Ruvuma is a province in Tanzania, and it is home to some of the most diverse bird species in the world. With over 600 species of birds, it is a paradise for bird watchers, offering an amazing variety of habitats and species.
From the colorful, vibrant parrots of the savannah to the majestic eagles soaring above the mountains, Ruvuma is a bird-lovers dream. From the spectacularly rare Pink-breasted Parrot to the endangered African Fish Eagle, there is something for everyone to appreciate.
Whether you are a novice or an expert, there is something special to discover in this beautiful and diverse province.
1. African Green Pigeon
The African green pigeon is a species of bird belonging to the family Columbidae. It is one of the five species of green pigeon found in the Afrotropics, which is the area of sub-Saharan Africa.
This particular species has a wide geographic range in sub-Saharan Africa, with around 17 accepted races. These races can be identified by slight differences in size, colouration, and habitat preferences.
In terms of physical characteristics, the African green pigeon is a fairly small bird, measuring between 15 and 18 cm in length. Its plumage is mainly green, although some of the races, such as the Senegal green pigeon, have yellowish underparts.
The species is generally found in open woodland and savannah habitats and is known to feed on fruits, seeds, and insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. calvus |
2. Ring-Necked Dove
The ring-necked dove is a species of dove found throughout East and Southern Africa. It is known by many names, including the Cape turtle dove and the half-collared dove. This species of dove is quite common in the region, inhabiting a variety of open habitats.
It is a mostly sedentary bird, meaning that it does not migrate and tends to stay in the same area for most of the year. The ring-necked dove is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 10-12 inches in length with a wingspan of 18-20 inches.
It has a distinctively ringed neck, with a white patch on the nape and a pinkish-gray collar around the throat. Its plumage is generally greyish-brown, with darker markings on its wings and tail.
It has a black bill and yellow eyes. The ring-necked dove feeds mainly on seeds and other small plant matter. It also eats insects and small invertebrates. It is usually seen foraging on the ground, but may also feed on trees or shrubs.
It is often seen in pairs or small groups. The ring-necked dove is a relatively vocal species, with a variety of complex songs and calls. It breeds year-round, building a flimsy nest of twigs and grasses in trees or shrubs.
The female typically lays two eggs, which are incubated for 13-14 days before hatching. Both parents help to feed and care for the young birds. The ring-necked dove is a widespread and often abundant species in East and Southern Africa.
It is largely sedentary, making it an ideal species for backyard birdwatchers and bird enthusiasts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. capicola |
3. Helmeted Guineafowl
The helmeted guineafowl is a distinct species of bird belonging to the Numididae family, the only member of the genus Numida. It is native to many African countries south of the Sahara desert, but has been introduced to other parts of the world as a domesticated species.
In the West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia and Europe, the helmeted guineafowl is a popular domesticated bird. The helmeted guineafowl is an attractive bird, with a grey-black body, white neck and breast, and a distinctive bright-red helmet-shaped crest on its head.
It also has white spots on its wings and tail, which are displayed when it is in flight. Its diet consists of grains, insects, small reptiles, and other invertebrates. In its native habitat, the helmeted guineafowl lives in small flocks and is often seen foraging on the ground.
It is an omnivore and will feed on a variety of plants and animals. It is also a social bird and is often seen in pairs or small groups. The helmeted guineafowl is a popular choice for domestication, due to its hardy nature and ability to adapt to many different environments.
It is also a good guard bird and will sound an alarm when predators are nearby. The helmeted guineafowl is an important species of bird, both in its native range and in its introduced range. It is a valuable source of food, and its presence helps to maintain healthy ecosystems.
Its popularity as a domesticated animal also helps to bring people and wildlife into closer contact, which can help to foster a greater appreciation of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
| Genus | Numida |
| Species | N. meleagris |
4. White-Faced Whistling Duck
The white-faced whistling duck is a species of whistling duck that is found in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South America. It is a gregarious species, which means it is social and enjoys the company of other ducks.
It is not uncommon for large flocks of these birds to gather in specific areas, with some sites having been known to host gatherings of over a thousand birds. These large flocks are an amazing sight to behold, as they arrive during the early morning hours, often at dawn.
The white-faced whistling duck is an interesting species and its flocks are a spectacular sight to witness.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. viduata |
5. Red-Eyed Dove
The red-eyed dove is a species of dove that is abundant in Sub-Saharan Africa. Its population is considered to be stable and it is present in a large geographic range, making it a species of least concern according to the IUCN Red List.
This species is found in a variety of habitats, including grassland, scrubland, savanna, and woodlands. It is mostly seen in pairs or small flocks, often perched on a low tree or bush. The red-eyed dove feeds mainly on grass and weed seeds, but may also eat insects and fruits.
It nests in bushes or trees, typically laying two white eggs. This species has been listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List since 2004, as its population is believed to remain stable and to be widely distributed across its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. semitorquata |
6. Tambourine Dove
The Tambourine Dove is a species of pigeon that is found in many parts of Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. It is a widespread resident breeding bird, usually found in woodlands and areas with thick vegetation.
This species of pigeon is usually found in humid, tropical climates, and they are typically found in pairs or small flocks. The Tambourine Dove has a grey-brown head and a pale grey body. Its wings are speckled with black and white markings.
The dove gets its name from its distinctive call which is a loud, repetitive ‘tambourine-like’ sound. The Tambourine Dove feeds on a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, and insects, and it builds a simple nest of twigs and grasses.
These birds are fairly common, but they are threatened by habitat loss and hunting in some areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Turtur |
| Species | T. tympanistria |
7. Blue-Spotted Wood Dove
The blue-spotted wood dove is a type of bird found in many parts of Africa. Its presence is especially high in areas located south of the Sahel region.
It can also be found in some parts of East Africa though it is not as abundant in these areas compared to regions further south. Unfortunately, the bird is not found in southern Africa at all.
The blue-spotted wood dove is a medium-sized bird with an iridescent blue-green body and white and blue spots on its wings. It usually lives in pairs or small groups and is found in open woodlands, savannahs, and grasslands.
Its diet usually consists of grains, fruit, and flowers. The bird is known to be quite vocal, making loud and repeated cooing sounds.
The blue-spotted wood dove is a relatively common bird, although its population has been decreasing in recent years due to deforestation and habitat loss. Conservation efforts have been put in place in order to protect the species and help it thrive in its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Turtur |
| Species | T. afer |
8. Emerald-Spotted Wood Dove
The emerald-spotted wood dove is a species of bird belonging to the family Columbidae which is found in eastern and southern Africa. This species is particularly adapted to living in open and dry deciduous woodland areas and secondary growth.
It is not commonly found in evergreen rainforests or semidesert areas as its habitat requirements are simply not met in these environments. These birds have distinctive emerald-colored spotting, making them easily recognizable.
They are small, measuring up to 24 cm in length and weighing up to 70g. They have a long tail and a grey-colored body with a pinkish-brown tinge. The wings are broad and pointed with prominent white bars.
The neck and head are a grey-brown color with a whitish throat. The diet of emerald-spotted wood doves consists mainly of seeds and fruits, though they will also eat small insects. They are usually seen in pairs or small flocks, foraging for food in the woodland areas.
They are also known to feed on cultivated grain crops, making them unpopular with farmers. The emerald-spotted wood dove is monogamous and the mating pair will build a nest together. The nest is a shallow cup of twigs and grasses, usually placed in a tree or bush.
The female lays between two and three eggs, which are incubated by both parents.
The chicks are cared for by both parents until they are able to fly. The emerald-spotted wood dove is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), since its population is considered to be stable.
It is not thought to be under any major threat from human activities, though it may be affected by habitat loss due to deforestation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Turtur |
| Species | T. chalcospilos |
9. Laughing Dove
The Laughing Dove is a species of small pigeon that is found across a large part of the world. Its natural range is Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Western Australia.
It has an interesting history in the latter location, as it was first released from Perth Zoo in 1898, and has since become established in the wild. The Laughing Dove gets its name from its distinctive call, a loud, repetitive “laughing” sound.
Its plumage is mainly greyish brown, with a pinkish tinge to the chest and wings, and a black and white stripe on the back of its neck.
It is a fairly small bird, measuring between 25-30 cm in length, with a wingspan of approximately 40 cm. The Laughing Dove is usually found in open areas, such as savannas, woodlands, and grasslands.
It feeds on a variety of seeds, grains, and insects, and is usually seen in pairs or small groups. The breeding season usually takes place between April and August, and the female usually builds a shallow nest in a tree or bush.
The eggs are incubated by both parents for 14-15 days, and the young fledge after another 14-15 days. The Laughing Dove is an important species for local communities, as it is a popular game bird. As a result, it is threatened by hunting and trapping in many areas.
The species is also vulnerable to habitat destruction and fragmentation and is classified as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Despite these threats, the Laughing Dove remains a common species in many parts of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. senegalensis |
10. African Jacana
The African jacana is a type of wader, which is a type of bird that lives around wetlands, lakes, and rivers. It belongs to the family Jacanidae, which is composed of six species of waders found in tropical and subtropical regions.
The African jacana has long toes and claws that help it to walk on the floating vegetation found in shallow lakes. This type of habitat is its preferred home, and it is widely distributed throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
The African jacana has a number of adaptations that help it to survive in its environment. The long toes and claws give it an advantage when it comes to walking on the floating vegetation found in shallow lakes. This allows it to find food more easily and to escape predators.
The African jacana also has a sharp bill that it uses to capture insects and other food items in the water. The long toes and claws also help it to stay afloat, allowing it to move around more easily. The African jacana is an important part of the ecosystem in which it lives.
It helps to keep the water clean by consuming small organisms like insects, tadpoles, and fish. This helps to reduce the amount of algae and debris in the water. It is also an important food source for many other animals, such as birds of prey and other larger wading birds.
In conclusion, the African jacana is an important part of the sub-Saharan African ecosystem. It is widely distributed throughout the region and has adapted to its environment with its long toes and claws, allowing it to walk on the floating vegetation in shallow lakes.
It helps to keep the water clean by consuming small organisms, and it is an important food source for many other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Jacanidae |
| Genus | Actophilornis |
| Species | A. africanus |
11. Yellow-Necked Spurfowl
The yellow-necked spurfowl, or yellow-necked francolin, is a species of bird found in African countries such as Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. It belongs to the family Phasianidae, which also includes pheasants, partridges, and quails.
This species is easily recognizable due to the bright yellow patch on its neck, which is the source of its name. The yellow-necked spurfowl is a small bird, measuring around 20-25 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of up to 35 centimeters.
It is an omnivore, eating both plants and animals such as insects, small reptiles, and grains. The bird is usually found in grasslands, shrublands, and open forests.
It is a ground-dwelling bird, with a preference for areas with plenty of cover. The yellow-necked spurfowl is usually found alone or in pairs, and they are known to be quite vocal.
During the breeding season, they can be heard making loud calls, as well as a variety of other noises. The bird nests on the ground, usually in an open area with plenty of cover.
The yellow-necked spurfowl is an important species, as it serves as prey for predatory birds and other animals. It is also an important seed disperser, helping to spread the plants in its environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Pternistis |
| Species | P. leucoscepus |
12. Pennant-Winged Nightjar
Source: ebird.org
The pennant-winged nightjar is a species of nightjar that can be found in the areas of Nigeria and northern South Africa.
This species of nocturnal bird is unique in that it is an intra-African migrant, meaning that it migrates within the continent of Africa rather than to regions outside of the continent.
During the breeding season, this species of nightjar also displays remarkable sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism is the difference in size, coloration, or structure between the males and females of a species.
In the case of the pennant-winged nightjar, the males and females have different coloring and patterns on their feathers, making it easy to differentiate the two sexes.
The males typically have a more vibrant coloration compared to the females, with some males having a chestnut or orange coloration on their wings. The females, on the other hand, are typically less colorful and have more muted shades of brown and gray on their wings.
This difference in appearance between the sexes is a typical example of sexual dimorphism.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. vexillarius |
13. Purple-Crested Turaco
The purple-crested turaco, also known as the purple-crested loerie in South Africa, is a species of bird that belongs to the clade Turaco.
This species of bird does not have a clear phylogenetic placement, meaning that it is not clear where in the evolutionary tree this species of bird belongs.
The purple-crested turaco can be found in parts of Africa, including Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
It is a medium-sized bird, with a body length of up to 33 centimeters and a wingspan of up to 54 centimeters. The plumage of the purple-crested turaco is unique, with a bright purple crest, green wings and tail, and yellow and white markings on the face.
The purple-crested turaco mainly feeds on fruits and seeds, but it is also known to eat small insects, and occasionally nectar from flowers. This bird is a vocal species, with its call consisting of a loud, repeated “klu-klu”.
The purple-crested turaco is a diurnal bird, meaning that it is most active during the day, and it is usually found in pairs or small groups.
The conservation status of the purple-crested turaco is listed as Least Concern, meaning that it is not in immediate danger of becoming extinct.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Musophagiformes |
| Family | Musophagidae |
| Genus | Gallirex |
| Species | G. porphyreolophus |
14. Egyptian Goose
The Egyptian goose is a bird native to Africa and is a member of the duck family Anatidae. It has become increasingly popular as an ornamental bird, leading to it being introduced to other areas outside its natural range.
This includes parts of Europe, the United States, and other regions. The popularity of the Egyptian goose is likely due to its unique appearance and behavior. It has a striking plumage, with a black mask around its eyes and a brown and white body.
Its wings have a glossy black coloration and its tail is a bright yellow-orange.
Furthermore, it is a very social bird, often forming large flocks and engaging in playful behavior. Due to its popularity as an ornamental bird, the Egyptian goose has been widely introduced to parts of the world outside its natural range.
This poses a potential threat to the species, as it can upset the balance of the local wildlife and competing species for resources.
It also increases the possibility of the species escaping and becoming invasive in the new areas. Ultimately, the introduction of the Egyptian goose to other parts of the world outside its natural range is a double-edged sword.
While it increases its popularity as an ornamental bird, it also increases the potential for the species to become invasive and disrupt the local environment. It is therefore important to consider the potential risks before introducing the species to new areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Alopochen |
| Species | A. aegyptiaca |
15. Namaqua Dove
The Namaqua dove is a small species of pigeon, and is the only one in the genus Oena. It is found in a wide range of habitats throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in the Middle Eastern country of Arabia and on the island of Madagascar.
This species of pigeon is a ground-dwelling bird, typically inhabiting grassland, savanna, and open woodland areas. It often forages for food on the ground, looking for grass seeds, grains, and small invertebrates.
The Namaqua dove is a monogamous species, typically forming pairs and nesting in small colonies. The male is responsible for building the nest and the female incubates the eggs and cares for the young.
This species is not considered threatened, and its population is considered to be stable throughout its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Oena |
| Species | O. capensis |
16. Red-Billed Teal
The red-billed teal, more commonly known as the red-billed duck, is a species of dabbling duck found in southern and eastern Africa. It is a non-migratory bird, meaning it generally stays in the same region throughout the year.
However, it is a highly gregarious species, and during the non-breeding season it will often travel great distances in large flocks to find suitable water sources.
This species is an abundant resident breeder, typically found south of 10° S, and is known for its striking red bill. It is a common sight in the wetlands of its native range, and is easily identified by its small size and bright red bill.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. erythrorhyncha |
17. Rock Dove
The rock dove, rock pigeon, or common pigeon is a species of bird belonging to the family Columbidae. It is also known simply as ‘pigeon’. This species is the ancestor of the domestic pigeon, which is now found in many parts of the world as a feral population.
This has been caused by domestic pigeons escaping captivity and establishing wild colonies. These feral pigeons have become very common, and can often be seen in urban areas. The rock dove is a symbol of peace and can be found in many cultures.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. livia |
18. Lemon Dove
The lemon dove is a species of bird found in the sub-Saharan region of Africa. It belongs to the Columbidae family, which includes pigeons, doves, and other birds. This species is also commonly known as the cinnamon dove due to its distinctive cinnamon-brown colored breast.
The São Tomé lemon dove is a subspecies of this bird, which is slightly different in size and coloration. The lemon dove has a brownish-gray plumage, with a cinnamon-brown breast. This makes it easily distinguishable from other species in the same family.
The bird prefers to inhabit montane forests in its natural habitat and is usually seen in small flocks. It has a wide range, spanning from Ethiopia and Sudan in the north to South Africa in the south. The lemon dove is an omnivore, meaning it feeds on both plants and animals.
Its diet includes fruits, seeds, buds, flowers, and grasses, as well as small insects. It usually forages among dense foliage to avoid predators.
The bird also has a distinctive call which is used to locate its flock. Overall, the lemon dove is a unique species of bird with an important role in African ecology. It is a protected species in some countries, due to its declining population in some areas.
Conservation efforts are underway to ensure its future survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. larvata |
19. Mourning Collared Dove
The Mourning Collared Dove, also known as the African Mourning Dove, is a species of dove that is found in many parts of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It has no relation whatsoever to the North American Mourning Dove.
This dove species is often seen near water sources and habitats, as they are quite common and abundant there. They usually coexist peacefully with other dove species and can be seen congregating in large numbers.
They have a distinctively collared neck and a plump body, with a unique and beautiful pattern on their feathers. Their wings are long and pointed, and their tail is short and rounded. They have a wide vocal range, which includes chirps, coos, and a clattering sound.
The Mourning Collared Dove is an important species to their local environments, as they are a valuable food source for many animals. They are also an important part of the ecosystem, as they help to spread seeds and flowers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decipiens |
20. Speckled Pigeon
The speckled pigeon, also known as the African rock pigeon or Guinea pigeon, is a species of pigeon that is native to much of Africa south of the Sahara. It can be found in open habitats such as fields, grasslands, and other areas.
This species is quite common and widespread throughout its range, although there are still some areas where it is not present. The speckled pigeon is a resident breeding bird, meaning that it builds its nest and breeds in the same area year after year.
It is an important species for farmers in Africa, as it helps to keep pest populations down. The speckled pigeon has speckled black and white plumage, with darker wings and a white head. Its body is usually around 30 cm in length, with a wingspan of up to 70 cm.
It feeds mainly on seeds and grains, and occasionally on insects.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. guinea |
Conclusion
Birds in Ruvuma are a vital part of the local ecosystem. They provide many benefits to the region, from controlling pests to providing food for other animals.
They are also a great source of entertainment as some species are brightly colored and can be seen in the sky or perched in trees. The diversity of bird species in Ruvuma is a testament to the importance of preserving the fragile habitats in this region.