Birds have been an integral part of the Kwale landscape for thousands of years. This region is home to many species of birds, including the African Fish Eagle, the Grey Crowned Crane, the Lilac Breasted Roller, and the White-Fronted Bee-Eater.
These birds can be seen all over the area, from the shores of the Indian Ocean to the lush forests of the Tsavo National Park. For birdwatchers and nature lovers, Kwale is the perfect destination to observe and appreciate the beauty of these magnificent creatures.
1. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove
The emerald-spotted wood dove is a species of bird found across eastern and southern Africa. It is a member of the family Columbidae, which includes other birds such as doves and pigeons. This species of bird prefers open, drier deciduous woodland and second-growth areas.
It is not found in evergreen rainforests and semi-desert areas, as these habitats are too wet or too dry for the bird to live comfortably. The emerald-spotted wood dove is relatively small, with a length of around 20–25 cm.
It has a greyish body with a white belly, and its wings are mottled with green and brown. The bird’s head is light brown, and its tail is long and black. Its most distinctive feature is the bright emerald-colored spots on its neck and wings, which gives the bird its name.
The bird forages mainly on the ground, where it eats seeds, berries, and other fruits. It also eats insects, and occasionally small reptiles or amphibians. The bird is usually seen alone or in pairs and is quite shy.
It has a soft, cooing call, and its song is a pleasant, warbling melody. The emerald-spotted wood dove is a common species and is not considered threatened.
It is an important part of the local ecosystem, as its diet helps to disperse seeds and other plant material, which in turn helps to promote healthy and diverse plant growth in its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Turtur |
| Species | T. chalcospilos |
2. Yellow-billed Duck
The yellow-billed duck is a species of dabbling duck that is found in southern and eastern Africa. It measures between 51 and 58 centimeters in length, making it a medium-sized duck. This duck does not migrate and instead wanders in the dry season to find suitable waters.
It is a very social bird, preferring to be with other ducks outside of the breeding season. During this time, it can be seen forming large flocks with its own species.
It is also an abundant resident breeder in the areas it inhabits, meaning that it can be found throughout the year in the same area. The yellow-billed duck is an important species in the region, as it is one of the few ducks that is able to thrive in this environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. undulata |
3. Laughing Dove
The Laughing Dove is a species of small pigeon that is native to a wide range of regions, including Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Western Australia. This species is a resident breeder, meaning that it typically remains in a particular area rather than migrating.
In Western Australia, it has become firmly established in the wild since being released from Perth Zoo in 1898. Laughing Doves are small, measuring only around 26 cm in length, and can be identified by their distinctive grey-brown plumage, with a pink hue on their neck, chest, and belly.
They can be found in a variety of habitats, from open savannas to cultivated areas and even near urban areas.
They feed mainly on seeds and small insects, and can often be found in pairs or large flocks. Their name derives from their distinctive, low-pitched call, which sounds like a soft, repetitive chuckle. This call is often heard during the breeding season in spring and summer.
During this period, they will seek out a nest site, typically in a tree or shrub, and lay up to two eggs. The female will incubate the eggs for around two weeks before they hatch. The Laughing Dove is a common and widespread species, and its population is considered to be stable.
It is listed as of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as its population is not considered to be at risk of serious decline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. senegalensis |
4. African Green Pigeon
The African green pigeon is a species of bird in the family Columbidae, which is found in the Afrotropics region. It is one of five green pigeon species that are found in this area.
The African green pigeon has a wide range in Sub-Saharan Africa, covering many different countries in this region. There are currently seventeen accepted races of the African green pigeon, showing the diversity of the species within its range.
These races differ in their plumage and other physical characteristics that were used to differentiate them. The African green pigeon is a species that has adapted well to its range and is found in many different habitats across Sub-Saharan Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. calvus |
5. Red-eyed Dove
The Red-eyed Dove is a species of dove that is widely distributed across Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a relatively common species, often found in open forests, woodlands, and grasslands. It is a medium-sized dove, with a grayish-brown body and a distinctive red eye.
The Red-eyed Dove is listed as “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List, which is an assessment of the conservation status of species. This means that the species is not considered to be in danger of becoming extinct in the near future.
This species has been listed as being of least concern since 2004 when it was first assessed by the IUCN. The IUCN monitors species on a regular basis in order to ensure that their conservation status is updated with the most recent information.
The Red-eyed Dove is a species that is considered to be relatively abundant and widespread across its range, which is why it is listed as of least concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. semitorquata |
6. Ring-necked Dove
The ring-necked dove is a species of dove that is native to East and Southern Africa. This species, also known as the Cape turtle dove or half-collared dove, is a common sight in many open habitats.
It is a sedentary bird, meaning that it tends to stay in one place rather than migrate. This species can be found in a variety of open habitats, such as grasslands, savannas, shrubland, agricultural areas, and even urban parks.
The ring-necked dove has a grayish-brown head and neck, and a white ring around the neck. Its wings are brown with black spots, and its tail is white with black bars. These birds are typically seen in pairs or small groups, and they feed mainly on grains, seeds, and fruits.
They are often seen perched on telephone wires or posts, and they are also known to nest in tree cavities. The ring-necked dove is generally considered to be an abundant species, although its population can be affected by habitat destruction and changes in land use.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. capicola |
7. Red-billed Teal
The red-billed teal or red-billed duck is a species of dabbling duck that is native to southern and eastern Africa, typically south of the 10th degree of south latitude. This species of duck is not migratory, but it will fly great distances in search of suitable waters.
During the non-breeding season, red-billed teals are highly gregarious, and they can form large flocks. In the African continent, they are abundant and are known to breed throughout the area. The red-billed teal has a reddish-brown bill and black-tipped tail.
Its head is a dark green, and its body is mostly a sandy brown, with white spots on its wings. They have a wingspan of 52–58 cm which helps them fly long distances quickly.
The red-billed teal primarily eats plant matter such as seeds and aquatic vegetation, as well as small insects and larvae. They have also been known to eat small fish, mollusks, and other small aquatic life.
They are often found in large groups near the shoreline, where they can feed in shallow waters. The red-billed teal is a highly adaptable species, which makes it an important part of the ecosystem in many African countries.
Its presence helps maintain the balance between aquatic and terrestrial species in the area, and its flocking behavior helps to spread the gene pool of its species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. erythrorhyncha |
8. Namaqua Dove
The Namaqua dove is a small pigeon that belongs to the genus Oena. It is the only species within this genus and is found in many regions across Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in parts of Arabia and Madagascar.
This species is a small, plump bird with a dark grey-brown back and wings, and a light grey breast. It has a short, square tail and bright red eyes. This species mainly inhabits dry savannas and grasslands, but can also be found in more arid and open habitats.
Its diet consists mostly of seeds, grains, and fruits, although it will also eat insects and other small invertebrates. The Namaqua dove is a monogamous species, and mates usually form pair bonds for the breeding season.
The female lays 2-3 eggs in a shallow cup-like nest that is built on the ground. The chicks hatch after about two weeks and are cared for by both parents. The Namaqua dove is a common species with a wide range and is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Oena |
| Species | O. capensis |
9. Harlequin Quail
The Harlequin Quail is a species of bird that is native to sub-Saharan Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It belongs to the family Phasianidae, which also includes other gamebirds like partridges, pheasants, and grouse.
The species gets its name from Adolphe Delegorgue, who was the collector of these birds during the 19th century. He collected specimens from the region and was the first to classify the species as a distinct bird.
He was also the first to give it the scientific name Coturnix delegorguei and the common name Harlequin Quail. The Harlequin Quail is a small bird, usually around 15–20 cm in length and weighing about 60–90 grams.
It has a pattern of bright colors on its underside, which gives it a unique and eye-catching appearance. The males are usually darker than the females, with a more distinct pattern. The Harlequin Quail is a ground-dwelling bird that lives in open grasslands and savannas.
It feeds mainly on seeds and insects and is known to forage in groups. It is also a migratory species, with some populations traveling long distances during the winter months.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Coturnix |
| Species | C. delegorguei |
10. Spur-winged Goose
The spur-winged goose is a large waterbird native to the Sub-Saharan region of Africa. It belongs to the family Anatidae, which is one of the most diverse bird families, containing geese, swans, and even ducks.
These birds are mostly found in wetlands and bodies of water, especially during the wet season when their habitats are flooded.
They are usually seen in small flocks, and they feed off of aquatic plants and small invertebrates. The spur-winged goose is a large bird, usually measuring around 70 centimeters in length. Its plumage is mostly grey and black, and its wings are usually wide and rounded.
It has a rather distinctive feature, which is a sharp spur located on the leading edge of its wings.
This spur is used to help the birds gain purchase when swimming and is also used to deter predators. The spur-winged goose is an important bird species in the region, as it helps to control the populations of aquatic invertebrates, which can otherwise become a nuisance to humans.
These birds are also important for the local ecosystem, as they help to keep the wetlands clean and healthy. Unfortunately, their populations are decreasing due to overhunting and habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are underway to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Plectropterus |
| Species | P. gambensis |
11. African Emerald Cuckoo
The African emerald cuckoo is a species of cuckoo that is native to the continent of Africa. It is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 25 cm in length, with bright green and blue feathers. Its wings are long and pointed, and its tail is long and forked.
The African emerald cuckoo has a distinctive call that is a loud and melodious “kou-kou-kou” sound. This species of cuckoo is found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, savannas, and open grasslands. It feeds mainly on fruits, berries, caterpillars, and insects.
This species of cuckoo is usually seen alone or in small groups, and it is usually an active vocal bird during the day. It is not known to be a migratory species, but there are reports of birds flying to other parts of Africa during the winter months.
The African emerald cuckoo is an important species in the African bird community, and it is an important indicator of the health of the African environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Chrysococcyx |
| Species | C. cupreus |
12. Comb Duck
The knob-billed duck, also known as the African comb duck, is a species of duck found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South Asia, and mainland Indochina. It inhabits wetlands and waterways in these tropical and sub-tropical areas.
Despite the close relationship between the knob-billed duck and the comb duck, most taxonomic authorities classify them as separate species. This is because there are some physical differences between the two, such as the shape of the bill and the size of the body.
The knob-billed duck has a large, rounded bill, while the comb duck has a more pointed bill. Additionally, the knob-billed duck is slightly larger than the comb duck. These differences in physical characteristics help to distinguish the two species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sarkidiornis |
| Species | S. melanotos |
13. White-backed Duck
The white-backed duck is a unique species of waterbird belonging to the family Anatidae. It is the only member of the genus Thalassornis and is distinct from all other ducks.
Despite its uniqueness, the white-backed duck is closely related to the whistling ducks in the subfamily Dendrocygninae, exhibiting strong similarities with them in terms of behavior and characteristic features.
Additionally, there are some similarities to the stiff-tailed ducks in the subfamily Oxyurinae, though the white-backed duck is still uniquely different.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Thalassornis |
| Species | T. leuconotus |
14. White-browed Coucal
The white-browed coucal, also known as the lark-heeled cuckoo, is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae that is found in sub-Saharan Africa. It prefers habitats with thick cover provided by rank undergrowth and scrub, and it can also be found in suitable coastal areas.
Burchell’s coucal is sometimes classified as a subspecies of the white-browed coucal. This species of cuckoo is known to inhabit areas with dense vegetation, as well as areas near coasts.
It is also considered to be a medium-sized cuckoo, with a body length of approximately 21–25 cm. The plumage of the white-browed coucal is generally dark brown, with white streaks on its forehead and crown. Its wings and tail are blackish-brown, and its bill is pale.
This bird is also known to make a loud, distinctive call, which is often described as a “kow-kow” sound. The white-browed coucal is a solitary bird, except during breeding season when it can be found in small groups of two or three.
It feeds on a wide variety of small prey, including insects, lizards, and even small birds. This species of cuckoo is listed as of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. superciliosus |
15. African Pygmy Goose
The African pygmy goose is a unique species of waterfowl found in sub-Saharan Africa. It is the smallest of all waterfowl in the region and one of the smallest in the world.
This species has characteristics that set it apart from other types of waterfowl, such as its beak, which is more similar to that of geese. Despite their beaks, the African pygmy goose is actually more closely related to dabbling ducks and other species known as “ducks”.
This species of waterfowl is an important part of the African ecosystem, providing food for other animals and helping to maintain the balance of nature. They are also a popular species for hunting and have been hunted for centuries by native Africans.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Nettapus |
| Species | N. auritus |
16. Crested Francolin
The crested francolin is a species of bird belonging to the Phasianidae family of birds. It is native to southern Africa and is a widely distributed species.
One of its subspecies, Ortygornis sephaena rovuma, is sometimes considered to be a separate species known as Kirk’s francolin. This species is slightly smaller in size than the crested francolin and has a different coloration.
Its chest and belly are brownish-black, while its back is a light grey color. The crest of Kirk’s francolin is also smaller and less prominent. Both species of francolins are mainly found in open grasslands and savannas, as well as in scrubby areas near water.
They feed on insects, seeds, and grasses, and will also eat small lizards, frogs, and other small vertebrates. Both species of francolin are typically encountered in small flocks, often seen foraging together on the ground.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Ortygornis |
| Species | O. sephaena |
17. Blue Quail
Source: ebird.org
The blue quail is a species of bird belonging to the family Phasianidae, which includes a variety of game birds. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, which encompasses much of the continent south of the Sahara Desert.
The blue quail is a small, round bird with distinctive blue plumage and a white underside. It has a short, rounded tail and black eyes. The bird is mainly found in grassland habitats, such as savannah and open woodland.
It feeds on seeds, insects, and small invertebrates, and is usually seen in small groups. The blue quail is an important part of the African avifauna and is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
It is a popular species with birdwatchers, who are often able to observe them in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Synoicus |
| Species | S. adansonii |
18. White-rumped Swift
The white-rumped swift is a species of bird belonging to the swift family. It is small in size and is often mistaken for a house martin due to its similar appearance.
However, the two species are not related and the similarities between the two birds are a result of convergent evolution.
This means that, even though the two species evolved from different ancestors, they have both adapted to a similar lifestyle, and thus have developed features that are similar in appearance.
This is why the white-rumped Swift and the house Martin look alike, even though they are not closely related. Convergent evolution can be seen in many species and is an important concept in evolutionary biology.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. caffer |
19. Common Ostrich
The common ostrich is an impressive species of flightless bird that is native to certain areas of Africa. It is an iconic bird, easily recognizable due to its large size and long neck and legs.
Ostriches are the largest living bird species, and they are the only living members of the genus Struthio in the ratite order of birds. They are flightless, but they have powerful legs that allow them to run quickly.
They have long, powerful necks that allow them to reach food on the ground, and their eyes are adapted for long-distance vision. Ostriches have two toes on each foot, which helps them to balance when running and to defend themselves.
Ostriches live in dry, open areas such as savannas, grasslands, and deserts. They feed on a variety of plants and small animals, such as insects, lizards, and snakes. They are social animals and live in groups of up to 50 birds.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
| Species | S. camelus |
20. Madagascar cuckoo
The Madagascar cuckoo (Cuculus rochii) is a species of cuckoo belonging to the family Cuculidae. It is also known as the Madagascar lesser cuckoo, to distinguish it from the other cuckoo species found in Madagascar, the coucal (Centropus toulou).
The Madagascar cuckoo is a small bird measuring around 17 cm in length. It has a greyish-brown body with black barring, a greyish-white tail, and a white throat and breast. Its black bill is short and stout.
The Madagascar cuckoo is found in the forests of Madagascar, usually at elevations between 200 and 900 meters. It is a solitary species and mainly feeds on insects, but also consumes small reptiles and amphibians.
It is an elusive bird, rarely seen in the wild, and is considered to be Vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. rochii |
21. Black-bellied Bustard
The black-bellied bustard, also known as the black-bellied korhaan, is a species of bird found in Africa. It is a member of the bustard family, which includes large, terrestrial birds.
The black-bellied bustard is a ground-dwelling bird, meaning it prefers to live in open areas with little to no vegetation, such as grasslands and savannas. It has black plumage on its belly, while its head, neck, and back are mostly white. Its wings are brownish-gray.
The black-bellied bustard is a ground feeder, meaning it eats insects, seeds, and other small animals it finds on the ground. It can also fly short distances, usually when it needs to escape danger.
The black-bellied bustard is a solitary bird, and it is rarely seen in large flocks. It is also an important species in African ecosystems, helping to maintain a balance in its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Lissotis |
| Species | L. melanogaster |
22. Yellow-necked Spurfowl
The yellow-necked spurfowl, also known as the yellow-necked francolin, is a species of bird belonging to the Phasianidae family. It is native to the countries of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This species gets its name from the distinctive yellow patch located on its neck. The yellow-necked spurfowl is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 25 and 30 cm in length.
Its plumage is predominantly grey, with a white throat and belly and black and white barring on its wings.
The most distinctive feature of this species is the yellow patch located on the front of its neck, which is the source of its common name. The yellow-necked spurfowl is a terrestrial species, typically found in open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands.
It is typically found in small groups or pairs, foraging for food on the ground. Its diet consists of insects, seeds, and other plant matter.
During the breeding season, the male yellow-necked spurfowl will display its yellow neck patch to attract a mate. The yellow-necked spurfowl is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Although its population is stable overall, its numbers are declining in some areas due to habitat loss and hunting. As a result, conservation efforts are needed to ensure the continued survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Pternistis |
| Species | P. leucoscepus |
23. Red-necked Spurfowl
The red-necked spurfowl, also known as the red-necked francolin, is a type of game bird that is found in southern Africa. It is a member of the pheasant family Phasianidae and is distinctive for its red-necked plumage.
The red-necked spurfowl is a ground-dwelling bird that can be found in grassland, scrubland, and open woodland habitats. It is a resident species, meaning that it does not migrate and typically stays in the same area for most of its life.
The red-necked spurfowl feeds mainly on insects and seeds, and is monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds. This species is hunted by humans for its meat and feathers, and its population is believed to be declining due to habitat loss and hunting pressure.
Conservation efforts are currently being made to protect the red-necked spurfowl and ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Pternistis |
| Species | P. afer |
Conclusion
Birds are an important part of the Kwale ecosystem. They provide food for local people, pollinate plants, and keep the balance of nature in check.
With the increasing human population and habitat destruction, bird populations are decreasing in many areas.
It is important to protect the existing bird species and habitats in Kwale to ensure a healthy and vibrant environment for all.