Information of Zoo Lake Birds

A common behaviour amongst many of our water birds is the fact that the different species gather together at suitable sites to roost or to nest. Such sites are known as heronries and the Zoo Lake Island has for many years been the most important nesting site for herons, egrets, cormorants, darters and ibises in Greater Johannesburg.

 Egyptian Goose

This species has increased in numbers in the past 20 years. Egyptian Geese breed throughout the year, with several pairs nesting on the island at any one time.

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Sacred Ibis

The numbers of this striking white-and- black bird have fluctuated, with most birds using the island as a roost.

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Hadeda Ibis

This noisy, familiar visitor to gardens mainly uses the island close to Moyos and other large trees around the lake for roosting.

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Cattle Egret

This species is currently the most numerous breeding bird in the island heronry, with birds active at nests through most of the year.

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 Grey Heron

Currently only a few pairs use the island for nesting but it is hoped that the new trees as well as the nesting “jungle gyms” that have been placed on the island will allow more Grey Herons as well as other species to nest.

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Black-headed Heron

The lack of large trees on the island means that only a few Black-headed Herons currently use the island.

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 White-breasted Cormorant

This species occasionally visits Zoo Lake – particularly in winter, but will hopefully again breed once the new trees mature.

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 Reed Cormorant

Numbers of Reed Cormorants have declined in recent years but it is hoped that the provision of extra nest sites on the island will see an increase in Reed Cormorants on Zoo Lake.

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 African Darter

Small numbers visit Zoo Lake – particularly during winter, but will hopefully again breed in the heronry as a result of the new trees and artificial nest sites installed on the island.

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