Eastern bronze-naped pigeon (Columba delegorguei)

A small to medium sized pigeon (a little larger than the Cape turtle dove), the Eastern bronze-naped pigeon is rather dark in its overall appearance. The back and wings are a maroon brown colour, while the rest of the body is a dark slate grey. The male has a distinctive white collar on the mantle.

This species has a highly disjunct distribution and occurs in forest sites from Transkei, KwaZulu-Natal, the eastern highlands of Zimbabwe and in Mozambique, all the way up into Eastern Africa. In South Africa, Eastern bronze-naped pigeons are most easily seen in Ongoye Forest, with Dlinza Forest a close second. Shy and elusive, this pigeon is best located by its call. The best time to see the birds is early morning when they perch high up in the canopy. A good vantage with a view over the forest should ensure at least a glimpse of this bird.

The Bronze-naped pigeon has been listed as Vulnerable.

Directions

From the N2: off the R66 take the 2nd signed entrance into Eshowe (at a set of traffic lights). At the traffic lights turn left into Kangela Street (28°53'26.20"S, 31°28'47.24"E). Travel for ± 2.7 km's and turn left at the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk sign (28°53'24.38"S, 31°27'12.62"E). Continue along the road to the parking area (28°53'31.73"S, 31°27'05.51"E). Take the self-guided walk through the forest, and Sept – Dec listen out for the birds call, alternatively listen for the sound of birds scratching through the leaf-litter.

GPS Coordinates

Location	Latitude	Longitude
Turn-off R66	28°53'26.20"S	31°28'47.24"E
Turn-off to Dlinza	28°53'24.38"S	31°27'12.62"E
Parking area	28°53'31.73"S	31°27'05.51"E