Nicator gularis
The Eastern Nicator has a patchy distribution along the Indian Ocean coast and adjacent interior from Kenya southwards to South Africa (where they can be found in parts of Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Kwazulu-Natal), inhabiting forests and woodlands with dense undergrowth. It is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN. Adults measure about 23cm in length and weigh around 47g.
Eastern Nicators feed primarily on insects, though they have been recorded preying on small reptiles and plucking ticks and other ectoparasites from the hides of large mammalian herbivores, often following them around to catch invertebrates disturbed under hoof. Their nests are untidy platforms built of sticks and stalks, placed surprisingly near to the ground in dense vegetation. Pairs are monogamous and nest in summer.
Eastern Nicators are usually very shy and seldomly seen, often only giving away their presence by their characteristic call.
DeWetsWild 
Ek het nog nooit een van so naby gesien nie. Julle was voorwaar grlukkig , Dries! Pragtige foto’s.
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Jy sal verstaan hoe opgewonde ek was toe ons hierdie outjie raakloop, Dina!
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Beslis, dis soos om ‘n diamant op te tel!😄
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Great photos! 🙂
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Thanks, Annica!
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Handsome bird, with quite a nice call.
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Normally the call is the only clue you’d get that they are in the vicinity, Hien, so finally seeing a Nicator this clear was very special indeed.
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You have some really clear shots!
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Such a treat to photograph this normally shy bird!
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Lovely photos of such a lovely bird. How fortunate to see it!
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Best views we’ve ever had of the Nicator, Carol – all our previous sightings were over in a flash!
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Wonderful bird and the post photos remind me as to how much wonderful nature you all have to enjoy
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Always something new to see and learn in the great outdoors!
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Very handsome bird!
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Pity they’re normally too shy to show it off!
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Gorgeous bird, Dries. Unusual color and markings.
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Thank you, Jane!
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I like those distinctive dots on the wings.
janet
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I am learning so much from you – we have great tv channels with animals and wild life but your pictures are wonderful
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Thanks Esta – we love showcasing our wildlife and glad to know you’re enjoying it too!
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They do sport an unusual pattern, thanks Janet
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