Dave Taylor's African Safari: Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores - Coursers and Pratincoles

Trophic Level III: Omnivores and Small Carnivores
Coursers and Pratincoles
Page 19

Introduction

These are small to medium-sized birds. They are found in open country and have small, arched bills. There are 12 species in Africa.

Two Banded Courser
Rhinoptilus africanus

Length: 24 cm (8.5 inches)

Status: Common

Habitat: Two banded coursers are found in a variety of open, dry habitats that have sandy or stony soil. They avoid dense scrub and long grass. Dry river beds and the edges of sandy roads are also places to look for this species.

Food: It is chiefly nocturnal in its feeding habits but will feed at dawn or dusk. It rarely feeds during the day. Two banded coursers feed on small insects including harvester ants.

Social System/Behavior: Two banded coursers lay a single egg, usually among mammal droppings. Antelope droppings are commonly placed along with small stones around the nest to camouflage it. It does not make a scrape. It may nest at any time during the year.

This species is rarely seen in groups of more than three.

Predators: Banded mongooses, jackals, monitor lizards and other small predators will raid the nest. Young birds and adults fall prey to falcons and hawks.

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