10 Billion Red-Billed Quelea

It’s estimated there are as many as ten billion Red-billed Queleas (Quelea quelea) in the world, making it the world's most abundant wild bird species. They are a type of weaver bird and flock together in many thousands, if not millions, at a time, making them a truly impressive sight. However, they’re also known as the locustbird for their ability to destroy entire fields of cereal crops in – literally – one fell swoop.

To see the Red-billed Quelea, head for Etosha National Park in Northern Namibia, Africa.  Etosha means ‘place of dry water’ and is a huge, dry depression around 5,000km2 in area. With over 150 mammal species living in the Park, including the ‘big five’ and flocks of flamingos, Etosha is a great place for game viewing. It’s also one of the few national parks you can explore in your own vehicle so you can explore at your own pace. Try viewing the animal nightlife at the Okaukuejo water hole or exploring the culture of native Hai||Om people.