Agadir, Morocco is home to a variety of unique and vibrant bird species. The city offers a wide variety of habitats and landscapes, from grassy plains to rocky mountains, providing a home to a variety of birds.
From the majestic Bald Eagle to the charming little Goldfinch, Agadir has something for birders of all levels. In addition, the city’s close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean means you can find a variety of seabirds. With a little bit of luck, you may even spot a rare species.
1. Black-headed Gull
The black-headed gull is a small species of gull that breeds in the Palearctic region, which includes Europe, as well as in coastal eastern Canada.
The majority of the population of this bird species is migratory, meaning they travel further south during the winter months, although some birds stay in the more temperate regions of western Europe.
These birds primarily inhabit marshland, coastal areas, and inland waters, where they can find plenty of food. They are omnivorous, meaning they feed on both animal and plant material, such as insects, worms, fish, and seeds.
The black-headed gull is easy to spot, due to its unique plumage, which is grey-brown on the upperparts and white underneath, with a distinctive black head and neck.
It is an adaptable species that has even been known to scavenge around human environments, such as rubbish dumps.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
2. Common Gull
The common gull, also known as the sea mew, is a type of gull that can be found most commonly in the Palearctic region. It is a medium-sized gull and is closely related to another species, the short-billed gull.
Both of these species are referred to collectively as the mew gull. The common gull is known for its migratory behavior; many of them migrate to areas further south during the winter months.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. canus |
3. Audouin’s Gull
Audouin’s gull is a species of large gull found in the Mediterranean and the western coast of Saharan Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. It belongs to the genus ikhthus, which is derived from the Ancient Greek words for ‘fish’ and ‘eagle’.
The species is named after the French naturalist Jean Victoire Audouin. Audouin was an influential scientist who studied and wrote about the wildlife that he encountered in the 19th century.
He was an avid ornithologist who studied the birds of the Mediterranean region and is remembered for his contributions to the field of avian study. The Audouin’s gull is one of the many species of avian life he encountered and documented, and it is named in his honor.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Ichthyaetus |
| Species | I. audouinii |
4. Mallard
The mallard or wild duck is a duck species that is widely distributed throughout the world. It is native to the temperate and subtropical Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to many other countries as well.
In the New World, it has been introduced to New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
It has proven to be a successful introduction, as the species has established itself in these regions as a stable population. The mallard is an adaptable species that can thrive in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, grasslands, and woodlands.
It is a dabbling duck, meaning that it feeds by tipping its head underwater to search for food. These ducks typically eat aquatic vegetation, as well as insects, mollusks, and even small fish. They are also known to feed on grains and other plant matter.
The mallard plays an important role in the environment, as it helps to regulate the populations of aquatic plants and organisms, and can act as an important source of food for predatory species.
In addition, the mallard is a popular game bird, as it is prized for its flavorful meat. The mallard is a species of duck that is found in many parts of the world, and its range and population continue to expand as it is introduced to new regions.
It is a versatile species that can survive in a variety of habitats, is an important part of the environment, and is also widely hunted for sport and food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
5. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is a small water bird from the grebe family. Its scientific name is derived from a combination of Ancient Greek and Latin words.
The genus name, takhus, is derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning “fast”, while bapto is derived from the Ancient Greek word meaning “to sink under”. The specific name, ruficollis, is composed of two Latin words: rufus, meaning “red”, and collis, meaning “necked”.
This is further derived from the Latin word collum, which means “neck”. This combination of words is used to describe the little grebe’s distinct red neck, which is a unique characteristic of this bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
6. Bald Ibis
The Northern Bald Ibis is a large, striking migratory bird found in harsh, dry habitats, often close to running water. It has a glossy black body and wings and is approximately 70 to 80 centimeters long.
Unlike many other Ibis species, the Northern Bald Ibis does not wade into the water to hunt for food. Instead, it has an unfeathered red face and head, along with a long and curved red bill, which it uses to forage for food.
This unique appearance is one of the reasons why it is also known as the Hermit Ibis or Waldrapp.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Geronticus |
| Species | G. eremita |
7. Bearded Vulture
The bearded vulture, also known as the lammergeier and ossifrage, is a majestic bird of prey that stands out from the rest. It is the only member of its genus, Gypaetus, and is considered an Old World species of vulture.
Even though it may appear similar to other vultures, it is actually more closely related to the Egyptian vulture.
This makes the bearded vulture a unique species that is part of its own minor lineage of Accipitridae. The bearded vulture has a striking appearance, with the most distinctive feature being its long feathers that form a beard-like shape around its neck.
It also has a bald head and black feathers on its wings and tail.
This species has a wingspan of up to 2.3 meters, making them one of the largest birds in Europe. The bearded vulture is mainly found in mountainous regions of Europe, Africa, and Asia, where it feeds on carrion and bones.
It has an impressive ability to break through the toughest bones with its powerful beak, which is why it is also called the “ossifrage”.
It may also hunt small mammals or scavenge for food on the ground. The bearded vulture is considered a threatened species due to human activities such as hunting and habitat loss.
Conservation efforts are being made to help save this fascinating species, but more needs to be done to ensure its continued existence.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Gypaetus |
| Species | G. barbatus |
8. Grebes
Grebes are aquatic birds that belong to the order Podicipediformes. They are found in many freshwater habitats, but some species also migrate to and inhabit marine environments during certain times of the year.
Generally, grebes are able to fly, although there are some species that have become flightless, usually due to their living in an environment that is conducive to a sedentary lifestyle. These flightless species are mostly found in calm, stable lakes.
Grebes are unique among waterbirds as they are able to dive underwater for a significant amount of time, while other aquatic birds are only able to dip their heads underwater in search of food.
This ability to dive underwater has helped them to survive in both freshwater and marine environments, where they feed on small fish, aquatic insects, and other invertebrates.
Grebes also have special adaptations that help them to stay buoyant in the water, such as dense feathers and webbed feet.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Mirandornithes |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
9. Red-necked Nightjar
The red-necked nightjar is a species of bird found in Europe. It is the largest of the nightjars found in Europe, with a wingspan of up to 40 cm. This species breeds in Iberia and North Africa during the summer months but migrates to tropical West Africa for the wintertime.
The red-necked nightjar is mainly active during the night, hunting for small insects with its wide mouth and long beak. It usually roosts in open areas, such as scrubland or grasslands, during the day.
Its preferred diet consists of moths, beetles, and flies, as well as the occasional small reptile. The red-necked nightjar is an important part of the European ecosystem, helping to keep insect populations in check and providing food for other predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. ruficollis |
10. Marbled Teal
The marbled duck, also known as the marbled teal, is a species of duck that is found in a variety of regions. They are medium-sized ducks, with the scientific name of Marmaronetta angustirostris.
This scientific name is derived from Greek and Latin words, with marmaros translating to marbled and Netta meaning duck. The Latin word angustus is translated as narrow or small, and -rosters translates to billed.
The marbled duck has a unique appearance, with a marbled pattern on its feathers. It is usually a mix of brown, white, and black feathers. They have a small bill, which is one of the features that helped give them their Latin name.
They are found in a variety of regions, including southern Europe, northern Africa, and western and central Asia. As such, they can be found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, wetlands, and lakes.
The marbled duck is a unique species that has a variety of interesting features. Its scientific name is derived from both Greek and Latin words, and its marbled feathers are unique. They are found in a variety of regions and habitats, making them a widely distributed species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Marmaronetta |
| Species | M. angustirostris |
11. Greater Flamingo
The Greater Flamingo is the most abundant and biggest species of the flamingo family.
They are commonly seen in the Old World, with their range extending from Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, across the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.
This vast range of habitats allows them to thrive on a wide variety of food sources, such as small aquatic invertebrates, algae, and other plant matter. The flamingo is a highly social bird, often seen in large flocks along shorelines or in shallow wetlands.
They are known for their vibrant pink feathers, which are caused by beta-carotene in their diet. The Greater Flamingo is an iconic species and is an important part of the local ecology in its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
12. Eurasian Griffon
The Eurasian griffon vulture is a large bird of prey from the Old World. It is part of the Accipitridae family, which includes other birds of prey such as eagles and hawks.
It is often referred to as the Griffon vulture, though this name can also refer to the entire genus of vultures.
It is important to note that the Eurasian griffon vulture is not the same as the Rüppell’s griffon vulture or the Himalayan griffon vulture, both of which are similar but distinct species. The Eurasian griffon vulture is found throughout Europe and much of Asia, though its range does not extend as far east as the other two griffon vultures.
They have long, bald heads and a wingspan that can reach up to eight feet. They feed on carrion, and their large size allows them to compete with other scavengers for food.
Their diet is supplemented by small animals such as rodents, as well as eggs and chicks from other birds. The Eurasian griffon vulture plays an important role in the ecosystem, helping to clean up carrion and thus stopping the spread of disease.
They are also important indicators of the health of their environment, and their populations can be a good indication of how healthy the ecosystem is.
Unfortunately, due to habitat destruction and the use of poisons, the population of Eurasian griffon vultures has been declining in recent years.
It is important that conservation efforts are put in place in order to ensure that this species can continue to live and thrive in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Gyps |
| Species | G. fulvus |
13. Lesser Kestrel
The lesser kestrel is a small species of falcon that can be found in many areas across the world. It is native to the Mediterranean, but can also be found in Afghanistan, Central Asia, China, and Mongolia.
During the summer, the species migrates to Africa, Pakistan, India, and Iraq, while during the winter it returns to its breeding grounds. It is rare to find the species north of its breeding range, and its population in Europe is unfortunately declining.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. naumanni |
14. Hooded Vulture
The hooded vulture is an avian species found in the Old World. It belongs to the order Accipitriformes, which is a large group of birds that includes eagles, kites, buzzards, and hawks. This vulture is the only member of the genus Necrosyrtes.
This genus is related to the larger Gyps genus, and both of them belong to the Aegypiinae subfamily of Old World vultures.
This subfamily is part of a larger group of birds known as the Accipitriformes, which includes a wide variety of avian species, such as eagles, hawks, kites, and buzzards.
The hooded vulture is an integral part of the Accipitriformes order as it is the sole member of the Necrosyrtes genus.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Necrosyrtes |
| Species | N. monachus |
15. Common Pochard
The Common Pochard, an aquatic bird, is a species of diving duck. It has a scientific name derived from both Greek and Latin words. The Greek word “aithuia” was first used by ancient authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to refer to an unidentified seabird.
The Latin word “ferina”, which means “wild game”, has its roots in “ferus”, meaning “wild”. This is reflective of the Common Pochard’s status as a wild species of duck.
Commonly found in wetlands throughout the northern hemisphere, the Common Pochard feeds by diving underwater and eating aquatic vegetation. The bird is a medium-sized duck, with males typically larger than females.
It is distinguished by its brown head and grey body, with a white ring around its neck. The Common Pochard is both a common and globally widespread species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
16. Red-breasted Merganser
The red-breasted merganser is a species of duck that can be found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. These ducks are usually identified by their distinctive red breasts, which give the species its common name.
The red breast is only seen on the males when they are in breeding plumage. At other times, the red breast is replaced by a gray or white chest. The male merganser also features a striking green head and a long, thin bill.
The female of the species is generally regarded as being much less colorful than the male, with a mostly gray body and head. The red-breasted merganser prefers to inhabit large, open bodies of water such as lakes and rivers.
They can also be found on the coasts, where they will feed on a variety of aquatic animals such as fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects. The red-breasted merganser is a social species of duck and is often found in large flocks.
It is an agile swimmer and can dive as deep as ninety feet in order to feed. The red-breasted merganser is an important species in the region of its native habitat. It is a popular game bird, with hunting for the species allowed in many areas.
It is also an important part of the aquatic ecosystem, helping to keep the population of aquatic animals in balance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mergus |
| Species | M. serrator |
17. Barbary Partridge
The Barbary partridge is a species of gamebird that belongs to the pheasant family in the order of Galliformes. It is native to North Africa, specifically countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt.
It is a small bird, with a length of about 28 cm and a weight of about 150-200 g. It has a grayish-brown back, barred wings, and a white throat and belly. Its tail is brown with white outer feathers.
Its legs and feet are brownish-gray. The Barbary partridge is a terrestrial bird that lives in open grasslands, shrublands, and cultivated fields. It feeds on insects, seeds, and grains.
It tends to nest in small depressions in the ground, where the female lays a clutch of 3-6 eggs. The Barbary partridge is an important game bird for hunters in North Africa and is also kept as an ornamental bird in aviaries.
In recent years, its population has been declining due to habitat degradation and overhunting. As a result, the IUCN has listed the species as Near Threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Alectoris |
| Species | A. barbara |
18. Common Ostrich
The common ostrich, or simply ostrich, is a species of bird that is unable to fly. It is native to large areas of Africa and is the only living member of the genus Struthio in the ratite order of birds.
The ratite order is a group of birds that are flightless, which includes the ostrich, emu, rhea, and kiwi. Ostriches are the largest living bird species, with males reaching up to nine feet tall and females up to seven feet tall.
They have long necks, and powerful legs, and can run up to 43 miles per hour. They are also the only birds with two toes on each foot. Ostriches are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
They feed on seeds, fruits, leaves, flowers, roots, and small animals such as lizards. They also swallow pebbles and sand to aid in digestion. Ostriches have a social structure and live in groups of up to 50 birds.
They are also monogamous, meaning they form long-term pair bonds with a single mate. The male and female take turns incubating the eggs and both care for the young after hatching.
Ostriches are iconic animals due to their large size and distinctive appearance, and they have been the subject of many myths and legends.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
| Species | S. camelus |
19. Little Egret
The little egret is a small white bird that belongs to the heron family. It has a slender black beak and long black legs. The western race of the bird also has yellow feet. The little egret is an aquatic bird that feeds in shallow bodies of water and on land.
Its diet is varied and consists of small creatures like insects, fish, frogs, snails, and other invertebrates. It is also known to consume plant material, such as seeds, berries, and grains.
The little egret is an important part of its local ecosystem, providing food for other predators and helping to keep the water clean by consuming small creatures that could otherwise become pests.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
20. Egyptian Vulture
The Egyptian vulture is a species of Old World vulture that is the only living member of its genus, Neophron. This species has a wide range of distribution, spanning from the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, all the way to India.
It is also known as the white scavenger vulture or pharaoh’s chicken. The Egyptian vulture is a small species, with a wingspan of around 4 to 5 feet. It has a white head, neck, and mantle, along with a yellow beak and black tail.
Its wings are black and white, and its legs are yellow.
This species is a scavenger, feeding on the remains of dead animals. The Egyptian vulture is a highly adaptable species, with various habitat preferences ranging from open grasslands and deserts to woodlands and mountain regions.
It is also found in human-modified habitats, such as agricultural fields, urban areas, and garbage dumps. This species is listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN, due to the loss and fragmentation of its habitat, as well as the illegal use of pesticides and other pollutants, which can have a negative effect on the vultures.
Additionally, this species is threatened by hunting, as it is sometimes seen as a threat to livestock. Conservation efforts are being made to reduce the decline in population of the Egyptian vulture.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Neophron |
| Species | N. percnopterus |
21. Great Bustard
The great bustard is a bird belonging to the bustard family, which is a group of large birds found in areas of open grasslands and farmland.
It is the only living member of the genus Otis, and is native to a wide range of geographic areas, from northern Morocco in the west to temperate Central and East Asia in the east.
It breeds in these areas, including South and Central Europe, and is known to inhabit both rural and agricultural regions. The great bustard is a large bird, with males typically measuring up to 1.2 meters in length.
The plumage of the male is typically grey, brown, and black, and it has a distinctive white neck collar. The female is smaller, but has similar plumage, with barred brown feathers.
The great bustard is omnivorous, and will typically feed on small invertebrates, seeds, grasses, and grains. The great bustard is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, due to habitat loss, hunting, and collisions with vehicles.
Conservation efforts are underway in some areas, and there are several captive breeding programs in place, in order to help protect the species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Otis |
| Species | O. tarda |
22. Herons
Herons are a type of bird that can be found near freshwater and coastal regions. They are part of the family Ardeidae, which is made up of 72 different species. Some of these species are known by different names, such as egrets and bitterns, instead of herons.
Herons have long legs and necks, which help them to wade through shallow water and get to their prey. They are typically grey or white in appearance, with some species featuring black or brown feathers.
Their wingspan can range from 2 to 6 feet, and they can be found on nearly every continent in the world. Herons are often seen standing or wading in shallow water, patiently waiting for small fish and insects to come within reach.
They have a sharp, pointed beak that can quickly snatch up their prey. Herons are also known to consume other small animals, like frogs, small mammals, and even other birds. Herons can be found in ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes, as well as in coastal areas.
Depending on the species, some herons may migrate seasonally, while others may stay in one area year-round. They typically nest in trees or bushes near water. In addition to their unique appearance, herons are also known for their loud calls and croaking noises.
They are an important species in many ecosystems, as they help to control populations of small animals like fish and insects. For this reason, they are an important part of the food chain.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
23. Larus Michahellis
The yellow-legged gull is a large, distinctive species of gull that is found throughout Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.
It has only recently been recognized as its own species and was formerly classified as a subspecies of either the Caspian gull or more broadly as a subspecies of the herring gull.
The yellow-legged gull is a large, medium-sized gull with a yellowish hue to its legs, which is how it got its name. Its wingspan can reach up to 24 inches, and it has a white head and a grayish-brown back.
It feeds mostly on fish, insects, and other small animals, and it can often be seen soaring over the open ocean in search of food.
The yellow-legged gull is an important part of the bird population in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, and its population is slowly increasing as it gains more recognition as a distinct species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. michahellis |
24. Laughing Gull
The Laughing Gull is a species of medium-sized gull that is native to North and South America. It got its name from its distinct call, which resembles laughter. The Laughing Gull is an omnivorous scavenger that will eat just about anything it can find.
It breeds in large colonies, particularly along the Atlantic coast of North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America. There are two recognized subspecies of the Laughing Gull, L. a. and L. c.
The former is found in the eastern half of North America, while the latter is found in the western half. Both subspecies have similar plumage, with a gray mantle and white underparts. The Laughing Gull is a social bird that feeds and breeds in large groups.
They migrate south during the winter and can be seen in large flocks along the coasts of the United States and Mexico.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Leucophaeus |
| Species | L. atricilla |
Conclusion
The birds of Agadir are a diverse and vibrant group of species that are an important part of the region’s ecology.
From the colorful parrots of the Souss-Massa National Park to the migratory birds that visit the city’s sandy beaches, Agadir’s bird life is a testament to the city’s natural beauty and its importance for conservation.
With the growing popularity of birdwatching in the area, Agadir promises to be an important destination for birders of all levels of experience.