by Eckart Demasius
The orange shaded area in the north of Namibia is indicated as the range for capelli. However, this is not a subspecies that has been recorded in Namibia for a very long time, which makes Eriksson’s specimens important and it supports Roberts Geographical Variations. At least they did occur in the area (Chittenden, 2012:122).
Trevor Hardaker, wildlife enthusiast and photographer, requested birders to provide him with any photographs of Common Fiscals in northern Namibia without the supercilium. The only photos I could find that would assist Hardaker were the two of Eriksson of the year 1890.
In a recent personal communication with me he confirmed that he had received no positive reponse to his request. “No, apart from the two specimen photos that you sent me, I have not received a single response from anyone indicating a sighting of one of these fiscals from northern Namibia. I’m sure that they must be there somewhere but, as yet, there is no recent evidence to support this. It would be great if we could get some sightings with photos of these birds from northern Namibia to confirm their presence.” (Hardaker, 2021).
This leaves two questions: where have the Common Fiscals without a white supercilium gone, taking into account that only two photos, i.e. those of Eriksson of 1890, were submitted on Hardaker’s enquiry? And what information do Chittenden et al have to maintain the subspecies capelli occurs in the distribution area indicated in their book (Chittenden et al., 2012:122)?
Another good find at Otjimboro are two Sharp-tailed Starlings, a species not easily seen in the Kavango Regions.
The Lesser Moorhen collected by Eriksson at Andara is the last bird in his collection donated to a museum. This specimen was donated to the South African Museum. The collection date is 10 June 1891. (No photo of the specimen is available.)
Three months earlier, on 13 March 1891, the Vaenersborg Museum opened its doors to all departments. The bird collection now consisted of 998 birds comprising 399 species of birds. The exhibition as it was arranged back then has remained unchanged until today.
Rudner, I and Rudener J. eds. Een, T.G. 2004. Memoirs of several years in south-western Africa (1866 –
1871), Namibia Scientific Society, Windhoek, Namibia.
Rudner, I. and Rudner, J. eds. 2006.
Axel Wilhelm Eriksson of Hereroland (1846 – 1901), Windhoek: Gamsberg MacMillan.