Make sure it’s the right bird

The yellow-billed oxpecker and red-billed oxpecker are both seen around host species, which can be confusing. Here’s how to tell the two apart: Red- and yellow-billed oxpeckers both have red on their bills. The red-billed oxpecker’s bill is almost entirely red, while the yellow-billed oxpecker’s is distinctly yellow at the base. The red-billed oxpecker has a prominent yellow ring around its eye; the yellow-billed oxpecker has no ring. The yellow-billed oxpecker has a pale, beigecoloured rump; the red-billed oxpecker is uniform brown. What kind of information do they need? The date of the sighting, GPS co-ordinates, a description of the location and host species, and a photo of the bird. Also look around for nesting activity in the area. How do I share my sighting? 079 967 6109 (WhatsApp); e-mail knpoxpeckers@gmail. com or share it on Facebook facebook.com/ KNPoxpeckers Or use the app. If you use the BirdLasser app, you can search for the project in the “Conservation causes” section and automatically share any yellow-billed oxpecker sightings directly with the researchers. This free app for iOS and Android allows birders to keep a personalised tick list of all the birds they’ve seen. Download it at birdlasser.com Take note: If there’s a rhino in your photo, don’t share it on social media, rather e-mail it directly to the researchers. How does the competition work? Each sighting counts as an entry. A lucky draw will be held at the end of 2018.