Introducing the Yellow-billed Hornbill: Umkholwane

The Yellow-billed Hornbill, also known as the Umkholwane in Zulu, is a species of hornbill that is native to southern Africa. These birds are known for their striking yellow bill and black-and-white plumage. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and forests.

In my painting “Umkholwane“, I have tried to capture the unique beauty of this species & especially that beautiful yellow beak & the black & white markings on the wing feathers.

 The framed painting measures 51 x 52.5cm / 20” x 21”.

The Yellow-billed Hornbill is an omnivorous bird, and their diet consists of fruits, insects, and small animals. The bird is also known for its distinctive call, which is a loud honking sound.

Yellow-billed hornbills are not shy or skittish at all. They are opportunistic in nature & one will find them frequenting camp sites & picnic spots in bush areas such as the Kruger National Park. They have a unique way of cocking their head & ‘checking out’ their surroundings which provides ample opportunity for taking great reference photos for paintings.

On this specific day when we were parked alongside Nsemani dam close to Satara camp this one was sitting close-by, with such perfect light that I prompted Abraham to take numerous photographs from different angles. I couldn’t wait to capture that perfect pose & light on canvas.

Capturing the Dynamic Movement of the Woodland Kingfisher

The Woodland Kingfisher halcyon senegalensis, also known as the Bosveld Visvanger in Afrikaans, is a small kingfisher that is native to southern Africa. Contrary to their name, the majority of kingfishers don’t actually fish for their food, with the Woodlands Kingfisher forming part of the non-fishing group. Fish are seldom part of the Woodland’s diet. Instead, it prefers to hunt its prey from low tree branches away from water, swooping down to catch insects on the ground.

These birds are known for their bright blue plumage,  and their hunting technique, which involves diving onto large insects, frogs and lizards. They also have a distinctive coloured bill, with the upper part being red and the lower part being black.

In my painting “Post-Plunge-Pose“, I have tried to capture the dynamic movement of the bird as well as the magnificent colour of the feathers as he spreads them wide after landing on its perch again. In my mind’s eye, it’s not only a spreading of wings to dry off, but also a bit of an attitude “missed that one, but I’m going again!”

The framed painting measures 54 x 57cm / 21” x 22.5”.

Woodland Kingfishers can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and savannas. They are solitary birds and are usually seen alone or in pairs. They make their nest in natural cavities or in old woodpeckers nests. The female lays 2-4 eggs and they take 13-14 days to hatch. Both sexes take shifts of up to 40 minutes by day. At night, only the female broods.

Abraham took the reference photo for this painting at a bird hide close to Tzaneen (Mowana bird hide). As one of the 118 kingfisher species in the world, it is an intra-African migrant and can be found in South Africa between October and April, following the rainy season.

Vibrant Colors of Lilac-breasted Roller on Canvas

The Lilac-breasted Roller is a species of roller that is native to sub-Saharan Africa. These birds are known for their vibrant colored plumage, which includes shades of purple, blue, and green.

In my painting “A Picture of Colored Feathers“, I have tried to capture the vibrant beauty of this species. These birds are truly the most colourful in the bushveld & a feast for the eye.

 If you know anything about a birder or bird photographer you’ll know that they can NEVER pass on the opportunity to photograph a LilacBreasted Roller. This one we photographed on a trip to KNP August 2022 & I just knew it would become a painting!

The framed painting measures 50 x 55 cm / 20” x 22”. Lilac-breasted Rollers can be found in a variety of habitats, including savannas, woodlands, and forests. They are omnivorous birds, and their diet consists of insects, fruits, and small animals. They are also known for their acrobatic flight and their distinctive call, which is a loud, harsh croak.

The Petite Malachite: A Portrait of the Malachite Kingfisher

Lastly, I would like to present to you “The petite Malachite” a portrait of the Malachite Kingfisher, a small kingfisher that is found in sub-Saharan Africa. The painting captures the petite size and bright orange & blue plumage of the bird, and its habitat near the water.

Malachite’s, as all kingfishers, are characterized by a small compact body, a larger head & a large dagger-shaped beak. They are masters in ‘fishing’ or expertly diving into the water to spear or catch small fish.

The reference photo for this painting was also taken at (Mowana bird hide)

 The framed painting measures 47.5 x 42cm / 19” x 16.5”.

One interesting fact about the Malachite Kingfisher is that they have a unique hunting strategy. They perch on a branch or rock overhanging the water, waiting for fish to swim by, then they dive vertically into the water to catch their prey. The Malachite Kingfisher is also a territorial bird, fiercely defending their territory. They are known for their loud and distinctive call, which is a loud, harsh kwee-kwee or kwee-kwee-kwee. They are also known for their acrobatic flight and are popular among birdwatchers.

I hope you have enjoyed learning more about these beautiful bird species from South Africa and how they have inspired my latest collection of bird paintings. These paintings are available for purchase, and make a great addition to any art collection or as a gift for a bird lover. If you’re interested in purchasing any of these paintings, please contact me for more information.

Each of these species is an important part of the ecosystem and plays a role in maintaining balance in the environment. These birds are also popular among birdwatchers and are considered as a symbol of the beauty and diversity of the natural world. My collection of bird paintings is a great way to bring a piece of the natural beauty of South Africa into your home or office. Thank you for visiting my blog, I hope you have enjoyed the journey through my love of bird painting.

Previously Sold Bird Paintings by Ilse de Villiers