Welcome to Alexandria, a city rich in bird life! Alexandria is home to a wide variety of bird species, with more than 100 species of birds living in and around the city.
From the iconic Red-tailed Hawk to the unusual Common Raven, Alexandria’s avian population is diverse and full of life. Whether you’re looking for an easy-to-spot bird in your backyard or an adventure in the wild, Alexandria has something for everyone.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you explore the unique and exciting world of birds in Alexandria!
1. Red-Crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a species of large diving duck native to many parts of the world. It is known for its vibrant red-coloured crest, which gives the bird its name.
The scientific name for this species is Netta rufina, derived from the Greek word “Netta” meaning “duck” and the Latin word “rufina” meaning “golden-red”. This refers to the reddish colour of the bird’s crest.
The red-crested pochard is a strong swimmer and is able to dive underwater in search of food. It feeds on aquatic plants, insects, molluscs, and other small animals. It is also known to feed on crops and fields, particularly in agricultural areas.
This species of duck is a social bird, often forming large flocks and congregating in wetlands and other areas with plenty of food. They can also be found along shorelines and in shallow waters.
The red-crested pochard is a beautiful species of duck and an important part of many ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
2. Blue Jay
The blue jay is a type of passerine bird that belongs to the Corvidae family. It is native to eastern North America and is found in most of the eastern and central states of the United States. In addition, it can also be found in some parts of Newfoundland in Canada.
Residents of this bird can also be found in southern Canada, where they breed and live in large numbers. The populations of the blue jay in the eastern states may be migratory, which means that they move to different regions during different times of the year.
This is done in order to find food and other resources. The blue jay is an important part of the ecosystem in North America and is a common sight in forests, parks, gardens, and other areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Cyanocitta |
| Species | C. cristata |
3. Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt (H. himantopus) is a species of wading bird in the avocet and stilt family, widely distributed across many areas of the world.
It is a very long-legged bird, with long, thin legs that allow it to easily access shallow waters and other wetland habitats in search of food such as small invertebrates and fish.
Its scientific name, H. himantopus, is a reference to its long, thin legs, which resemble those of a thin-legged man. This species is almost cosmopolitan in range, found in areas across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia.
It typically inhabits shallow, freshwater wetlands and estuaries, although some populations can be found in coastal areas.
This species is highly adapted for life in shallow, muddy waters, and has a wide variety of foraging behaviors, including probing in the mud, wading in shallow water, and sieving the water for small creatures.
The black-winged stilt is an important species for wetland conservation, as it helps to maintain the health of these important habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
4. Osprey
The Osprey is a species of bird of prey known by many names, including sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. It is a widespread species, found on all continents except Antarctica. It is a large bird, measuring over 60 centimeters in length and 180 centimeters across the wings.
It has a distinct coloring, with a brown upper body and a head and underparts that are predominantly greyish. The Osprey is diurnal, meaning that it is active during the day and sleeps at night. It primarily feeds on fish, making it an important predator in its aquatic habitats.
Its sharp vision and talons make it a formidable hunter, and its powerful wings allow it to soar high above the water in search of its prey.
The Osprey is also an important symbol of conservation in many areas, as it is sensitive to environmental pressures such as habitat destruction and water pollution. Its presence in an area is often taken as a sign that the environment is healthy and thriving.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
5. American Goldfinch
The American goldfinch is a small species of bird native to North America. It belongs to the finch family and is migratory, meaning it travels between two locations for different parts of the year.
During the breeding season, the American goldfinch can be found in a range from mid-Alberta in Canada to North Carolina in the United States. In the wintertime, it migrates to a southern area extending from just south of the Canada–United States border to Mexico.
This species has an impressive range that helps it survive in different climates and environments. Its ability to adapt to different environments is a major factor in its success as a species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Spinus |
| Species | S. tristis |
6. Downy Woodpecker
Source: Wikipedia
The Downy Woodpecker is a species of woodpecker that is native to North America, and is the smallest of its kind in the region. Its length ranges from 14 to 18 cm, making it one of the smaller species of woodpeckers in the world.
This species of woodpecker is commonly found in forested areas across both the United States and Canada, although it is absent from the deserts of the southwest and the northern tundra.
Downy woodpeckers often feed on insects and larvae that live in tree bark, and may also eat berries, nuts, and seeds in the summer months. They are also known for their unique drumming sound they make by pecking rapidly against trees.
This drumming sound is used as a way to communicate with other downy woodpeckers, and it can even be heard up to a mile away. Downy woodpeckers have adapted to living in urban areas as well, and can often be seen on telephone poles and the sides of buildings.
They are considered to be a sign of good luck, and many people enjoy watching them and listening to their unique and rhythmic drumming.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Piciformes |
| Family | Picidae |
| Genus | Dryobates |
| Species | D. pubescens |
7. House Finch
The house finch is a species of finch belonging to the family Fringillidae. It is native to western North America but has been introduced to the eastern half of the continent and Hawaii. This species is one of three American rosefinches and is placed in the genus Haemorhous.
The house finch is a small bird, typically around five inches in length. It has a short, conical bill and a brownish-red body with dark streaks. Its call is a soft, chirping song, often heard during the breeding season.
This species is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, parks, gardens, and agricultural land. It feeds mainly on seeds and grains, but also eats insects, berries, and nectar. House finches form monogamous pairs and build their nests in shrubs and conifers.
They are popular with birdwatchers for their bright colors and charming behavior.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Fringillidae |
| Genus | Haemorhous |
| Species | H. mexicanus |
8. Mourning Dove
The mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) is a species of dove that is native to the Americas, ranging from Canada to Argentina. It is often referred to as the American mourning dove, the rain dove, or colloquially as the turtle dove.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a wingspan of approximately 18 inches, and is characterized by its soft grey-brown plumage, with darker spots, and white edges on the longer feathers.
The mourning dove is a member of the dove family, Columbidae, and is closely related to pigeons and doves. The mourning dove has a fascinating history and has gone by a variety of different names over the years.
It was once known as the Carolina pigeon and Carolina turtledove, but these names have become less common over time. The bird is well known for its soft, mournful call, which is often heard in the early mornings and late evenings.
It is a popular bird to watch and has also been used by hunters for centuries. The mourning dove is a ground-dwelling species and is usually found in open fields and woodlands. The bird feeds on a variety of seeds and fruits and often visits bird feeders.
Its nest is usually made from twigs, grasses, and other materials, and is often placed in trees or shrubs. The mourning dove is an important species to humans, as it provides food and control of agricultural pests, and is also an important game bird.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Zenaida |
| Species | Z. macroura |
9. Eurasian Teal
The Eurasian teal, also known as the common teal or Eurasian green-winged teal, is a small dabbling duck that is found in temperate regions of Europe and Siberia.
It is a very common and widespread species of duck and is often referred to simply as the “teal” due to its exclusive presence in much of its range.
During the summer months, the Eurasian teal will breed in the temperate regions of Euro Siberia, but when autumn arrives, it will migrate south in order to survive the harsh winter months.
This species of duck is a popular game bird due to its abundance and its size, which makes it an ideal target for hunting.
The Eurasian teal is also an important species for conservation, due to their numbers and range, and their presence in wetlands helps to maintain the ecological balance of the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. crecca |
10. Mallard
The mallard, also known as the wild duck, is a species of dabbling duck that can be found in a variety of climates and habitats around the world.
It is native to the temperate and subtropical regions of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa, and has been introduced to other regions including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. The mallard is an adaptable species, capable of thriving in a variety of habitats such as wetlands, lakes, ponds, and rivers.
The species is well-known for its ability to take advantage of human-made habitats such as park lakes, golf courses, and urban areas.
It is an omnivorous species, feeding on a variety of aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish.Mallards are social animals, living in large flocks during the winter months and forming smaller, monogamous pairs during the breeding season.
They are capable of flying long distances, and many populations show migratory behavior.
The species have also been known to hybridize with other species of waterfowl, creating new varieties and colorations. Overall, the mallard is a widespread species that is capable of adapting to a variety of different habitats and climates.
Its introduction to new countries and regions has allowed it to expand its range and become one of the most common waterfowl species in the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
11. Northern Pintail
The pintail or northern pintail is a species of duck that is found across a vast geographic area. It breeds in the northern areas of Europe, the Palearctic, and North America. It is a migratory species, meaning that it spends part of the year in different locations.
During the colder months, it will winter south of its breeding range, sometimes even reaching as far south as the equator. This wide-ranging bird has adapted to a variety of different climates and habitats, allowing it to thrive in many different areas.
Its migratory nature also allows it to access food sources that may be inaccessible at certain times of the year in one particular location. This helps to ensure the survival of the species in both its winter and breeding habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. acuta |
12. Dark-Eyed Junco
The dark-eyed junco is a species of small grayish sparrow native to North America. It is found all across temperate parts of the continent and migrates far into the Arctic during the summer. Its appearance can vary greatly, and it is similar in many ways to the fox sparrow.
Despite being studied for many years, its taxonomy has yet to be fully understood. The junco is a part of the junco family, a group of sparrows that live in the Americas.
It is considered common in many parts of its range and can be found in forests, woodlands, and other habitats. It is a sociable bird that often feeds and travels in flocks.
During the breeding season, it builds nests and lays eggs in concealed spots. The dark-eyed junco is mostly gray in color with a black head and white outer tail feathers. It is generally about six inches long with a short, conical beak.
Juveniles are similar in appearance but are more heavily mottled. It feeds mainly on insects and seeds, and can sometimes be seen foraging on the ground. The junco is an important species in North America, as its presence indicates the health of the local environment.
Its decline in some areas may be due to habitat loss or other factors. Despite this, it is still fairly common and its population appears to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passerellidae |
| Genus | Junco |
| Species | J. hyemalis |
13. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is a species of flamingo that is one of the most widespread and largest of its kind. This species is found in various parts of the world, primarily in the Old World.
These birds are seen in Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and Southern Europe.
The greater flamingo is a migratory species, often traveling long distances to get to its preferred habitats. In Africa, they are found in wetlands and mudflats, ranging from coastal lagoons to inland swamps. They can also be found in brackish and saltwater lakes.
In the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, they inhabit freshwater wetlands and lagoons. In Europe, they are found in coastal lagoons and salt marshes. The greater flamingo is a gregarious bird, often found in large flocks of hundreds or thousands.
They feed on a variety of small invertebrates, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic insects. They also eat algae and plankton. They are able to filter out the food from the mud and water with their unique bill structure.
The greater flamingo is an elegant bird with its long legs, slender neck, and bright pink/orange plumage. They are a monogamous species, and the male and female birds work together to build their nests.
They lay one to three eggs and both parents take turns incubating and caring for the chicks. The greater flamingo is an important species in their natural habitats, as they help keep their ecosystems balanced.
They consume large amounts of their prey, helping to keep the populations of these invertebrates in check. They also help to spread nutrients and create a more diverse environment for other species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
14. Common Snipe
The common snipe is a small, stocky wader bird that is most commonly found in the Old World. It is a migratory species, with most populations breeding in Eurasia and wintering in Africa.
It is a member of the sandpiper family and is characterized by its short legs, long bill, and mottled plumage. It is a solitary bird and spends most of its time quietly foraging in wetlands and grasslands.
It feeds mainly on insects, worms, and other invertebrates that it can find on or near the surface of the ground. The common snipe is a cryptic species and can be quite difficult to spot due to its mottled plumage and its skulking habits.
During the breeding season, the common snipe can be found in a variety of habitats, including wet meadows and marshes, bogs, and damp grasslands. It nests in shallow scrapes in the ground and lays up to four eggs.
The male will perform a courtship display known as ‘winnowing’, which involves flying high into the air and then diving rapidly while producing a distinctive ‘whirring’ sound. The common snipe is an important species in the wetlands of the Old World.
It provides a valuable source of food for a variety of predators, and its presence can also indicate the presence of other wetland species.
It is considered to be a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, however, its population is thought to be declining due to the destruction and degradation of its wetland habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Gallinago |
| Species | G. gallinago |
15. Glossy Ibis
The glossy ibis is a species of water bird that belongs to the order Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. The scientific name of the species is derived from two words of Ancient Greek and Latin origin, namely plegados and falcis.
The word plegados is derived from the Ancient Greek language and is translated as “sickle”. Similarly, the word falcis is derived from Latin and also translates as “sickle”.
It is believed that the two words are used to describe the distinctive shape of the bill of the glossy ibis. This species is a wading bird and uses its bill to forage in shallow water for insects, crustaceans, and other small prey.
The glossy ibis is an important part of aquatic ecosystems and is found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow lagoons.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. falcinellus |
16. Common Kingfisher
The common kingfisher is a small species of kingfisher endemic to Eurasia and North Africa, where it is widely distributed. It is identified by seven distinct subspecies, each of which can be differentiated by slight variations in coloration and size.
The common kingfisher is largely a resident species, meaning that it does not typically undertake long-distance migrations. However, in areas where rivers freeze over in the winter months, the common kingfisher will migrate to warmer regions where there is still access to fish.
This species is often found near rivers or streams, where it uses its sharp vision to spot its prey before swooping down to catch small fish. This species is also highly territorial and can be seen chasing away other birds if they venture too close to their nesting sites.
The common kingfisher is an important species in its range, as its presence in an area is indicative of a healthy aquatic environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | A. atthis |
17. Cooper’s Hawk
Cooper’s hawk is a raptor species of hawk that is native to the North American continent. It is a medium-sized hawk with a length of 14–20 inches and a wingspan of 24–35 inches. Cooper’s hawks are found across the continent from southern Canada to Mexico.
They are often seen in open woodlands and wooded suburban areas, and they feed on small birds, mammals, and reptiles. Cooper’s hawks are known for their agility, as they are capable of swiftly maneuvering through trees in pursuit of prey.
They are also known for their distinctive “kek-kek-kek” call. These hawks can live up to 8-10 years in the wild and can live even longer in captivity. They are a protected species in many parts of the continent.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Accipiter |
| Species | A. cooperii |
18. Broad-Billed Sandpiper
The broad-billed sandpiper is a small wading bird that is scientifically named from Latin.
Its specific name, falcinella, is derived from the Latin word falx, falcis, which translates to “a sickle.” Recently, there has been research that suggests that this bird should be placed in the genus Philomachus instead of its current genus.
This is likely due to the fact that the broad-billed sandpiper shares similarities with other species that are placed in the Philomachus genus. For example, the broad-billed sandpiper has a unique curved bill that is similar to other species in the Philomachus genus.
Additionally, the broad-billed sandpiper is a migratory species, like many other birds in the Philomachus genus.
Ultimately, the research suggests that the broad-billed sandpiper should be placed in the Philomachus genus due to the similarities it shares with other species in that genus.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. falcinellus |
19. Common Pochard
The common pochard is a medium-sized diving duck, found across Europe, Asia and Africa. Its scientific name, Aythya ferina, is derived from the Greek word aithuia and Latin ferina. Aithuia is an unidentified seabird mentioned by classical authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
Ferina comes from the Latin word ferus, which means “wild”, and this refers to the duck’s status as a wild game species. The common pochard is an important game species in some countries and is also an important source of food for people.
It is an important species for conservation, as its populations are declining due to a number of factors, including loss of habitat, hunting and pollution.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
20. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon, also known as the European widgeon or simply the wigeon, is a species of dabbling duck belonging to the genus Mareca. It is a common and widespread bird across its natural range, which covers the Palearctic region of Eurasia.
The Eurasian wigeon is one of three species in the Mareca genus, along with the American wigeon and the Falcated duck. The Eurasian wigeon can be identified by its distinctive plumage. The male has a brown head with a white crown, a grayish-brown body, and a reddish-brown chest.
The female is mottled brown overall, with a duller head and a paler chest. The Eurasian wigeon is a fairly small duck, measuring between 18 and 20 inches in length and weighing between 1 and 1.5 pounds.
The Eurasian wigeon is a migratory species, wintering in areas such as the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. During the breeding season, it can be found in temperate wetlands across Europe and Asia, as well as in northern Scotland and northern England.
Eurasian wigeons feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, and mollusks. They are also known to eat cultivated grains. The Eurasian wigeon is an important species for wetland conservation, as it is a key species for maintaining waterfowl health and diversity in its range.
It is also an important game bird, with hunting taking place in some countries. As a result, the species is listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
21. Marbled Teal
The marbled duck, also known as marbled teal, is a species of duck found in southern Europe, northern Africa, and western and central Asia. It is a medium-sized species, with males weighing up to 2 lbs and females up to 1.5 lbs.
The scientific name of the marbled duck, Marmaronetta angustirostris, is derived from the Greek words marmaros, meaning marbled, and netta, meaning duck. The Latin words angustus and -rostris refer to the narrow or small bill of the duck.
The marbled duck’s feathers are iridescent, usually with a black-and-white pattern with specks of blue, green and brown. The duck’s neck, breast and upper back are a dark brown or black color, while its lower back and belly are a creamy white or grey color.
The wings of the marbled duck are also iridescent, with the primary feathers being a deep blue or green. The marbled duck is a social species, often found in large flocks. They feed on a variety of aquatic vegetation, small animals, and insects.
They also feed on molluscs, crustaceans, and aquatic invertebrates. The marbled duck is a strong flyer and can be found migrating between areas with different food sources.
The marbled duck is classified as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It is a common species in many parts of its range, and its population is believed to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Marmaronetta |
| Species | M. angustirostris |
22. Ruddy Shelduck
The ruddy shelduck, also known as the Brahminy duck in India, is a species of waterfowl that belongs to the family Anatidae. It is a distinctively colored bird, standing between 58 to 70 cm tall with a wingspan of 110 to 135 cm.
It has a distinctive bright chestnut-red plumage, a white head and neck, and a blackish-brown breast and mantle. The bill is black and the legs and feet are a bright orange-red color.
Its tail is short and black, and the wings are blackish-brown with white and chestnut-red patches. The ruddy shelduck is an inhabitant of India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and parts of Europe and Asia.
It is generally found near wetlands and marshes and feeds on plants, insects, and other small animals. It is a social bird and can be seen in large flocks in its native regions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. ferruginea |
23. Tufted Duck
The tufted duck, also known as the tufted pochard, is a small diving duck that inhabits northern Eurasia. With a population of close to one million birds, it is one of the most abundant duck species in the region.
The scientific name of the tufted duck is derived from Ancient Greek and Latin roots. The term “aithuia”, which is of Ancient Greek origin, was used by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to refer to an unidentified seabird.
The Latin term “fuligo” is translated as “soot”, while “gula” translates to “throat”. Together, the two terms make up the scientific name of the tufted duck, which aptly describes its black and white plumage.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
24. Black Bellied Plover
The grey plover is a large shorebird that is native to the Arctic regions of the world. It is also known as the black-bellied plover in North America. This bird is a long-distance migrant and has a nearly worldwide coastal distribution when it is not breeding.
It has a strong preference for coastal habitats, where it can feed on small invertebrates in the sand and mud. During the breeding season, the grey plover can be found in its Arctic breeding grounds, where it builds nests on the tundra.
Outside of the breeding season, it migrates over long distances to the coasts of many countries, where it can find food and shelter. The grey plover is an important species in many coastal ecosystems, as it helps keep the populations of its prey in check.
It is also an important indicator species, as its presence or absence can tell us a lot about the health of our coastal habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
Conclusion
Alexandria is home to a wide variety of birds. From songbirds to waterfowl, the city is a great place for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
With its lush parks and diverse habitats, Alexandria is a great place to explore the world of birds. Whether you are an experienced birder or just starting to explore the world of birds, Alexandria is a great place to start.