ID please, S. Durban, bird eater

[RicketyHat]

We are non-natives and totally new to identifying snakes, but we've been through Marais' "Complete Guide to Snakes of South Africa" with no success.

Seen in our garden, Amanzimtoti (south of Durban), about 2 km from coast in a suburban garden, beneath a flower bed containing a bird-feeder. 4.30 pm, hot sunny day (about 30 degrees C). Heard a couple of Indian Minas' alarm calls, they were standing near the snake shouting at it, together with some weavers. We think it's a female Village Weaver that it's eating. The lawn had been mowed earlier in the day - the grass was quite long after the holiday break.

The snake only appeared to get as far as the head before giving up and leaving the rest of the body, so maybe it is unused to eating birds that size?

Many thanks.

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[Qwerty]

Thats a brown house snake. I've never heard of them eating birds though.

[kfc223]

Well I am pretty sure that is just a brown house snake from the colour and the pattering on the neck. A photo of the head would help confirm it because brown house snakes have two distinct lines above the eyes.

I think there was a topic on the forum about them catching birds a while a ago.

Edit

Here is that topic
viewtopic.php?f=81&t=28005

[jka]

That is a house snake for sure!
I remember Byrone Zimmerman telling a story about a bhs eating a dove and on the Snakes Of Southern Africa fb page, you can spot some photos of house snakes snacking on birds.
My captive bred house snakes have eaten budgies on ocations as well.
Remember house snakes are generalist they wil take anything they might fit in their bellies.

[RicketyHat]

Brilliant! Thanks guys. We've seen Olive House Snakes (in the cool months they hide under the pool pump cover, on the pool filter) before but never a Brown HS. And, thankfully, harmless.

Our book says the Brown HS is nocturnal though?

[Psychogav]

Definitely a Housie. They are more active at night, but I have found loads in the day too. These are by far the best South African Snake. I am always surprised at the meal size they can handle.

[Nick Evans]

Like the first pic! You were very lucky to see that!

[RicketyHat]

And the birds are happy too - I felt able to fill their feeder, thanks to you all confirming I wouldn't be fanged!

Cheers and thanks again.

[coral snake]

Impressive!!! I had a hard time finding Brown house snakes in the time I lived there... Strange enough they always favoured Kuswag school! Once again nice find!!