Birds are one of the most beloved creatures in the world, and Golpayegan is no exception. Birds have been celebrated in the region for their beauty and grace for centuries. Golpayegan is home to over 300 species of birds, including some of the world’s rarest species.
From the majestic Bearded Vulture to the colorful Great Tit, the diversity of birds in Golpayegan is genuinely remarkable.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher or appreciate their beauty, learning about the birds of Golpayegan is sure to be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
19 Birds to Watch in Golpayegan
Golpayegan is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as it hosts a variety of bird species throughout the year. The city is surrounded by the Zagros Mountains, which provide a suitable habitat for many mountain birds.
The plains and gardens of Golpayegan are also home to many migratory and resident birds, especially in spring and autumn.
Here are 19 birds that you can watch in Golpayegan:
1. Mallard
The Mallard, or wild duck, is a type of duck found in many areas around the globe. They are native to many temperate and subtropical American regions, such as the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America.
They have also been found in many parts of Eurasia and North Africa. The mallard duck has been introduced to many countries in the Southern Hemisphere, such as New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa.
In these regions, the mallard duck has become an established species and can be found in many different habitats, including areas near rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands. The Mallard is an important species for many other ecosystems.
They are an essential food source for many predators, such as foxes, hawks, and owls. They are also crucial for the health of the water sources in which they live, as they help to keep the water clean by eating algae and other plants.
The Mallard is also essential to the life cycle, as it can act as a vector to spread different diseases. Overall, the Mallard is a vital species worldwide, as it is found in many different habitats and plays a crucial role in the ecosystems it inhabits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
2. Tundra Swan
The tundra swan is a species of swan found in the Palaearctic and Nearctic regions, also known as the Holarctic. It is generally accepted that this species comprises one taxon, but some experts have suggested it may be two separate species.
These two species would be Bewick’s swan, found in the Palaearctic, and the whistling swan, found in the Nearctic. The difference between the two species is that Bewick’s swan is smaller than the whistling swan, and its bill is different.
Bewick’s swan also has a distinctive call that sounds like a whistle, thus its name. The tundra swan is a migratory species known to fly long distances for food. It can be found in the northern regions of North America and Eurasia in the summer months.
During the winter, it migrates south to warmer climates, where it can find food more efficiently. The tundra swan feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation, such as pondweeds, grasses, sedges, and other aquatic plants. It is also known to eat insects, crayfish, and mollusks.
The tundra swan is an essential species in wetland habitats, as it helps to keep the aquatic vegetation in check. The tundra swan is an important species for many cultures around the world.
It has been featured in stories, songs, and artwork and is an essential symbol of the northern regions. It is also a crucial species for hunters and birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. columbianus |
3. Siberian Crane
The Siberian crane is a beautiful, elegant bird that is native to the northern regions of Eurasia. It is a member of the family Gruidae, which is the family of cranes. Due to its white feather coloration, it is also known as the Siberian white crane or the snow crane.
It has a long neck and beak, which symbolizes good luck in some cultures. Siberian cranes are enormous birds with an average wingspan of up to 8 feet. They are migratory birds and travel thousands of miles during their seasonal migrations.
They migrate from their northern breeding grounds to wintering grounds in India and China.
During migration, they gather in large flocks of up to 15,000 individuals. Siberian cranes are endangered, with their population declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and other human activities.
They are listed as a vulnerable species on the IUCN Red List and are protected under the International Migratory Bird Treaty. Conservation efforts are being made to help preserve and increase their numbers.
These efforts include habitat protection, restoration, and public awareness campaigns. The Siberian crane is a beautiful bird and a vital part of the natural world. Its protection and conservation are essential for its survival and the planet’s health.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Leucogeranus |
| Species | L. leucogeranus |
4. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon (Mareca penelope) is a species of dabbling duck found throughout much of its Palearctic range. It is also known as the European wigeon or simply the wigeon.
It is the only species in the genus Mareca and is one of three wigeon species. The Eurasian wigeon is a relatively small duck, measuring 19 and 20 inches long and weighing between 1.3 and 2.2 pounds.
It has a white forehead, pale grayish-brown body, and brownish-black wings. The male’s head and neck are a bright green, while the female’s is a duller olive green.
The Eurasian wigeon is a robust and agile flier capable of reaching up to 55 mph speeds. The Eurasian wigeon is a widespread waterfowl species found throughout its range in wetlands, marshes, lakes, and rivers.
It feeds primarily on aquatic vegetation, seeds, and insects. It will move further south in search of food during the winter months.
It is also an important game species, hunted for its meat and feathers. The Eurasian wigeon is a social species, often seen in flocks of up to several hundred individuals. It is a vocal species with a distinctive whistling call.
Breeding typically occurs in the summer, with the female laying a clutch of 4-10 eggs. The female incubates the eggs for up to 25 days.
The chicks are independent shortly after hatching. The Eurasian wigeon is a species of global conservation concern listed as Least Concern by the IUCN.
Despite its wide range and standard status, the population is thought to be declining due to habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Conservation efforts are being made to ensure the long-term survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
5. Red-crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a large diving duck native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a migratory bird often found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshes.
The scientific name of the red-crested pochard is derived from the Greek word Netta, which means “duck,” and the Latin word Rufina, which means “golden-red.” This is a fitting name for the bird, as its feathers are golden-red.
The red-crested pochard is a relatively large bird with a wingspan of up to 75 cm. Its wings are primarily black with some white markings, and its head is red and has a crest of feathers. They are also known to have a distinctive orange bill.
The red-crested pochard is a strong swimmer and can often be seen diving for food. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic plants, insects, and crustaceans.
The red-crested pochard is a beautiful and unique bird, and it has become a symbol of conservation in some parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
6. Ruddy Shelduck
The Ruddy Shelduck is a species of waterfowl from the family Anatidae that is native to parts of Asia and Europe. It is also known as the Brahminy Duck in India. It is a distinctive bird with a length between 58 and 70 cm and a wingspan between 110 and 135 cm.
The Ruddy Shelduck is easily identifiable by its reddish-brown plumage and white chest. Its bill is yellowish-green, and its legs and feet are orange. It also has a long, white tail with a black band near the base.
The Ruddy Shelduck can be found in wetlands, lakes, reservoirs, and rivers. They feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, small mollusks, and crustaceans. They often forage in flocks.
During the breeding season, a pair of Ruddy Shelducks will build a nest in a tree or on the ground. They lay 8 to 12 eggs, which are incubated for about 28 days. The ducklings can swim within a few hours of hatching.
The Ruddy Shelduck is listed as a species of most minor Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. ferruginea |
7. Eurasian Collared Dove
The Eurasian collared dove is a species of dove native to Europe and Asia but has since been introduced to new regions, such as Japan, North America, and some islands in the Caribbean.
This dove species has seen an increasing population trend in recent years, and as a result, it has been listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List since 2014.
This means that although the Eurasian collared dove is not currently in danger of extinction, its population size is still monitored closely to ensure its continued survival.
The dove species has a vast global range, which makes it more difficult to monitor its population size and trends. Nevertheless, its increasing population trend has been an encouraging sign and a factor in its Least Concern listing on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decaocto |
8. Rough-legged Buzzard
The Rough-legged Buzzard, also known as the Rough-legged Hawk, is a species of medium to large-sized bird of prey.
It is found in the Arctic and Subarctic regions of North America, Europe, and Russia, where it typically breeds during the summer months before migrating south for the winter.
This bird species is distinguished by its plumage, which has a light color on the underside of its wings and a darker color on its back.
It also has an extra-long tail, which gives it an even more unique appearance. The Rough-legged Buzzard is an opportunistic predator, preying on small mammals such as voles and lemmings.
It is also known to scavenge for carrion and will sometimes raid the nests of other birds to take their eggs and young.
During the winter, when its prey is scarce, the Rough-legged Buzzard will often gather in large flocks to find food more efficiently. The Rough-legged Buzzard is an essential species in its habitats, indicating the environment’s health.
As a result, it is essential to safeguard this species from human activity and environmental threats. Conservation efforts should focus on protecting its habitat, particularly in the winter months when it is more vulnerable.
Additionally, creating safe migration corridors will help ensure this species can move between its breeding and wintering grounds without disruption.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Buteo |
| Species | B. lagopus |
9. Common Shelduck
The common shelduck is a species of bird belonging to the shelduck genus Tadorna. It is a waterfowl that lives around fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, and wetlands. It is widespread and shared in the Palearctic region, including Europe and Siberia.
This species breeds mainly in temperate areas and winters in subtropical regions. During the colder months, it can also be found in the Maghreb, a region comprising the Northwest African countries of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya.
The common shelduck is famous in many European countries, especially in the summer when it is most active. It is a medium-sized duck with a white head, chestnut-red breast, and black and white striped wings.
It is a strong flyer and can travel vast distances for food and shelter.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. tadorna |
10. Barnacle Goose
The barnacle goose is a member of the genus Branta, a group of black geese. These geese are different from other species of geese, such as the grey Anser species, because they have primarily black plumage.
The black plumage of the barnacle goose makes it unique from other types of geese. Barnacle geese are found in the northern hemisphere and migrate to the British Isles and northern Europe during winter.
They are medium-sized geese with a wingspan of about three feet and a weight of about three to five pounds. The barnacle goose feeds mainly on grass, leaves, and other plant material. They also feed on insects, as well as small fish and mollusks.
The barnacle goose is an essential species in its habitat, providing food for other species of wildlifeaandble source of food for humans.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. leucopsis |
11. Cackling goose
The cackling goose is a species of waterfowl found in North America and East Asia. It is a type of smaller goose that is part of the Branta genus, which includes a variety of geese and swan species. This species is known for its distinctive cackling call.
It is a relatively small goose, measuring 20-30 inches long and weighing between 3-7 pounds. It has a grayish-brown body with a white neck and head and a black bill and feet.
The cackling goose is usually found in wetlands such as lakes, ponds, and marshes, where it feeds on aquatic plants and insects. It is an essential species in North America, where it is hunted for its meat and feathers, which are used to make fly-tying materials.
This species is considered an agricultural pest in East Asia, as it can damage crops. The cackling goose is an integral part of North American and East Asian ecosystems, and its conservation is essential for maintaining a healthy balance in these areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Branta |
| Species | B. hutchinsii |
12. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a species of duck found in Eurosiberia, and it is also known by other names such as ferruginous pochard, common white-eye, and white-eyed pochard. This species of duck is medium-sized and is a diving duck.
The scientific name of this species is derived from two words; the first is Lithuania, an unidentified seabird mentioned by Hesychius and Aristotle in the ancient Greek language. The second word is nyrok, a Russian name for a duck.
This combination of words gives the scientific name of the ferruginous duck, which is used to identify it in scientific literature. This unique duck species has various characteristics that make it distinct from other duck species.
It has brown and white plumage and can be found in shallow water areas like lakes or rivers. The ferruginous duck is an attractive species with a fascinating history, and it is essential to recognize its significance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
13. Ruddy Duck
The Ruddy Duck is a species of duck native to North America. It belongs to the family of stiff-tailed ducks, which are distinguished by their tails, which are held in a vertical position. The genus name of the Ruddy Duck is derived from Ancient Greek words.
The word “Oxus” is translated to “sharp,” and “our” is translated to “tail.” The suffix “jamaicensis” is used to denote the origin of the species, in this case from Jamaica. This duck species is characterized by its bright, reddish-brown plumage and long, stiff tail.
They are relatively small, measuring up to approximately 33 cm long and weighing 500 grams. The Ruddy Duck is a highly social species, living in large flocks in shallow wetlands during the breeding season.
During the non-breeding season, they can be found in coastal waters, estuaries, and flooded fields. They feed mainly on aquatic invertebrates and plant material.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. jamaicensis |
14. Tufted Duck
The tufted duck, also known as the tufted pochard, is a small diving duck native to northern Eurasia. It has a population of around one million birds is easily distinguished by its unique tuft of feathers on its head.
Its scientific name, Aythya fuligula, is derived from Ancient Greek and Latin words. The word “Lithuania” was used by Ancient Greek authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to describe an unknown seabird.
The Latin word “logo” means “soot,” and “gula” means “throat,” referring to the tufted duck’s black throat feathers. This duck species is adept at diving for food and can be found in large ponds, lakes, and marshes.
Its diet consists of small aquatic animals such as mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic insects. The tufted duck is an essential species for hunters, as it provides an excellent source of protein and is a famous game bird.
Additionally, it is an integral part of the ecosystem, as it helps to keep aquatic populations in balance.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
15. Demoiselle Crane
The demoiselle crane is a species of crane native to central Eurosiberia. It can be found in a wide geographical area, ranging from the Black Sea to Mongolia and Northeast China.
Beyond its natural range, there is also a tiny population of demoiselle cranes that breed in Turkey. These cranes are migratory birds, moving between different areas depending on the season.
They can often be found in wetlands, rivers, and other bodies of water, where they can feed on small aquatic invertebrates, such as insects and crustaceans.
Demoiselle cranes are a threatened species due to habitat destruction and illegal hunting, and efforts are being made to protect them.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Grus |
| Species | G. virgo |
16. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is the family’s most widespread and significant species and can be found in many parts of the world.
It is commonly seen in the Old World, particularly 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 the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.
This means that the greater flamingo has an extensive geographic range and can be seen in various climates. The greater flamingo is an impressive bird, measuring up to four feet tall and weighing up to eight pounds.
It has a distinctive pink coloration, and its long neck and long legs make it easily recognizable. Its diet consists mainly of aquatic invertebrates, mollusks, and crustaceans, which it filters from the water using its specialized bill.
It also feeds on algae, seeds, and plant matter. The greater flamingo is a social and gregarious bird, living in large colonies of thousands of individuals. They form strong pair bonds and are very loyal to their mates.
They breed mainly in shallow wetlands, and their nests are built on the ground. The female lays one or two eggs, and both parents feed the chicks. The greater flamingo has a long history of symbolizing beauty and grace.
It is a famous bird in many cultures and is often used in art and literature to represent love, peace, and harmony. Its unique appearance and behavior have made it an exciting subject worldwide.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
17. Crab-plover
The crab-plover is a unique species of bird that belongs to a family of its own called the Dromadidae. It is related to the waders and birds, but the crab-plover is sufficiently distinct to warrant its own family.
This bird typically inhabits coastal areas, often near estuaries, and has a diet of crabs, mollusks, and other marine invertebrates. It is a long-legged shorebird with a long, pointed bill, and its plumage is greyish-brown above and whitish below.
The crab-plover is a unique bird whose family is the only one in its order. It is also the only shorebird nest in burrows, a trait that further distinguishes it from the waders.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Dromadidae |
| Genus | Dromas |
| Species | D. ardeola |
18. Cotton Pygmy Goose
The cotton pygmy goose, also known as the cotton teal, is a species of small duck found across Asia and into Southeast Asia. They are also found in Queensland, Australia, where they are sometimes referred to as white-quilled pygmy geese.
They are classified as perching ducks, meaning that they can perch on branches or other objects rather than swim in the water, which sets them apart from many different species of ducks.
These birds typically exist in tropical climates, preferring lowland areas with plenty of water and vegetation.
They are small birds, usually between 18 and 20 centimeters, with males slightly larger than females. They have a distinct grey and white coloring, with white feathers on the head and back and grey feathers on the belly and wings.
Their wings often have a black tip and a distinctive white quill at the base of their tail feathers. The cotton pygmy goose is mainly an herbivore, feeding on grasses, seeds, and aquatic plants. They will occasionally eat small insects as well.
They are known to form pairs for the breeding season and build their nests in tree holes or amongst vegetation near the ground. They usually have clutches of four to eight eggs, which they incubate for around three weeks before the chicks hatch.
The chicks are precocial, meaning they can feed and fly shortly after hatching. The cotton pygmy goose is a relatively common species of duck, though their population is slowly declining due to urbanization and hunting.
They are listed as a species of most minor Concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning their population is stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Nettapus |
| Species | N. coromandelianus |
19. Falcated Duck
The falcated duck, also known as falcated teal, is a medium-sized duck native to the eastern Palearctic region. It is a dabbling duck, meaning it feeds on the water’s surface rather than diving for food.
It is approximately the same size as the Gadwall, a medium-sized dabbling duck found in Eurasia and North America. The Falcated Duck is a striking-looking species with a long, curved bill and distinctive barred and patterned plumage.
It has a grey-brown back, white underparts, and a long, black-and-white tail. The male and female are similar in appearance and have large, white wing patches.
The Falcated Duck is found in shallow wetlands such as lakes, marshes, and flooded meadows, where it feeds on aquatic plants, small fish, and aquatic invertebrates. It is a shy species usually seen in small flocks or pairs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. falcata |
Conclusion
Birds are an essential part of the Golpayegan ecosystem. They provide food for other animals, help to pollinate plants, and are an integral part of the food chain. Their bright colors and songs help to make the environment more enjoyable.
Protecting and conserving birds will ensure that the natural environment of Golpayegan remains healthy and vibrant for years to come.