Macronyx croceus
Yellow-throated Longclaws inhabit relatively high rainfall savannas, open woodlands, grasslands and wetlands, usually with a few scattered trees and bushes. They’re mainly insectivorous in their diet. They sleep in long grass, but are often seen perched conspicuously at the top of thin branches or termitaria. They are usually encountered in pairs, or small family groups of up to 6 birds at the end of the breeding season, which stretches through all of spring and summer. Pairs are monogamous, with the female constructing a bulky nest well hidden in or under grass tussocks. The female also assumes most of the responsibility for the incubation of the clutch of 2-4 eggs that hatch after about two weeks. The chicks leave the nest before they’re 3 weeks old.
Adults measure around 21cm in length and weigh approximately 48g.
The IUCN considers the Yellow-throated Longclaw to be of least concern. The species has a discontinuous distribution over much of sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to South Africa, where they are to be found along the coast from the Eastern Cape through Kwazulu-Natal to the Lowveld of Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
DeWetsWild 
An interesting example of convergent evolution. Strikingly similar to the North American Meadowlark species.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your contribution, David. Does the Meadowlark have similar preferences in habitat and foraging?
LikeLike
There’s two species of North American Meadowlark, the Eastern and the Western. Their plumage is so similar it’s easier to identify them by song. Both species like rough grasslands with occasional shrubs to perch on. They feed on insects, seeds and worms.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds very much like what the Yellow-throated Longclaws prefer!
LikeLike
Hierdie een moet ek nog sien.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sal duim vashou dat een daar by jul opstal kom hallo se!
LikeLike
Lovely birds and somehow always surprising!
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re excellent at hiding in plain sight if they don’t want to be seen!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very pretty bird. It reminds me very much of our Meadowlark.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are quite right, Montucky – our Yellow-throated Longclaw really does look like the Meadowlark of North America – I wonder who’s impersonating who!?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the yellow. As you can imagine, I also love goldfinches and I’m looking forward to when it’s warm enough for them to come back. I’ll see you tomorrow for more Language Abuse. 🙂
janet
LikeLiked by 1 person
Its been a very tough winter in your part of the world; I don’t think anyone can blame you for looking forward to a beautiful, golden summer!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Voëls is darem vreeslik kwesbaar. Hoe hulle kleintjies in neste kan grootkry is ‘n wonderwerk!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dit is so, Tina – alles van so klein soos n mier tot so groot as n leeu wil jou kleintjies opvreet!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yellow-throated Longclaws are so handsome. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see them, so your photos are much appreciated!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is our pleasure to introduce you to them, Hien, and thank you for visiting!
LikeLike
These are great photos, in my opinion little birds can be hard to photograph, these turned out really well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are very kind, P J B. I don’t have any idea how many “pictures” I discard for every one posted on here, but it is many!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely bird, I like the colors. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Miriam!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
These birds are always special to see.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely, Anne! I think Grahamstown is a bit outside their natural range, so like us you don’t see them nearly often enough?
LikeLike
No, we occasionally see the Orange-throated (now called Cape) Longclaw.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s the Longclaw we see most of as well.
LikeLike
My gunsteling voëlnaam in Afrikaans…geelkeelkalkoentjie. Pragtige foto’s, Dries!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Dit is sekerlik een van ons pragtigste name vir enige lewende wese, ek stem saam Dina!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, Oranjekeelkalkoentjie wen vir my!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Altwee daardie name is absoluut besonders. Die pret met geelkeelkalkoentjie, is wanneer van ons Engelse vriende dit probeer uitspreek. Dit lei tot baie pret! Daardie “g”-klank is een te veel vir hulle.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha. Ek kan net dink
LikeLiked by 2 people
Cool name, and beautiful bird 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
We agree with you on both counts, thanks Takami!
LikeLike
Wow! What a name!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Definitely well-deserved on both counts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a nice looking bird!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agreed 100%, Lindy!
LikeLike
Another pretty one! I love birds with yellow colouring. We don’t have many here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad you enjoyed this post so, Deb!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love tagging along with you on your travels. I see such great nature! Thanks so much.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re so happy that you like spending time with us, Patti!
LikeLike
perched conspicuously…it would be very hard to miss this little beauty.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most definitely so when seen from the front, Lois, but from behind that drab back is excellent camouflage!
LikeLike