On 1 January 1996, a breeding colony of Red-billed Queleas Quelea quelea was found at the Orange River estuary less than 1 km from the mouth. The colony was approximately 10 m x 10 m in extent, and was within an extensive area of Phragmites australis reeds, about 30 m from the riverine edge of the reedbed. The colony contained large numbers of fresh green nests, and many dried-out nests, presumably a year old and from the previous breeding season.