Hey Safariranger ... glad to see you are in Nelspruit. I lived in Steiltes for 5 years and still miss it every single day.
If you could help that would be great ... I will tell you what I struggle with in the field:
1. Between the Meaves and the Burchell's the tail is the obvious difference but unless you see them side-by-side (or within a few hours/days of each other) you can't easily tell them apart. I know in Satara area there are lots of Burchell's and the north (Pafuri) is probably Meaves ... but that is no guarantee - right?
2. In the field and because of their glossy feathers it is not easy to tell the difference quickly between Cape, Blue-eared and Black-bellied. The way I would tell them apart is:
Cape = Glossy belly, no ear patch
Blue eared = Glossy belly, ear patch
Black-bellied = Matt belly (not so obvious), no ear patch
Is there an easier way?
Thanks
Victor