Birds are one of the most fascinating animals in the world. They are found in every corner of the world, including the small village of Agwara in Nigeria. These birds come in a variety of sizes, colors, and shapes, making them a fascinating subject to study and observe.
In Agwara, the most common birds are the white-browed sparrow weaver, the black kite, the northern red-billed hornbill, the grey parrot, and the emerald-spotted wood dove.
Each of these birds has its own unique characteristics and behaviors, making them interesting to watch and learn about.
In addition to the birds found in Agwara, there are many more species found in the surrounding areas, giving birdwatchers a great opportunity to explore and discover the variety of birds in the area.
1. Blue Quail
The blue quail is an uncommon species of bird that can be found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a member of the Phasianidae family, which also includes the pheasant, partridge, and quail. The blue quail is most easily identified by its bright blue plumage.
It has a white face and chest, with a gray-brown back, wings, and tail. It typically has a plump body and a short tail. The blue quail is found in grasslands, but it is also known to inhabit dry and semi-arid areas.
It prefers open terrain and is often found foraging on the ground. The blue quail is a seed-eater and its diet consists mainly of grass seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates. The blue quail is a nonmigratory species and can be found year-round in its range.
It is gregarious and usually found in small groups of up to eight individuals. During the breeding season, the male blue quail will make a series of loud, rattling calls to attract a mate.
The female will then lay a clutch of six to twelve eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground. The blue quail is a unique species with a limited range and population. As such, it is considered to be a vulnerable species and is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Conservation efforts are being made to ensure the future of this rare species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Synoicus |
| Species | S. adansonii |
2. Pennant-winged Nightjar
Source: ebird.org
The pennant-winged nightjar is a species of bird found in the African continent, ranging from Nigeria to northern South Africa. It is an intra-African migrant, meaning that it migrates within the continent and not outside of it.
During the breeding season, there is a remarkable sexual dimorphism among the species, where males and females show distinct differences in physical characteristics.
Males have distinct, long tails with a white pennant-shaped pattern, while females have shorter tails with less distinct patterns. The males also have a greyish-white head and back, while the females have a brownish-grey head and back.
These differences in color and shape are thought to help the males distinguish the females and aid in courtship behaviors. Furthermore, the males are known to sing during the breeding season to attract potential mates.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. vexillarius |
3. Pallid Swift
Source: ebird.org
The pallid swift is a species of swift belonging to the genus Apus. Swifts are a type of bird known for their short legs, which they use only to grip onto vertical surfaces. Apus is a Latin word meaning swift, and the ancients thought that these birds had no feet.
Pallidus, which is also Latin, means pale. Unlike most birds, swifts never land on the ground of their own accord. Instead, they stay in the air for long periods of time, usually only coming down to the ground when they need to nest.
This makes the pallid swift a unique and interesting species of bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. pallidus |
4. Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a type of seabird that is common in many parts of the world. It is known by different names in different regions. In New Zealand, it is called the black shag or kawau and in the Northern Hemisphere, it is known as the great black cormorant.
In Australia, it is called the black cormorant and in India, it is referred to as the large cormorant. It is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds and is found in many different regions, including coastal areas, islands, and inland lakes.
The great cormorant has a blackish-grey plumage and is usually about 70-90 cm in length. It has a long neck and a large head, with a sharp, hooked bill. The wingspan of the great cormorant is usually between 1.2 – 1.5 m.
It feeds on fish, crustaceans, and molluscs, which it catches by diving underwater. It is an excellent swimmer and often dives to depths of up to 40 meters.
As a sociable bird, it often nests in colonies, and can be seen perched on rocks or tree branches near its nesting grounds. The great cormorant is a noisy bird and its call is a loud, croaking “kaw-kaw”.
The population of the great cormorant is considered to be stable, though it is threatened by habitat destruction and pollution. It is listed as the least concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. carbo |
5. Stone Partridge
The stone partridge is a species of bird belonging to the New World quail family. It is primarily brown in color, with distinctive feather patterns that make it easily recognizable.
This bird is typically seen with its tail held up in the air and is found in a variety of different habitats, ranging from semi-arid scrubland to lightly wooded areas.
It is known to frequent areas with rocks or other solid structures, and its range extends from Kenya and Ethiopia to Gambia. The stone partridge is a ground-dwelling bird, and it typically feeds on small insects, seeds, and other vegetation.
Its diet is supplemented with occasional berries and fruits. The bird is territorial, and will vigorously defend its area against intruders. It lives in small flocks, and will occasionally join with other species of birds, such as francolins, to form larger flocks.
The stone partridge is an important species in its range and is classified as least concern by the IUCN. It is hunted for food, both legally and illegally, and its population is threatened by habitat loss and degradation.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect this species, and its future looks hopeful.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Ptilopachus |
| Species | P. petrosus |
6. Blue-headed Coucal
The Blue-headed Coucal is a species of cuckoo bird that is native to the tropical regions of central Africa. It is found in a variety of wet habitats, such as swamps, river banks, and forest edges.
These areas provide the bird with plenty of food and shelter, and the humid climate is ideal for its survival. The Blue-headed Coucal is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 30 cm in length. Its body is mainly dark brown in color, with a distinctive blue-green head and crest.
It also has a long tail, which is used for stability when hopping through the dense undergrowth of its habitat.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, as well as small amphibians and other small animals. The Blue-headed Coucal is a solitary bird and tends to stay in the same area all year round.
Its breeding season is usually between May and October, during which the birds can be seen in pairs. The nest is usually built in a bush or tree, and the female is responsible for incubating the eggs.
The chicks are fed by both parents and are usually ready to leave the nest within a few weeks. Overall, the Blue-headed Coucal is an integral part of the African ecosystem, and its presence is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in the environment.
Its unique appearance and behavior make it an interesting and enjoyable species to observe when visiting the region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. monachus |
7. Hartlaub’s Duck
Hartlaub’s duck is an African duck that is a dark chestnut color. It was originally classified as a perching duck, a group of ducks that includes many types of ducks. However, its distinct characteristics have caused it to be placed in its own unique genus, Pteronetta.
This genus is also known as the monotypic genus, meaning that it is the only genus in its group. This is because the Hartlaub’s duck has characteristics that are different from the typical dabbling ducks and set it apart from other species.
The duck has a long neck, a curved beak, and a white ring around its eyes. Its wings are long and narrow, and its tail is short and pointed. It also has a black bill, feet, and legs.
These features make it quite different from the other dabbling ducks, and thus it is placed in its own genus.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Pteronetta |
| Species | P. hartlaubii |
8. African Emerald Cuckoo
The African emerald cuckoo is an impressive bird that is native to the African continent. It is a species of cuckoo, a group of birds characterized by their distinctive call. It has a distinctive green plumage, which is where it gets its name.
The African emerald cuckoo is a medium-sized bird, around 25-30 cm in length, and has a long tail and a curved bill. It is mainly found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, such as the savannahs and forests.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, berries, and other small animals. During the breeding season, the male African emerald cuckoo performs an impressive courtship display in which it fluffs its feathers and sings its unique call.
This species is also known to be a brood parasite, meaning it will lay its eggs in the nests of other birds, such as warblers, and leave the chicks to be raised by their hosts.
Despite its parasitic behavior, the African emerald cuckoo is an important species in the African avian community and plays an important ecological role.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Chrysococcyx |
| Species | C. cupreus |
9. Red-chested Cuckoo
The red-chested cuckoo is a bird that is found in Africa south of the Sahara. It belongs to a family of birds called Cuculidae, which is a medium-sized bird. It is known by its Afrikaans name, “Piet-my-vrou”, which is derived from its call.
The red-chested cuckoo is known to be quite vocal, with its loud call being heard in many parts of the African continent. It has a red chest and a brown body, with a long tail and a sharp beak. The cuckoo is known to feed on insects, seeds, and fruits.
It is also known to build its nest in tree hollows or in dense vegetation on the ground. The red-chested cuckoo is an important species of bird to many African cultures, not just for its beauty, but also for its contribution to the ecosystem.
It helps to keep insect populations in check and provides food for other animals. It also provides a unique and beautiful addition to the African landscape.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. solitarius |
10. White-rumped Swift
The white-rumped swift is a type of bird that belongs to the swift family. It is a small bird that resembles a house martin, but it is not actually related to the house martin, which is a passerine species.
The similarities between the white-rumped swift and the house martin are due to a phenomenon known as convergent evolution. This occurs when two species that are not related, develop similar traits due to adapting to a similar environment and lifestyle.
In this case, the white-rumped swift and the house martin have adapted to a lifestyle that requires a lot of time spent in the air, resulting in them developing similar wings and body shapes.
This convergence of similar traits is a fascinating example of how two species can evolve to look and behave similarly despite being from different families.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. caffer |
11. White-spotted Flufftail
The white-spotted flufftail is a species of bird that belongs to the family Sarothruridae. It is native to the African tropical rainforest and can be found in a wide range of locations across the continent. These birds have white spots on their feathers, giving them their name.
They have a long, slender body and long wings, which make them excellent fliers. They are also quite agile, which helps them to quickly maneuver through thick vegetation. They primarily feed on fruits and insects, and they often forage in pairs or family groups.
Their habitats include dense forests, open woodlands, grasslands, and moist savannas. They are known to be quite shy and elusive, and they are often difficult to observe in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Sarothruridae |
| Genus | Sarothrura |
| Species | S. pulchra |
12. Fiery-necked Nightjar
The Fiery-necked Nightjar is a species of bird that is found in the Caprimulgidae family. This species is only found in African countries that are located south of the equator.
The Fiery-necked Nightjar is known for its distinct and often heard call which is described as “good-lord-deliver-us”. This species of nightjar is mostly found in open and semi-open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands.
The Fiery-necked Nightjar has a unique plumage, with its chest and neck feathers being a bright orange color. This species of nightjar is nocturnal, meaning it is most active at night. During the day, they can be found roosting on the ground or in shallow depressions.
The Fiery-necked Nightjar feeds primarily on moths, beetles, and other small insects. This species of nightjar is currently listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN, meaning it is not currently threatened with extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. pectoralis |
13. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a unique species of duck native to Eurosiberia. It is medium-sized and is a diving duck, meaning it dives underwater to hunt for food. It is also referred to by many different names.
These include ‘ferruginous pochard’, ‘common white-eye’, and ‘white-eyed pochard’. The scientific name of the duck is derived from Greek words. The first part, ‘aithuia’, is an unidentified seabird that was mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
The second part, ‘nyrok’, comes from the Russian word for ‘duck’. This is indicative of the duck’s location in Eurosiberia, as well as its popularity among both humans and other animals in the region.
The ferruginous duck is a unique species of duck that is beloved by many, both for its beauty and its uniqueness.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
14. Yellow-billed Stork
The yellow-billed stork is a large wading bird that is found in many parts of Africa and is also known by the names wood stork and wood ibis. It is a member of the family Ciconiidae and is commonly seen in regions south of the Sahara desert, as well as in Madagascar.
The yellow-billed stork is a distinctive-looking bird, with grey and white plumage, and a bright yellow bill. It has a wingspan of up to 1.3 meters, making it one of the largest storks in the world.
Its long legs and neck help it to wade in water, and it has a habit of standing still in shallow water while it searches for food. The yellow-billed stork feeds mainly on fish, frogs, small reptiles, and insects. It also scavenges for carrion when necessary.
It builds its nests in tree cavities or on the ground and usually lays two to four eggs. Once hatched, the chicks are fed by both parents and are ready to fly after about three months.
The yellow-billed stork is an important species in its environment, as it helps to control insect and animal populations, and because of its scavenging habits, it helps to keep the environment free of excess carrion.
It is considered to be of least concern on the IUCN Red List, although it is declining in some areas due to habitat destruction. It is an important species in African culture and is often seen as a symbol of strength and stability.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Mycteria |
| Species | M. ibis |
15. Little Egret
The little egret is a species of heron that is a part of the Ardeidae family. It is a white-feathered bird with a long, slender black beak and long, black legs.
The western race of this species features yellow feet, which is a distinguishing feature. It is an aquatic bird, which means it feeds both in shallow water and on land. Its diet consists of a wide variety of small creatures, such as fish, insects, amphibians, and crustaceans.
It uses its long beak to forage for food in the water or on land. The little egret is quite abundant in areas near large bodies of water, like rivers, swamps, and lakes. It is often observed wading in shallow water or perched on rocks and trees.
During the breeding season, males use their bright yellow feet to attract potential mates. The little egret is an important species in many ecosystems, as it helps to keep insect and small animal populations in check.
It is also an important food source for other predators, such as foxes and hawks. Despite its small size, it plays a significant role in the balance of the environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
16. Purple Heron
The purple heron is a species of heron found in many parts of the world. It is known to breed in Africa, as well as in southern and central Europe and the Palearctic, which includes parts of eastern and southern Asia.
This species is a wide-ranging one, meaning that it can be found in many different habitats over a large area of land. The purple heron is typically found near bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, streams, wetlands, and estuaries.
It is a solitary species that prefers to be alone while hunting. Its diet consists of a variety of aquatic creatures such as fish, frogs, and aquatic insects. The purple heron is easily recognizable by its distinct coloring.
Its feathers range in color from dark purple to brownish-grey, with some having a blue-green tint. It has a long neck and long legs, and its legs have yellow markings on them. The breeding season for the purple heron is typically in the spring.
They build their nests on trees or in reed beds. The female typically lays three to five eggs at a time, which are incubated for about three weeks.
After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest for about two weeks before they fledge and start to explore their new environment. The purple heron is a species that is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation.
However, their population is declining due to habitat destruction, pollution, and hunting. It is important to be mindful of the habitat of this species and to ensure that it is protected so that it can continue to thrive..
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. purpurea |
17. Black-bellied Bustard
The black-bellied bustard, also known as the black-bellied korhaan, is a species of bird native to Africa. It belongs to the family of birds known as bustards, which are known for their large body sizes and long legs.
The black-bellied bustard is a ground-dwelling bird, meaning it spends much of its time on the ground rather than in trees. These birds inhabit a wide range of habitats, from dry open deserts to grasslands and woodlands.
They are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and small animals. The black-bellied bustard is a large bird, with a body length of up to two feet and a weight of up to four pounds. Its plumage is typically grayish-brown, with a pale belly and dark stripes on its wings.
The black-bellied bustard is also known for its distinctive call, which is a loud, low-pitched “oo-hoo” sound. The black-bellied bustard is a solitary bird, typically found alone or in small flocks.
It is a sedentary bird, meaning it spends most of its time in the same area and does not migrate.
It generally feeds on the ground, eating seeds, insects, and small animals. The black-bellied bustard is currently listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Despite this, the species is still threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Lissotis |
| Species | L. melanogaster |
18. Mourning Collared Dove
The Mourning Collared Dove, also known as the African Mourning Dove, is a species of dove found in parts of Africa south of the Sahara desert. It is not related to the North American Mourning Dove found in the United States.
This species of dove is very common near sources of water and tends to be quite peaceful when it comes to sharing space with other doves.
The Mourning Collared Dove is a widespread resident breeding bird in Africa, which means that it can be found in many different places and breeds in those locations. This species of bird is often seen inhabiting areas with plenty of water, such as streams, lakes, and ponds.
They can often be seen mingling peacefully with other doves, such as those from the North American Mourning Dove.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decipiens |
19. White-throated Francolin
The white-throated francolin is a species of bird belonging to the Phasianidae family, also known as the pheasant family.
This species can be found in several African countries, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Zambia.
The white-throated francolin is a medium-sized bird, typically ranging from 24-29 centimeters in length and having a wingspan of about 36 centimeters. It has a distinct white throat and upper chest, with the rest of its feathers a uniform gray-brown color.
Its long legs and bill are yellow or orange in color. This species of bird is usually found in the bush savannas and dry woodlands of the countries it inhabits. It feeds mainly on insects, seeds, and other small invertebrates.
The white-throated francolin is a gregarious species, often forming small flocks of up to ten birds. It is generally a shy and elusive bird, keeping out of sight and making a variety of harsh, loud calls.
The white-throated francolin is listed as a species of least concern by the IUCN Red List, although there are some concerns over its declining population in certain areas.
Conservation efforts are being made to protect the species and its habitat, such as limiting the disturbance of its natural environment and creating protected areas for it to inhabit.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Campocolinus |
| Species | C. albogularis |
20. Great Spotted Cuckoo
The great spotted cuckoo is a species of bird belonging to the Cuculiformes, an order of birds that also includes the roadrunners, the anis, and the coucals.
It is found across Africa and in the Mediterranean Basin, and is a brood parasite, meaning that it lays its eggs in the nests of other species of birds. In particular, it is known to lay its eggs in the nests of corvids, such as the Eurasian magpie.
This behavior is beneficial to the cuckoo, as it means the cuckoo’s eggs are looked after by another species, increasing their chances of survival.
For the magpie, however, it can have negative consequences, with the cuckoo’s young frequently outcompeting the magpie’s own offspring for resources.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Clamator |
| Species | C. glandarius |
21. Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo
Source: ebird.org
The Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo is a species of bird from the Cuculidae family. It is native to Central Africa and is found in forests there. This species is considered to be of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
This means that the species is not currently threatened with extinction in the near future, although its population numbers may be declining due to habitat destruction. The species is distinctive due to its long tail, which is gray with black streaks.
Its body is also gray, and its eyes are yellow. The Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo typically feeds on insects, worms, and small fruit.
It is an ambush predator and will perch in trees and wait for unsuspecting prey to appear. The Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo is an important species to the forests of Central Africa, as its diet helps to keep the insect population in check.
It is also an important part of the local ecology, providing food for many animals, such as birds of prey, which prey on the cuckoo. Unfortunately, the species is threatened by habitat destruction due to human activity, such as deforestation and urbanization.
In order to protect this species, it is important to preserve the remaining forest habitats in Central Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cercococcyx |
| Species | C. mechowi |
Conclusion
Birds play an important role in the environment of Agwara. They provide food for other animals, disperse seeds, and help keep the balance of nature in check.
The local people have a deep appreciation for these birds and the important role that they play in their environment.
By protecting and preserving their habitat, the people of Agwara are ensuring the continued success of these birds for years to come.