The birds of Cabinda in Angola are a diverse and vibrant group of creatures that have long been appreciated by locals and visitors alike. Cabinda is a paradise for various birds with its lush jungles, mangroves, swamps, and coastline.
From colorful parrots, toucans, and kingfishers to majestic eagles, hawks, and owls, the birds of Cabinda are indeed a sight to behold. Despite destroying their natural habitats due to human encroachment, the birds of Cabinda are still abundant and thrive in the region.
From the beautiful scarlet macaw to the majestic bald eagle, the birds of Cabinda are an essential part of the region’s natural beauty and biodiversity.
15 Birds to Watch in Cabinda
Cabinda is a small Angola province separated from the rest of the country by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is a rich and diverse region that boasts a variety of natural habitats, such as forests, savannas, wetlands, and coastal areas. Cabinda is home to many species of birds, some of which are endemic, rare, or endangered.
Here are 15 birds that you can watch in Cabinda.
1. Gray Crowned Crane
The grey-crowned crane is a majestic bird native to Africa and part of the Gruidae family. It is a highly recognizable species due to its unique features, such as its distinct grey crown and golden feathers on its wings.
It has many different names, such as 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.
The grey-crowned crane is the tallest bird species in Africa, standing at an impressive height of up to 1.5 meters. It has a wingspan of over 2 meters and is known for its graceful, slow movement in flight.
It has a white face and neck with a black border, a grey crown, and golden feathers on its wings. It has a long, curved bill, yellow eyes, and long, black legs with yellow feet.
The grey-crowned crane is mainly found in grasslands, wetlands, and savannahs, although it can also be found in open woodlands. It is a highly social species in large groups of up to 30 birds. It feeds on insects, frogs, snakes, grains, and other small animals.
It is also known to scavenge for food, so it can often be seen in human settlements. The grey crowned crane is an essential species in many African cultures, where it is seen as a symbol of grace, beauty, and abundance. It is also Uganda’s national bird.
Unfortunately, the grey-crowned crane is vulnerable to extinction due to habitat loss and illegal hunting. As a result, it is protected by various conservation organizations and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Balearica |
| Species | B. regulorum |
2. Common Ostrich
The common ostrich is a large bird native to parts of Africa. It is the only living member of the genus Struthio and belongs to the ratite order of birds. It is a flightless species, meaning that it cannot fly.
Ostriches are the largest living species of bird, with some standing at over two meters tall. They are typically found in open habitats such as savanna, grasslands, and deserts. They are omnivorous birds, feeding on both plants and small animals.
They use their strong legs for defense and to escape from predators. Ostriches are also known for their long necks and long eyelashes, which help protect their eyes from the harsh African sun.
They have a lifespan of up to 40 years in the wild and can survive in various environments.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
| Species | S. camelus |
3. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is a species of water bird belonging to the grebe family. Its scientific name is derived from Ancient Greek ‘takhus’, which means ‘fast’, and ‘bapto’, meaning ‘to sink under’.
The species name is ‘ruficollis’, which is a combination of Latin ‘rufus’ meaning ‘red’, and the Modern Latin suffix ‘-collis’, meaning ‘-necked’, which is itself derived from the Latin word ‘collum’ meaning ‘neck’. This refers to the redneck of the little grebe.
This tiny bird is known for its agility in the water and ability to dive quickly and sink beneath the surface soon.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
4. Black Guineafowl
The black guineafowl is a type of bird that is a part of the guineafowl family. It is found in the humid forests of Central Africa, where it lives and thrives in the warm environment. This species of bird is medium-sized, and its feathers are black.
Its head and upper neck are bare, and they are a rosy pink color. Little is known about the behavior of the black guineafowl, but it is believed to be quite secretive. It spends much of its time in the dense foliage of the forest, and humans rarely see it.
It is believed to be shy and wary of humans, making it difficult to study in the wild. The black guineafowl is an integral part of the African ecosystem. It is believed to play a role in dispersing seeds from the fruits it eats, helping to spread plant life in the area.
It is also a food source for predators, such as leopards and birds of prey. The black guineafowl is a unique species, and its presence in the African forest is integral to the natural balance.
More research must be done to better understand this species’ behavior and habits and ensure its continued survival in the wild.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
| Genus | Agelastes |
| Species | A. niger |
5. Levaillant’s Cuckoo
François Le Vaillant was a French explorer, collector, and ornithologist. In his honor, a cuckoo species living in Africa south of the Sahara was named after him. This cuckoo is known as Levaillant’s cuckoo and is found in bushy habitats.
It is a brood parasite, meaning that instead of building its own nest, it lays its eggs in the nests of other species, such as bulbuls and babblers. This species is a resident breeding species, meaning it lives in the same area year-round and can produce offspring.
The Levaillant’s cuckoo is an essential species in the African ecosystem, as it helps keep the bulbuls and babblers in check. It is also a food source for larger predators, such as hawks and eagles.
Its presence also brings a certain level of beauty to the African landscape, as its unique plumage is quite attractive.
Levaillant’s cuckoo is an exciting and vital bird species named after the French explorer, collector, and ornithologist François Le Vaillant.
It is a resident breeding species found in bushy habitats south of the Sahara in Africa and is a brood parasite that uses the nests of bulbuls and babblers.
Its presence in the African landscape keeps certain species populations in check and adds a certain level of beauty to the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Clamator |
| Species | C. levaillantii |
6. Great White Pelican
The great white pelican is one of the many species of pelicans that can be found worldwide. It is also known as the eastern white pelican, rosy pelican, or white pelican.
This majestic bird can be found in various habitats, from southeastern Europe to Asia and Africa.
The great white pelican prefers to live in swamps and shallow lakes, where it can find abundant food sources. The great white pelican is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 3.6 m, making it the second largest bird in the pelican family.
It is easily recognizable due to its white plumage and black flight feathers. The great white pelican also has a large pink bill at the base.
This bill is used to scoop up fish and other food items to feed itself and its young. The great white pelican is a social bird often seen in large flocks. During the breeding season, these birds form large colonies to nest and raise their young.
The female will lay a single egg, which both parents incubate.
The young will fledge after around 12 weeks and remain with their parents for around a year before becoming independent. The great white pelican is a crucial species essential to the health of many aquatic ecosystems.
It helps keep the fish and other food sources in check and provides food for different species. As a result, we must protect and conserve this species for future generations.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. onocrotalus |
7. African Harrier-hawk
The African harrier-hawk, also known as the harrier hawk or gymnogene, is a type of bird of prey found in most of Africa south of the Sahara Desert. It has a body length of around 60-66 cm, making it a relatively small species of raptor.
This species is the only member of the genus Polyboroides, with the other member being the Madagascar harrier-hawk, an allopatric species, meaning that it is not found in the same area as the African species.
The African harrier-hawk is a mighty hunter, relying on its sharp eyesight and swooping dives to capture its prey. It feeds mainly on small mammals, reptiles, insects, and sometimes small birds, making it an essential part of the African ecosystem.
It typically nests in tall trees and lays two to three eggs in a clutch. The male and female parents incubate the eggs for around 32 to 35 days.
The African harrier-hawk is a relatively common species and is currently classified as a species of most minor concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
It is a protected bird species in many African countries, and its population is stable and increasing in some areas.
Despite this, the species is still threatened by deforestation, climate change, and other forms of human disturbance and is therefore monitored closely by conservationists.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Polyboroides |
| Species | P. typus |
8. Black-bellied Bustard
The black-bellied bustard, scientifically known as Eupodotis afra, is a large ground-dwelling bird found throughout Africa. It belongs to the family of birds known as the bustards, characterized by their relatively long legs and necks.
The black-bellied bustard is also known as the black-bellied korhaan and is one of the more common species of bustards found in Africa. It is a medium-sized bird, with males reaching approximately 27 inches long and weighing up to 4.5 pounds.
It has a black body with a white belly, and its head and neck are generally grayish-white. Its wings are dark brown with white patches, and its tail is barred with black and white.
The black-bellied bustard is a terrestrial bird, preferring to feed on the ground in open grassland and shrubland habitats. It forages for food such as small insects, seeds, and fruits and is also known to take advantage of any carrion it may find.
It typically walks or runs to find food and can run up to 25 miles per hour. The black-bellied bustard is an essential species in its habitat, helping to maintain the balance of the ecosystem by controlling the populations of small insects and other pests.
It is also famous for birdwatchers, as it is relatively easy to spot in its preferred habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Lissotis |
| Species | L. melanogaster |
9. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is a prevalent species across the Old World. It is the largest species of flamingo and is found in many parts of Africa, including the Northern and Sub-Saharan regions.
The greater flamingo is also common in the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and various Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe.
This range of habitats is imposing, as the greater flamingo can adapt to various environments.
It is a highly social bird species, often living in large flocks in wetlands and lagoons. Its diet consists mainly of small aquatic creatures, such as shrimp and crustaceans.
The greater flamingo has a distinct pink plumage caused by the carotenoid pigments found in the food it consumes. The greater flamingo has a long history in human culture, with references appearing in ancient literature and artwork.
Its iconic shape and vibrant colors make it a popular choice of bird for many people, and its adaptability and widespread range make it an essential species in the Old World.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
10. Helmeted Guineafowl
The helmeted guineafowl is a species of bird from the Numididae family and is the only one of its kind in the Numida genus. It is naturally found in Africa, south of the Sahara desert, although humans have brought it to many other countries.
It is now commonly found in the West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia, and Europe, where it has been domesticated and kept as a pet or farm animal. The helmeted guineafowl is easily identifiable by its distinctive helmet-shaped crest of feathers on its head.
It is an omnivore that feeds on insects and plant matter and is typically found in small flocks in open woodlands and grassy savannas.
It is a reasonably vocal bird with various calls known for its aggressive territorial behavior. The helmeted guineafowl is an essential animal in many African cultures, with some using it in traditional ceremonies and others believing it brings good luck.
It is also an important food source for many people, with its meat and eggs being highly valued. As a result, it is heavily hunted in some areas, leading to a decline in its numbers.
Fortunately, the domesticated populations are doing well, and the species is not currently threatened.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
| Genus | Numida |
| Species | N. meleagris |
11. Namaqua Dove
The Namaqua dove is a small, medium-sized pigeon in many parts of the world. It is the only species within the genus Oena, a bird species in the pigeon family.
The Namaqua dove is found in a wide range of habitats, from scrubland and thickets to arid regions, in many parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
It is also found in Arabia and Madagascar. The Namaqua dove is a relatively small bird, measuring between 29 and 33 cm long and weighing 70 and 95 grams.
It has a grayish-brown back and wings, a light gray underside, and a distinctive black and white band on its neck.
It has a short, curved bill and a long, pointed tail. Its diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruit. The Namaqua dove is a monogamous species, forming pair bonds with one mate for life.
The male and female will build a nest together during the breeding season, which runs from late winter to early summer. The female will lay two to three eggs, and both parents will take turns incubating them.
The young will fledge after about three weeks. The Namaqua dove plays an essential role in its environment. Its diet includes many insects, helping to keep insect populations in check. It also helps disperse the seeds of various plants, aiding in vegetation regeneration.
In addition, its presence provides food for other species, such as snakes and birds of prey. For these reasons, the Namaqua dove is an integral part of the ecosystem in its native range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Oena |
| Species | O. capensis |
12. Eared Grebe
The black-necked grebe, also known as the eared grebe, is a species of water bird that belongs to the grebe family. It was first described in 1831 by Christian Ludwig Brehm, a German zoologist.
Today, there are three accepted subspecies of the black-necked grebe, with the nominate subspecies being the most common one. The black-necked grebe is a small bird with black and white plumage and a distinctive patch of black feathers on the neck.
It has a long, pointed bill and large feet adapted for swimming. It lives in freshwater or brackish wetlands and is known for its elaborate courtship displays. The black-necked grebe feeds on small fish, aquatic insects, and crustaceans.
It is considered the least concerning on the IUCN Red List since it has an extensive range and a stable population.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Podiceps |
| Species | P. nigricollis |
13. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove
The emerald-spotted wood dove is a bird species belonging to the Columbidae family, found throughout much of eastern and southern Africa. This species typically inhabits open, drier, deciduous woodlands and areas with second-growth vegetation.
It is not typically found in evergreen rainforests or semi-desert areas, as it is not well-suited to these habitats. The emerald-spotted wood dove is a medium-sized bird, with the males slightly larger than the females.
The male has a greenish-purple head and neck, while the female has a slightly duller coloration. Both sexes have a white throat and belly and a black line extending from the lower bill to the back of the head.
The wings are brown, with a distinctive emerald-green spot near the tips. The emerald-spotted wood dove is an omnivorous species, feeding primarily on fruits, seeds, and insects. The emerald-spotted wood dove is a social species, often found in small flocks.
It is a monogamous species, with the pair remaining together for life. Breeding usually occurs in the dry season, with the female laying two or three eggs in a nest made of twigs and leaves. The eggs are incubated for 13 to 16 days before hatching.
The chicks are altricial, meaning they are born blind and helpless and dependent on their parents for food and protection. The emerald-spotted wood dove is a relatively common species and is not currently threatened.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies it as a species of most minor concern.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Turtur |
| Species | T. chalcospilos |
14. Red-crested Bustard
The red-crested korhaan, also known as the red-crested bustard, is an impressive bird species that belongs to the Otididae family. Native to southern Africa, it can be found from Angola to Zimbabwe.
It is a ground-dwelling bird with a long neck and legs known for its vibrant red crest. The red-crested korhaan is a large, bulky bird, typically between 30 and 40 inches long. The wingspan can range from 35 to 45 inches.
It has a light brown body with a white underside. The most striking feature of the species is the red crest, which is present in both males and females.
The tail of the red-crested korhaan is long and black, with a white tip. The red-crested korhaan is a terrestrial bird, which means it spends most of its time on the ground. It is a solitary, non-migratory species that prefers open grasslands and savannahs.
The species is mainly active in the early morning and late afternoon when it forages for seeds, insects, and small mammals.
The red-crested korhaan is an important species for conservation, as its numbers have been declining in recent years due to habitat destruction and hunting. It is classified as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.
It is protected in Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, but conservation efforts are needed to ensure its future survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Lophotis |
| Species | L. ruficrista |
15. White-bellied Bustard
The white-bellied bustard, also known as the white-bellied korhaan, is a bird native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is an impressive bird, standing up to 3 feet tall and boasting an impressive wingspan of up to 5 feet.
It is highly adapted to its environment, living in grassland and open woodlands. It is a ground-dwelling species that rarely takes to the air and prefers to run from danger.
Its omnivorous diet consists of plant and animal matter, such as insects, reptiles, and small mammals. The female lays its eggs in a shallow ground scrape, and the chicks can feed and care for themselves from a young age.
The white-bellied bustard is a species of conservation concern due to its habitat being increasingly destroyed by human activities such as agricultural development and urbanization. Hunting also threatens it and is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Conservationists are working to protect and restore the habitat of this species to ensure its survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Eupodotis |
| Species | E. senegalensis |
Conclusion
Birds in Cabinda are an essential part of the local ecology and culture. They provide a source of food, sustenance, and beauty to both humans and animals.
The natural environment of Cabinda provides a unique habitat for a variety of bird species, which are often found in great abundance. Conservation efforts are necessary to protect these species and their habitat.
With continued research and awareness, we can ensure birds’ long-term health and survival in Cabinda.