Boujdour is a breathtaking destination in the Western Sahara region of Morocco, known for its stunning desert landscapes. But this seemingly barren landscape is also home to various birds, making it an excellent destination for bird-watching enthusiasts.
From soaring raptors to colorful songbirds, Boujdour hosts a stunning array of species, many unique to the region.
Whether you’re an experienced bird-watcher or just curious about the feathered inhabitants of Boujdour, you’re sure to find something to marvel at. So, let’s look at some fantastic birds calling Boujdour home.
11 Birds to Watch in Boujdour
Boujdour is a coastal city in the Western Sahara region of Morocco, known for its fishing industry and its strategic location. But Boujdour is also a great destination for birdwatchers, as it hosts a variety of bird species, some of which are rare or endemic to the region.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find something to admire and enjoy in Boujdour’s avian diversity.
Here are 11 birds that you should not miss when visiting Boujdour.
1. Laughing Dove
The laughing dove is a small pigeon species native to Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Western Australia. It is classified as a resident breeder, meaning it remains in its chosen habitat year-round to breed and raise its offspring.
Its presence in Australia is exciting, as it was introduced to the wild in 1898 when it was released from Perth Zoo. This species has since established itself in the wild and can now be found in many parts of Western Australia.
The laughing dove is an exciting bird that has a peaceful, gentle nature and a unique call that has been compared to laughter. Its diet primarily comprises grains, seeds, and small insects, and it is active mainly during the day.
Although it is not threatened globally, its population has declined slightly in some parts of its range. It is protected in many areas, and its conservation status is being monitored.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. senegalensis |
2. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is the most significant and widespread species of the family.
It is found in many parts of the world, such as Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.
These areas are known as the Old World, and this region’s greater flamingo is expected. The greater flamingo is typically found in large bodies of water such as lakes, lagoons, rivers, and coasts.
They prefer habitats with shallow, salty water, so they are found in most areas with a coastline. The flamingo feeds on small crustaceans, aquatic plants, and algae, which it filters from the water using its long, curved beak.
This bird is also known for its beautiful pink and red feathers, which it gets from the algae it consumes. The greater flamingo is an essential species in the Old World, as its presence indicates the health of its habitats.
Its presence also brings tremendous beauty and diversity to the region, making it a valued species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
3. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is a type of water bird from the grebe family. The name of the genus is derived from Ancient Greek, where ‘takhus’ means ‘fast’ and ‘bapto’ means ‘to sink under’.
The species name, ruficollis, comes from Latin, where ‘rufus’ means ‘red’ and ‘Collis’ means ‘necked,’ which is derived from the Latin word ‘collum’ for ‘neck.’
This reflects the physical appearance of the little grebe, which has a redneck and is known for its quick movements.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
4. Common Ringed Plover
The common ringed plover is a species of small plover that breeds in the Arctic regions of Eurasia. The name ‘Charadrius’ for this plover species is derived from Late Latin, an ancient language used in the fourth century.
The name is based on a yellowish bird mentioned in the Vulgate, an early Christian translation of the Bible. This Latin word is derived from the Ancient Greek term ‘kharadrios,’ which describes a bird found in ravines and river valleys.
This plover species is typically found near bodies of water, especially those with rocky shorelines, where they can feed and breed. They are known to be quite territorial and will fiercely defend their nesting sites.
The ringed plovers are essential to the environment, as they help keep their habitat healthy and clean.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. hiaticula |
5. European Turtle Dove
The European turtle dove is a species of bird in the Columbidae family, including doves and pigeons. This species can be found across a wide range of the southwestern Palearctic region, including North Africa.
During the colder months, the European turtle dove migrates south to northern sub-Saharan Africa to find warmer climates.
This species is well-known for its migratory patterns, which ornithologists have studied and documented for centuries. The European turtle dove has a distinct plumage that sets it apart from other species in the Columbidae family.
Its feathers are primarily grayish-brown with dar,ker markings at the tips of its wings and tail.
The European turtle dove is also smaller than other species of doves, with a wingspan of only about 30 centimeters. The European turtle dove is a social species often seen in small flocks, usually consisting of males, females, and juveniles.
They can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and open grasslands. The European turtle dove feeds mainly on seeds but can eat fruits and other plant material.
This species is also known to consume insects occasionally. The European turtle dove is an important species for its role as a long-distance migrant.
Ornithologists have studied and documented its migratory patterns for centuries, providing valuable insight into the species’ behavior. In addition, the European turtle dove’s migratory patterns can be a helpful indicator of the environment’s health in its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. turtur |
6. Whimbrel
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is one of the most widespread members of the Scolopacidae family of waders. It is found in many parts of subarctic Asia and Europe, as far south as Scotland. In North America, it is known as the white-rumped whimbrel.
The Eurasian/common whimbrel is a medium-sized wader with a long, down-curved bill, a body length of about 35-45 cm, and a 60-70 cm wingspan. It has a grayish-brown back and white underparts, with a white rump.
Its neck and head are streaked with dark brown, and its face has a distinctive “eyebrow” marking. It has short, yellowish legs and a short tail. The Eurasian/common whimbrel breeds from late March to early June, laying up to four eggs in a scrape on the ground.
It feeds mainly on insects, crustaceans, worms, and mollusks, which it finds in wet meadows and marshes. In the winter, it migrates to Africa and the Middle East, where it can be found along coasts and inland wetlands.
The Eurasian/common whimbrel is an essential species for conservation, as human activities are increasingly threatening its habitat.
It is listed as a species of most minor concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning it is not currently facing any significant risks.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
7. Eurasian Oystercatcher
The Eurasian oystercatcher is a species of wading bird belonging to the Haematopodidae family. It is also known by several other names, including the common pied oystercatcher, the Palaearctic oystercatcher, and simply oystercatcher.
The Eurasian oystercatcher is a relatively large bird, with an average length of 42-48 cm and a wingspan of around 80 cm. Its upper parts are black, with white underparts and a white wing bar. Its bill is long and pointed, and its legs are bright orange-red.
The Eurasian oystercatcher is a migratory species found mainly along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and Europe. Its diet consists mainly of mollusks and crustaceans, such as mussels, clams, and shrimp. Additionally, it also eats worms, insects, and other small invertebrates.
The Eurasian oystercatcher is a sociable species, often seen in flocks of up to several hundred individuals. They typically breed in pairs or small groups and nest on the ground near coasts and estuaries. The female lays two to three eggs, which both parents incubate.
The chicks fledge after around 25 days. Overall, the Eurasian oystercatcher is an exciting and vital species of wader, often seen along the coasts of Europe and the Atlantic Ocean.
Its diet and friendly nature make it essential to ecosystems near coasts and estuaries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | H. ostralegus |
8. Eurasian Curlew
The Eurasian curlew, also known as the common curlew, is a large bird belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It is found in a variety of temperate habitats across Europe and Asia. In Europe, the Eurasian curlew is commonly referred to by the term “curlew.”
In Scotland, this bird is known as the “whaup” in the Scots language. The Eurasian curlew is a large shorebird, typically having a wingspan of up to 1.3 meters. Its head and neck are brown, with a white collar, and its underparts are predominantly white.
The beak is long and curved, and the legs are yellow. The Eurasian curlew can be found in various habitats, including wet meadows, marshes, mudflats, and shallow waters.
During the breeding season, the Eurasian curlew will feed on various small insects, mollusks, worms, and fish. They will also feed on plant material such as seeds and roots. This species is highly migratory and will travel between Europe and Asia during winter.
Due to human activities such as habitat destruction and hunting, the Eurasian curlew is a threatened species in parts of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. arquata |
9. Glossy Ibis
The glossy ibis is a water bird species found in the order Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae. It is a wading bird with an overall black or dark green sheen to its feathers and a long, curved bill.
Its scientific name, falcis, derives from Ancient Greek and Latin, both of which mean “sickle” and refer to the distinctive shape of the bird’s bill.
This curved bill is used for foraging, as the glossy ibis probes in shallow water for small fish, shrimp, and other aquatic prey. The glossy ibis is a widespread species found in wetlands throughout the world.
It is a highly adaptable species, able to live in various habitats, including marshes, mudflats, mangrove swamps, and rice fields.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. falcinellus |
10. Crowned Sandgrouse
The crowned Sandgrouse is an avian species belonging to the more prominent Pteroclidae family, comprised of birds in North Africa and the Middle East.
This particular sandgrouse species is differentiated by its distinctively crowned head, composed of grey, brown, and black feathers. The crowned Sandgrouse is a medium-sized bird that typically measures 9 and 11 inches long.
It has a short, round body, long wings, and a long tail. Its feathers are generally grey, brown, or black. The crowned Sandgrouse is a ground-dwelling species that prefers dry, semi-arid habitats such as deserts and savannas.
It primarily feeds on grass and seeds but will also eat insects and certain fruits. The crowned Sandgrouse is a social species that typically lives in large flocks, which can often be seen foraging, dust-bathing, and preening together.
The crowned Sandgrouse is an integral part of the ecosystems of North Africa and the Middle East, as it provides food for many predators and scavengers. It also helps to disperse seeds in their habitats.
Unfortunately, the crowned Sandgrouse is threatened by habitat loss, as its dry habitats are increasingly being taken over by human development. Conservation efforts are being undertaken to help protect this species and its habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pterocliformes |
| Family | Pteroclidae |
| Genus | Pterocles |
| Species | P. coronatus |
11. Bar-tailed Godwit
The bar-tailed godwit is a large wader belonging to the family Scolopacidae. It is strongly migratory, making long-distance flights from its breeding grounds to its wintering grounds.
The bar-tailed godwit feeds on invertebrates such as bristle worms and shellfish found on the mudflats of coastal estuaries. During the breeding season, this bird has distinctive red plumage, long legs, and a long, upturned bill.
The long bill helps the birds forage for food more efficiently, while its long legs allow it to move through wetlands more easily. It is a fascinating species to observe as it wades through shallow waters for food.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. lapponica |
Conclusion
The birds of Boujdour are a diverse and fascinating part of the region’s natural beauty. From the majestic African Grey Parrot to the delicate White-Cheeked Bulbul, Boujdour is home to many different types of birds.
The region’s unique climate and geography provide the perfect habitat for these feathered friends. With proper conservation efforts, the birds of Boujdour will be able to continue to thrive in the region for generations to come.