Imo State is home to a large number of bird species. The state is located in the southeastern part of Nigeria and is a major hub for bird watching.
A variety of habitats, including mangroves, rainforests, grasslands, and wetlands, provide the perfect environment for birds to thrive. Imo State is a paradise for birdwatching enthusiasts, with a wide variety of species, both migratory and resident.
Bird watchers can expect to see species such as the White-throated Francolin, the Green-winged Pytilia, and the Greater Honeyguide, among many others. With its diverse habitats and abundant bird life, Imo State is an ideal destination for bird watching and nature appreciation.
1. Red-Eyed Dove
The red-eyed dove is a species of dove that is found in Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a widespread species, and is quite common in its range.
Due to its abundance and ability to survive in a wide variety of environments, the red-eyed dove is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status. This has been recognized by the IUCN Red List, which has listed the species as Least Concern since 2004.
The red-eyed dove is a medium-sized bird, with a length of about 28 centimeters and a wingspan of around 48 centimeters. It has a distinctive red eye-ring, which is the source of its name, as well as a greyish-brown back and wings, and a pale greyish-white belly.
The red-eyed dove generally inhabits open woodlands, savannahs, and grasslands, where it feeds on a variety of seeds, grains, and other plant material. It typically nests in small colonies of several pairs, building their nests in the forks of trees or in shrubs.
Overall, the red-eyed dove is an adaptable species that is able to survive in a wide variety of environments and has been successful in dealing with the pressures of human activity.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. semitorquata |
2. Red-chested Cuckoo
Source: ebird.org
The red-chested cuckoo is a species of bird found in Africa south of the Sahara. It belongs to the family Cuculidae, which is the same family as other cuckoo species. The red-chested cuckoo is a medium-sized bird, with a chest that is reddish-brown in color.
It is known by its distinctive call, which is described as a “Piet-my-vrou” in Afrikaans. This call is used to attract potential mates, to mark territory, and to ward off other birds.
The red-chested cuckoo is an omnivore, and its diet consists of a variety of insects, small vertebrates, and fruits. It is a solitary bird, but it can also be found in small family groups.
The red-chested cuckoo is an important species in African ecosystems, as it helps to control pests and to spread the seeds of certain plants. It is also a popular species for birdwatchers, as its distinctive call and its bright colors make it an interesting subject to watch.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. solitarius |
3. Blue Quail
Source: thehappychickencoop.com
The blue quail, also known as the African blue quail, is a species of bird that belongs to the family Phasianidae. This bird is native to sub-Saharan Africa, which is the area located south of the Sahara Desert.
The blue quail has a distinctive blue-grey plumage, with a white throat and breast. Its head is a lighter shade of blue, while its back and wings are a darker shade of blue. The blue quail has a short, rounded tail, and its legs are a reddish-brown color.
This species of bird can be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from grasslands and open woodlands to rocky hillsides. They are usually seen in small flocks, and they feed on seeds, berries, and other small invertebrates.
The blue quail is an important species as it is a keystone species, meaning that they are an important part of the food chain and is essential in maintaining the health of its ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Synoicus |
| Species | S. adansonii |
4. Hartlaub’s Duck
Source: ebird.org
Hartlaub’s duck is a species of duck native to the forests of Africa. It is a dark chestnut-colored duck and was originally classified as a “perching duck” due to its different physical characteristics compared to other types of ducks.
However, due to its different characteristics, it was later re-classified as a “dabbling duck”.
This is a particular type of duck that swims on the surface of the water and feeds on small aquatic plants and animals. The Hartlaub’s duck is fairly distinct from the “typical” dabbling duck, having unique features such as its dark chestnut color.
Because of this, it is placed in its own monotypic genus, Pteronetta, which reflects its distinctness from other dabbling ducks. This genus includes only Hartlaub’s duck, as it is the only species within this group.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Pteronetta |
| Species | P. hartlaubii |
5. Comb Duck
The knob-billed duck, also known as the African comb duck, is a species of waterfowl found in a variety of different habitats across Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South Asia, and mainland Indochina.
This species is identified by its distinctive knob-like bill and brown-grey plumage. The knob-billed duck is a species of waterfowl belonging to the Anatidae family, which includes swans, geese, and ducks.
It is a highly adaptable species, able to inhabit both freshwater and saltwater environments.
It is a strong swimmer, able to use its strong wings to propel itself through the water. Taxonomically, the knob-billed duck is closely related to the comb duck, a species found in the same geographic region.
However, the two species are classified separately due to their distinct physical characteristics. The knob-billed duck has a distinctive knob-like bill, while the comb duck has a bill resembling a comb.
Additionally, the knob-billed duck is typically darker in color than the comb duck. The knob-billed duck feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
It is also known to consume small amounts of plant material, such as seeds and aquatic plants.
This species is social and will often form large flocks while feeding and foraging. Overall, the knob-billed duck is a widespread species, found in a variety of different habitats across Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South Asia, and mainland Indochina.
While it shares many similarities with the comb duck, it is classified separately due to its distinct physical characteristics.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sarkidiornis |
| Species | S. melanotos |
6. Black-Throated Coucal
Source: ebird.org
The black-throated coucal is a species of cuckoo from the family Cuculidae, found in West Africa. It inhabits dense second growth along forest edges and grassy swamps, primarily in northern and central Zaire.
This particular subspecies of the black-throated coucal is sometimes identified as Neumann’s coucal, in recognition of its distinct characteristics. The black-throated coucal is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 28 cm in length.
It has a black head, neck, and chest, with a greyish-brown back, wings, and tail. Its eyes are yellow, and it has a long, black beak. This species of cuckoo feeds on insects, small reptiles, and other small animals.
The black-throated coucal is not a migratory species and typically remains in the same area throughout the year. It is a solitary bird and is rarely seen in groups.
Breeding typically occurs between June and August, and the female lays up to three eggs in a nest of sticks and leaves. In some areas, the black-throated coucal is considered an endangered species due to habitat loss and human encroachment.
Conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the species and its habitat, but it is still at risk of extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. leucogaster |
7. Reed Cormorant
Source: blpn.org
The reed cormorant is a species of bird that belongs to the Phalacrocoracidae family. It is found mainly in Africa south of the Sahara, as well as Madagascar.
It is mainly a resident species but it has been known to undertake some seasonal movements, suggesting that it might migrate.
The reed cormorant is also known as the long-tailed cormorant, due to its distinctive long tail feathers. The reed cormorant is a medium-sized bird, with a wingspan of up to 50 centimetres.
It has a rather typical cormorant appearance, with black and white plumage, a long neck, an orange facial patch, and a long tail.
The reed cormorant mainly eats fish, but it is also known to feed on crustaceans and aquatic insects. The reed cormorant breeds mainly in wetlands and shallow water bodies. It builds its nest in trees and usually lays two to three eggs.
The female incubates the eggs for around a month before they hatch. The chicks are then fed by both parents, and fledge after around 45 days. The reed cormorant is not a threatened species, although its population has declined in some areas due to habitat destruction.
It is listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Microcarbo |
| Species | M. africanus |
8. Pink-Backed Pelican
The pink-backed pelican is a species of bird that belongs to the pelican family. It is known to inhabit the swampy and shallow lakes of Africa and southern Arabia. These birds are known to be resident breeders, meaning they stay in the same place and reproduce there.
Unfortunately, the pink-backed pelican has been extirpated from Madagascar, which means that it has been driven to extinction in that area. It is possible that the bird faced heavy hunting or lost its natural habitat due to human activities, leading to its extirpation.
Despite this, the pink-backed pelican remains a common sight in its native regions, where it has adapted well to the swampy and shallow waters.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. rufescens |
9. Crested Guineafowl
The crested guineafowl is a family of birds that belongs to the Numididae family. These birds are found in a variety of habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa, including open forests, woodlands, and forest-savanna mosaics.
They are comprised of three distinct species, all having similar characteristics, such as small body size, long legs, and crested heads. They have predominantly brown-grey feathers with darker barring on the wings and tail.
The crested guineafowl has a unique call that can be heard from a distance and is used to communicate with other members of the family. These birds forage on the ground in small groups, mainly for insects, seeds, and other small animals.
They are also known to eat fruits and berries. The crested guineafowl is a social species and can often be seen in large flocks during the non-breeding season. During the breeding season, they form monogamous pairs and build a nest on the ground.
They are known to be quite territorial during the breeding season and will defend their territory vigorously against intruders. Overall, the crested guineafowl is an important part of the African ecosystem and a species that should be protected and conserved for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
| Genus | Guttera |
| Species | G. sp. |
10. Spur-Winged Goose
The spur-winged goose is a large waterbird native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It belongs to the family Anatidae, which is a diverse group of birds that encompasses geese and shelducks.
The spur-winged goose is a medium-sized waterbird that can reach lengths of up to 70 cm (27.5 inches). It has a wingspan of up to 120 cm (47 inches). Its plumage is primarily dark gray with white patches on the neck and breast.
The name of the bird is derived from the distinctive spurs located on its wings. These spurs, which are more pronounced in male birds, are believed to be used in territorial disputes or as a means of self-defense.
The spur-winged goose is usually found in large flocks in wetlands, rivers, and lakes. They feed mainly on aquatic vegetation, insects, and mollusks.
They are an important source of food for local communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, and their numbers are decreasing due to habitat destruction and hunting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Plectropterus |
| Species | P. gambensis |
11. White-rumped swift
The white-rumped swift is a species of bird that is related to other species of swifts, but not to the house martin. This small bird looks similar to the house martin, but the resemblance is only superficial.
The similarities between the swallows and swifts are the result of convergent evolution, which occurs when two species with different ancestries develop similar features due to having similar lifestyles.
In this case, both the swallows and swifts eat insects that they catch in flight, making them have similar hunting habits.
This has caused them to develop certain characteristics, such as pointed wings and a streamlined body shape, that help them to fly quickly and maneuver in the air.
Although the two species have evolved similar features, they are not closely related, and the white-rumped swift is still a species of swift.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. caffer |
12. Bustards
Bustards are a type of large, terrestrial bird which inhabit dry grassland areas and steppes of the Old World. They range in size from 40 to 150 cm and comprise the family Otididae.
Bustards are typically found in open areas such as meadows, prairies, and savannahs, and are well-adapted to living in these habitats. They have long legs and necks that can reach up to several feet in length.
This allows them to feed on a wide variety of food sources, including seeds, insects, and small mammals. The most common species of bustards are floricans and korhaans, both of which have distinctive features that allow them to blend into their environment.
The floricans have striped plumage and long legs, while the korhaans have a brownish-grey coloration and shorter legs. Both species are omnivorous, meaning that they consume both plants and animals.
Bustards are also known for their impressive courtship displays, which involve both males and females performing elaborate dances in order to attract a mate. This behavior is unique to these species and is an important part of their conservation efforts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
13. Common Ringed plover
The common ringed plover is a small, migratory bird that is found in the Arctic regions of Eurasia. It has an interesting genus name, Charadrius, which originates from Late Latin and refers to a yellowish bird that was referenced in the fourth-century Vulgate.
This name can be traced back even further to Ancient Greek, where the word ‘kharadrios’ was coined to describe a bird that can typically be found in ravines and river valleys. The common ringed plover is a unique species that has a fascinating background and history.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. hiaticula |
14. Black-Winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt, scientifically known as H. Himantopus, is a species of wader found in many different regions of the world.
It belongs to the avocet and stilt family, which is comprised of birds that typically have long legs and live in coastal regions, wetlands, and estuaries. The black-winged stilt is known for its distinctive black wings and its long, thin legs.
It is an adept swimmer and can be found in shallow, coastal waters and in swamps, marshes, and lagoons.
Its diet consists of small aquatic invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.The black-winged stilt can be found in many different parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
It is a migratory species and can travel great distances in search of food and suitable habitats. It has a wide range of habitats that it can inhabit, including shallow lakes, mudflats, marshes, and river deltas.
It is a social bird and can often be seen in large flocks. The black-winged stilt is an important species for wetlands and estuaries as it plays an important role in the ecosystem.
It helps to keep aquatic insect populations in check, which helps to maintain balance in the food chain. They also provide an important food source for other species, including other wading birds, fish, and other predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
15. White-Throated Francolin
The white-throated francolin is a species of bird from the family Phasianidae. It is a relatively small bird, typically found in grassland habitats, and it is distributed across a wide range of countries in Africa.
Its range stretches from Angola to Zambia, and it can also be found in Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.
It is a ground-dwelling species that feeds primarily on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates. Its diet is supplemented by small fruits, grains, and other plant matter.
The white-throated francolin is an important source of food for many local people, and it is often hunted for its meat. It is also an important seed disperser, helping to maintain the health of its grassland habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Campocolinus |
| Species | C. albogularis |
16. Great Egret
The great egret is a large, widely distributed bird found in various locations throughout the world. It is also known by many other names such as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron.
There are four subspecies of the great egret found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe. These birds have recently begun to spread to more northern areas of Europe, likely due to climate change.
The great egret is a large bird, with an impressive wingspan of up to 5 feet. They have white plumage, with a black bill, yellow legs, and black feet. This species of egret is usually found in wetlands, such as swamps, marshes, and shallow lagoons.
They prefer areas with plenty of fish, which they hunt by standing still in the water and waiting for prey to pass by. The great egret is an important species to the ecosystems in which they live.
They help to keep the environment healthy by feeding on small fish, frogs, and other aquatic animals. Additionally, they play a role in controlling insect populations by eating large amounts of insects.
This helps to maintain a balance in the food chain. The great egret is also an important species in terms of conservation. Despite its wide distribution, the population of these birds has decreased significantly in recent years.
This is due to human activities such as pollution, destruction of wetlands, and hunting. To help protect this species, conservation efforts are being made to conserve and protect its habitats.
This includes the protection of wetlands, as well as raising awareness of the importance of this bird. Overall, the great egret is a large, widely distributed bird with a significant presence in many ecosystems.
It is an important species in terms of conservation, and efforts are being made to protect its habitats and population. With continued conservation efforts, this species will be able to thrive for generations to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
Conclusion
Birds play an important role in the environment of Imo State. They provide the ecosystem with essential services such as pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal.
They also play a vital role in providing the people of Imo State with food, medicine, and cultural heritage. As such, it is important to protect birds in Imo State and to ensure that their habitats and populations remain healthy.