Ghana is home to a wide variety of birds, including the beautiful and vibrant blue bird. These birds are a common sight throughout the country, and they can be found in a variety of habitats such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
In addition to being found in Ghana, bluebirds can also be found in other countries in the region, such as Togo and Benin. Bluebirds are a symbol of hope and joy, and they bring a sense of life and energy to the country.
These birds are also a valuable source of nutrition for many Ghanaians, as they provide a source of both protein and fat. As such, the bluebird is an important part of Ghana’s wildlife and ecosystem.
1. White-Bibbed Swallow
Source: ebird.org
The white-bibbed swallow, also known as the white-throated blue swallow, is a species of bird found in the family Hirundinidae. It is a small bird with a slim body and long wings, and it is usually found in open habitats such as grasslands, forests, and wetlands.
The white-bibbed swallow has a white bib on its chest which distinguishes it from other species of swallow. It also has a white throat and a dark blue back, giving it its name.
The white-bibbed swallow is mainly insectivorous and feeds on flying insects like moths, beetles, and dragonflies. It is typically seen in flocks, and its call is a high-pitched, twittering song.
The white-bibbed swallow is a migratory species, and they travel to warmer climates during the winter months. During the breeding season, they build nests of mud and straw in sheltered areas, such as holes in trees, cliffs, and buildings.
The white-bibbed swallow is a common species and is found throughout much of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Hirundo |
| Species | H. nigrita |
2. Woodland Kingfisher
The woodland kingfisher is a species of kingfisher found in Africa south of the Sahara desert. This species of kingfisher is unique in its habitat, preferring to live in wooded areas rather than near bodies of water like many other species in the family.
It is a colorful bird with a bright blue back, wings, and tail, a black head, and a white chest and belly. Its diet is mainly composed of insects, but it also eats small lizards and frogs.
The woodland kingfisher has a wide distribution across Africa south of the Sahara and is often seen in savannahs, woodlands, and other open habitats. It is a shy bird that is hard to spot in its natural habitat, but its distinctive call is unmistakable.
The bird is considered to be of least concern by the IUCN, meaning that its population is stable and it is not threatened with extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Genus | Halcyon |
| Species | H. senegalensis |
3. Blue-Headed Coucal
Source: ebird.org
The blue-headed coucal is an impressive bird species belonging to the family of cuckoos known as Cuculidae. It can be found in tropical areas of Central Africa, where it enjoys the wet and marshy habitats around swamps, rivers, and the edges of forests.
This species of cuckoo prefers to live in areas where there is plenty of water and moisture, as this helps to sustain its habitat. The blue-headed coucal is a relatively large bird, with adults measuring up to 40 cm in length.
They have a striking blue-grey head, with a pale cream-coloured neck and chest. The back and wings are mostly dark brown, and the tail is chocolate-brown. The bird has long legs, allowing it to wade through the water when searching for food.
The blue-headed coucal is an omnivore, which means it feeds on both plants and animals. Its diet consists of small insects, crustaceans, mollusks, frogs, lizards, seeds, and fruits. They forage mainly on the ground, and can often be seen wading in shallow water.
The blue-headed coucal is a shy and elusive bird, making it difficult to spot in its natural habitat. However, it is easily recognizable by its distinctive coloring and call. The species is currently not considered to be threatened, with a stable population in most areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. monachus |
4. Blue-Throated Roller
The blue-throated roller is an exotic and rare species of bird in the family Coraciidae. It is found in the tropical rainforests of Africa, particularly in the northern regions. The bird is mainly a bright blue color with some black and white markings.
It has a distinctive blue throat and its long tail is often held in a curved position. This bird is a strong flier and can often be seen soaring high up in the sky. The blue-throated roller is a solitary bird and is usually found alone or in pairs.
They are mostly found in trees and the undergrowth of the forest. They mainly eat insects, berries, and small reptiles.
They build their nests in trees, usually high up in the canopy. The blue-throated roller is an important part of the African rainforest ecosystem, helping to keep the insect population in check and aiding the pollination of plants.
It is also an important source of food for other animals in the area, such as monkeys and snakes. Unfortunately, due to deforestation and human activity, the blue-throated roller is becoming increasingly rare.
It is listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. Conservation efforts are underway to protect the bird and its habitat, but there is still a long way to go.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae |
| Genus | Eurystomus |
| Species | E. gularis |
5. African Blue Flycatcher
The African blue flycatcher, also known as the blue-crested flycatcher, is a species of bird in the family Stenostiridae. It is native to western and central Sub-Saharan Africa, where it can be found in a variety of habitats including savanna, grasslands, and woodlands.
The African blue flycatcher has a distinctive blue crest, as well as blue wings and tail. It is a small bird, typically measuring around 12 cm in length and weighing up to 21 g. The African blue flycatcher feeds on insects, which it catches in the air or on the ground.
It often perches on low branches or twigs and is usually seen alone or in pairs. This species is not considered to be threatened, and its population is thought to be stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Stenostiridae |
| Genus | Elminia |
| Species | E. longicauda |
Conclusion
Bluebirds are a fascinating species of bird found in Ghana. These birds are highly sought after due to their vibrant blue plumage and unique song.
Although bluebirds are not as abundant as other bird species in Ghana, they can still be found in areas with plenty of food and water. Their presence also serves as an important indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
Conservation efforts, such as those implemented by the Ghana Wildlife Department, are essential in order to ensure that bluebirds continue to thrive in Ghana.