Algeria is known for its diverse wildlife and natural beauty. One of the most remarkable and unique components of this wildlife is the birds of Algeria.
Algeria is home to many species of birds that are rare or endemic, making it an essential destination for bird watchers and researchers around the globe.
The country is located between Europe and Africa, thus providing an ideal habitat for birds to breed, migrate and winter. Algeria’s birds include various species of raptors, aquatic birds, songbirds, and game birds.
In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of birds of Algerian, including their habitats, behaviors, and significance to the ecosystem of the country.
1. Sandgrouse
Sandgrouse is birds of the order Pterocliformes, found mainly in Africa and Asia. There are sixteen species belonging to two genera – Syrrhaptes from central Asia and Pterocles from Africa and other Asian countries.
They inhabit treeless areas such as deserts, steppes, scrubland, or savannas and tend to be ground-dwelling birds that feed on seeds.
Sandgrouse has adapted special features for survival in their harsh environment.
They possess well-developed feet with four toes used for walking over hot sand while keeping their body temperature cool at all times by regulating heat loss through their legs.
Their feathers also act like a sponge helping them absorb water before flying long distances back home where they then expel it using specialized glandular secretions located near the wings so that chicks can drink directly from an adult’s breast plumage.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Columbimorphae |
Order | Pterocliformes Huxley, 1868 |
Family | Pteroclidae Bonaparte, 1831 |
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2. Stilts And Avocets
Stilts and avocets are two distinct groups of birds belonging to the family Recurvirostridae. They range in length from 30-46 cm (12-18 inches) and weigh between 140 – 435 g (4.9 – 15.3 ounces).
Males usually have slightly larger bodies than females, with long thin legs, necks and bills.
Avocet bills curve upwards uniquely while stilt beaks remain straight most times.
These wading birds live mainly near shorelines or wetlands where they feed on aquatic invertebrates like brine shrimp, insects etc., occasionally supplementing their diet with seeds or small fish too.
Stilts also inhabit open fields in search of food sources such as earthworms or grasshoppers during the non-breeding season.
Both groups migrate over large distances for warmer weathers when it gets cold outside.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Suborder | Charadrii |
Family | Recurvirostridae Bonaparte, 1854 |
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3. Glareolidae
Glareolidae is a family of wading birds, consisting of four genera and 17 species. They are distinguished from other charadrii by their long bills which have a slight downward curve.
Glareolidae live around open grasslands and deserts, where they hunt for insects using the bill to probe into soil or vegetation.
Most species are found in Africa but two pratincoles inhabit parts of Europe and Asia as well.
Coursers tend to be larger than pratincoles with longer legs allowing them to run quickly across sandy dunes while feeding on small animals like lizards or spiders.
Pratincoles feed mainly on flying insects, snatching them out of midair with great agility during flight.
All glareolids share unique features such as large eyes that help it spot prey at night easily making this group one interesting bird family.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Suborder | Lari |
Family | Glareolidae CL Brehm, 1831 |
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4. Common Buttonquail
The Common Buttonquail is a small bird that looks similar to the common quail. It has sandy brown upper parts, buff underparts with black flank markings, and a plain face.
When in flight, it shows off its whitish underside wings tinged with red edges.
This type of buttonquail can be found throughout Africa, India, and parts of Southeast Asia where they prefer grasslands or marshy areas for breeding grounds.
They feed on insects such as ants and beetles which they scour along the ground while walking slowly or running short distances followed by sudden stops when needed to capture their prey quickly.
As shy birds, these creatures will either run away from threats or hide in tall vegetation; rarely do they take flight unless absolutely necessary.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Charadriiformes |
Family | Turnicidae |
Genus | Turnix |
Species | T. sylvaticus |
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5. Black Stork
The Black Stork is a majestic bird, with its glossy black feathers and long red legs. Its wingspan ranges from 57 to 61 inches, while it measures an average of 37 to 39 inches tall from beak tip to tail end.
The white underparts contrast perfectly against the dark plumage and are complimented by the vivid red beak.
First described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in his “Systema Naturae”, this species has since become popular among bird watchers and naturalists alike for its beauty and gracefulness when flying through the sky.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Ciconiiformes |
Family | Ciconiidae |
Genus | Ciconia |
Species | C. nigra |
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6. Bee-Eater
Bee-eaters are one of the most beautiful and vibrant birds in existence. They have a slender body, long wings, down turned bills and their signature elongated central tail feathers which make them instantly recognizable from afar.
Their plumage is incredibly colorful with many shades ranging from blues to greens to reds that glisten when they fly through the air.
These stunning creatures can be found all over Africa, Asia, Southern Europe, Australia and New Guinea where they feed mainly on bees but also other insects like flies or wasps as well as small mammals such as lizards or rodents.
Bee-eaters live in colonies near rivers or wetlands so that they may easily hunt for food while staying close together for safety purposes.
Additionally it allows them to better display their impressive courtship dances during mating season.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Coraciiformes |
Family | Meropidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
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7. Eurasian Reed Warbler
The Eurasian reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) is a species of Old World Warbler native to the temperate parts of Europe and Asia.
It breeds in wetlands such as marshes, ponds and rivers with dense vegetation like reeds or tall grasses.
During its wintering season, it migrates southward to sub-Saharan Africa where there are milder conditions.
This small bird has streaked brown plumage on the upperparts and white underparts which makes it difficult for predators to spot among the foliage.
Its diet consists mainly of insects including aphids, caterpillars larvae and moths caught while flying over water or by gleaning from plants growing near water bodies.
The male sings an attractive song consisting of several phrases repeated one after another as part of their courtship display during breeding season in order attract females for mating purposes.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Acrocephalidae |
Genus | Acrocephalus |
Species | A. scirpaceus |
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8. White-Crowned Wheatear
The White-crowned Wheatear is a small passerine bird, formerly classed as part of the thrush family Turdidae but now considered an Old World Flycatcher.
It stands at 17-18 cm in length and can be found across deserts from the Sahara and Arabia to Iraq. This species tends to remain resident all year round however there are some seasonal movements for certain individuals.
Its diet consists mainly of insects which it feeds on by hopping around rocks searching for prey or perching nearby waiting for them to pass by before pouncing on them with its sharp talons.
The male has striking black wings and back contrasted against his white forehead and throat while females often have brownish grey upperparts instead of jet black feathers making identification easier within this species pairings.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Muscicapidae |
Genus | Oenanthe |
Species | O. leucopyga |
9. Streaked Scrub Warbler
The Streaked Scrub Warbler is a small passerine bird, found in northern Africa and southwestern Asia.
It frequents scrubby areas, ravines and gorges near deserts, remaining mainly resident but with possible local movements outside the breeding season.
This species has grayish-brown upperparts streaked with black lines or bars forming an intricate pattern across its back; whitish underparts are also marked by dark streaks on the breast.
Its diet consists of insects which it catches from low vegetation while making short flights over them to capture prey as well as gleaned items from branches or foliage surface foraged on foot.
The Streak Scrub Warbler is quite vocal throughout the year giving various trills and whistles that sound like “seet”.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Scotocercidae Fregin, Haase, Olsson, & Alström, 2012 |
Genus | Scotocerca Sundevall, 1872 |
Species | S. inquieta |
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10. Moussier’s Redstart
Moussier’s redstart is a small passerine bird found in the Atlas Mountains of northwest Africa. It has an endemic residence there, living and breeding in open woodland with rocky areas from sea level up to 3000m altitude.
This species was once classified as part of the thrush family but now belongs to Old World flycatchers (Muscicapidae).
They have a striking plumage – males are black on top with white bellies, while females are orange-brown above and paler below.
The head and tail both feature distinctive red patches for which it gets its name.
These birds feed mainly on insects but will also take berries when available. In winter they sometimes descend into lower altitudes or migrate further southwards if food supply is lowScientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Muscicapidae |
Genus | Phoenicurus |
Species | P. moussieri |
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11. Marbled Duck
The Marbled duck is a medium-sized species of waterfowl native to southern Europe, northern Africa, and western and central Asia.
It gets its name from the marbling pattern on its feathers which give it an eye-catching mottled appearance.
The scientific name comes from Greek and Latin words meaning “marble”, “duck”, “narrow or small” and ‘billed’ respectively.
In the past these ducks bred in large numbers throughout the Mediterranean region but their population has declined due to human activities such as hunting for sport as well as habitat destruction.
Conservation efforts are underway in order to protect this beautiful bird so that future generations can still enjoy seeing them around.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Anseriformes |
Family | Anatidae |
Genus | Marmaronetta Reichenbach, 1853 |
Species | M. angustirostris |
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12. Eurasian Penduline Tit
The Eurasian penduline tit is a passerine bird of the genus Remiz which can be found widely across the western Palearctic.
It migrates to more northern parts in summer, while staying resident in its southern range during winter months.
This species experienced an expansion of its breeding grounds throughout Western Europe between 1980s and 1990s, thus increasing its population significantly.
The Penduline Tit has various striking features like bright yellow underparts with black streaks on sides.
Greyish-brown upper part with white underside and pale eye line along head sides as well as distinctive tail nest made from fibers and mosses hanging from trees or shrubs like a pendulum hence their name ‘Penduline’.
These birds feed mainly on insects but also eat some seeds especially sunflower seeds making them popular garden visitors for many people.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Remizidae |
Genus | Remiz |
Species | R. pendulinus |
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13. Sylviid Warblers
The Sylviid warblers are a family of passerine birds found in Eurasia and Africa. They include the typical warblers as well as babblers that were formerly part of the Old World babbler family.
These birds have slender bodies, pointed wings, long tails and strong legs adapted for ground-dwelling habits like running or hopping along branches.
The male often has bright colors while females are usually duller in coloration with more muted plumage patterns than males.
Some species also show sexual dimorphism where one sex may be larger or smaller than its counterpart; for instance some species may have longer tail feathers on the female side compared to their male counterparts.
Many members of this group feed on insects but some specialize on seeds, fruits, nectar or even frogs.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Superfamily | Sylvioidea |
Family | Sylviidae Leach, 1820 |
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14. Desert Wheatear
The Desert Wheatear is a small passerine bird that typically inhabits desert and semi-desert areas. It measures 14.5 to 15 cm in length, making it slightly larger than most thrushes but smaller than many Old World flycatchers.
The upper parts of this species are greyish-brown with black streaking, while the underparts are whitish or buffy white with some cinnamon on its sides and flanks.
Its tail has two prominent white bars at the tip which contrast starkly against its otherwise dark plumage.
During breeding season males will often display their conspicuous orange throat patch as part of courtship behaviour towards females of the species.
However, outside of mating season both sexes share identical plumages without any discernible differences between them apart from size variations common among all birds.
This insectivorous species mostly feeds on flying insects such as moths, beetles and bees that they catch midair during short sallies out into open spaces near coverts where they can hide if threatened by predators like other birds or mammals roaming their habitat range throughout Eurasia including rare vagrants to western Europe.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Muscicapidae |
Genus | Oenanthe |
Species | O. deserti |
15. Western Subalpine Warbler
The Western Subalpine Warbler is a small, typical warbler that can be found in Europe and North-Western Africa.
It has distinct male and female plumages; the adult males have grey backs and heads with brick-red underparts as well as white malar streaks (“moustaches”).
The females are mainly brown above with a greyer head than their counterparts, while possessing whitish lower parts. Both genders of this species build nests on the ground or low bushes near water sources such as streams or rivers.
They enjoy an insectivorous diet which consists of larvae, beetles, spiders and other arthropods they find along branches or foliage.
This bird also forms flocks during migration periods to make navigation easier when travelling long distances at night time in search for better climates suitable for breeding purposes.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sylviidae |
Genus | Curruca |
Species | C. iberiae |
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16. White-Throated Bee-Eater
The White-throated bee-eater is a stunningly colourful bird that belongs to the Meropidae family in the near passerine category.
It breeds in semi-desert regions along southern Sahara and migrates during winter months to equatorial rain forests from Senegal to Uganda, where it enjoys different habitat experiences.
Its plumage consists of bright blues, greens and yellows with a distinctive white throat patch which gives it its name.
They feed on insects such as bees, dragonflies and wasps by catching them mid flight or plucking them off vegetation before returning back to their perch spot for eating; they perform aerial acrobatics while hunting.
These birds are social creatures who form colonies when breeding season arrives around springtime.
Their nests consist of tunnels dug up into sandy banks or termite mounds lined with grasses providing protection against predators like snakes and monitor lizards making this species an excellent example of adaptation in nature.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Coraciiformes |
Family | Meropidae |
Genus | Merops |
Species | M. albicollis |
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17. Isabelline Shrike
The Isabelline Shrike is a member of the shrike family, Laniidae, and was previously thought to be congeneric with the Red-backed or Red-tailed Shrikes.
It has an extensive range across many countries from Caspian Sea in Western Asia all the way eastward up to Central China’s Qaidam Basin.
During winter months it migrates southwards towards Africa and Arabia for warmer climates.
Its genus name ‘Lanius’ is derived from Latin meaning “butcher”, as its diet consists mainly of small insects and sometimes even lizards or sparrows.
The Isabelline Shrike can easily be identified by its brownish grey coloration along with black wings having white wingtips plus two white bars on each side of their tail feathers.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Laniidae |
Genus | Lanius |
Species | L. isabellinus |
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18. Temminck’s Lark
Temminck’s lark is a species of bird belonging to the Alaudidae family. It has a wide range across North Africa, northern Saudi Arabia and western Iraq.
They are mainly resident but some populations can be partially migratory, traveling south in winter for better conditions.
The name Temminck commemorates Dutch naturalist Coenraad Jacob Temminck who was well known for his work with zoology specimens in the 19th century.
This small passerine bird is brownish grey on its upperparts and white underneath with black stripes along its back making it easy to identify from other birds around it as it flies or rests among vegetation.
Its diet consists mostly of insects which they hunt while perched atop tall grasses or shrubs during daylight hours, although they may venture out at night too if food sources become scarce.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Alaudidae |
Genus | Eremophila |
Species | E. bilopha |
19. Black-Crowned Tchagra
The Black-crowned Tchagra is a bushshrike found in the Arabian peninsula and most of Africa. It inhabits scrub, open woodland, semi-desert and cultivation areas.
This species has distinctive black crown feathers on its head with brown wings and tail that have white stripes running through them.
Its breast is mottled greyish-brown while its throat and belly are off white or pale yellow in colouring making for an attractive bird to behold.
The French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson first described this bird back in 1760 as part of his encyclopedic ornithological work ‘Oiseaux’ (Birds).
Whether you live near the Sahara Desert or not, it can be fun to observe these birds during their active times so keep your eyes peeled.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Malaconotidae |
Genus | Tchagra |
Species | T. senegalus |
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20. Cretzschmar’s Bunting
Cretzschmar’s bunting is a beautiful bird belonging to the Emberizidae family. It breeds in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus and Levant during summer months before migrating southwards towards Sudan and northern Eritrea for winter.
Its habitat comprises of sunny open hillsides with some bushes which provide it with food as well as shelter from predators.
The male Cretzschmar’s Bunting has an attractive black head while its upperparts are blue-grey in colour; hence making it easily distinguishable among other birds.
Although very rare, this species may sometimes be seen wandering around western Europe too.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Emberizidae |
Genus | Emberiza |
Species | E. caesia |
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21. Rüppell’s Warbler
Rüppell’s warbler is a species of small passerine bird that belongs to the genus Curruca. It breeds in southern Europe, particularly in Greece and Turkey, before migrating south for wintering grounds in northeast Africa.
The adult plumage is plain greyish-brown above with whitish underparts; they have a slim figure compared to other birds of their family like the Sardinian Warbler.
Ruppel’s Warblers are generally shy but can be attracted by playing tapes containing recordings of their songs or calls.
Though rare, these birds may occasionally appear as vagrants on western European shores – making them an exciting sighting.
They typically inhabit open woodlands near water sources such as rivers and streams, where they feed mainly on insects gleaned from foliage or taken midair during hawking flights while singing enthusiastically throughout summer mornings.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sylviidae |
Genus | Curruca |
Species | C. ruppeli |
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22. Black Scrub Robin
The black scrub robin is a small bird found mainly in the Middle East and Africa. It has grey-brown plumage with white spots on its wings and tail, while its underparts are pale yellowish-white.
Its habitat consists of dry savannas where it can easily find insects to feed upon. In Riyadh, KSA, this species was first spotted back in 1992 when several individuals were seen foraging around grassland areas near the city center.
Unfortunately due to urbanization the habitats suitable for these birds have been quickly diminishing leading to their decline in numbers throughout most of their range countries over recent years.
Conservation efforts such as creating protected reserves must be implemented if we want our future generations to witness these beautiful creatures among us again.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Muscicapidae |
Genus | Cercotrichas |
Species | C. podobe |
23. Blue-Naped Mousebird
The Blue-naped mousebird (Urocolius macrourus) is a small bird found in the dry regions of East Africa.
It belongs to the six species of Mousebirds and its name comes from its habit of running along branches, similar to those of a scurrying mouse.
The distinctive blue nape plumage on their neck gives them their common name – it can be seen during flight or when they are perched atop trees.
They have long tails that help them balance while moving around tree branches quickly and efficiently. These birds feed mostly on seeds, fruits, buds and leaves from various plant sources but will also eat insects occasionally for extra nutrition.
Their diet helps spread pollen between plants which aids with pollination and contributes towards maintaining healthy ecosystems across African environments where these birds live.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Coliiformes |
Family | Coliidae |
Genus | Urocolius |
Species | U. macrourus |
24. Algerian Nuthatch
The Algerian nuthatch, also known as the Kabyle nuthatch, is a species of bird in the Sittidae family.
It has an average length between 11.5 – 12.5 cm and its upperparts are bluish gray with males having black fronts on their crowns for distinction from females.
These birds are sedentary and feed primarily on arthropods such as insects or spiders found among tree bark or foliage.
They can be found throughout Algeria where they inhabit deciduous forests and woodlands near riverside areas which provide them safe nesting sites to raise their young ones each year during breeding season that usually takes place in springtime months from March until May.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sittidae |
Genus | Sitta |
Species | S. ledanti |
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25. Leaf Warbler
The leaf warbler is a small bird that primarily feeds on insects. It belongs to the genus Phylloscopus and was previously classified as a member of the Old World warbler family.
However, it has since been grouped in the family Phylloscopidae, which was introduced in 2006.
The family initially included the genus Seicercus, but all species have now been moved to Phylloscopus in the latest classification.
Leaf warblers are known for their agility, enabling them to flit about in the forest canopy in search of food.
Their small size also makes them vulnerable to predators such as birds of prey, snakes, and cats.
Despite this, leaf warblers manage to thrive in many regions of the world and have become a beloved sight for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Superfamily | Sylvioidea |
Family | Phylloscopidae Alström, Ericson, Olsson, & Sundberg, 2006 |
Genus | Phylloscopus F. Boie, 1826 |
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26. Flamingos
Flamingos are a type of water bird that belong to the Phoenicopteriformes group. They are known for their distinctive pink coloring and long, thin legs.
Flamingos are closely related to grebes and are part of the Mirandornithes clade. These birds are well-documented in the fossil record, with some of their extinct relatives dating back millions of years.
In fact, the first known member of the Phoenicopteridae family was a bird called Elornis. Flamingos are known for their unique feeding habits, which involve using their beaks to filter food from the water.
They are also social creatures that typically live in large groups called colonies.
Overall, flamingos are fascinating creatures with a long history on our planet.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Clade | Mirandornithes |
Order | Phoenicopteriformes Fürbringer, 1888 |
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27. White-Rumped Seedeater
The white-rumped seedeater, also known as the grey singing finch, is a member of the finch family that inhabits the dry savannas of the Sahel and eastern Sudan.
This small bird was previously classified under the genus Serinus, but recent studies have suggested its placement in the genus Crithagra.
Despite its name, the white-rumped seedeater is also known for its singing abilities, with its melodic calls filling the savanna landscapes.
While it may be common in its natural habitat, this species is also popular in aviculture due to its pleasant vocalizations and strikingly colored feathers, which range from shades of brown to striking grey.
The white-rumped seedeater plays an important role in the ecosystems of the regions it inhabits, with its seed-based diet contributing to the dispersal of native plant species.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Fringillidae |
Subfamily | Carduelinae |
Genus | Crithagra |
Species | C. leucopygia |
28. Tristram’s Warbler
Tristram’s warbler is a type of Old World warbler belonging to the Sylviidae family. This bird species is primarily found in countries like Mauritania, Tunisia, and Morocco, among others.
Its natural habitat is subtropical dry shrubland, which is where it usually thrives. The bird is named after Reverend Henry Baker Tristram, a naturalist who collected various specimens during his time.
As for its physical appearance, it has an overall brownish-grey hue with a pale underside. Its long, thin beak is best suited for eating insects.
The Tristram’s warbler is predominantly an insectivorous bird that feeds on a diet of ants, beetles, and various other small insects.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sylviidae |
Genus | Curruca |
Species | C. deserticola |
29. Rock Sparrow
The Rock Sparrow, also known as the Rock Petronia, is a small bird belonging to the sparrow family. It is the only species in the Petronia genus.
These birds can be found on barren rocky hills across Southern Europe, the Iberian Peninsula, and Western North Africa, through the Palearctic Siberia, to Central China.
They are largely resident in the western part of their range, but the Asian populations tend to migrate. The Rock Sparrow is a passerine bird and its small size makes it distinguishable from other sparrows.
The male has a grey-brown head, white cheeks, and a chestnut nape. The female, on the other hand, has a more subdued coloration.
These birds are known for their unique habitat choice and interesting nesting behavior.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Passeridae |
Genus | Petronia Kaup, 1829 |
Species | P. petronia |
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30. Levaillant’s Woodpecker
Levaillant’s woodpecker is a notable member of the Picidae family found in Africa. Though some experts consider it a subspecies of the European green woodpecker, it is monotypic and has no known subspecies.
Its name pays tribute to François Le Vaillant, a French explorer, collector, and ornithologist. The bird’s scientific name is Picus vaillantii. Compared to other woodpeckers, it is large and has green feathers.
Its appearance, call, and habits make it a fascinating bird to observe. Like other woodpeckers, this species feeds on insects and larvae hidden inside bark. Its strong, chisel-like beak is well-suited to this task.
Though relatively common, the bird’s habitat and populations may be threatened by habitat destruction and other human activities.Scientific classification:
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Aves |
Order | Piciformes |
Family | Picidae |
Genus | Picus |
Species | P. vaillantii |