North West – Mahikeng (Setumo/Modimola Dam)

About the Birding

Accessible shoreline, and thus bird density, fluctuates throughout the year with water levels. Species that have been recorded in this area include White-breasted Cormorant, Yellow-billed Duck, Grey-headed Gull, Grey Heron, Red-billed Teal, African Darter, White-faced Whistling Duck, South African Shelduck, Little Egret, Pied Kingfisher, Reed Cormorant, Great Crested Grebe, Hamerkop, and Cape Shoveler.

The drier scrub and open areas surrounding the dam typically has Scaly-feathered Finch (Weaver), Spike-heeled Lark, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Cape Sparrow, Ant-eating Chat, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Double-banded Courser, Red-capped Lark, Sabota Lark, Black-chested Prinia, Kalahari Scrub-robin, Magpie Shrike, Northern Black Korhaan, Plain-backed Pipit, White-browed Sparrow-weaver, Capped Wheatear and White-backed Mousebird.

Key species:

Pink-backed Pelican, African Spoonbill, Grey-headed Gull, Goliath Heron, South African Shelduck, Cape Shoveler, White-backed Mousebird, Double-banded Courser, Spike-heeled Lark, Kalahri Scrub-robin

About the Birding Site

Modimola (Setumo) Dam is a large waterbody and wetland area that hosts a good number of species that are not seen elsewhere in and around Mahikeng.

Key species:

Pink-backed Pelican, African Spoonbill, Grey-headed Gull, Goliath Heron, South African Shelduck, Cape Shoveler, White-backed Mousebird, Double-banded Courser, Spike-heeled Lark, Kalahri Scrub-robin

Other Related Information

Access and facilities:
Situated on outskirts of Mahikeng: 25°51′36.20″S 25°31′22.80″E
Dam wall side can be accessed here: 25°51′36.20″S 25°31′22.80″E
Spotting scope is recommended. Informal network of tracks lead to and along the dam shoreline.
**Please be aware of your surroundings when birding here.

Other related information:

Recommended accommodation nearby:
There are no BirdLife Recommended Accommodations in this area.
Various accommodation options available in Mahikeng.

Local guide information:
There are no BirdLife Recommended Tour Operators in this area.

Text prepared by:
Martin Benadie | Specialist Birding Guide

Key species:

Pink-backed Pelican, African Spoonbill, Grey-headed Gull, Goliath Heron, South African Shelduck, Cape Shoveler, White-backed Mousebird, Double-banded Courser, Spike-heeled Lark, Kalahri Scrub-robin

Contact details:

N/A