The bluebird is a familiar sight across many parts of Africa. These beautiful birds can be found in a variety of habitats, from grasslands to woodlands and even urban areas. Bluebirds are generally small, often with blue or blue-gray bodies and blue wings.
They are omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals, and they can often be found perched on the branches of trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. They are important for the ecosystem, as they help to control the insect population.
Bluebirds are also important to humans, as they are a symbol of hope and joy, and are often seen as a sign of good luck.
1. African Fish Eagle
Source: Wikipedia
The African fish eagle, or African sea eagle, is a species of eagle found in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It is an imposing bird, with a wingspan that can reach up to almost two meters, and a distinctive white head and bright yellow beak.
Its diet consists mainly of fish, which it catches by swooping down to the surface of the water, and it can be seen perched atop trees, scanning the horizon for potential prey.
This species of eagle has become a symbol of strength and power for several African countries and has been adopted as the national bird of Malawi, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
It is also known by many different names in various languages, due to its vast reach across the continent. The African fish eagle is an impressive sight, and its unique characteristics have made it an important part of African culture and tradition.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Icthyophaga |
| Species | I. vocifer |
2. Grey-Crowned Crane
The Grey Crowned Crane is a species of crane that is found in Africa and is part of the Gruidae family.
It is also known by a variety of names, including African Crowned Crane, Golden Crested Crane, Golden Crowned Crane, East African Crane, East African Crowned Crane, African Crane, Eastern Crowned Crane, Kavirondo Crane, South African Crane, and Crested Crane. This species of crane is distinguished by its grey crown and white cheeks, along with its brown and white striped neck and back.
Its body is generally grey in colour with black wings and tail feathers.
The Grey Crowned Crane stands at an average height of up to 3.3 feet (1 meter) and can weigh up to 13 pounds (6 kilograms). The Grey Crowned Crane is an omnivore and mostly feeds on plant material such as grains, seeds, and fruits, as well as small animals such as insects, amphibians, and rodents.
This species of crane is known to form large flocks, often numbering up to 30 birds. The Grey Crowned Crane is found in savannahs and grasslands, as well as wetlands and marshes.
This species of crane is usually seen alone or in pairs, but can also form larger groups when there is an abundance of food. The Grey Crowned Crane is listed as a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Despite this, it is still at risk due to loss of habitat, hunting, and illegal capture for use in the pet trade.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Balearica |
| Species | B. regulorum |
3. Superb Starling
The superb starling is a type of bird that belongs to the starling family, which is composed of various species of birds found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is a medium-sized bird, with a length of 20–23 cm, and a wingspan of 37–41 cm.
The superb starling has glossy black plumage, with bright blue and purple iridescent feathers on its back and wings. Its bill is black and its eyes are yellow. This species of bird was formerly known as Spreo superbus, a Latin name meaning ‘superb sparrow’.
The superb starling is known for its melodic and complex vocalizations, which it uses to communicate with other birds in its flock. It is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of insects, fruits, and seeds.
The superb starling is found in open woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands, and can often be seen foraging in pairs or small groups. It is a highly social species and can often be seen in large flocks during the breeding season.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Lamprotornis |
| Species | L. superbus |
4. European Roller
The European roller is a species of bird that is unique to the European continent. It is part of the roller family of birds, which generally includes birds from tropical and subtropical regions.
Although its primary range is in Europe, it can also be found in the Middle East, Central Asia, and the Maghreb. It is a versatile species, inhabiting a wide variety of habitats, with the exception of treeless plains.
When it comes to nesting, the European roller prefers the safety of tree holes. It is an interesting species of bird, as it manages to survive and thrive in a wide range of habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae |
| Genus | Coracias |
| Species | C. garrulus |
5. African Blue Flycatcher
The African blue flycatcher, also known as the blue-crested flycatcher, is a species of bird that can be found in parts of western and central Sub-Saharan Africa.
This species of bird belongs to the family Stenostiridae, a family of birds that are mainly found in the Old World tropics. The African blue flycatcher is a small bird with a wingspan of about 5.9 inches.
Its head is grey in color, while its back is dark blue and its underparts are light blue. It has a white patch on its wings and a white eye ring.
The most distinctive feature of this bird is its bright blue crest, which is why it is called the blue-crested flycatcher. The African blue flycatcher feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates.
It typically perches on low branches and then makes short sallies to catch its prey. It is a solitary bird and rarely seen in flocks. The African blue flycatcher is an important part of the African ecosystem.
It helps to control insect populations and as a result, helps to keep the environment healthy. It is a species of least concern, which means that it is not threatened with extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Stenostiridae |
| Genus | Elminia |
| Species | E. longicauda |
6. Elminia
Elminia is a genus of birds belonging to the family Stenostiridae, which is native to Africa. The genus comprises four species of birds: the African blue flycatcher, the White-tailed blue flycatcher, the White-bellied crested flycatcher, and the White-tailed crested flycatcher.
All of these species are characterized by their stunning blue plumage, which gives them their name. The Dusky crested flycatcher is the fourth species in the Elminia genus, and it is distinguished by its darker plumage.
All of the Elminia species are found in open woodlands and savanna habitats in the African continent. They are insectivorous birds, feeding mainly on flying insects. They are important to their ecosystems as they help control insect populations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Stenostiridae |
| Genus | Elminia |
7. White-Tailed Blue Flycatcher
The white-tailed blue flycatcher is a species of bird that can be found in several African countries. It is part of the Stenostiridae family, which is a group of passerine birds that mainly inhabit tropical parts of Africa.
They are known for their bright blue feathers and whitetails. The white-tailed blue flycatcher is found in Angola, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
These countries have a variety of different climates and landscapes, which is why the white-tailed blue flycatcher can be found in different parts of Africa. The species is quite common in most countries, although it is not as widespread as some other species in the region.
The white-tailed blue flycatcher is a small bird, with a length of around seven inches. They typically feed on small insects such as flies, spiders, and lacewings. They also consume fruit and nectar from flowers.
These birds can often be found in wooded areas and along rivers, where they are able to find plenty of insects and other small creatures to feed on.
The white-tailed blue flycatcher is an important species for the ecology of African countries, as they help to regulate insect populations and help to pollinate flowers. They also provide a source of food for other animals in the area, such as birds of prey and smaller mammals.
Conservation efforts are underway to help protect this species and ensure it can continue to thrive in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Stenostiridae |
| Genus | Elminia |
| Species | E. albicauda |
8. Greater Blue-Eared Starling
The greater Blue-eared starling, also known as the greater blue-eared glossy starling, is a species of bird that is found in a wide range of habitats in Africa.
It breeds from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, and from northeastern South Africa and Angola in the south.
It is a very common bird that lives in open woodlands and is known to undertake seasonal migrations. This bird has a distinctive plumage that features a bright blue ear patch, or “ear tufts,” as well as an iridescent glossy blue-green upper body.
The wings and tail are black, and the underparts are white. It has a long, pointed bill and yellow legs. The greater Blue-eared starling is a sociable bird and is often seen in large flocks.
It is a mainly terrestrial bird but also spends time in trees, where it feeds on fruit and other plant material.
It is also known to feed on small insects, such as grasshoppers and caterpillars. During the breeding season, the greater Blue-eared starling can be seen displaying in the air with loud calls and aerial acrobatics.
The nest is usually found in a tree or bush and consists of a cup of grass and twigs. Both the male and female take part in the incubation of eggs and the raising of young. Overall, the greater Blue-eared starling is a fascinating bird that is found throughout much of Africa.
It is an important species, both ecologically and culturally, and is an important part of the African landscape.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Lamprotornis |
| Species | L. chalybaeus |
9. Lamprotornis
Lamprotornis is a large genus of birds commonly known as glossy starlings. These birds are endemic to Africa, meaning they are only found south of the Sahara desert. What makes these birds unique is their glossy blue or green upper parts.
This is caused by melanin granules arranged in a single layer near the surface of the feather barbules. These granules are hollow, giving the feathers their glossy appearance.
Along with this, the feathers also reflect light in a way that makes them appear brighter and more vibrant than other species of birds. This combination of features gives Lamprotornis a distinctive look that makes them stand out amongst other birds of the same region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Lamprotornis |
10. African Green Pigeon
The African green pigeon is a type of bird found in the family Columbidae, which is a family of pigeons and doves.
It is one of five species of green pigeons that can be found in the Afrotropics, a region of Africa that stretches from the southern edge of the Sahara desert to the northern tip of South Africa.
The African green pigeon has a wide distribution throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, which consists of those countries south of the Sahara desert. There are around 17 accepted subspecies or races of this species.
It is a small to medium-sized bird, usually measuring around 28 cm in length. It has a slender body with a long tail and a short, slightly hooked beak. Its plumage is predominantly green with brown and yellow markings on its wings and tail.
The African green pigeon feeds mainly on fruits and seeds, although it also feeds on insects and small invertebrates.
It is a social species, often found in groups of 10 to 20 birds, and is an important species in many parts of Africa as it helps to disperse the seeds of many plant species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Treron |
| Species | T. calvus |
11. Blue Crane
Source: Wikipedia
The blue crane is a species of crane found in South Africa and is the national bird of the country. It is also known as the Stanley crane and the Paradise crane.
The blue crane is a species of conservation concern, with its population decreasing due to human activities such as habitat destruction and hunting.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the blue crane as Vulnerable, meaning that it is at risk of extinction in the near future if its population continues to decline.
Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure that the blue crane can continue to exist in South Africa and other parts of the world.
These efforts include protecting its habitat from destruction, reducing hunting pressure, and creating awareness among the public about the species.
With the right actions, the blue crane can be saved from extinction and can be an important part of the South African landscape for years to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Grus |
| Species | G. paradisea |
12. Sunbird
The family Nectariniidae, commonly known as sunbirds and spiderhunters, is a group of small, slender passerine birds from the Old World. They have downward-curved bills and many of them are brightly colored, with iridescent feathers, especially in the males.
These iridescent feathers give them an especially showy appearance. In addition, many species in this family have especially long tail feathers, which further contributes to their striking appearance.
Sunbirds and spiderhunters are popular among birdwatchers and gardeners alike, as they are known to feed on nectar from flowers. They also enjoy eating insects and spiders, which they are particularly adept at catching with their long bills and agile movements.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Nectariniidae |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are seen in different parts of Africa, and they play an important role in the local ecosystem. They are a beautiful sight to behold, and their presence in Africa brings a sense of joy and wonder to the continent.
While their population in Africa is not as large as other bird species, they still remain an important part of Africa’s avian diversity.