Paktika is a province in Afghanistan that is home to various birds. Numerous species of birds inhabit the region, ranging from migratory birds to birds of prey.
The diverse landscape of Paktika provides an ideal habitat for these birds, allowing them to thrive in the region. Some of the more common species of birds found in Paktika include the Black Kite, Grey Francolin, and Pied Wheatear.
These birds are an essential part of the local ecology, providing a food source for other animals and playing a role in controlling pests.
The presence of these birds also allows local people to observe and appreciate the beauty of nature in this remote region.
24 Birds to Watch in Paktika
Paktika is a province in Afghanistan that is home to various birds. Numerous species of birds inhabit the region, ranging from migratory birds to birds of prey.
The diverse landscape of Paktika provides an ideal habitat for these birds, allowing them to thrive in the region. Some of the more common species of birds found in Paktika include the Black Kite, Grey Francolin, and Pied Wheatear.
Here are 24 birds that you can watch in Paktika.
1. Black Bellied Plover
The grey plover, sometimes called the black-bellied plover in North America, is a sizeable cosmopolitan plover breed in Arctic regions. It is a long-distance migrant, meaning that it migrates long distances to different areas.
During these migrations, it has a nearly worldwide coastal distribution, meaning it can be found near the coasts of many different locations. When it is not breeding in its Arctic home, the grey plover can be found in many other places worldwide.
These long-distance migrations help ensure that its species can survive and thrive in Arctic and non-Arctic habitats. The grey plover is an essential species that helps maintain the balance of the global ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
2. Black-winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a type of bird that belongs to the avocet and stilt family. It is widely distributed and is known for its very long legs. This bird species is scientifically known as H. himantopus and is seen in many places worldwide.
It is sometimes referred to as a cosmopolitan species, meaning it can be seen in many habitats. The black-winged stilt has a long neck and a thin, pointed bill. Its wings are black, and its body is white with black markings.
It typically stands on one leg and can be seen in shallow and deep waters. It feeds on small insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. The black-winged stilt is a highly social bird and often forms large flocks.
It is found in wetlands, marshes, estuaries, lakes, and rivers. It is also found in grasslands and coastal areas.
The black-winged stilt is a migratory species seen in many parts of the world during winter. The black-winged stilt plays an essential role in the environment. It helps to keep the water clean by consuming small insects and other organisms.
It also helps to control the population of some pests. The black-winged stilt is an essential species for bird watchers and conservationists, as it is an indicator of the health of the surrounding environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
3. Marbled Teal
The Marbled Duck, also known as the Marbled Teal, is a species of duck found in various regions worldwide. It is a medium-sized bird, about 20 inches long and weighing between one and two pounds.
Its scientific name, Marmaronetta angustirostris, is derived from its physical characteristics. The Greek Marmaris means “marbled,” and Netta means “duck,” referring to its brownish-grey marbled plumage.
Meanwhile, the Latin Augustus means “narrow or small,” and rosters means “billed,” referring to the duck’s slender and pointed bill. The Marbled Duck is a migratory bird, often traveling long distances from its breeding grounds to its wintering sites.
It breeds in wetlands and shallow lakes in southern Europe, northern Africa, and western and central Asia during the summer months. It feeds by upending in shallow waters, with its bill skimming the surface to search for aquatic invertebrates.
In the winter, it migrates to North Africa and the Middle East, where it can be found in lagoons, creeks, and other shallow waters. The Marbled Duck is a species of minor concern as its population is stable.
However, it is threatened by habitat destruction due to urban development, agricultural expansion, and water pollution. It is also hunted for its feathers, which are used for decoration and as materials for fishing lures.
Conservation efforts are being undertaken to protect the species from further decline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Marmaronetta |
| Species | M. angustirostris |
4. Northern Pintail
The pintail, or northern pintail, is a species of duck found across a wide geographic area. It breeds in many northern regions, including Europe, the Palearctic, and North America. During the colder months, it migrates further south, down to the equator.
This enables the species to survive in a variety of climates and habitats. The pintail’s migratory behavior helps them to remain widespread and is an essential part of their life cycle.
They make long journeys between their breeding grounds and wintering areas, usually in warmer climates. This adaptation helps the species to thrive in many different environments, allowing them to live in places all across the globe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. acuta |
5. White-headed Duck
The white-headed duck is a small diving bird measuring about 45 cm long. The male displays a white head with a black crown, a blue bill, and reddish-grey plumage. On the other hand, the female has a darker bill and a somewhat duller coloring.
Regarding its breeding habitat, the white-headed duck prefers lakes with open water and dense vegetation at the margins. They like to nest in these areas, providing the duck a safe and secluded environment to raise their young.
The dense vegetation also offers food for the ducks, such as small invertebrates and aquatic plants. The white-headed duck is common across Europe and Asia but is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and overhunting.
As a result, conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. leucocephala |
6. Rock Pigeon
The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a bird species belonging to the Columbidae family. It is commonly referred to as the ‘pigeon.’ The domestic pigeon is a descendant of this species.
Due to escaped domestic birds, the populations of feral pigeons have grown in many places worldwide. Feral pigeons can be seen in urban and suburban areas, often in large flocks near buildings.
They are a widespread species found on every continent except Antarctica. They have adapted to human presence and can survive in various habitats. They are also known for their ability to adapt to quickly environmental changes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
7. Eurasian Oystercatcher
The Eurasian oystercatcher is a wading bird species across Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It belongs to the Haematopodidae family and is commonly known as the common pied oystercatcher, the Palaearctic oystercatcher, or simply the oystercatcher.
This species is easily identifiable due to its black and white plumage, bright orange beak, and legs.
It is a large bird, measuring up to 48 cm in length and weighing up to 500g. The Eurasian oystercatcher is a coastal bird living in intertidal habitats such as mudflats and rocky coastlines.
It is an opportunistic feeder known to feed on invertebrates such as mollusks, crustaceans, insects, and worms. It is also known to consume small fish and plant material.
The oystercatcher will use its long beak to probe in the mud for food and is also known to use its beak to open mollusks. The Eurasian oystercatcher is an essential species in coastal ecosystems, as it helps to maintain a balance between the predators and prey in the environment.
It is also an important indicator species, as its population health can be used to gauge the health of the surrounding coastline. The species is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN due to its extensive range and stable population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | H. ostralegus |
8. Common Cuckoo
The Common Cuckoo is a species of bird belonging to the Cuculiformes order. This order includes a variety of other birds, such as roadrunners, anis, and coucals.
This species is found in Europe and Asia during the summer when they migrate there for breeding and then fly south to winter in Africa. The Common Cuckoo has a variety of adaptations that make it well-suited to its migratory lifestyle.
It is a fast and powerful flyer, allowing it to cover long distances quickly and efficiently. Its wings are also specially designed to help it soar with minimal effort, and its legs and feet are adapted for gripping and grasping onto branches.
It also has a sharp, hooked beak, which it uses to catch its prey. The Common Cuckoo is also known for its distinctive call, which consists of a repeated ‘cuckoo’ sound.
This call is used to attract a mate, warn other birds of its presence, and communicate between cuckoos. The Common Cuckoo is an exciting and unique species vital to the ecosystem.
Its migratory habits help to spread genetic material between different populations. It also helps to keep insect populations in check, as it feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. canorus |
9. Eurasian Coot
The Eurasian coot is a species of bird that belongs to the Rallidae family, which includes rails and crakes. It is native to Europe, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and North Africa.
The coot has a distinctive appearance: a slaty-black body, a glossy black head, and a white bill with a white frontal shield.
Its white bill stands out against its otherwise dark plumage and is a crucial feature of its identification. The Eurasian coot is shared in its range and can be found in wetlands, lakes, riverbanks, and marshes. It feeds on algae, aquatic plants, grasses, seeds, and insects.
It creates its nest on the ground near the water’s edge and lays up to ten eggs at a time. The chicks are brown and can fly within two weeks of hatching. In addition to its unique appearance and habitat, the Eurasian coot is also recognizable by its call.
It emits a loud, repetitive, honking sound, familiar in many wetland areas. The Eurasian coot is a fascinating species and a testament to the diversity of the natural world. Its unique characteristics and wide distribution make it a famous bird to watch and study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Fulica |
| Species | F. atra |
10. Spotted Dove
The spotted dove is a pigeon species native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is a small-sized bird with a long tail and is a common resident breeding bird in its native range.
The species has been widely introduced to other parts of the world and has established feral populations in many places. The spotted dove is a friendly bird often seen in pairs or small groups in open habitats, woodlands, gardens, and scrub.
It is also becoming a famous cage bird in some countries due to its attractive plumage and gentle temperament.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. chinensis |
11. Red-wattled Lapwing
The red-wattled lapwing is a type of bird found mainly in Asia. It is a Charadriidae family member, consisting of large plovers and waders. As with all lapwings, these birds are typically found on the ground and cannot perch.
As their name implies, they have a distinctive red wattle near their beak. They have many habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields.
They are known for their loud, shrill call and habit of flapping their wings rapidly as a warning sign when they feel threatened. They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of small insects and seeds.
Because of their ground-dwelling nature and loud vocalizations, they are easily detected in their environments. They are also fairly common in captivity and can make good pets.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. indicus |
12. Storks
Storks are large birds with long legs, necks, and long, stout bills. They belong to the family Ciconiidae and make up the order Ciconiiformes.
Ciconiiformes used to include families like herons and ibises, but those families have been moved to different orders. Storks are distinguished by their tall, stately stature and large wingspan.
They inhabit wetlands and shallow bodies of water and can be found in many parts of the world. They feed on fish, frogs, and other small animals and often nest in trees or cliffs.
Storks are considered a symbol of good luck in many cultures and are highly valued for their ecological importance in controlling insect and rodent populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Aequornithes |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
13. Black Stork
The black stork is a large bird species within the Ciconiidae family of storks. The 18th-century scientist and naturalist Carl Linnaeus first identified and described it in the tenth edition of his book Systema Naturae.
This work is considered one of the most influential texts in the history of taxonomy. The black stork is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 1.5 m (5 feet). It is found across Europe, parts of Asia, and Africa. It has a glossy black plumage, a red bill, and yellow legs.
It prefers a habitat of wetlands and can be seen near shallow ponds, rivers, and marshes.
The black stork feeds mainly on fish, frogs, and insects. The black stork is considered a vulnerable species due to habitat destruction and other factors that have led to a decline in its population.
Conservation efforts are currently being made to help protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. nigra |
14. Common Kingfisher
The common kingfisher, the Eurasian and river kingfisher, is a small bird found across Eurasia and parts of North Africa. It has seven recognized subspecies spread out across its wide range.
The common kingfisher is usually a resident in its habitat, meaning it does not migrate unless necessary. This is typically the case when the rivers freeze in certain areas in winter, forcing the birds to move to warmer climates.
Despite its small size, the common kingfisher is still an essential member of the avian community in Eurasia and North Africa and plays a role in the local ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Alcedo |
| Species | A. atthis |
15. Baikal Teal
The Baikal teal is a species of dabbling duck native to eastern Russia. It is also known as the bimaculate duck or squawk duck. Baikal teals breed in eastern Russia and migrate to East Asia for the winter.
They are a relatively small duck species, measuring only around 35 centimeters in length. The male Baikal teal has a dark green head and neck, a distinctive white throat patch, and white stripes on its wings.
The female is a mottled brown color with a lighter head and neck. Both sexes have bright yellow eyes and short, dark bills. Baikal teals feed mainly on aquatic plants, insects, and mollusks. They are often seen in small groups or pairs but also larger flocks.
They are known to be very vocal, hence the name squawk duck. Breeding usually occurs in the summer, with the female laying up to 8 eggs.
The Baikal teal is listed as a near-threatened species by the IUCN, mainly due to hunting pressure and loss of breeding and wintering habitat. Nevertheless, it remains a common species in its native range and frequently visited East Asian wetlands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sibirionetta |
| Species | S. formosa |
16. Common Pochard
The common pochard is a species of duck that is considered to be of medium size. Its scientific name is derived from the ancient Greek language and Latin.
Specifically, the name is derived from the Greek word “Lithuania,” which ancient authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle used to refer to an unknown type of seabird.
The second part of the scientific name is derived from the Latin word “ferina,” which translates to “wild game” and is derived from the Latin word “ferus,” meaning “wild.” This reflects that the common pochard is a wild duck species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
17. Common Shelduck
The common shelduck is a waterfowl species belonging to the Tadorna genus. It is found in many parts of the Palearctic, a large geographical region including Europe and Siberia. It breeds in temperate climates and winters in subtropical areas.
During the winter, it can also be found in the Maghreb, a Northwest African region. This species has many habitats, including marshes, estuaries, lagoons, and coastal areas. It prefers areas with shallow waters and plenty of vegetation.
It feeds on small prey, including mollusks, insects, and crustaceans. The common shelduck is highly social and often forms large flocks. During the breeding season, pairs of birds nest in colonies on the ground.
The male and female share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and feeding the young. The common shelduck is a famous game bird hunted for food throughout its range. It is also kept as a pet in some areas.
Despite this, its population appears stable and is considered a species of most minor concern by the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. tadorna |
18. Cotton Pygmy Goose
The Cotton Pygmy Goose, also known as the Cotton Teal, is a small species of perching duck native to Asia and Southeast Asia. It has a wide range, extending as far south and east as Queensland, Australia, where it is sometimes referred to as the White-Quilled Pygmy Goose.
This duck species is a small and attractive bird, typically only 28 cm long. The males of the species have a grey head and neck, with a white breast and belly, while the females are generally a duller brown color.
The wings of the Cotton Pygmy Goose are primarily white, with a distinctive dark patch at the leading edge. The bird’s tail is usually white, with a unique black band at the tip.
During the breeding season, the males of the species can be seen displaying their beautiful plumage to attract potential mates. This duck species typically inhabits wetlands, such as freshwater marshes, lakes, and rivers, and feeds on aquatic plants and insects.
The Cotton Pygmy Goose is an essential species for wetland conservation, as it helps to maintain healthy habitats for other waterfowl.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Nettapus |
| Species | N. coromandelianus |
19. Falcated Duck
The falcated duck, also known as the falcated teal, is a species of dabbling duck belonging to the east Palearctic region. It is a medium-sized duck, similar to the gadwall, and easily identifiable by its long, curved tail feathers.
The male is mainly brown and grey, with a distinctive white patch on the back of its head, while the female is predominantly brown and grey, with a lighter face and neck.
The falcated duck is a migratory species, breeding in the wetlands of eastern Europe and Asia during the summer before migrating south to winter in India and Southeast Asia.
It feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation but can also be seen consuming small insects, crustaceans, and mollusks.
This species is also known to eat rice and other grain crops occasionally and can become a pest in agricultural areas. The falcated duck is listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
It is still widely distributed throughout its range, and the population appears stable. However, it is threatened by habitat destruction due to land reclamation, pollution, and hunting.
TConservation efforts are needed to protect its wetland habitats and ensure long-term survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. falcata |
20. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a species of duck that is native to Eurosiberia. Several names, such as ferruginous pochard, common white-eye, and white-eyed pochard, know it.
It is a medium-sized diving duck, meaning it prefers to search for its food underwater.
The scientific name of this species is derived from two sources: Greek Lithuania, an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle, and York, which is the Russian name for a duck.
This species is a unique and exciting bird whose scientific name reflects its long history of being observed and documented.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
21. Gadwall
The gadwall is a species of duck found in the family Anatidae. It is a distinctive-looking duck with a gray-brown body, white belly, and yellow bill. The male gadwall has a white patch on its back, while the female has a white patch on its head.
The gadwall is a widespread dabbling duck that feeds on the water’s surface or near the shore. This species is found in wetlands around the world. It prefers shallow lakes, marshy pools, and flooded meadows.
The gadwall lives in large flocks and can often be seen in open water and on the edges of wetlands. It is an excellent swimmer and a strong flier. The gadwall is an important food source for many fish, birds, and mammals.
It is an integral part of the food web in many wetland ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
22. Garganey
The garganey is a small, dabbling duck that can be found living in much of Europe and across the Palearctic region.
It is a unique species in that it is strictly migratory, with the entire population leaving its northern habitats during winter and moving to southern Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Australasia.
This phenomenon results in large flocks of the species gathering in these wintering grounds, creating a spectacular sight for those lucky enough to witness it.
The garganey’s migratory behavior is a fascinating example of how animals adjust their habitats in response to changing environmental conditions. The species is well adapted for its migratory lifestyle, with a streamlined body that enables it to fly long distances quickly.
In addition, the garganey is an omnivorous species, meaning it can easily find food sources in various habitats. This, combined with its ability to fly long distances, allows it to travel to its winter habitats easily.
The garganey is an important species to the ecosystems in which it lives. Its migratory behavior ensures that the species’ populations remain healthy and diverse, while its presence in wetlands creates a habitat for other species.
The garganey is also an important food source for many predators, making it an integral part of the food web. The garganey is a fantastic bird, with its unique migratory behavior providing a great example of the lengths animals will go to ensure their survival.
Its presence in wetlands benefits the ecosystems in which it lives, making it an invaluable species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
23. Greater White-fronted Goose
The greater white-fronted goose is a species of goose that is closely related to the lesser white-fronted goose. This goose species is aptly named for the white feathers that border the base of its bill.
The scientific name for the greater white-fronted goose, albifrons, is derived from the Latin words albus, meaning “white,” and frons, meaning “forehead.” This is referring to the white feathers on the forehead of the goose.
The greater white-fronted goose is a small- to medium-sized species of goose. It is a migratory species, breeding in Arctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America before migrating further south to wintering grounds in Europe and Asia.
The diet of the greater white-fronted goose mainly consists of grasses, grains, and insects. It is a species vulnerable to climate change and human disturbance and is currently listed as “near threatened” on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. albifrons |
24. Mute Swan
The mute swan is found in much of Europe, Siberia, and the far north of Africa. It is a member of the Anatidae family, including ducks and geese.
The mute swan is easily distinguishable from other swans by its long, S-shaped neck, orange bill with a black tip, and white plumage.
It is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 2m. The mute swans usually inhabit shallow fresh or coastal waters and feed on aquatic vegetation, insects, and small fish. They are mainly monogamous and will establish large territories to defend their nesting sites.
They will usually lay between three and nine eggs in a nest built of grass and reeds. The mute swan is an iconic European species often regarded as a symbol of grace and beauty. It has been domesticated in many parts of the world and is common in parks and gardens.
However, its population is in decline due to habitat destruction and predation by other animals. In some areas, conservation efforts are being made to help preserve the species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Cygnus |
| Species | C. olor |
Conclusion
The birds of Paktika are a unique species not found anywhere else in the world. They are essential to the region’s ecosystem, providing food to other wildlife and pollinating plants.
As the environment of this region continues to be threatened by human activity, it is essential to protect the birds of Paktika to ensure their continued survival.
Conservation efforts such as habitat protection, population monitoring, and controlling threats such as poaching and hunting are all essential to the long-term survival of these birds.