Turdoides jardineii
True to its name, the Arrow-marked Babbler is a noisy, social bird, usually encountered in territorial groups of between 3 and 15 individuals and commonly found in thickets in savanna and woodland habitats. Here they forage mostly on the ground, feeding on a variety of fruits, seeds, invertebrates and small reptiles. Pairs of Arrow-marked Babblers are monogamous, and assisted in the processes of nest building, incubation and chick-rearing by the entire group. They may breed at anytime of year, and clutches consist of 2-5 eggs that hatch after about 2 weeks. Adults of the species have a length of about 24cm and weight of around 72g
The Arrow-marked Babbler occurs in Africa south of the equator, and is listed as being of least concern by the IUCN. In South Africa it can be found in the provinces of Kwazulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West and Gauteng.
DeWetsWild 
Yes, very assertive eyes. Remarkable.
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They seem to look straight into your mind, don’t they!?
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Interesting and distinctive little birds, indeed. Several locations, I see. I presume KNP is Kruger?
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Indeed Leslie, KNP = Kruger National Park. Thanks to their noisy habits they’re noticeable everywhere they occur.
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Lawaaimakers! Ek het jou blog gemis!
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Dit is wonderlik om jou weer hier by ons te sien kuier, Tina!
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The eyes have it! Very handsome and apparently assertive bird.
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I’ve only seen an equally intense stare in the eyes of much bigger raptors and owls!
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What a name! His looks resemble the Brown Thrashers we have here.
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The name is well deserved, Kathy! Have a listen here: https://www.xeno-canto.org/382892
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Oh my! What a chatterer!
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I adore the babblers. They always have so much to say. 🙂
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If only I could understand what they’re saying! 😀
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Very serious bird!
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Carries the world on their shoulders! 😀
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I agree with previous speakers. It’s a confident bird!😊 Beautiful pictures.😊
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Thanks, John! The babblers definitely do not fall short on self-confidence!
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These birds take me right back to my childhood in the Lowveld – their babbling sounds lift one’s spirit!
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I agree wholeheartedly, Anne – whenever I hear them I feel a compunction to go looking for them!
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The eyes are so striking! Thank you for introducing this amazing bird 🙂
Best wishes, Takami
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Glad to know you enjoyed meeting the Arrow-marked Babbler, Takami!
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I like the photo where he is looking right at you: “You like what you see?!” Very pretty bird, though.
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They’re very self-assured (even cocky!) birds, Lois
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