Welcome to Casablanca! Home to a wide variety of birds, Casablanca is an ornithologist’s dream come true. From the unique and colorful African hoopoe to the majestic and powerful white stork, Casablanca is a place where you can see birds of all shapes, sizes, and colors.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned birder, there’s something for everyone in Casablanca. From the wide-open wetlands to the urban rainforests, there are many places to explore the amazing birds that call Casablanca home.
So grab your binoculars and come explore the wonderful birds of Casablanca.
1. Black-headed Gull
The black-headed gull is a small species of gull that is found in a wide range of locations throughout the Palearctic region. This region includes countries in Europe and eastern Canada.
The majority of these birds migrate south during the winter, but some remain in the milder areas of Western Europe. This species of gull is known for its black head, which is a distinguishing feature that sets it apart from other types of gulls.
The black-headed gull has adapted to living in a variety of habitats, including coasts, estuaries, and inland wetlands. The birds feed on a variety of small fish, crustaceans, and insects, and they also sometimes scavenge for food.
They breed in colonies, and their nests are typically built above the ground in trees or bushes. The black-headed gull is an important part of the ecosystem, and they are an important food source for other birds and animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
2. Larus Michahellis
The yellow-legged gull is a species of gull that can be found across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. It is a relatively large gull and has only recently been recognized as its own distinct species.
Before this recognition, the yellow-legged gull was classified as a subspecies of the Caspian gull (Larus cachinnans) or as a subspecies of the herring gull (Larus argentatus).
This is an example of how species can go unrecognized for long periods of time, and how recent advances in technology and methodology can lead to new discoveries about the natural world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. michahellis |
3. Mallard
The mallard, also known as a wild duck, is a species of duck that can be found across a wide range of climates and habitats.
It is native to the temperate and subtropical areas of the Americas, Eurasia, and North Africa, but has since been introduced to other regions, including New Zealand, Australia, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa. Mallards are a type of dabbling duck, meaning they feed in shallow water by tipping their bodies forward and scooping up food with their bills.
They usually live in wetlands, such as marshes, ponds, and lakes, but can also be found in grasslands, farmlands, and even urban areas. Mallards are known for their vibrant green head and unique brown and black plumage.
They are one of the most recognizable species of duck in the world and are popular among birdwatchers and hunters alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. platyrhynchos |
4. Great Bustard
The great bustard is a large bird, belonging to the bustard family, and is the only living member of the genus Otis. It is found throughout the Northern Hemisphere, from Morocco in the west to East Asia in the east.
This species inhabits open grasslands and farmland, usually preferring flat areas with few trees. The great bustard is a gregarious bird, nesting in small colonies and foraging for food in large flocks. Its diet includes a variety of plant matter, as well as small invertebrates.
During the breeding season, the male great bustard performs an elaborate courtship display, in which it inflates its neck, raises its wings, and emits a loud call.
Its population has declined in many areas due to habitat loss and hunting, and it is now listed as an endangered species in some parts of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Otis |
| Species | O. tarda |
5. Grey Plover
The grey plover is a species of plover found in many different parts of the world and is also known as the black-bellied plover in North America. It breeds in arctic regions and is a long-distance migrant, meaning it can travel large distances when not in its breeding grounds.
Its range is nearly worldwide when not breeding, meaning it can be found in many different coastal areas throughout the year. The grey plover is known for its distinctive black belly and grey upper plumage.
It is a fairly large bird, measuring about 25-30 cm in length and weighing up to 120g. Its wingspan is generally around 50 cm. The grey plover is also quite vocal, producing a variety of sounds including whistles and chirps.
The grey plover is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of insects, crustaceans, molluscs, worms, and small fish. It also scavenges for food and is known to follow other birds such as terns and oystercatchers in order to feed on their cast-offs.
It is also known to feed on eggs and chicks of other birds. The grey plover is a migratory bird, traveling long distances in order to reach its breeding grounds.
It breeds during the summer months in the high Arctic and then migrates south in the winter to coastal areas as far as South America and Australia. During its migration, the grey plover is known to stop in various staging areas along its route in order to rest and feed.
The grey plover faces various threats, including habitat destruction, pollution, and predation by other animals. In some areas, it is also hunted for food. Despite this, its population is still considered to be relatively stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
6. Black-crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron is a medium-sized heron that can be found in many parts of the world. It is commonly referred to as the black-capped night heron in Eurasia and simply night heron in other parts of the world.
The bird is distributed throughout Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, making it a truly global species. It is classified as a medium-sized heron and can grow up to 47 inches in length and weigh up to 1.5 lbs.
Its most distinctive feature is its black crown, which is made up of long, black, tufted feathers. The rest of its plumage is mostly grayish-brown with white undersides.
Its long yellow legs are used for wading in the water while hunting for its favorite prey, which includes fish, insects, and amphibians. The night heron is a solitary bird that prefers to stay near water bodies such as rivers, lakes, and swamps.
It builds large nests close to the ground in dense vegetation and uses them to breed and raise its chicks. The black-crowned night heron is an important species in many ecosystems and is an indicator of their health.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
7. Red-necked Nightjar
The red-necked nightjar is a species of nightjar which is found in Europe. It is the largest of the nightjar species that occur in Europe.
This species is known to breed in Iberia and North Africa during the summer months, and then migrate to tropical West Africa during the winter months. The red-necked nightjar is a medium-sized bird with a wingspan of 36 to 44 cm and a body length of 18 to 25 cm.
It has a pale rufous-brown upperparts and a grey-brown head with a white supercilium. Its underparts are heavily mottled with white, black, and grey.
The primary and secondary feathers of the wings and tail are dark brown, while the tertials and greater coverts are lighter brown. It is known to fly low over open areas in search of its insect prey.
During the breeding season, it is known to make a distinctive “churr” call as it performs its aerial hunting displays.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. ruficollis |
8. Common Pochard
The common pochard is a medium-sized diving duck found in temperate and subarctic regions of Europe, Asia, and North America.
Its scientific name, Aythya ferina, is derived from two sources: the Greek word aithuia, which was used by classical authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle to refer to an unidentified seabird, and the Latin ferina, which means “wild game” derived from the word ferus meaning “wild”.
The common pochard is an omnivorous species, and its diet consists of a variety of plant and animal matter, including aquatic insects, aquatic plants, mollusks, crustaceans, small fish, and seeds.
It is a highly adaptable species and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, lakes, rivers, and shallow coastal areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. ferina |
9. Tufted Duck
The Tufted Duck or Tufted Pochard is a small, diving duck species with a population of close to one million birds found in northern Eurasia. Its scientific name is derived from two sources: Ancient Greek and Latin.
The Greek source is aithuia, which is an unidentified seabird mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle. The Latin source is fuligo and gula, which translates to “soot” and “throat”, respectively.
The Tufted Duck is characterized by their black head and a white patch of feathers on their neck, giving them a unique look. Additionally, their bill is usually blue-grey with a white tip, and they have a white line on the back of their neck.
The Tufted Duck is mainly found in shallow lakes, pools, and marshes, where they feed on aquatic plants and invertebrates. They are also known to migrate in the winter to areas with warmer climates.
The Tufted Duck is an important species in the ecosystem as it provides food for predators, as well as being prey for various bird species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
10. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a species of diving duck that is found in the Eurosiberian region.
Its scientific name is derived from two sources: Aithuia, which is a seabird mentioned in various ancient Greek texts such as Hesychius and Aristotle, and Nyrok, which is the Russian name for a duck.
This species is also known by several other common names such as the ferruginous pochard, common white-eye, and the white-eyed pochard. It is a medium-sized duck, with males typically measuring between 43 and 46 cm in length and weighing between 500 and 800 g.
The ferruginous duck is a social species, and it can often be seen in large flocks on water bodies, particularly during the winter season. They feed mainly on aquatic vegetation, insects, and other small aquatic creatures.
They breed in the summer months, and the female ferruginous duck lays up to 8 eggs at a time. The eggs are incubated for approximately 28 days before hatching. The ducklings are capable of swimming as soon as they hatch.
The ferruginous duck is an important species, as it plays an important role in the local ecosystem. It is also an important game bird, as it is hunted for its meat and feathers.
Despite this, the species is still threatened by loss of habitat, pollution, and other human activities. Conservation efforts are being undertaken to ensure the continued survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
11. Gadwall
The gadwall is a type of duck found in the family Anatidae, also known as the duck, goose, and swan family. It is a dabbling duck, which means that it feeds by tipping its head underwater and upending its body in order to filter food from the water.
It is commonly found in wetlands, lakes, ponds, and marshes across the world, but it is most widespread in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a medium-sized duck, characterized by its mottled gray and black plumage and its white rump.
The male gadwall has a black head, white cheeks, and a grey body, while the female has a brown head and body. The gadwall is an omnivore, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. It is a social species, often gathering in large flocks at feeding and roosting sites.
It is also a migratory species, traveling between wintering and breeding grounds. The gadwall is currently listed as a species of least concern on the IUCN Red List, meaning that although its population is decreasing, it is not considered to be at risk of extinction.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. strepera |
12. Red-crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a species of large diving duck native to Eurasia. It is one of the most widely distributed species of duck in the world, found in both temperate and tropical regions.
The species is named for its distinctive red crest, which is found on both the male and females. The scientific name of the species is derived from two words, Netta, a Greek word meaning “duck”, and Rufina, a Latin word meaning “golden-red”.
This is an appropriate name for the species, as the crest is a deep, golden-red color, and the rest of the body is usually shades of gray. The red-crested pochard is an expert swimmer and can be found in both still and fast-flowing bodies of water.
It feeds on aquatic vegetation and small fish and is also an adept hunter of waterfowl. The red-crested pochard is a common sight on fresh and saltwater lakes and rivers and is a popular bird to observe for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
13. Egyptian Vulture
The Egyptian vulture is a small Old World vulture and is the only known member of the genus Neophron. It is found in many areas around the world, from the Iberian Peninsula in Europe to North Africa and India.
It is distinguishable by its white plumage and is sometimes referred to as the white scavenger vulture or pharaoh’s chicken. The Egyptian vulture is a scavenger bird, meaning it feeds on carrion or dead animals.
It is an opportunistic feeder, which means it will also feed on a variety of other food sources, including eggs, nesting birds, and small mammals.
It has a varied diet which also includes fruits, vegetables, and insects. The Egyptian vulture is a social bird and often lives in colonies or groups. It usually nests in tall trees, cliffs, and buildings.
It is a monogamous species, meaning that pairs form lifelong bonds, and usually return to the same nesting site each year. The Egyptian vulture is an important species in its ecosystem.
It helps to regulate the population of other animals by eating the carcasses of dead animals and helps to spread seeds by regurgitating fruit stones.
It is also a vital part of the food chain, as other animals consume its eggs, chicks, and adults. Despite its importance to the environment, the Egyptian vulture is listed as a vulnerable species. This is due to habitat destruction, poisoning, and illegal hunting.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Neophron |
| Species | N. percnopterus |
14. Magnificent Frigatebird
The magnificent frigatebird is a species of seabird belonging to the Fregatidae family. It is the largest species of the frigatebird family, with a length of 89-114 centimeters and a wingspan of 2.17-2.44 meters.
These birds are highly visible and easily recognizable due to their large size. They have long, narrow wings and a deeply forked tail. They also have a long hooked bill and a bright red gular pouch.
The males are glossy black, with a white patch on their chest and wings, while the females are brownish-black, with white bands on their wings. The magnificent frigatebird’s impressive wingspan allows them to soar for long periods of time without flapping their wings.
This enables them to cover large distances and fly at high altitudes. They feed mainly on fish, but they will also take scavenge for food from other seabirds and even steal food from other birds.
They are highly territorial and will defend their breeding territories aggressively. The magnificent frigatebird is a threatened species, with populations decreasing due to habitat destruction, overfishing, and climate change.
They breed mainly on tropical offshore islands, such as the Galapagos. They nest in colonies and lay one egg per breeding season.
The chicks take up to five months to fledge. The magnificent frigatebird is a magnificent species of seabird, with its impressive size and wing span, its distinct coloring, and its impressive flight capabilities.
Despite their population decreasing, they are still a sight to behold and are an important species to protect and conserve.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Fregatidae |
| Genus | Fregata |
| Species | F. magnificens |
15. Great Black-backed Gull
The great black-backed gull is an impressive species of bird. It is the largest member of the gull family and is known for its aggressive hunting and scavenging habits.
It is so renowned for its predatory nature that the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has aptly nicknamed it the “king of the Atlantic waterfront”.
This title speaks to its impressive size as well as its tendency to take what it wants without remorse. The great black-backed gull is an opportunistic hunter and scavenger.
It will feed on a variety of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and invertebrates, as well as the eggs and chicks of other seabirds. When it is searching for food, it is not above stealing from other birds or even stealing food from humans.
It is also known to harass other birds in order to steal their food. The great black-backed gull is an impressive and powerful bird. Its large size and aggressive nature make it a formidable predator.
It is a sight to behold for anyone lucky enough to spot it along the Atlantic coastline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Larus |
| Species | L. marinus |
16. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is a large species of bird that is the most widespread of its family.
Native to the Old World, it can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and parts of Southern Europe.
This species of flamingo is quite adaptable to its environment, as it can survive in a wide range of temperatures and climates, from deserts to wetlands.
Additionally, it is capable of long-distance migrations, often traveling hundreds of miles between its breeding and wintering grounds. Its diet consists of plankton, mollusks, and crustaceans, which it filters from the water using its specialized beak.
The greater flamingo is an iconic species with its long, graceful neck and bright pink feathers. It is a social bird, and can often be seen in large flocks in its native habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
17. American Golden Plover
The American golden plover is a medium-sized shorebird belonging to the genus Pluvia. The name Pluvia is derived from Latin and means relating to rain. It was believed by ancient people that the golden plover would flock when rain was about to come.
The species name Dominica is in reference to Santo Domingo, an island in the Caribbean that is now known as Hispaniola. This species of shorebird is found in various parts of North America and is considered to be a migratory species.
During the summer months, the American golden plover can be found breeding in the tundra regions, and during the winter months, they migrate to warmer climates in the south. They can be seen foraging in meadows, fields, and wetlands, and will also spend time near the coastlines.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. dominica |
18. Eurasian Wigeon
The Eurasian wigeon, also known as the European widgeon or simply the wigeon, is a species of dabbling duck that is found in the Palearctic region. It is one of three species of wigeon in the genus Mareca, and is one of the most common and widespread ducks in its range.
The Eurasian wigeon has a distinctive appearance, with a bright white and gray head and neck, a brown back, and a white belly with a smattering of brown spots. The male wigeon also has a bright chestnut-colored breast and a white stripe down the center of its wings.
Its diet consists of aquatic plants, aquatic insects, and mollusks, which it obtains by ‘dabbling’ in shallow water. This species is often seen in large flocks, which can number in the thousands.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Mareca |
| Species | M. penelope |
19. Marbled Duck
The marbled duck, also known as the marbled teal, is a species of duck that can be found throughout a range of habitats in southern Europe, northern Africa, and western and central Asia.
It is a medium-sized duck, which means it is bigger than a typical duck but not quite as large as some other species. Its scientific name, Marmaronetta angustirostris, is derived from the Greek language.
“Marmaros” is a Greek word meaning marbled, which refers to the duck’s distinctive mottled plumage, while “netta” means duck. The Latin portion of its scientific name, angustus, means “narrow” or “small,” and -rostris refers to its bill.
This species of duck is easily identifiable by its marbled feathers, small bill, and overall size.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Marmaronetta |
| Species | M. angustirostris |
20. White-headed Duck
The white-headed duck is a species of small diving duck that can be found throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. It is approximately 45 cm long, with the male having a white head with a black crown, a blue bill, and reddish-grey plumage.
The female of the species has a dark bill and a duller coloring for its feathers. The white-headed duck’s primary breeding habitat is in lakes with plenty of open water and dense vegetation along the edges.
This type of environment provides the duck with cover and shelter for nesting, as well as an abundance of food sources in the form of aquatic insects, small fish, and plants. The vegetation also serves to protect the duck from potential predators.
The white-headed duck is considered a vulnerable species due to its decreasing population numbers, largely caused by habitat destruction and hunting.
It has been classified as a “threatened species” in some parts of its range and is included in the list of birds protected under the European Union’s Habitats Directive. Conservation efforts are currently underway to help protect this species and increase its population size.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Oxyura |
| Species | O. leucocephala |
21. Garganey
The garganey is a species of duck that is widely found throughout Europe and the Palearctic region. It is a migratory bird, which means that it travels to different parts of the world during different seasons.
During the winter of the Northern Hemisphere, the entire population of garganeys migrate south to Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Australasia. Here, they can be found in large flocks. The garganey is a small dabbling duck, meaning that it feeds mainly on surface vegetation.
It prefers shallow waters such as marshes, wet meadows, and shallow lakes. During the breeding season, the male can be identified by its white face and chestnut head. The female is grey-brown in color, with a white stripe across its face.
The garganey is an important species for wetlands, as it helps to spread seeds and disperse nutrients through its droppings. It is also an important species for hunters, as it is widely hunted throughout its range.
Unfortunately, the population of garganeys has been declining due to the loss and degradation of wetland habitats. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
22. Ruddy Shelduck
The ruddy shelduck, which is also known as the Brahminy duck in India, is a member of the Anatidae family. It is an easily recognizable waterfowl, with a length of 58 to 70 cm and a wingspan of 110 to 135 cm.
Its feathers are a reddish-brown color, which is what gives it its name. It has a long and slender neck and a large bill that curves downwards. Its legs are short, and its tail is short and broad. Its feet are webbed, which helps it to swim and dive in water.
The ruddy shelduck is found in wetlands, lakes, marshes, and ponds, as well as in grasslands and fields that are close to water. It is a social bird, often seen in pairs or small groups. It feeds mainly on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
The ruddy shelduck is a beautiful bird with its striking reddish-brown coloring and is a popular sight for bird watchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Tadorna |
| Species | T. ferruginea |
Conclusion
Birds in Casablanca are a diverse and fascinating group of creatures. Many of the species are endemic to the region, while others are migratory, contributing to the rich biodiversity of the area.
Bird watching is a popular activity in Casablanca, and it can be a great way to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
Local bird enthusiasts contribute to the conservation of the species, helping to protect them from the threats of habitat destruction and other human-caused disturbances. The birds of Casablanca are truly a unique and valuable part of the region’s natural heritage.