FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology

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The FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology was established at the University of Cape Town in 1960 through the vision of Cecily Niven.

The FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology (affectionately known as the Fitztitute) is located at the University of Cape Town, South Africa, where it is housed within the Department of Biological Sciences. Situated at the tip of Africa, the Fitztitute is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the vast untapped biological resources of the continent. Members of the institute are committed to developing a greater understanding of these, through the training of scientists and the pursuit of primary research, from evolutionary ecology to conservation biology.

30/10/2026

Could roadkill be supporting crow populations? Along 1,170 km of roads in South Africa and Zimbabwe, roadkill was 20x more common, and crows almost 10x more common, in South Africa than in Zimbabwe. Researchers suggest this steady food supply may help sustain high crow numbers.

23/10/2026

Can crows be taught to leave nests alone? Researchers tested conditioned food aversion as a non-lethal way to reduce Pied Crow nest predation. Artificial nests survived longer after carbachol treatment, suggesting that crows learned to avoid the eggs.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2021.125970

16/10/2026

Pied Crows usually nest in trees, but they are increasing in tree-poor shrublands in southwestern SA because powerlines offer alternative nest sites. This may aid their spread into the range of Angulate and Geometric Tortoises, both of which are vulnerable to predation by crows.

10/10/2026

🌍️ 🐦‍⬛ This World Migratory Bird Day, we highlight how research at the FitzPatrick Institute advances our understanding of bird migration. Through our research, we provide valuable insights into bird movements, distribution, and conservation.

08/10/2026

Join us for the Oct 2026 Distinguished Alumni Lecture, where FitzPatrick PhD alumnus Dr Gareth Tate will discuss vultures’ roles in conservation as a 'Rising Star alumnus’

🗓️ 15 October | 18:00
📍 Hoerikwaggo Lecture Theatre 2, Hoerikwaggo Building, UCT

RSVP Now!
https://science.uct.ac.za/rsvp-distinguished-alumni-lectures-2026

05/10/2026

Climate change and powerlines may be helping Pied Crows expand their population and range in South Africa. Research shows that warming favours population increases, while powerlines provide nesting sites that can facilitate their spread.
https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12381

25/09/2026

These long-distance migrants have separate breeding and non-breeding ranges. Males travel across Africa before returning to breeding grounds with their spectacular elongated flight feathers.

23/09/2026

FitzPatrick Institute PhD student Michelle Risi is using long-term datasets on Northern and Southern Giant Petrels to understand how seabirds breeding on sub-Antarctic islands are responding to environmental change.

https://www.acap.aq/latest-news/the-acap-monthly-missive-michelle-risi-starts-her-phd-on-giant-petrel-demography

21/09/2026

🪶 Built to impress! During the breeding season, male Pennant-winged Nightjars grow spectacularly long flight feathers, transforming their silhouette in the air as they perform elaborate display flights.

14/09/2026

🥚 Nesting on the ground in the summer heat is not for the light-hearted! Pennant-winged Nightjars lay 1–2 eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground under the hot sun and must protect them from the intense heat throughout the day.

Address

University Of Cape Town Upper Campus
Cape Town
7701

Telephone

+27216503291

Website

https://science.uct.ac.za/fitzpatrick

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