24/05/2026
*Monavale Vlei March Report 2026*
By Jimmy Muropa
Monavale vlei is a biological "supermarket" and a vital haven for birds. It offers ideal conditions for resident and migratory species to feed, breed, and rest. The dense wetland vegetation provides excellent cover and safe nurseries for birds to lay eggs and raise their young. As in years gone by, a number of bird species have been regularly monitored in terms of their breeding habits, nest building, egg-laying, and their extensive parental care. This season was no exception, as several bird species were monitored of their breeding habits. These were namely Red-billed Teal, Red Bishop, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Streaky-breasted Flufftail, Thick-billed Weaver, and Southern-masked Weaver. This small article is going to focus on the breeding cycle of the Yellow-mantled Widowbird as l witnessed it. Thirteen nests were found across the short vlei grasses from December to March. Five nests were then monitored regularly at 4 day intervals. The nest is set within short vlei grasses, about 15-50cm above the ground. It is thin-walled, upright rounded oval shape of fine grass. 2-3 pale blue-green eggs are laid, which are heavily speckled with brown. Of the five nests monitored, two of the nests were discovered (luckily) in time, when one egg had been laid in each respective nest. The following day, another egg would be laid, until 3 eggs were laid in 3 successive days. The females were responsible for incubating the eggs, and it took about 12-14 days before they hatched. Fledging was noted to occur roughly 15 days after hatching. Each time the nests were monitored, l would take about 30-40 seconds( pictures included) per nest, as l feared the parents would abandon the nests. Of the 13 nests of the Yellow-mantled Widowbirds found, 11 were successful, save for 2 that likely fell victim to some predators upon inspection. I must add that males are polygamous, holding 5 or more females, and perform striking display flights, accompanied by harsh 'zhet' calls to attract mates.
Bird highlights for the month were as follows: Reed Cormorant, Abdims Stork, Wahlbergs Eagle, Common Buzzard, African Harrier Hawk, African Fish Eagle, Black Crake, Red-chested Flufftail, Natal Spurfowl, Red-chested Cuckoo, Levaillants Cuckoo, Diedericks Cuckoo, Giant Kingfisher, Lilac-breasted Roller, Barn Swallow, Marsh Warbler, Southern Fiscal and Red-backed Shrike. The monthly total birdlist was 123 species, whilst the 3rd Sunday walk yielded 50 species.
We had visits by Tariro Yemvura Initiative( Hope for Water) for future cooperation in water provisioning, Sustainable Afforestation Association (SAA) for wetland education, Africa Univesity( soil and water sampling and wetland education, University of Zimbabwe (UZ) for their dissertation on Framing Community based wetland preservation, and lastly Warren Park High School for their quarterly wetland educational tour.
" _Everything in nature invites us constantly to be what we are_ "- Gretel Ehrlich
cosmo@yoafrica
đź“· Jimmy Muropa
