The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Cape Longclaw
Afrikaans name: Oranjekeelkalkoentjie
The Cape Longclaw used to be called the Orange-throated Longclaw
Photo © Steven Herbert
Macronyx capensis
Many people know this bird by its older name of Orange-throated Longclaw. Longclaws are related to pipits and wagtails.
The Cape Longclaw is endemic to southern Africa. It occurs across most of the eastern and southern regions of South Africa and in the higher areas of Zimbabwe.
This species is found in grassland at a variety of altitudes but normally near water. The bright orange throat is not always so easy to spot as the bird has a habit of keeping its drab brown back pointed in your direction.
The female is a bit plainer with a yellowish-orange throat.
Photo © Steven Herbert
The Cape Longclaw feeds on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers and termite alates which it finds by patrolling the grassland, often in pairs. They also eat seeds.
References and further reading
Wildlife of the Cape Peninsula - Author: Duncan Butchart - Published: 2001 - Page: 59Wildlife of Southern Africa - Author: Martin Withers and David Hosking - Published: 2011 - Page: 142
The Birds of South Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Dr. Austin Roberts - Published: 1949 - Page: 296
The Sandton Field Guide - Author: Sandton Nature Conservation Society - Published: 1982 - Page: 61
Southern African Wildlife - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1989 - Page: 121
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 4th Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 2011 - Page: 382
Southern African Bird Names Explained - Author: Charles Clinning - Published: 1989 - Page: 83
Sasol Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair et al. - Published: 1993 - Page: 356
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 6th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1993 - Page: 635
Roberts Birds of Southern Africa - 5th Edition - Author: Gordon Lindsay Maclean - Published: 1985 - Page: 637
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 3rd Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1975 - Page: 487
Roberts Birds of South Africa - 4th Edition - Author: McLachlan and Liversidge - Published: 1981 - Page: 498
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 7th Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 2000 - Page: 290
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 413
Meeting with Birds - Author: Tom Spence - Published: 1986 - Page: 93
Newmans Birds of Southern Africa - 1st Edition - Author: Ken Newman - Published: 1984 - Page: 290
Field Guide to the Cradle of Humankind - Author: B. Hilton-Barber & Prof. L. R. Berger - Published: 2004 - Page: 186
Ian Sinclairs Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: Ian Sinclair - Published: 1988 - Page: 276
Everyones Guide to South African Birds - Author: John Sinclair and John Mendelsohn - Published: 1987 - Page: 36
Collins Illustrated Checklist - Birds of Southern Africa - 1st edition - Author: Ber van Perlo - Published: 1999 - Page: 76
Birds of the Transvaal - Author: Tarboton, Kemp and Kemp - Published: 1987 - Page: 228
Birds of the Transkei - Author: C.D. Quickelberge - Published: 1989 - Page: 107
Birds of the South Western Cape - Author: Joy Frandsen - Published: 0 - Page: 196
Birds of the Natal Drakensberg Park - Author: Robin Little and William Bainbridge - Published: 1992 - Page: 98
Bird Atlas of Natal - Author: Digby Cyrus and Nigel Robson - Published: 1980 - Page: 245
A First Guide to South African Birds - 7th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1975 - Page: 78
African Wildlife - A photographic safari - Author: Nigel and Wendy Dennis - Published: 1999 - Page: 96
A Field Guide to the Birds of Southern Africa - 2nd Edition - Author: O.P.M. Prozesky - Published: 1983 - Page: 263
A First Guide to South African Birds - 6th Edition - Author: Leonard Gill - Published: 1959 - Page: 78