Distribution, abundance and habitat of Palearctic migrants in Lesotho (Maloti/Drakensberg region)

Abstract

In total 33 Palearctic migrant species have been recorded in Lesotho so far, but more than half of them are uncommon. The most common species include Ciconia ciconia (1.6 birds/10 km in river valleys and 5.1 birds/10 km outside river valleys), Falco naumanni, Falco amurensis, Actitis hypoleucos (2.1 birds/10 km in large highland rivers and 1.9 birds in Senque River in the lowlands), Phylloscopus trochilus and Muscicapa striata. Data on their densities along water courses and in open grasslands and farmlands in Lesotho are provided. The number of wintering Falco naumanni was estimated at 2,500–2,800 at eight roosts and that of wintering Falco amurensis at 850–900 at eight roosts. The earliest arrival and the latest departure dates are given for most species. In general, the wintering Palearctic bird fauna is poor and the species occur in low densities.