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Yellow-throated Longclaw
Afrikaans name: Geelkeelkalkoentjie
The Yellow-throated Longclaw is often seen in grassland
Photo © Steven Herbert
Macronyx croceus
The Yellow-throated Longclaw is a common and widely distributed bird. It is found over much of sub-Saharan Africa, but in South Africa it is confined to the eastern regions of the country.
This is the biggest Longclaw in our region at 21 cm although it is only 1 cm bigger than the Cape Longclaw. It weighs around 50 grams.
The Yellow-throated Longclaw spends much of its time on the ground but will fly up to the top of a small bush at times.
Male and females are similar but the colouring on the male is a lot bolder.
Yellow-throated Longclaws like open areas with short grass cover.
References and further reading
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Year Published: 1975 - Page: 79Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Year Published: 1999 - Page: 76
Field Guide to the Birds of Kruger National Park - Author: Ian Sinclair and Ian Whyte - Year Published: 1991 - Page: 140
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1985 - Page: 638
Roberts' Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Year Published: 1993 - Page: 636
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Year Published: 2011 - Page: 382