Red Billed Queleas

[davidedric]

These unassuming little fellows are red billed queleas. However, these finches are probably the most numerous species on the planet, after breeding estimated at 1.5 billion. At the end of the dry season, they congregate into enormous flocks. Like all finches they are seed eaters, and their impact on crops can be devastating. Hence their local name - locust birds. The top image shows a few individuals, and the bottom one attempts to give an impression of a (not very large) flock. Images taken in Luangwa Valley NP, Zambia.

 

[Levina de Ruijter]

Locusts? That flock does look like a cloud of something alright. Wow. Amazing shot, David. And If that is a “not very large” flock, I wonder what would be!
The first image is really lovely.