Bronze-winged Courser
BRONZE WINGED COURSER
Wings of Bronze: Discovering the Elusive Bronze-winged Courser at Ekubo Coastal Estate nestled along the warm Indian Ocean coastline, Ekubo Coastal Estate is not just a haven for luxury living and coastal beauty, it is also a sanctuary for an array of unique wildlife. Among the hidden gems of our rich natural tapestry is a mysterious and striking bird: the Bronze-winged Courser (Rhinoptilus Chalcopterus).
Meet the Bronze-winged Courser with its sleek form, long legs, and a shimmering flash of metallic bronze on its wings. The Bronze-winged Courser is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most elusive avian residents. A member of the pratincole and courser family (Glareolidae), this bird is perfectly adapted for life in semi-open savannas and woodlands, making Ekubo’s coastal forest edges and open grassy clearings an ideal, if unexpected, refuge.
Nocturnal by Nature, you won’t often spot the Bronze-winged Courser during the day. These birds are strictly nocturnal, using their large, dark eyes to navigate and hunt at night. Their diet consists mainly of insects, which they snatch from the ground with lightning-fast reflexes. During daylight hours, they rely on their excellent camouflage, blending seamlessly into leaf litter and shaded ground cover. A Master of Disguise. One of the reasons the Bronze-winged Courser is so rarely seen is its uncanny ability to vanish into its surroundings. With brown-and-cream plumage and understated elegance, it remains still and low to the ground when approached, often going unnoticed by even seasoned birders. But if you're lucky, perhaps during a peaceful evening walk or a quiet early morning stroll along our nature trails, you might glimpse its distinctive wing pattern in flight, a sudden flash of bronze glinting in the sun before it disappears again into the shadows.
A sign of a healthy ecosystem. The presence of the Bronze-winged Courser at Ekubo Coastal Estate is more than just a rare delight. It’s a testament to the health and diversity of our local ecosystem. These birds require clean, undisturbed habitats and an abundance of insect life. Their survival here is a reflection of the estate’s commitment to preserving the natural environment.
Birdwatching at Ekubo, whether you're a seasoned birder or simply a nature enthusiast, Ekubo Coastal Estate is a wonderful place to explore South Africa’s rich avian heritage. From the cheerful calls of the Purple-crested Turaco to the quiet beauty of the Bronze-winged Courser, our coastal paradise offers something special for everyone.
Have You Seen One? If you happen to spot a Bronze-winged Courser during your time at Ekubo, we’d love to hear about it! Share your sightings and photos with us on social media or speak to our conservation team to contribute to local wildlife records.
At Ekubo Coastal Estate, nature isn’t just a backdrop, it’s part of our lifestyle.
