Cape Verde is a small island nation located off the northwest coast of Africa. It is home to many birds, many of which are endemic to the region.
This unique avian population includes seabirds, waders, warblers, and vultures. These birds are a major part of the island’s natural landscape and play an important role in the local ecosystem.
This article will explore some of the most interesting and iconic Cape Verde birds, their habitats, and how they contribute to the island’s environment.
1. Iago Sparrow
The Iago sparrow is a small and unique passerine bird belonging to the sparrow family Passeridae. It is endemic to the Cape Verde archipelago in western Africa, close to the eastern Atlantic Ocean.
Females and young birds have brown plumage with black marks above and dull grey undersides – distinguishing them from other species of sparrows.
Males are recognized by their light-colored breasts along with reddish-brown backs, which gives them its nickname ‘rufous-backed’ or ‘Cape Verde.’
They feed on insects and seeds found on low shrubs around semi-desert areas such as mountain slopes or sand dunes within these islands.
The Iago Sparrow remains an endangered species due to human disturbance leading to habitat destruction and overgrazing of livestock animals, among other factors threatening this precious bird’s survival rate in its natural environment.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. iagoensis |
2. Cape Verde Shearwater
The Cape Verde shearwater is a unique bird found only in the Macaronesia archipelago of the Atlantic Ocean, off West Africa.
It belongs to the petrel family Procellariidae and was first described by Émile Oustalet in 1883 as its own species.
This medium-large seabird has been known locally as cagarra for centuries due to its distinctive call heard during the breeding season.
Its plumage varies from greyish brown above and white below, with lighter feathers on its head, neck, and underparts, giving it an overall pale appearance when seen at sea level.
The Cape Verde Shearwater is vulnerable due to human activities such as fishing nets that can trap these birds and commercial egg collecting, significantly affecting their population size.
Conservation efforts are necessary in order to ensure this beautiful creature survives into future generations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Calonectris |
| Species | C. edwardsii |
3. Raso Lark
Raso Lark is a small passerine bird found only on the Raso Islet in the Cape Verde Islands. It has been classified as critically endangered due to its limited range and lack of research data.
The dry terrain makes it difficult for researchers to study this species, making it one of the least known birds in the Western Palaearctic region.
Its diet mainly consists of insects, which are hunted by hovering over sparse vegetation or bare ground and then flying down to catch them midair.
They make their nests near bushes at low elevations, laying their eggs and caring for chicks until they fledge successfully.
Conservation efforts must be taken now so we don’t lose such an important part of our ecosystem before there’s no hope left.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Alauda |
| Species | A. razae |
4. Fea’s Petrel
The Fea’s petrel is a small seabird in the family of gadfly petrels. It was previously thought to be related to the soft-plumaged petrel, but recent research has proven that they are not closely connected.
This species is, however, very closely linked with Zinos and Desertas Petrel – two other birds that recently split from Pterodroma mollis.
Gadfly Petrels got their name due to their erratic flight pattern, which looks similar to a flying insect like a fly or moth.
They can often be seen gliding above oceans and across islands, searching for food like fish or squid beneath the water’s surface.
The striking black coloration on top and white undersides make identifying these beautiful creatures in nature easy.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Pterodroma |
| Species | P. feae |
5. Red-Billed Tropicbird
The Red-billed Tropicbird is a beautiful seabird found in tropical oceans. It has mainly white plumage, black markings on its wings and back, a black mask, and a red bill.
These birds have distinctive long tail streamers that are twice their body length, which they use to soar above the ocean surface while searching for food.
They primarily feed off squid, fish, and crustaceans that inhabit coral reefs or deep-sea areas where they can dive up to 30 meters below the water’s surface.
The Red-billed Tropicbird was once thought of as an omen of bad luck, but now it serves as a reminder of how delicate our marine ecosystems are when faced with human activity such as overfishing.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phaethontiformes |
| Family | Phaethontidae |
| Genus | Phaethon |
| Species | P. aethereus |
6. Procellariidae
Procellariidae is a diverse family of seabirds belonging to the bird order Procellariiformes.
These birds are commonly referred to as tubenoses and include fulmarine petrels, gadfly petrels, diving petrels, prions, and shearwaters.
They range in size from the small storm petrel, which measures around 18cm long, to the giant albatross, which can reach up to 3 meters long.
Depending on the species, they are generally found near oceans or coasts where they feed on fish, squid, and other marine life.
Many procellariids will also nest inland during the breeding season before returning back to sea for most of their lives.
Their wings have specially adapted feathers that give them incredible gliding abilities, allowing them to literally fly with minimal effort over vast distances across oceanic regions.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae Leach, 1820 |
7. Cape Verde Swift
Cape Verde swift, also known as Alexander’s swift, is a small bird of the swift family found only in the Cape Verde Islands.
It can be seen across all islands except Santa Luzia, with its main breeding grounds being Santiago, Fogo Brava Santo Antão, and São Nicolau.
This species has a stable population and is not currently under threat.
The birds have an overall dark brownish-grey coloration on their back while having white underneaths, which allow them to be easily spotted from below when flying around above ground level searching for food such as insects or other arthropods – their primary source of nutrition.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Apus |
| Species | A. alexandri |
8. Common Waxbill
The Common Waxbill is a beautiful small passerine bird native to sub-Saharan Africa.
It has become popular in captivity and can be found worldwide, with an estimated global extent of occurrence of 10 million km2.
Carl Linnaeus provided its formal description in 1758 as part of his Systema Naturae; he gave it the scientific name Estrilda astrild.
This species is mainly greyish brown or olive green on its upper parts while having chestnut-colored wings and tail feathers, which are tipped with white or creamy yellow.
They have red eyes, pink bills, and legs, giving them an attractive appearance overall.
The Common waxbill feeds primarily on grass seeds but occasionally takes insects when available. It breeds readily in aviaries, making it a great choice for avid bird keepers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Estrildidae |
| Genus | Estrilda |
| Species | E. astrild |
9. Brown Booby
The Brown Booby is a large seabird from the booby family Sulidae. It has a pantropical range and can be found in many areas of the world.
This bird lives in flocks and forages by plunging into shallow waters to catch small fish that are driven near the surface by predators or storms.
The brown booby is known for its short wings, which make it highly maneuverable when hunting; this allows it to pursue prey quickly with sudden turns and dives.
Its diet also includes squid, crustaceans, eggs of other birds, and scraps from boats or ships they may come across while flying around coastlines.
They sometimes rest on floating objects during their long flights over open water between islands or continents.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. leucogaster |
10. Magnificent Frigatebird
The Magnificent Frigatebird is the largest frigatebird species, measuring between 89 and 114 cm in length and having a 7-8 ft wingspan.
It can be found over tropical waters off America from northern Mexico to Peru on the Pacific coast and in Florida down south.
Its diet consists mainly of fish they take from other seabirds or snatch directly from the ocean surface while flying low above it.
They also feed on crustaceans and squid when available.
This impressive bird has an unmistakable silhouette with its long pointed wings, forked tail feathers, and male’s red gular pouch, which inflates during courtship displays.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae |
| Genus | Fregata |
| Species | F. magnificens |
11. Grey-Headed Kingfisher
The Grey-headed Kingfisher is a stunning species of kingfisher that can be found across much of Africa and the Middle East. Its striking grey head, white neck, black back, and wings with blue speckles make it an instantly recognizable bird.
It has been described formally by German zoologist Philipp Ludwig Statius Müller since 17.
This small but beautiful predator feeds mainly on insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and cicadas, which they catch while hovering over water or in flight from perches up to 20 meters above ground level.
They are monogamous birds who will form lifelong pair bonds during mating season when males display courtship behavior, including tail fanning and bill clacking displays at their chosen mate’s nest site.
These little birds play an important part in African ecosystems, so we should all take care to preserve them for future generations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Halcyoninae |
| Genus | Halcyon |
| Species | H. leucocephala |
12. Bar-Tailed Lark
The Bar-tailed Lark is a species of lark belonging to the family Alaudidae. It is found in hot deserts from Morocco all the way to Pakistan and can be quite common depending on its location.
Its plumage is mostly greyish brown with white patches on its wings and tail feathers. The underside has pale streaks, which vary depending on subspecies.
They feed mainly on insects and seeds collected near ground level or sometimes plucked directly off plants while perching upright at their tips like other members of this family do when feeding.
During the breeding season, they form pairs that often defend small territories around their nest sites by singing loud territorial songs – making them easily recognizable birds in otherwise silent desert landscapes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Ammomanes |
| Species | A. cinctura |
13. Greater Hoopoe-Lark
The Greater Hoopoe-lark is a passerine bird that can be found in arid and semi-desert regions of Africa, the Arabian peninsula, Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.
It was formerly known as the bifasciated lark or large desert lark. These birds have adapted to living in harsh climates with little water sources by having sparse feathers, which help them retain body heat during cold nights.
They can also consume insects from dry soils for sustenance when food resources become scarce.
During mating season, they display their distinctive markings by singing from atop bushes or trees while flapping their wings vigorously before swooping toward potential mates on the ground below.
The greater hoopoe-larks’ diet mainly consists of seeds and small invertebrates like beetles, spiders, and larvae, making them an important part of maintaining local insect populations, too.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Alaemon |
| Species | A. alaudipes |
14. Cream-Colored Courser
The Cream-colored Courser is a wader species belonging to the Glareolidae family. It can be found across Western Asia and North Africa and inhabits dry, open, semi-desert habitats.
These birds have adapted well to their environment; they are able to run quickly in search of insect prey on the ground, which explains their scientific name, Cursorius cursor – derived from Latin for ‘runner’.
The coursers also inhabit the Canary Islands and Cape Verde, where breeding occurs during the summer months before migration back south begins in the autumn and winter months.
They are easily identified by their distinctive cream coloration with brown streaking along wings, neck, and chest region, making them an important part of these arid ecosystems.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Glareolidae |
| Genus | Cursorius |
| Species | C. cursor |
15. Brown-Necked Raven
The Brown-necked Raven is a sturdy, large bird. It has an average length of 52 – 56 cm and similar proportions to the Common Raven but with a smaller bill.
Its distinct brownish-black head and throat give it its name; the rest of its plumage consists of grey on the back, wings, and tail feathers, and white underparts.
This species can be found in parts of North Africa and Asia Minor and across most areas in Iran.
They have also been known to inhabit forest edges or other open woodlands, feeding mainly on small mammals such as rodents, lizards, insects, or even carrion when necessary for survival.
The Brown-necked raven is highly intelligent birds that form strong family bonds that last until death does their part.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Corvidae |
| Genus | Corvus |
| Species | C. ruficollis |
16. Northern Storm Petrels
Northern storm petrels are one of the smallest seabirds, inhabiting oceans worldwide.
They can hover over water and pick planktonic crustaceans and small fish from the surface.
Northern storm petrels belong to the genus Hydrobates in the family Hydrobatidae, part of the Procellariiformes order.
This species was once lumped with austral storm petrel, but recent studies show that they weren’t closely related, leading to them being split into two distinct species.
These birds can be identified by their dark grey upperparts, wings, and white underparts when seen from afar while feeding on the ocean’s surface.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Hydrobatidae Mathews, 1912 |
| Genus | Hydrobates F. Boie, 1822 |
17. Western Reef Heron
The western reef heron, also known as the western reef egret, is a medium-sized bird found in southern Europe, Africa, and some parts of Asia. It usually inhabits coastal areas and has two distinctive plumage forms.
The slaty-grey form can be mistaken for the rare dark morph of the Little Egret, while its white form looks similar to that of an immature Grey Heron.
This species feeds mainly on fish but will occasionally eat insects or other small aquatic animals like crabs and mollusks.
Western Reef Herons are solitary birds that nest near water bodies where they build nests from sticks, which may sometimes contain feathers or seaweed as well.
They have become endangered since their habitats have been destroyed due to human activities such as building developments along coastlines; however, conservation efforts are being taken to ensure their survival for future generations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. gularis |
18. Shrike
Shrikes are small passerine birds of the family Laniidae, with 34 species in four genera. They get their name from the Old English word “scrīc,” which refers to their shriek-like call.
These birds have earned the nickname ‘butcherbirds’ due to their feeding habits; they impale prey on thorns or barbed wire fences for later consumption.
Shrikes also tend to be aggressive predators and hunt many animals, such as insects, small reptiles, rodents, and even other smaller bird species.
In terms of physical appearance, these songbirds can vary greatly depending on the specific genus but usually boast a large hooked bill atop an impressive crest and bright colors like gray, black, or brownish hues across their feathers.
It’s clear that the Shrike is quite a remarkable creature that has gained notoriety for both hunting prowess and distinctive vocalizations.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Corvoidea |
| Family | Laniidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
19. White-Faced Storm Petrel
The White-faced Storm Petrel is a remarkable Austral storm petrel family seabird. It has a length of 19 to 21 centimeters and a wingspan that ranges from 41 to 44 cm.
Its body is pale brown or grey, with blackish primaries in its wings and tail feathers.
The most distinctive feature is its white face, which gives it an unmistakable appearance among other bird species.
These small, pelagic birds breed mainly on islands off New Zealand and Australia as well as Chile, Argentina, South Georgia, and Tristan da Cunha Islands during the summer season when they build their nests under rocks or burrows for laying eggs.
They feed by swimming underwater with their feet while searching for food like squid or fish near the water’s surface.
In winter, these birds migrate southwards, where they spend time away from breeding grounds in order to survive cold weather conditions at higher latitudes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Oceanitidae |
| Genus | Pelagodroma Reichenbach, 1853[2] |
| Species | P. marina |
20. Bulwer’s Petrel
Bulwer’s petrel is a small seabird in the Procellariidae family, which can be found across tropical and subtropical regions of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans.
It was named after English naturalist James Bulwer, who described it in 1828, along with Jardine and Selby.
The bird has dark greyish plumage on its back, while the underside is typically white or pale grey.
Its wings are short but broad, making them ideal for soaring high above large bodies of water looking for food such as squid, fish, crustaceans, and insects.
They use their long pointed bill to catch prey from both surface-skimming dives or underwater plunges up to 15 meters deep.
These birds nest in burrows dug into soil cliffs, laying just one egg each year, which takes about 55 days to hatch.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Bulweria |
| Species | B. bulwerii |
21. Black-Crowned Sparrow-Lark
The black-crowned sparrow lark is a species of lark found in northern Africa, the Middle East, and northwestern India. It resides in dry savanna habitats where it can be seen foraging for food on the ground.
The bird has an impressive white crest with distinctive black crown feathers that are only visible when viewed from above or behind.
Its brown upper parts mingle with its whitish underparts to provide excellent camouflage against predators, while its long legs allow it to run quickly across open fields if necessary.
Overall, this interesting little bird provides a fascinating sight as it hops around looking for food and flying through the air with grace and agility.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Alaudidae |
| Genus | Eremopterix |
| Species | E. nigriceps |
22. Accipitridae
Accipitridae birds are a diverse family of raptors ranging in size from small to large. They have powerful hooked beaks, which they use for hunting and tearing apart their prey, such as insects, medium-sized mammals, and carrion.
Some species even feed on fruit. These birds can be found worldwide, making them an incredibly successful group of predators.
Accipitridae are adaptable hunters with keen eyesight that helps them spot potential meals from far away distances.
Their sharp talons assist them in grasping onto their victims while feeding or defending themselves against enemies.
Not only do these avian creatures provide us with visual beauty, but they also help keep our ecosystems healthy by keeping pest populations under control.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae Vieillot, 1816 |
23. Hoopoes
Hoopoes are a fascinating species of bird found across Africa, Asia, and Europe. They have beautiful plumage with unique ‘crowns’ of feathers on their heads.
Three living and one extinct species exist – although, for some time, they were all classed as the same species: Upupa epops. Some taxonomists still believe this to be true.
These birds are often associated with royalty due to the impressive crown-like crest atop their head, adding an extra element of mystery and exoticism to these creatures.
Hoopoes can also produce loud calls that sound like “hoo-poo,” which is why they’ve been given such an apt name.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Upupidae Leach, 1820 |
| Genus | Upupa Linnaeus, 1758 |
24. Old World Flycatchers
The Old World Flycatcher is a family of small passerine birds native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. They are mainly insectivorous arboreal birds that feed on insects they catch in the air or trees.
Their wingspan ranges from 5-11 inches long, with males usually being slightly larger than females.
The coloration of these birds can vary greatly depending on the species, but they typically have dull greyish brown upperparts and pale undersides, which help them blend into their environment for hunting purposes.
Bluethroat (Luscinia svecica) and Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe) are two exceptions, as they can be found in North America, too.
These charming little creatures make fun additions to birdwatching lists worldwide because of their vibrant colors and interesting behaviors.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Muscicapoidea |
| Family | Muscicapidae Fleming J., 1822 |
25. Sylviid Warblers
The Sylviid warblers are a family of passerine birds found in Eurasia and Africa. They include the typical warblers and babblers 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 in seeds, fruits, nectar, or even frogs.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Sylvioidea |
| Family | Sylviidae Leach, 1820 |
26. Threskiornithidae
Threskiornithidae is a family of large wading birds which includes 36 species. These birds are traditionally divided into two subfamilies – the ibises and the spoonbills.
However, recent genetic analysis has shown that spoonbills actually belong to the Old World ibis group, while New World ibises form an early offshoot from this lineage.
Threskiornithidse members have long curved beaks with serrated edges used for catching fish in shallow water or mudflats and other aquatic invertebrates like crustaceans and mollusks.
They also feed on plant matter, such as grains and seeds found close to wetlands areas where they live.
This diverse diet makes them important scavengers in their ecosystems, helping maintain healthy native wildlife populations by controlling insect numbers and dispersing energy-rich seeds throughout wetland habitats.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Suborder | Ardei |
| Family | Threskiornithidae Richmond, 1917 |
27. Skuas
Skuas are a group of predatory seabirds with seven species belonging to the genus Stercorarius.
They are also known as “Jaegers” in North America, and their name originates from the Faroese word for Great Skua – skúgvur.
These birds typically inhabit coastal areas or open oceans where they feed on fish, krill, and other marine creatures.
Skuas can be distinguished by their pointed wings, which help them fly long distances while hunting food.
Their distinctive coloration varies depending on age and habitat but generally includes greyish brown upperparts and white underparts with black streaks along their belly area.
The overall size ranges from 24-40 cm, making this one of the larger seabird species.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Stercorariidae Gray, 1871 |
| Genus | Stercorarius Brisson, 1760 |
28. Phasianidae
The Phasianidae family of birds is one that contains many popular gamebirds, with a total of 185 species divided across 54 genera.
These heavy ground-living birds include pheasants, partridges, junglefowl, chickens, and turkeys, among others like Old World quail and peafowl.
This large family was formerly split into two subfamilies known as the Phasianinae and Perdicinae, but this classification has since been changed to reflect more current scientific findings on them.
All these different types of birds have certain things in common, such as their strong legs for scratching through leaves or soil looking for food items, including insects, seeds, and other vegetation, which makes up most of their diet.
They also all tend to be quite colorful in order to attract mates during the breeding season, when males will often display vibrant feathers or do dances around females in an attempt at courtship ritual displays.
The majority are monogamous creatures, too, although some may form short-term pair bonds before going off alone again once mating has taken place – either way.
Adults tend to give very little parental care after eggs have hatched, so chicks need to fend for themselves immediately.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Superfamily | Phasianoidea |
| Family | Phasianidae Horsfield, 1821 |
29. Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds consisting of around 70 species. They are found across Europe, Africa, Asia, and even Alaska, with two migratory breeding species.
The three genera they belong to include wagtails, which typically have medium to long tails; long claws that can only be spotted in the Afrotropics; and pipits, which possess the most cosmopolitan distribution worldwide.
These birds feed on insects as well as seeds for their diets and are usually seen in open habitats such as grasslands or wetlands where food sources like invertebrates can easily be accessed.
Most Motacillidae species also use mud nests during breeding season, making them easy targets for predators, so it’s important we protect these beautiful creatures.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Passeroidea |
| Family | Motacillidae Horsfield, 1821 |
30. Rollers
Rollers are birds that belong to the Coraciidae family. They are known for their aerial acrobatics displayed during courtship or territorial flights, earning them their name.
Rollers share similarities with crows in terms of size and shape, but they have a more vibrant appearance like kingfishers and bee-eaters — blues and pinkish or cinnamon browns being the most common colors.
These birds also have an interesting feature: two inner front toes connected while the outer ones remain separated.
Their impressive flying skills make rollers one of nature’s beauties, captivating us all with their colorful feathers and graceful moves.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
31. Plovers
Plovers comprise around 64-68 species of ground-dwelling birds, commonly found in open country fields, meadows, and tundras.
They have short bills with webbed feet to help them forage through mud or shallow water.
Plover plumage is usually mottled brown, though some species may have brighter colors on the head and wings.
These birds feed mainly on insects but can also eat small crustaceans and worms.
Plovers breed during springtime when they dig holes in sandy or pebbled beaches to lay their eggs, which hatch after about three weeks incubation period.
They use distraction display behavior by pretending an injury to the predators away from their nests if needed to protect their young ones.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae Leach, 1820 |
32. 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 also inhabit parts of Europe and Asia.
Coursers are larger than pratincoles and have 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 them 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 |
33. 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.
It migrates southward to sub-Saharan Africa with milder conditions during its wintering season.
This small bird has streaked brown plumage on the upper and white underparts, making it difficult for predators to spot among the foliage.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, including aphids, caterpillar 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 repeated phrases as part of their courtship display during the breeding season to attract females for mating purposes.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Acrocephalidae |
| Genus | Acrocephalus |
| Species | A. scirpaceus |
34. Old World Orioles
Old World orioles are a family of passerine birds found in the Old World. It comprises four genera: piopios, figbirds, pitohuis, and the original genus Oriolus.
The African black-headed species have sometimes been removed from this latter group due to their distinct characteristics and other proposed splits for Oriolus.
These colorful birds can be identified by their bright yellow or orange plumage that often features darker markings on wings and head areas, although some species may also display a blue hue or stripes across the body feathers.
They typically feed on insects such as caterpillars and grasshoppers but will supplement with small fruits when available, making them beneficial additions to gardens.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Orioloidea |
| Family | Oriolidae Vigors, 1825 |
35. Austral Storm Petrels
Austral Storm Petrels are the smallest of seabirds, belonging to the family Oceanitidae and order Procellariiformes.
They have a cosmopolitan distribution across all oceans, with their flight being fluttering and sometimes bat-like in appearance.
These birds feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish that they pick from the surface while hovering over it.
Their plumage is mostly dark grey or blackish brown above; underparts may be white or mottled gray.
The feet vary between species but usually have pale yellow webs and claws, which help them move easily through water when searching for food.
Austral storm petrels often make nests on remote islands where these birds can breed safely during their nesting season without human disturbances.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Oceanitidae Forbes, 1881 |
36. Falcons And Caracaras
Falcons and caracaras are birds of prey that belong to the family Falconidae. They have impressive sharp talons, hooked beaks, and keen eyesight, which makes them excellent hunters.
Falcons can reach speeds up to 200 mph when diving for their prey, while caracaras use a combination of running and flying to hunt small mammals such as rabbits or rats.
Both falcons and caracaras live in various areas worldwide, from grasslands, deserts, forests, wetlands, or even urban areas, where they nest on cliffs or tall buildings.
The diet mainly consists of insects and includes larger animals like reptiles or other birds, which they catch by surprise with fast dives out of the sky.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae Leach, 1820 |
37. 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 and other insects like flies or wasps and small mammals such as lizards or rodents.
Bee-eaters live in colonies near rivers or wetlands, so they may easily hunt for food while staying close together for safety.
Additionally, it allows them to display their impressive courtship dances during mating season.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae Rafinesque, 1815 |
38. Psittaculidae
Psittaculidae is a family of Old World parrots that consists of five subfamilies. It includes 192 species divided into 53 genera and has been accepted by the Clements Checklist of Birds and the IOC World Bird List.
These birds are known for their bright colors, strong beaks, and powerful vocalizations. They can also mimic human sounds, including words when taught properly with patience and consistency.
They live in warm climate regions such as Africa, Asia Pacific Islands, Australia, and Oceania, where they enjoy plentiful food sources like fruits, nuts, and seeds in abundance.
Psittaculids are typically found living in groups or pairs instead of alone because they enjoy socializing with others from within their own kind.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Superfamily | Psittacoidea |
| Family | Psittaculidae Vigors, 1825 |
39. Spanish Sparrow
The Spanish sparrow or willow sparrow (Passer hispaniolensis) is a beautiful member of the passerine bird family Passeridae, found mainly in the Mediterranean region and southwest and central Asia.
Its striking coloration – having chestnut brown upperparts with black streaks on its back and wings, white underparts with greyish sides, and a distinctive black line running down either side of its head – can easily be distinguished from other species.
It shares many physical characteristics with the closely related house sparrow but has some subtle differences, such as being slightly smaller in size.
In addition to being an attractive species, they are also very sociable birds, often nesting together in colonies, making them easy to observe by birdwatchers alike.
Unfortunately, hybridization between these two species complicates their taxonomy, which needs further research for clarification.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Passeridae |
| Genus | Passer |
| Species | P. hispaniolensis |
40. Red-Footed Booby
The Red-footed Booby is a large seabird of the Sulidae family, easily distinguished by its bright red feet. These birds are strong and agile fliers but can be clumsy in takeoffs and landings.
They live mostly in tropical areas and breed colonially on coastal islands worldwide.
The species faces few threats from either nature or humans, however their population has decreased slightly due to disturbances near breeding sites.
Despite this mild decline, they remain an incredibly common sight across many parts of the tropics – so much so that they have become symbolic of island life.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae |
| Genus | Sula |
| Species | S. sula |
41. Amur Falcon
The Amur falcon is a beautiful bird of the falcon family, native to Siberia and parts of Northern China. Its plumage features dark sooty grey on its upperparts, with rufous thighs and vent.
In flight, it stands out with white wing linings contrasting against its dark wing feathers.
Each year, it migrates in large flocks across India before flying over the Arabian Sea towards East Africa for wintering purposes.
It has been observed that these birds can fly up to 1000 miles per day during their long-distance migration.
This species has adapted well to human presence as they often use manmade structures such as transmission towers for roosting or nesting sites near villages like paddy fields with abundant food sources like dragonflies and grasshoppers.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. amurensis |
42. Western Olivaceous Warbler
The Western Olivaceous Warbler is a member of the Acrocephalidae family and falls into the genus Iduna. It has also been called an Isabelline Warbler. This species can be found in parts of Western Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia.
Its plumage varies depending on its location but generally features olive-green upper parts with yellowish underparts and some white markings on its wings or tail feathers.
It forages for food like insects among shrubs, trees, or other vegetation.
The song it sings consists of short single notes repeated rapidly at intervals throughout the day during the breeding season from April to August.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Acrocephalidae |
| Genus | Iduna |
| Species | I. opaca |
43. Great Shearwater
The Great Shearwater is a large seabird from the Procellariidae family. It breeds in colonies on rocky islands located in the South Atlantic, and during non-breeding season it can be found across most of the Atlantic Ocean.
It was first described by Irish naturalist Bernard O’Reilly in 1818 under its scientific name ‘Procellaria gravis’
This bird has pale grey upper wings with a white underside that may sometimes show brownish markings around its neck area.
Its diet consists mainly of fish but also small squid, crustaceans, and mollusks, which they catch by surface plunging or pursuit diving while flying low over water surfaces.
The great shearwater is threatened to some extent due to human activities like fishing using gill nets, destruction of habitat for development projects, as well as plastic debris ingested through feeding, which affects their health adversely, leading to mortality rates at an alarming rate, making them vulnerable species.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Procellariidae |
| Genus | Ardenna |
| Species | A. gravis |
44. Lesser Yellowlegs
The Lesser Yellowlegs is a medium-sized shorebird found in the boreal forest region of North America.
It was described by German naturalist Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 and placed into the genus Scolopax.
This species has buff upperparts, white underparts, yellow legs and feet, olive green wings with white edges on its secondaries and tertials, and a thin black bill that curves downward towards its tip.
The male lesser yellowlegs are slightly larger than females and can be distinguished from other waders due to their unique call; they will often make loud “chew” or “churr” noises when alarmed during the breeding season.
They typically feed on small aquatic insects such as beetles, flies, moths, etc., but may also eat crustaceans such as shrimp or water snails if available.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. flavipes |
45. Red-Throated Pipit
The Red-throated Pipit is a small passerine bird native to the far north of Europe and the Palearctic, with an established population in northern Alaska.
During winter, it migrates long distances, traveling as far south as Africa, South and East Asia, and even the West Coast United States – some have been reported as vagrants across Western Europe, too.
Its scientific name comes from Latin, Anthus, which is derived from ‘small bird’. With its distinctive red throat patch sitting atop grey upperparts feathers that extend down into white underbelly plumage, this species can be seen darting through fields or perched on fence posts searching for insects to eat.
Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Anthus |
| Species | A. cervinus |
Conclusion
The 45 bird species of Cape Verde represent a remarkable tapestry of avian diversity in this unique island archipelago.
From the charismatic Iago Sparrow to the elusive Cape Verde Shearwater, these feathered inhabitants play vital roles in the fragile ecosystems of these islands.
Our exploration of these avian wonders has revealed their striking beauty and the importance of their conservation.
As many face threats from habitat loss and changing climates, safeguarding these species becomes an urgent mission.
Understanding their behaviors, habitats, and interactions within this delicate environment is crucial to ensuring their survival.
It is our responsibility to cherish and protect these 45 Cape Verdean birds, preserving their place in the natural heritage of these extraordinary islands for generations to come.
