Aswan is an ancient city located in the south of Egypt, and it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country due to its breathtaking views of the Nile River.
Aswan is also known for its abundant birdlife, and the city is home to various species of migratory and resident birds. Aswan’s avian population is a nature enthusiast’s dream, from the majestic Nile Valley raptors to the colourful songbirds.
The city’s unique environment and location provide ideal bird habitats, and the local authorities greatly protect and preserve these species.
This guide will provide an overview of the bird species found in Aswan and some tips on viewing them best.
5 Birds to Watch in Aswan
Aswan, located in southern Egypt along the Nile River, offers excellent birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse landscapes and the presence of several migratory and resident bird species. Here are five birds to watch for in Aswan:
1. White-Crowned Wheatear
The white-crowned wheatear, also known as the white-crowned black wheatear, is a type of small passerine bird. It is a member of the wheatear family, which was formerly classified as a part of the thrush family, Turdidae.
However, it is now more commonly accepted as belonging to the Old World flycatcher family, Muscicapidae. The white-crowned wheatear is a small bird, typically measuring 6 to 7 inches long.
Its main distinguishing feature is the white crown on its head, which is accentuated by its black plumage. The bird can be found in various habitats, ranging from grasslands to deserts.
It feeds on insects, as well as seeds and berries. The white-crowned wheatear is a migratory bird, with most individuals migrating to southern Africa for the winter months.
It is also known to be a rather vocal species, with the males singing various songs during the breeding season. This species is also known to be quite adaptable, often living in close proximity to humans in urban areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Oenanthe |
| Species | O. leucopyga |
2. Asian Green Bee-Eater
The Asian green bee-eater is a small bird belonging to the bee-eater family. It is commonly known as the little green bee-eater or green bee-eater in Sri Lanka. This species is resident in Asia but is prone to seasonal migrations.
It has a wide distribution range across Asia, spanning from coastal southern Iran to Vietnam. The bird is found across the Indian subcontinent as well. It is known to inhabit open areas, such as grasslands, pastures, and cultivated lands.
The bird feeds mainly on flying insects, such as bees, wasps, and dragonflies. It has a unique courtship display, which involves the female chasing the male in the air. The female then collects nesting material as the male follows.
Nesting typically takes place during the summer months, and the Asian green bee-eater is known to lay two to five eggs in each clutch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. orientalis |
3. Senegal Thick-Knee
The Senegal thick-knee is a wading bird species found in the family Burhinidae. It is also known by its vernacular scientific name, which refers to the distinctive joints that are found in the bird’s long yellow or greenish legs.
These joints are quite prominent, giving the bird a unique look that is not seen in other species of waders. The Senegal thick-knee is a nocturnal bird that spends most of its time searching for food on the ground.
They have various prey, including insects, small mammals, and lizards. They have a distinct call used to communicate with one another and mark their territory.
They are usually found in open areas such as grasslands, savannahs, and scrublands. The Senegal thick-knee is a medium-sized bird with a greyish-brown back and wings with a white underside.
They can be identified by their long yellow or greenish legs with prominent joints.
These birds can be seen in large flocks and have wingspans of up to 1.2 meters. The Senegal thick-knee is currently listed as a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction, hunting, and other human activities.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Burhinidae |
| Genus | Burhinus |
| Species | B. senegalensis |
4. Striated Heron
The Striated Heron is a small one that stands around 44 cm tall. It is also known as the Mangrove Heron, Little Green Heron, or Green-backed Heron and is mainly found in tropical and subtropical areas.
It has distinctive striated markings on its feathers, leading to its name. Striated Herons are mostly sedentary, meaning they tend to stay in one area for most of their lives.
They are noted for their interesting behavioural traits, such as their high social interaction level and tendency to form groups to feed together.
They are also known for their territorial behaviour, fiercely defending their nesting grounds. Striated herons have a number of adaptations that help them survive in their environment.
Their long legs allow them to stand in shallow water to hunt for food and have sharp bills that help them capture prey.
Additionally, the heron’s feathers provide insulation and waterproofing, making them comfortable in water and on land. Overall, the Striated Heron is an interesting species that has adapted to its environment and is known for its unique behavioural traits.
They are a beneficial species that helps keep ecosystems balanced and healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Butorides |
| Species | B. striata |
5. Common Ringed Plover
The common ringed plover is a small shorebird that is found across Arctic Eurasia. It is part of the genus Charadrius, which is a Late Latin word for a yellowish bird mentioned in the fourth-century Vulgate.
This word is derived from the Ancient Greek word kharadrios, which refers to a bird found in ravines and river valleys. The common ringed plover is generally found near coasts, mudflats, and lagoons, where it feeds on small invertebrates.
It also has a distinct white ring around its neck, which is where it gets its name. The ringed plover is an important part of the Arctic ecosystem, as it helps to keep the population of small invertebrates in check.
It is also an important food source for predators like Arctic foxes and owls. In addition, the plover’s presence adds beauty and diversity to Arctic landscapes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. hiaticula |
Conclusion
Aswan is a great place to observe birds due to its rich biodiversity and diverse habitats. The main bird species found in the area are the Egyptian vulture, the golden eagle, the white-winged tern, and the great cormorant.
Furthermore, many migratory birds can be seen during the winter season. Aswan is a great place for bird-watching and offers an incredible opportunity to observe some of the most beautiful birds in the world.