat: Urban, dry scrub, river edge, parks | |
ABOUT THE BIRDING
Windhoek is the capital city and usual embarcation point for Namibia birding tours. A number of sites around Windhoek are good for birding, including the sewage ponds near Daan Viljoen, Avis Dam, parks, and gardens. Large numbers of Wattled Starlings roost around the sewage ponds. Also present there are South African Shelduck, Hottentot Teal, White-throated Swallow, African Reed Warbler, Lesser Swamp Warbler, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and several species of herons.
Avis Dam Nature Reserve is on the east side of Windhoek. It's a typical first place to go birding in the afternoon upon arrival in the country. The habitat is dry scrub, river edge, and reservoir. There are a number of trails. Since it's in the city, many people can be about, especially on weekends and holidays. A number of interesting birds can be seen there including Bradfield's Swift, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Rockrunner, Barred Wren-Warbler, Layard's Warbler, Rufous-vented Warbler, Mariqua Sunbird, Dusky Sunbird, Violet-eared Waxbill, Yellow Canary, White-throated Canary, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Black-cheeked Waxbill, and Shaft-tailed Whydah. Also present are birds attracted to water such as cormorants and African Fish-Eagle.
LOCATION OF SITE
Windhoek is located in central Namibia on the Khomas Hochland plateau. It's usually the departure point for tours of Namibia. Avis Dam is located about 2&km east of town.