Birds are some of the most fascinating creatures in nature. In Dedza, a district in the Central Region of Malawi, there is an astonishing variety of birdlife. From the colorful and vocal weavers to the majestic crowned eagles, there is something for everyone.
Bird watching is a popular activity in Dedza, as the area is home to a diverse range of species, both resident and migratory. Visitors to the area can enjoy a variety of bird-watching experiences, from small woodland birds to large raptors and waterfowl.
Dedza is a great place to experience the beauty and diversity of nature, and its birds are an important part of this.
1. White-faced Whistling Duck
The white-faced whistling duck is a species of whistling duck that is mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa and South America. It is a social bird that enjoys being around other birds.
It is not unusual to see large flocks of these ducks numbering up to one thousand birds, especially at certain favored sites.
These flocks typically assemble at dawn, which can be a truly awe-inspiring sight to behold. The white-faced whistling duck is a unique species with a number of defining characteristics. The most prominent of these is its white face, which is a stark contrast to its dark body.
Additionally, the white-faced whistling duck is unique among its species for its impressive ability to make a loud whistling sound.
This sound is often used to communicate with other members of the species, whether it be a warning of danger or a call to assemble. The white-faced whistling duck is a species that enjoys living and breeding in wetland areas.
This species is able to find adequate sources of food in these areas, such as aquatic plants, insects, and small fish.
This species is also able to find shelter in the form of trees and other vegetation near wetlands. In conclusion, the white-faced whistling duck is a truly unique species that is often found in large flocks.
This species is able to make a loud whistling sound and can be found in wetland areas. The sight of a thousand of these ducks arriving at dawn is a truly amazing and awe-inspiring sight.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. viduata |
2. Cuckoos
Cuckoos are a family of birds belonging to the Cuculidae family, the only taxon in the order Cuculiformes. The cuckoo family includes many different species, such as the common or European cuckoo, roadrunners, koels, malkohas, couas, coucals, and anis.
The coucals and anis are sometimes designated as separate families, known as the Centropodidae and Crotophagidae, respectively. Cuckoos are found all over the world, and their habitats range from wetlands and forests to desert areas.
They are known for their distinctive calls, which vary between species. Cuckoos feed on a variety of invertebrates, as well as small mammals and birds.
They are also renowned for their ability to lay eggs in the nest of another bird, and it is this trait that has earned them the name of ‘brood parasites’.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
3. Fulvous Whistling Duck
The Fulvous Whistling Duck, also known as the Fulvous Tree Duck, is a globally distributed species of whistling duck. It breeds in many regions across the tropics, including Mexico and South America, the West Indies, the southern United States, and parts of Africa and India.
It is found in many different habitats, including wetlands, open woodlands, and agricultural areas. The Fulvous Whistling Duck is a medium-sized duck, with a long neck and a long, pointed bill. It has a brown head, neck, and breast, with a light buff-colored belly.
Its back and wings are mottled grayish-brown. The Fulvous Whistling Duck is a highly social species and often forms large flocks. Its call is a distinctive, high-pitched “whistling” sound, similar to that of a teal or pintail duck.
This species is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, seeds, grains, and insects. The Fulvous Whistling Duck is an important part of many of the world’s wetlands, and it is a valuable resource for local communities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Dendrocygna |
| Species | D. bicolor |
4. Senegal Coucal
The Senegal coucal is a species of bird belonging to the Cuculiformes order, which also includes other birds such as roadrunners, anis, and hoatzins.
It is a medium-sized bird and is typically found in lightly wooded habitats such as savannahs in regions of central and southern Africa.
This species is part of the same genus as other coucals but is found in a much more limited area. The Senegal coucal is a unique species of bird and has a few physical characteristics that distinguish it from other members of its genus.
It has a thick, heavily feathered body, and its wings are relatively short, giving it a more compact appearance. Its legs are long and strong, and it has a long, curved bill.
Its coloration is mostly brownish-black, with buff-colored feathers on the upper parts of its body. The Senegal coucal is an omnivorous bird and feeds on a variety of insects, fruits, and small animals.
They are usually found in pairs or small groups and are generally non-migratory. They are known to be territorial and can become quite vocal when defending their territory. In terms of conservation, the Senegal council is listed as a species of Least Concern by the IUCN.
While their population is decreasing, their range is still quite large, and their habitats are still relatively intact. However, they are threatened by habitat destruction, hunting, and trapping, and conservation efforts are necessary to ensure their survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. senegalensis |
5. African Palm Swift
The African palm swift is a bird species in the swift family which is found in most of sub-Saharan Africa. It is a small bird with brown-grey feathers and is very similar to the Asian palm swift, Cypsiurus balasiensis.
At one point, the two species were thought to be the same, but they have since been classified as separate species. Recently, a third species, the Malagasy palm swift, has been identified as separate from the African and Asian palm swifts.
This species is found in Madagascar and it has a distinct plumage and vocalization compared to the other two species. All three species are closely related and can be found in tropical forests and woodlands.
They feed mainly on insects caught in flight and breed in hollow trees, often nesting in the same tree as other swifts.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Apodiformes |
| Family | Apodidae |
| Genus | Cypsiurus |
| Species | C. parvus |
6. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove
The emerald-spotted wood dove is a species of bird that belongs to the family Columbidae, and which is found throughout eastern and southern Africa.
They are commonly seen in drier, deciduous woodlands and other areas of regrowth, but they do not inhabit evergreen rainforests or semi-desert regions. The emerald-spotted wood dove is an attractive species of bird, with distinctive emerald-colored spots on its wings and head.
It is usually found in flocks of up to twenty birds, and they are often seen perched on branches or foraging in open grassy areas.
As the birds are not adapted to living in wetter areas, they are absent from evergreen rainforests and semi-desert regions. The emerald-spotted wood dove feeds on seeds, grains, and small insects and is usually seen foraging during the morning and evening.
The bird builds its nests in loose colonies, often in the branches of trees, and the female will lay two or three eggs.
The chicks are fed by both parents, and they usually fledge within two weeks. The emerald-spotted wood dove is an interesting species of bird, adapted to living in drier, deciduous woodlands and other open habitats.
As they are not able to survive in evergreen rainforests or semi-desert regions, they are absent from these areas. This is important to note as it helps us understand the distribution of this bird species and helps us to protect its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Turtur |
| Species | T. chalcospilos |
7. Red-eyed Dove
The red-eyed dove is a species of bird found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a widely distributed bird and is a common sight in many parts of the continent.
The red-eyed dove has been classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as a species of “Least Concern” since 2004.
This means that the species is not considered to be threatened with extinction, and is considered to be relatively common and widespread.
The red-eyed dove is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring between 25 and 30 centimeters in length, with a wingspan of 40 to 45 centimeters. Its plumage is gray-brown overall, with darker markings on its wings and tail.
As its name suggests, the red-eyed dove has bright red eyes, and its beak is pinkish-orange in color. The red-eyed dove is usually found in small flocks and is typically seen foraging for food on the ground. It feeds on small insects, seeds, and fruits.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. semitorquata |
8. Ring-necked Dove
The ring-necked dove is a species of dove found in East and southern Africa. It has several different names, including the Cape turtle dove and half-collared dove, making it a widely recognized bird.
The ring-necked dove is mainly a sedentary species, meaning it does not migrate, but instead stays in its native area. This species inhabits a variety of open habitats, such as grasslands, agricultural fields, and woodlands.
Its diet consists of seeds and grains which it obtains from the ground. It can also be seen drinking water from puddles and other sources of water. The ring-necked dove is often abundant in its range and can form large flocks when foraging for food.
Its beautiful coloring and its melodious song make it a favorite amongst birdwatchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. capicola |
9. White-browed Coucal
The white-browed coucal, also known as the lark-heeled cuckoo, is a species of cuckoo in the family Cuculidae. It is native to sub-Saharan Africa, where it is found in thick vegetation and scrub, including in some coastal regions.
Burchell’s coucal is sometimes considered to be a subspecies of the white-browed coucal, though this is not universally accepted. The white-browed coucal is a medium-sized bird, typically measuring around 33 cm in length.
Its plumage is mainly brownish-black, with a white throat and white eyebrows, which give it its name. It has a long, broad tail and typically forages on the ground for food.
The white-browed coucal is usually solitary but may be seen in pairs or small groups during the breeding season. Its diet consists mainly of insects, although it may also take some small reptiles, amphibians, and other small animals.
It is an opportunistic feeder and will take advantage of food sources that become available. Its call is a loud, metallic ‘kook-kook-kook’, which is often heard during the day.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. superciliosus |
10. Crested Francolin
The crested francolin is a species of bird belonging to the family Phasianidae, which is native to southern Africa. It is a large, ground-dwelling bird, typically measuring up to 46 cm in length and a wingspan of 60-70 cm.
It is primarily brown in color, with a black head and neck, a white eyebrow-like crest, a white throat, and a black-barred white chest.
Its call is a loud, high-pitched whistle. The crested francolin has several subspecies, one of which is known as Ortygornis sephaena rovuma, or Kirk’s francolin.
It is distinguished by its darker plumage, a white breast instead of a black-barred one, and a different call than the crested francolin. While some experts consider it to be a separate species, others have argued that it is merely a subspecies of the original.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Ortygornis |
| Species | O. sephaena |
11. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is the most widespread and largest species of the flamingo family. Found across the Old World, they can be seen in a variety of climates and habitats.
These birds are found in large numbers in Northern and Sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East, the Levant, the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean countries of Southern Europe. These flamingos are found near both freshwater and saltwater bodies of water, such as lakes, lagoons, swamps, marshes, and estuaries.
They tend to congregate in flocks of thousands of individuals and feed on a variety of items such as shrimp, fish, mollusks, and algae. The greater flamingo stands out from other species of flamingos due to its size and color.
It stands between 3.9 and 4.7 feet tall and has a wingspan of around 5.9 feet.
Its feathers are generally white, but it has a distinctive bright pink or orange hue on the head, neck, and chest. The greater flamingo is an iconic species, and its presence is a sign of a healthy wetland ecosystem.
They often act as keystone species, playing a crucial role in the food web by consuming large amounts of small invertebrates and providing food for larger predators. In addition, their droppings help fertilize the wetlands, increasing the productivity of the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
12. Helmeted Guineafowl
The helmeted guineafowl is a species of bird that is part of the Numididae family and is the only member of the genus Numida.
It is native to the African continent, primarily south of the Sahara Desert, but has also been introduced to other parts of the world, such as the West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia, and Europe.
This introduction was intentional, as people have domesticated the helmeted guineafowl for a variety of reasons. The helmeted guineafowl is characterized by its distinctive helmet-like crest which gives it its name.
The bird is usually grey or black in color and is typically seen in small flocks. It feeds mainly on insects, small reptiles, and some plants.
In addition to being domesticated for its meat, the helmeted guineafowl has also been kept as pets or for its ornamental value. The helmeted guineafowl is a hardy species that is well-adapted to survive in a variety of habitats.
It is found in grasslands, shrublands, woodlands, and even on farmland.
It is also known to be a very vocal species, and its loud, raucous call is often heard in the African bush. Overall, the helmeted guineafowl is a species that is well-known and widespread across the African continent and beyond.
It is a popular species among birders and other wildlife enthusiasts, and its colorful appearance and unique call make it an iconic species in its natural range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
| Genus | Numida |
| Species | N. meleagris |
13. Pennant-winged Nightjar
Source: ebird.org
The pennant-winged nightjar is a species of bird that can be found in an area stretching from Nigeria to northern South Africa. It is a migratory species, meaning that it will travel between the two regions for breeding.
During the breeding season, the nightjar displays a striking form of sexual dimorphism, with the males and females looking significantly different from one another. Males have a distinct white and black pattern on their wings, while females are generally more brown in color.
This dimorphism is thought to be an adaptation for avoiding predation, as the two sexes can blend into their respective environments. In addition, the more colorful males are able to attract mates with their bright plumage.
The pennant-winged nightjar is an important species in the African ecosystem, and its unique habits make it an interesting species to study.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. vexillarius |
14. Double-banded Sandgrouse
The double-banded sandgrouse is a species of bird found in arid regions of southern Africa. It is a member of the family Pteroclidae, which consists of predominantly terrestrial birds.
This means that double-banded sandgrouse prefer to live and forage on the ground, rather than in trees or other elevated areas. The species is most commonly found in semi-arid, arid, and desert habitats, such as the Kalahari and Namib deserts.
They inhabit areas with sparse vegetation, where they can forage for food and build nests on the ground. The double-banded sandgrouse has evolved to survive in these harsh and unforgiving conditions, with an abundance of food sources.
They are able to feed on a wide variety of seeds, plants, and insects, and can travel long distances in search of food and water.
This species is also well adapted to the extreme temperatures of the desert, with feathers that insulate them from the heat during the day and keep them warm at night.
In order to survive in such a harsh environment, the double-banded sandgrouse has developed a number of unique adaptations that enable it to thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pterocliformes |
| Family | Pteroclidae |
| Genus | Pterocles |
| Species | P. bicinctus |
15. Black-winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a species of wading bird, found in many parts of the world. It belongs to the family of avocets and stilts and is classified by the scientific name of H. himantopus.
It is characterized by its very long legs, which gives it an advantage when wading through shallow water. As a result, it is widely distributed and can be found in many different habitats.
It has a cosmopolitan range, meaning it can be found in many different locations across the globe. It is a distinctive bird, with its black wings often being used to identify it from other species.
The black-winged stilt is an important part of the ecosystem, as it helps to maintain balance in the food chain by consuming small aquatic creatures. It also helps to prevent flooding and soil erosion, by its wading activities.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
16. Fiery-necked Nightjar
The fiery-necked nightjar is a species of nightjar found in the African continent south of the equator. It belongs to the family Caprimulgidae, which includes around 125 species of nightjars and is known for its distinctive call.
This call is often described as a “good-lord-deliver-us” sound, which is uttered frequently by the species. The fiery-necked nightjar has a distinct plumage, consisting of a gray-brown head and upper parts, with a pale breast and a bright reddish-orange nape and throat.
The species is also known for its yellow eyes and its dark tail. The fiery-necked nightjar is a nocturnal bird, usually found singly or in pairs in woodland, shrubland, and savannah habitats.
The species feeds on insects and other invertebrates, which it catches in flight, and is known to be active during the night. The call of the fiery-necked nightjar is a distinct sound, consisting of a single note that is repeated several times.
The sound is often described as a “good-lord-deliver-us” call, which is unique to this species.
This call is uttered frequently by the species and is used to attract mates and to establish territory. The fiery-necked nightjar is an important species in its native range, as it is a part of the food web and a beneficial predator.
The species is susceptible to habitat destruction, which can lead to a decrease in the population. Conservation efforts such as habitat protection are necessary to ensure the survival of the species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. pectoralis |
17. Garganey
The garganey is a species of small dabbling duck that is found across much of Europe and the Palearctic region. It is a migratory bird, meaning that it moves to different locations depending on the season.
During the winter of the Northern Hemisphere, the entire population of garganeys flies south to places such as southern Africa, India, Bangladesh, and Australasia. Once there, they form large flocks that can be observed in these regions.
During the summer months, the garganeys fly back to their breeding grounds in the Northern Hemisphere. This cycle is repeated every year, allowing the population of garganeys to remain strong and healthy.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Spatula |
| Species | S. querquedula |
18. Guineafowls
Guineafowl are a type of bird that belongs to the family Numididae and the order Galliformes. They are native to Africa and have been around for a very long time. Phylogenetically, they are related to other Galliformes, which include the Cracidae and the Odontophoridae.
Guineafowl are considered “core” Galliformes, meaning that they are more closely related to the other Galliformes than any other species. This makes them an important part of the evolutionary history of the Galliformes.
Guineafowl have been around for millions of years and have evolved into the species that we see today. They are an important part of the African avian fauna and are a vital link in the evolutionary chain of the Galliformes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
19. Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a species of seabird that is found across the Northern Hemisphere, Australia, and India. It is known by different names in different countries.
In New Zealand, it is called the black shag or kawau, while in the Northern Hemisphere, it is known as the great black cormorant. In Australia, it is called the black cormorant, and in India, it is known as the large cormorant.
This species of seabird is very widespread and can be found in a variety of habitats, from coastal areas to inland lakes and rivers. The great cormorant is a large seabird, with a wingspan of up to 1.8 m.
Its plumage is mostly black, with some white patches on the neck and underparts. It feeds mainly on fish, which it dives for, and it can dive up to depths of 10 m in search of prey.
It nests in colonies, often on cliffs or coastal islands, and the female lays up to four eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The great cormorant is an important species for many coastal communities, as it helps to control the population of fish.
It is also a popular bird for birdwatchers, who often seek out its spectacular displays of aerial acrobatics.
Despite its widespread distribution, the great cormorant is classified as a species of ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, due to its large population and wide range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. carbo |
20. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as dabchick, is a small water bird belonging to the family of grebes. Its scientific name, Tachybaptus ruficollis, is derived from Ancient Greek and Latin.
The genus name, Tachybaptus, is derived from the Greek words takhus meaning “fast” and bapto meaning “to sink under,” suggesting the bird’s swift diving abilities.
The specific name, ruficollis, is derived from Latin rufus meaning “red” and Modern Latin -collis, “-necked,” which comes from the Latin word collum meaning “neck.” The red-necked little grebe is thus easily identified by its reddish-brown neck.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
21. Speckled Mousebird
The speckled mousebird is a large species of mousebird that is found throughout much of Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa. These birds are quite common and can be seen in many different habitats, from open woodlands to savannas.
They are small, with a length of just about 9 inches, but they are capable of flying long distances. The speckled mousebird has a distinctive plumage, with its head and back being a light grey, and its wings and tail being a darker grey.
Its chest and belly are bright white, and its wings have a black line on the underside. It also has a black line around its eyes and a red patch on its throat. The speckled mousebird is an omnivore, feeding on a variety of fruits, seeds, insects, and even small vertebrates.
They are usually seen in small flocks, and they are quite social, often perching together and preening each other. They have a distinctive call and can be heard from a distance.
All in all, the speckled mousebird is a fascinating species and is a very common sight throughout Central, Eastern, and Southern Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coliiformes |
| Family | Coliidae |
| Genus | Colius |
| Species | C. striatus |
22. Freckled Nightjar
The Freckled Nightjar, also known as the Freckled Rock Nightjar, is a species of bird in the family of Caprimulgidae. It has a wide yet patchy distribution, which means that it can be found in many different places, but not in all of them.
This species of nightjar is mainly found in the Afrotropics, which is the tropical region of Africa. The Freckled Nightjar is a small bird, usually brown or gray in color, with spotted markings on its feathers. Its wings are long and pointed, and its tail is short and rounded.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, which it catches in flight. It is most active at night when it hunts for food. This species is also known for its loud, repetitive call, which can be heard during the night.
The Freckled Nightjar is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to control the population of certain insect species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. tristigma |
23. Lesser Jacana
The lesser jacana is a unique species of bird found in the Jacanidae family. It is the only species in the genus Microparra, which means that it does not belong to any other species within this genus.
This species is found mainly in South and Southeast Asia, inhabiting wetlands and shallow lakes. These birds have a distinctive appearance, with bright yellow legs and a black crest.
They are also characterized by a large yellow wing patch, while their bodies are black and white. The lesser jacana has a very strong beak that is used for foraging in shallow waters, as they mainly feed on insects, small fish, and aquatic plants.
Their breeding season is usually during the summer months when they build their nests close to the water’s edge. The female is known to lay up to three eggs, which she incubates for a period of three weeks.
The chicks are born precocial, meaning they are able to leave the nest and feed on their own soon after hatching.
The lesser jacana is considered to be of least concern when it comes to endangerment, but its population is still declining due to the loss of wetland habitats and the introduction of predatory species.
Consequently, conservation efforts are important to ensure the continued survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Jacanidae |
| Genus | Microparra |
| Species | M. capensis |
24. African Cuckoo
The African cuckoo is a species of cuckoo that belongs to the family Cuculidae. It is found in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it migrates within the continent. Generally, it arrives and breeds in any one locality during the rainy season.
The African cuckoo is an intrepid traveler, following the rains in its quest for suitable nesting and feeding grounds.
During the dry season, the cuckoo is often seen in open savannas and dry woodlands, where it takes advantage of the abundant insects and small vertebrates available in these areas.
During the rainy season, the cuckoo migrates to wetter localities, such as riversides, marshes, and flooded areas, where it can feed on larger prey, such as frogs and lizards. Its migrations are closely tied to the seasonal availability of food.
In addition to migrating in search of food, the African cuckoo is also known to migrate in order to breed. As such, it is able to adapt to changing environmental conditions and take advantage of the resources available in different parts of its range.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. gularis |
Conclusion
Birds are an important part of Dedza’s environment and culture. They provide an important source of food, shade, and recreation for people in the area.
They also help to keep the environment healthy by controlling insect populations and providing pollination services.
Birds in Dedza are a beautiful and vital part of the community and should be protected and preserved for future generations.
