dickinson's kestrel

Birds of Namibia

Introduction: Dickinson's kestrel (Falco dickinsoni) are named after the British doctor and missionary to Malawi, Dr. John Dickinson (1832-1863). This species favour well-watered floodplains associated with various palms, mopane woodland and baobab trees.

Distribution: North-eastern Namibia, Kaudom Game Park extending through the Caprivi to the Chobe River and Victoria Falls.

Diet: Hunts from high perch in dead tree for mainly grasshoppers, crickets, birds, snakes, frogs, bats and other small mammals and crabs.

Description: Thick looking and strong, square-headed kestrel whose tail tip project beyond the wings tips when resting.

Breeding: Solitary nesters in a cavity or hollow in crown of palm or stump of dead trees. Females lay between 1 and 5 eggs from late September to late October and incubated for around 30 days.

Size: 30cm. Weight: 220g.

Birds of Namibia

Divava Okavango Lodge

An upmarket lodge and spa on the banks of the Kavango River

Hakusembe River Lodge

Small lodge situated close to the town of Rundu

Kaisosi River Lodge

Another lodge close to Rundu, offers good fishing

Kavango River Lodge

Situated on the banks of the river (hence the name) in Rundu

Mahangu Safari Lodge

Situated close to the Mahangu Park in west Caprivi - this is an excellent stop-over between Namibia, Maun (in Botswana) and the Victoria Falls

Ngepi Camp

A rustic river side campsite and lodge offering excellent value for money

Nunda Lodge

Close to Popa Falls and the Mahango Reserve this lodge offers stunning river views

Ndhovu Lodge

Refreshingly, and surprisingly for the area, this lodge does not have the word 'River' as part of its name. Do not be misled it is situated on the banks of the river opposite the Caprivi Game Park (Bwabwata National Park)