Egypt is a country with a wide variety of bird species, from migratory birds to desert dwellers. Its variety of habitats, from coastal wetlands to the western desert, make it one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world.
The country is also home to some of the most iconic birds in the world, such as the Sacred Ibis, the Pharaoh Eagle Owl, and the African Grey Parrot. Whether you are a seasoned birder or a novice, Egypt has something to offer you.
In this article, we will explore the different types of birds that can be found in this fascinating country.
1. Passerine
Passerines are a vast order of birds, comprising more than half the species in existence. Many familiar garden and woodland species fall into this category such as sparrows, blackbirds, finches and warblers.
They can be recognised by their arrangement of toes; three pointing forward with one back which helps them perch on branches or wires.
Passerines range from tiny wrens to large crows and have adapted to inhabit many environments around the world including forests, mountainsides and deserts.
They feed mainly on insects but some also consume fruit and seeds depending on their diet preferences.
Their diversity is truly remarkable from vibrant coloured tropical parrots to drab winter thrushes – making passerine birds an integral part of our natural heritage.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Psittacopasserae |
| Order | Passeriformes Linnaeus, 1758 |
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2. Shrike
Shrikes are small passerine birds of the family Laniidae, with 34 species in four genera. They get their name from 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 a wide range of 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 along with bright colors like gray, black or brownish hues across its feathers.
It’s clear shrike is quite 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 |
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3. 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 which sound like “hoo-poo” hence 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 |
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4. African Sacred Ibis
The African sacred ibis is a species of wading bird from the family Threskiornithidae. It has a wide distribution in Africa, as well as small parts of Iraq, Iran and Kuwait.
The species was highly revered by Ancient Egyptians for its association with their god Thoth; however it is now extinct from Egypt itself.
This majestic bird stands at around 70cm tall and primarily feeds on frogs, insects and small reptiles which it hunts using its long curved bill.
Its distinctive black plumage shows an iridescent sheen when exposed to sunlight while white feathers decorate its head neck underparts and wings giving way to glossy black back feathers edged in white at the tail end creating quite a stunning sight.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Threskiornis |
| Species | T. aethiopicus |
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5. Ibis
Ibis is a type of long-legged wading bird belonging to the family Threskiornithidae. They inhabit wetlands, forests and plains across many parts of the world.
The name ibis comes from Latin and Ancient Greek words for this group of birds which also can be found in scientific names like Bubulcus ibis – mistakenly identified as bovine animal in 1757.
Ibises have characteristically curved bills used to capture food items such as fishes, reptiles or frogs while they are searching through mud or shallow water with their feet.
Furthermore, these birds usually live in large flocks which helps them protect themselves against predators by keeping an eye out on each other’s safety during hunting times.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Subfamily | Threskiornithinae Poche, 1904 |
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6. Egyptian Goose
The Egyptian goose is a beautiful bird from the Anatidae family native to Africa. It has long been revered by the Ancient Egyptians, who depicted it in much of their artwork.
Today, these geese are kept as ornamental birds and commonly escape into the wild, resulting in an abundance of feral populations across southern Sahara and Nile Valley regions.
With its grayish-brown body featuring white patches around its neck and tail feathers that range from dark brown to bluish-grey coloration.
This species stands out amongst other waterfowls with its striking appearance which also features bold orange eyes surrounded by blue eye rings – quite remarkable.
As they swim along rivers or roam grasslands searching for food such as grains, fruits & vegetables; they make great additions to both aviary collections or natural habitats alike.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Alopochen |
| Species | A. aegyptiaca |
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7. Egyptian Vulture
The Egyptian Vulture is a small Old World vulture known for its distinctive wedge-shaped tail and contrasting underwing pattern.
It has been found from the Iberian Peninsula through North Africa to India, making it one of the most widespread birds in that area.
This species eats mostly carrion but will also feed on eggs and small prey if they can find them. Its diet consists mainly of lizards, insects and other invertebrates as well as fruit like figs, grapes or mulberries when available.
The Egyptian Vulture plays an important role in ecosystems by helping to clean up carcasses which could otherwise spread disease or attract predators such as jackals into human settlements.
They are considered vulnerable due to threats including habitat destruction, electrocution from power lines and accidental poisoning – all factors contributing towards their decline in numbers across their rangeScientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Neophron Savigny, 1809 |
| Species | N. percnopterus |
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8. Pied Kingfisher
The Pied Kingfisher is a species of water kingfisher found in Africa and Asia. It has black and white plumage, with males sporting a double band across the breast while females have one single band.
This bird makes its presence known by hovering over clear waters before diving for fish – making it easily recognizable.
The diet consists mostly of small aquatic animals such as frogs, crustaceans and insects, but they also consume some plant matter like seeds or fruits occasionally.
The pied kingfisher nests near bodies of water where it can feed off smaller creatures that dwell there; usually in burrows dug into riverbanks or on floating vegetation close to shorelines.
With their distinct colors and behavior patterns these birds make an interesting addition to any wildlife enthusiast’s list.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Alcedinidae |
| Subfamily | Cerylinae |
| Genus | Ceryle F. Boie, 1828 |
| Species | C. rudis |
9. Painted-Snipe
Painted snipes are beautiful and unique wading birds found in the Rostratulidae family. They have short legs, long bills, and a striking plumage which distinguishes them from true snipes.
Males tend to be smaller than females with duller overall coloration. There are three species of painted snipe.
The Greater Painted Snipe, Lesser Painted Snipe, and Australian Painted Snipe – all three have different habitats ranging from wetland pools to grasslands or mangroves depending on their region.
These birds feed mainly on earthworms but also consume insects, crustaceans and plant material when available.
As they rely heavily on wetlands for breeding purposes it is important that we protect these precious habitats so that this special bird can continue to thrive.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Thinocori |
| Family | Rostratulidae Coues, 1888 |
10. Little Egret
The Little Egret is a small white heron with sleek black beak, long black legs and in some cases yellow feet.
It can be found near aquatic areas where it feeds on molluscs, amphibians and insects while also occasionally feeding of land creatures such as lizards or rodents.
Breeding seasonally they make platform nests of sticks being built either by themselves or in colonies alongside other water birds.
They are widely distributed across the world from Europe to Africa, Asia to Australia making them an easily recognisable bird species often seen at waterside locations searching for their next meal.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
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11. Laughing Dove
The Laughing Dove is a small and long-tailed pigeon found in dry, scrubby or semi-desert habitats. These birds are native to Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and Western Australia where they were released from Perth Zoo in 1898.
A unique feature of these doves is their call which sounds like low laughter – hence its name.
They form pairs when feeding on the ground, often near water sources such as pools or riverbanks. The diet of this bird consists mainly of seeds with some invertebrates also taking up part of it.
This species has adapted well to different environments due to its ability to find food resources easily even during times when other foods may be scarce.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Spilopelia |
| Species | S. senegalensis |
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12. Sulids
Sulids are a medium-large family of coastal seabirds that includes both gannets and boobies. They hunt by diving into the water to catch their prey, such as fish, squid or crustaceans.
These birds have long wings which they use to soar gracefully while searching for food. Sulids also possess webbed feet and strong beaks designed for snatching up prey from below the surface of the sea.
Members of this family vary in size; some species can grow over 3ft tall with a wingspan reaching 5 ft. The 10 different species all belong either to Sula (boobies) or Morus (gannets).
It’s easy to tell them apart due to differences in colouration, behaviour and DNA sequences between each type.
In summary, sulids are impressive hunters who plunge dive after food at sea but still manage remain graceful aviators despite their large size.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Sulidae Reichenbach, 1849 |
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13. 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 as well as 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 too – making them beneficial additions to gardens.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Orioloidea |
| Family | Oriolidae Vigors, 1825 |
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14. Crab-Plover
The crab-plover is an exceptional bird which belongs to its own family, Dromadidae. It appears to be closely related to the waders and other Charadriiformes such as auks, gulls and thick-knees.
This species of bird has a unique look; it is white with black markings on its head and wings. Its long bill helps them dig for food in sand or mudflats.
They can also fly up into the air when disturbed by predators or people too close for comfort.
The crab plover spends most of its life near beaches where they feed on crabs, fish eggs and small insects found there.
These birds are highly social during breeding season but solitary at other times throughout their annual cycle making them difficult creatures to spot out in the wild but well worth trying.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Lari |
| Family | Dromadidae GR Gray, 1840 |
| Genus | Dromas Paykull, 1805 |
| Species | D. ardeola |
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15. Common Greenshank
The Common Greenshank is a type of wader, belonging to the large family Scolopacidae. It’s name originates from Aldrovandus in 1599, and references Aristotle’s ancient Greek work which mentions a thrush-sized bird with white rump and tail bobbing.
Its scientific name “nebularia” actually means mist. This small bird can be found near wetlands or marshes throughout Europe and Asia – it has even been spotted as far south as Africa.
They are known for their long legs that allow them to easily traverse shallow water while searching for food like insects, crustaceans, mollusks or worms.
The Common Greenshank is an interesting species whose beauty should not go unnoticed by any nature enthusiast.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Tringa |
| Species | T. nebularia |
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16. White-Cheeked Tern
White-cheeked terns are a species of sea birds found along the coasts on the Red Sea, Horn of Africa to Kenya and Persian Gulf. They migrate during winter season with colonies ranging from 10 to 200 pairs.
These birds have white cheeks and grey upperparts which contrast against their black cap, wings and tail feathers.
In addition they possess long pointed bills making them excellent hunters for fish in both fresh or salt water habitats.
Generally solitary outside breeding times they feed using plunge dives into the water while airborne or even swimming if necessary.
During nesting time these terns become more social as parents share incubation duties before fledging young once hatched successfully.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Sterna |
| Species | S. repressa |
17. White Wagtail
The White Wagtail is a small passerine bird that belongs to the Motacillidae family, which includes pipits and longclaws. This species breeds in Europe, Asia Palearctic and North Africa.
It has also been seen as a scarce breeder in Alaska. Those living in mild climates are found year-round but others migrate south for winter months to Africa.
In Ireland and Great Britain it’s known for its darker subspecies called Pied Wagtails with their distinctive white heads, grey backs and yellow breasts.
They feed on insects such as flies, beetles or spiders by wagging their tail up & down while they walk along surfaces like tree trunks or walls looking out for prey – hence receiving this name.
To attract mates they sing melodic songs from high perches too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Motacilla |
| Species | M. alba |
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18. 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 inhabit parts of Europe and Asia as well.
Coursers tend to be larger than pratincoles with 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 it 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 |
19. Stone-Curlew
Stone-curlews, also known as dikkops or thick-knees, are a family of birds that have adapted to live in tropical and temperate regions throughout the world.
They can be found in Africa, Asia and Australia with two or more species per region. Despite being classified as waders, most prefer dry arid habitats over moist wetlands.
Stone-curlews typically have long legs which help them navigate through their preferred terrain efficiently; some species even stand at an impressive height when standing on those long legs.
Additionally they feature cryptic plumage which helps them blend into their surroundings while hunting for prey such as insects and small mammals like rodents.
These unique bird’s calls are easily recognizable; it has been said that hearing one is similar to listening to someone whistling ‘Keee Weee’.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Suborder | Chionidi |
| Family | Burhinidae Mathews, 1912 |
20. Bustard
Bustards are large, terrestrial birds that inhabit dry grassland areas and the steppes of the Old World. They range from 40-150 cm in length and belong to the family Otididae.
Bustards have an omnivorous diet consisting of leaves, buds, seeds, fruit as well as small vertebrates and invertebrates.
These birds usually live a solitary life but can be seen gathering around water sources or food during certain times of year such as mating season.
Due to their large size they are vulnerable to predation by foxes or other animals which is why they tend to remain alert at all times.
When in open spaces while relying on camouflage for protection against predators when out in tall vegetation coverings.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Otidiformes Wagler, 1830 |
| Family | Otididae Rafinesque, 1815 |
21. Northern Storm Petrels
Northern storm petrels are one of the smallest seabirds, inhabiting oceans all over the world.
They have a unique ability to hover over water and pick planktonic crustaceans and small fish from the surface.
Northern storm petrels belong to the genus Hydrobates in family Hydrobatidae, part of Procellariiformes order.
This species was once lumped with austral storm petrel but recent studies show that they weren’t related closely which led them being split into two distinct species now.
These birds can be identified by their dark grey upperparts and wings along with white underparts when seen from afar while feeding on ocean’s surface.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Hydrobatidae Mathews, 1912 |
| Genus | Hydrobates F. Boie, 1822 |
22. Bushshrike
Bushshrikes are a family of small passerine birds native to Africa. Their ruffled back and rump feathers distinguish them from other shrike-like relatives, such as helmetshrikes.
They have bright plumages that vary in color depending on the species, but typically feature black wings with white or yellow markings.
Bushshrikes feed mainly on insects while also occasionally consuming fruits, berries and seeds.
They often hunt by perching atop tall trees and scanning for prey before swooping down upon their target when spotted.
During breeding season males sing melodious songs to attract mates while females build nests in dense foliage near the forest floor using sticks, leaves and grasses lined with soft mossy material or fur plucked from dead animals.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Superfamily | Malaconotoidea |
| Family | Malaconotidae Swainson, 1824 |
23. Common Ringed Plover
The Common Ringed Plover is a small migratory bird found in Arctic Eurasia. It has yellowish feathers and its Latin name, Charadrius hiaticula, means ‘bird of ravines’.
This species breeds on beaches and tundra during northern summer months before flying south when winter arrives.
Its diet consists mostly of insects which it catches by running along the shoreline or through shallow water with wings spread open to create a shadow that helps catch prey.
The common ringed plover nests in short grasses near water’s edge where they lay two eggs per clutch which hatch within three weeks.
These birds are highly territorial so will often defend their patch fiercely against competitors.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. hiaticula |
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24. Asian Green Bee-Eater
The Asian green bee-eater is a near passerine bird in the bee-eater family. It’s native to parts of Asia, stretching from Iran all the way over to Vietnam.
These birds are resident but tend to migrate seasonally and can also be found in Africa and Arabia.
They have bright green feathers on their upperparts with yellowish underparts, making them easy to spot when they’re flying around looking for insects like bees, wasps and dragonflies.
They usually nest burrows dug into sandy ground or riverbanks where they lay up to five eggs at once.
The Asian green bee-eater is an exciting species that has been popular among ornithologists since its discovery hundreds of years ago.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. orientalis |
25. Falcon
Falcons are majestic birds of prey found in almost all parts of the world, except Antarctica. They have long, slender wings that allow them to fly swiftly and change directions quickly.
As adults they feed on small animals such as mice and insects, but when young their diet consists mainly of carrion or food provided by their parents.
Falcons use a range of techniques for hunting including hovering high up above potential prey before diving down at great speed to catch it during flight.
Additionally they also ambush unsuspecting victims from concealed perches close to the ground.
These remarkable hunters can even take advantage of thermal currents rising off warm surfaces like roads which give them an extra boost while flying.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Subfamily | Falconinae |
| Genus | Falco Linnaeus, 1758 |
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26. Cattle Egret
The Cattle Egret is a heron of the family Ardeidae found around the world in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas. It has two subspecies: western cattle egret and eastern cattle egret.
They have white plumage with buff plumes on their head, neck and back. The beak is yellowish-orange with black tip while legs are orange or yellow coloured depending on species variation.
This bird usually feeds near large herds of animals such as cows, horses etc., where it finds plenty of insects to eat like grasshoppers, crickets etc..
Its presence benefits these animals by removing ectoparasites from them which leads to healthier livestock population.
It nests colonially in trees or shrubs located close to water bodies during breeding season which generally takes place between March-June every year.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Bubulcus Bonaparte, 1855 |
| Species | B. ibis |
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27. Short-Eared Owl
The Short-eared Owl is a species of owl belonging to the genus Asio, commonly known as ‘Eared Owls’. It has short tufts resembling mammalian ears that may or may not be visible.
When threatened they will display their tufts defensively; however these very short tufts are usually hard to spot.
This bird can be found in grassland habitats across much of the world and hunt mainly small mammals such as voles at night by swooping low over the ground from perches like trees and posts.
They also take other prey including birds, amphibians, reptiles and insects when available.
During breeding season males can often been seen performing aerial displays with claps of its wings while hovering above potential mates on territories it defends fiercely against intruders including humans.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Strigiformes |
| Family | Strigidae |
| Genus | Asio |
| Species | A. flammeus |
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28. Avocets
Avocets are elegant wading birds belonging to the same avian family as stilts. These birds have long and slender legs which they use for sweeping their curved bills through shallow water in order to find food like insects, crustaceans, fish eggs etc.
The name of this species is derived from Italian’s ‘avosetta’ and Latin words: recurvus (meaning ‘curved backwards’) and rostrum (‘bill’).
Avocets inhabit wetlands all over the world with some variations in color among different populations.
They build nests using mud or grasses on islands or remote areas surrounded by water bodies where they can feed safely without any disturbance from predators.
With its striking black-and-white plumage pattern along with upturned bill, these graceful creatures make an enchanting sight when seen flying together near wetland sites.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Recurvirostra Linnaeus, 1758 |
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29. Cream-Colored Courser
The Cream-colored Courser is a species of wader 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 as well as Cape Verde where breeding occurs during summer months before migration back south begins in 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 |
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30. Eurasian Crag Martin
The Eurasian crag martin is a small passerine bird in the swallow family, measuring 14 cm long.
It boasts ash-brown upperparts and paler underparts, with a short square tail featuring white patches on most of its feathers.
This species breeds in southern Europe, northwestern Africa and across the Palearctic region.
Though similar looking to other martins such as Alpine or Rock Martins, it can be distinguished by the less extensive dark markings on its neck and throat area that lack any brownish tinge.
Crag Martin’s diet consists mainly of insects which are caught while flying low over open areas near rocks or cliffs – hence their name.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Hirundinidae |
| Genus | Ptyonoprogne |
| Species | P. rupestris |
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31. Black Kite
The black kite is one of the most abundant species of diurnal birds of prey in the world, with a global population estimated to be up to 6 million individuals.
It belongs to the family Accipitridae and has medium-sized body size. The wingspan can range from 150 cm – 180cm wide.
They have dark brown feathers on their back and light brown or grey underparts and long forked tails that help it maneuver through.
Its environment while hunting for food like insects, small mammals, reptiles etc., along with scavenging opportunities when available.
Black Kites are found across several continents including Europe, Africa, Asia Minor & Australia where they breed during spring in nests made among trees near wetlands or riversides;
migratory populations move southward away from winter cold temperatures as far east as India & Japan before returning home again next season.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Milvus |
| Species | M. migrans |
32. Black Stork
The Black Stork is a majestic bird, with its glossy black feathers and long red legs. Its wingspan ranges from 57 to 61 inches, while it measures an average of 37 to 39 inches tall from beak tip to tail end.
The white underparts contrast perfectly against the dark plumage and are complimented by the vivid red beak.
First described in 1758 by Carl Linnaeus in his “Systema Naturae”, this species has since become popular among bird watchers and naturalists alike for its beauty and gracefulness when flying through the sky.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Ciconia |
| Species | C. nigra |
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.
During its wintering season, it migrates southward to sub-Saharan Africa where there are milder conditions.
This small bird has streaked brown plumage on the upperparts and white underparts which makes it difficult for predators to spot among the foliage.
Its diet consists mainly of insects including aphids, caterpillars 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 phrases repeated one after another as part of their courtship display during breeding season in order attract females for mating purposes.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Acrocephalidae |
| Genus | Acrocephalus |
| Species | A. scirpaceus |
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34. White-Crowned Wheatear
The White-crowned Wheatear is a small passerine bird, formerly classed as part of the thrush family Turdidae but now considered an Old World Flycatcher.
It stands at 17-18 cm in length and can be found across deserts from the Sahara and Arabia to Iraq. This species tends to remain resident all year round however there are some seasonal movements for certain individuals.
Its diet consists mainly of insects which it feeds on by hopping around rocks searching for prey or perching nearby waiting for them to pass by before pouncing on them with its sharp talons.
The male has striking black wings and back contrasted against his white forehead and throat while females often have brownish grey upperparts instead of jet black feathers making identification easier within this species pairings.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Muscicapidae |
| Genus | Oenanthe |
| Species | O. leucopyga |
35. Spur-Winged Lapwing
The Spur-winged Lapwing is a species of wader found in the family Charadriidae.
It breeds around the eastern Mediterranean and Africa, where it inhabits savannahs, wetlands and grasslands.
Its plumage is mainly black with white wing stripes and yellow legs.
This bird has an impressive crest on its head that gives it a distinctive look amongst other lapwings.
The most interesting feature of this bird though is the spurs on its wings which are believed to be part of an unattested cleaning symbiosis between them and Nile crocodiles.
It feeds mostly on insects, larvae, worms as well as some plant material such as seeds or fruits.
Overall these birds can live up to 15 years in their natural habitat making them one of longest lived among all wading species.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. spinosus |
36. Sand Partridge
The Sand Partridge is a medium-sized gamebird belonging to the pheasant family, Phasianidae.
Native to Egypt and Israel eastwards down towards South Arabia, it measures 22–25 cm in length and is closely related to its counterpart from southeast Turkey through Pakistan – the See-See Partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis).
This bird is a resident breed that prefers open habitats such as scrubland or desert with short vegetation for nesting purposes. Its diet consists mainly of insects but also includes seeds, plants and fruits.
It has white cheeks bordered by black stripes below each eye extending up onto its forehead region; along with other distinguishing features like streaked brown plumage on its back, wings and tail feathers helping them blend into their natural surroundings perfectly.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Ammoperdix |
| Species | A. heyi |
37. Gull-Billed Tern
The Gull-billed Tern is a species of seabird from the Laridae family. It has an extensive range, breeding in parts of Europe, Asia, Northwest Africa and North America.
It was formally described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1789 as Sterna nilotica before being reclassified to Gelochelidon nilotica.
The Australian subspecies was previously considered separate but now included with this species.
They are quite small birds measuring around 24 cm long with greyish brown upperparts throughout their body and white underneaths along with black legs and feet.
Their head also features a distinctive yellow bill which they use to hunt for fish on rivers or coasts near shallow waters where they tend to nest during summer months on ground level instead of trees like other terns do usually.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Gelochelidon |
| Species | G. nilotica |
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38. Eurasian Spoonbill
The Eurasian spoonbill is a unique and remarkable wading bird, belonging to the ibis and spoonbill family. It has an unmistakable bill which is broad in shape, giving it its Latin name Platalea “broad”.
Its scientific name ‘leucorodia’ comes from Ancient Greek meaning literally ‘white heron’ due to its predominantly white plumage.
In England this beautiful bird was traditionally known as the ‘shoveler’ because of its distinctive beak.
This rare species can often be found near wetlands or coastal areas where they feed on fish, crustaceans, insects and aquatic invertebrates.
The Eurasian Spoonbill is truly an incredible creature that deserves our protection.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Platalea |
| Species | P. leucorodia |
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39. Eurasian Stone-Curlew
The Eurasian stone-curlew, also known as the Eurasian thick-knee, is a species of bird from the Burhinidae family. It was first described by Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758 and is mainly found in England.
These birds have brown feathers with black markings on their wings and head; they also possess long beaks for catching prey.
They usually feed on insects, small rodents, worms and other invertebrates that can be found near water sources or open areas such as fields and meadows.
Stone curlews are mostly active during night time but can occasionally be seen during day light hours too.
During breeding season these birds make loud calls to attract mates and ward off predators while defending their nests which are often built in grassy plains or dry moorside land away from human activity or disturbance.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Burhinidae |
| Genus | Burhinus |
| Species | B. oedicnemus |
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40. 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, as well as 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 |
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41. Rustic Bunting
The Rustic Bunting (Emberiza rustica) is a small passerine bird belonging to the bunting family Emberizidae. This species breeds across the northern Palearctic region and migrates south during winter, reaching as far as South-East Asia, Japan, Korea and Eastern China.
It has a black cap on its head with white cheeks which contrast against its brown back feathers; males also have yellow underparts while females are more greyish or duller in color compared to their male counterparts.
These birds feed mainly on insects but can also be observed foraging for seeds and grains near farms or meadows.
They build cup-shaped nests low down among grasses where they lay 3–5 eggs at once that hatch within 14 days of incubation period by both parents taking turns looking after them until they become independent enough to leave the nest after 16–20 days.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Emberizidae |
| Genus | Emberiza |
| Species | E. rustica |
42. Abyssinian Roller
The Abyssinian roller is a large bird, nearly 28 cm in length. It has an unmistakable plumage of bright blue upperparts with chestnut underparts and wings.
Its head is blackish-blue and its tail feathers are white tipped giving it a striking appearance when seen in flight.
This species breeds across tropical Africa from the Sahel belt south of the Sahara desert to East Africa.
Northern populations tend to migrate short distances after wet season while southern ones stay resident throughout year.
They feed mainly on insects which they catch by hovering over fields or open woodland before diving down onto their prey below them.
In addition, they also eat small reptiles, amphibians and rodents along with fruits such as figs occasionally too.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae |
| Genus | Coracias |
| Species | C. abyssinicus |
43. African Pied Wagtail
The African pied wagtail is a beautiful bird, with striking black and white feathers. At 20 cm in length it makes an eye-catching sight wherever it goes.
The upperparts of the body are deep black while its underparts are pure white, with a distinctive white supercilium and wing patch when seen at rest.
Juveniles have greyer colors than adults, while birds from the nominate subspecies show grey flanks.
These stunning wagtails can be found near wetlands or on open grassland during migration season but they spend most of their time around streams and rivers throughout Africa where they feed mainly on small insects such as flies, beetles and spiders that live close to water sources.
They may also eat some berries or seeds if available.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Motacilla |
| Species | M. aguimp |
44. European Roller
The European roller is a beautiful bird belonging to the Coracias family, and it’s the only one of its kind found in Europe.
It inhabits various habitats such as dry wooded savanna, bushy plains and other areas except for treeless ones.
During wintertime they usually nest in tree holes, while their range extends into Middle East, Central Asia and Maghreb regions.
They have vibrant blue feathers with black stripes along the neck area which makes them stand out from other birds easily.
Its diet consists mainly of insects like grasshoppers or beetles that are hunted by catching them mid-air during flight; this feature adds an extra charm to these magnificent creatures.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Coraciidae |
| Genus | Coracias |
| Species | C. garrulus |
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45. Great White Pelican
The Great White Pelican is a large bird from the pelican family that breeds in southeastern Europe, Asia and Africa. It inhabits shallow lakes and swamps where it can be seen foraging for food with its long bill.
These majestic birds have white feathers on their body, black wings and tail feathers, along with an orange-colored pouch under their bill.
They are also known to form flocks of up to thousands of individuals when they migrate or gather at breeding sites in search of fish.
The IUCN Red List classifies them as a species of least concern due to stable populations across many regions worldwide.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. onocrotalus |
46. Sooty Falcon
The Sooty Falcon is a medium-sized bird of prey that can be found in the arid regions of northeastern Africa and southern Persian Gulf region. The name comes from its dark soot colored plumage, which provides camouflage while hunting.
It belongs to the order Falconiformes, family Falconidae and genus Falco. This species is known for its strong flight capabilities; they often soar up high looking for their food sources such as small birds or rodents on the ground below them.
They also have sharp talons and powerful beak used to capture their prey with ease.
These raptors are an important part of local ecosystems by controlling rodent populations and providing people with opportunities for falconry sport (hunting).
In addition, due to their attractive coloring they are popular amongst birdwatchers who appreciate these majestic creatures when seen in nature.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Falconiformes |
| Family | Falconidae |
| Genus | Falco |
| Species | F. concolor |
47. Common Sandpiper
The Common sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) is a small Palearctic wader, found in Eurasia and parts of Africa. It can be identified by its brown back, white breast and distinctive black eye-stripe.
In flight it shows broad wings with white underparts and conspicuous dark patches on the upperwings.
These birds live close to water bodies such as rivers or lakes where they feed mainly on insects, crustaceans and molluscs which they find in mudflats.
They are also known to have hybridized with their American sister species – the Spotted Sandpiper (A macularia).
This bird is territorial during breeding season but forms flocks outside of this period when migrating long distances between wintering grounds throughout Europe, North Africa & South West Asia..Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Actitis |
| Species | A. hypoleucos |
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48. Red-Backed Shrike
The Red-backed Shrike is a beautiful member of the shrike family, found in western Europe and central Russia. It is easily identified by its gray mantle, black wings with white spots and red back.
In summer it migrates to eastern tropical Africa or southern Africa where they overwinter.
This bird feeds mainly on insects but also eats small mammals, reptiles and other birds as well as fruit occasionally.
They are known for their hunting techniques which include perching high up in trees then diving down onto their prey below them before returning to eat it at leisure elsewhere.
The Red-backed Shrike is an impressive sight that lives both in our gardens and far away places.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Laniidae |
| Genus | Lanius |
| Species | L. collurio |
49. Ortolan Bunting
The Ortolan bunting is a small bird that can be found across Eurasia. It belongs to the Emberizidae family, which was once considered part of the finch family Fringillidae.
The genus name ‘Emberiza’ comes from Alemannic German Embritz, meaning a bunting while its species name hortulana is Italian for ortolana, or gardener. This beautiful songbird has brown upperparts and white underparts with bright yellow patches on both sides of its head and neck as well as black streaks all over its body.
Its wings are short but strong enabling it to have agile flight through dense vegetation in search for food such as insects and seeds.. A favourite delicacy amongst some cultures like French cuisine where they are baked whole with butter.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Emberizidae |
| Genus | Emberiza |
| Species | E. hortulana |
50. Western Yellow Wagtail
The Western Yellow Wagtail is a beautiful small passerine bird belonging to the Motacillidae family. It has a slender body that can range from 15-16 cm in length and its wings are mostly yellow with some blue feathers at their tips.
Its tail is black tipped, long and wags constantly during flight making it easy to identify this species of wagtail.
This particular breed breeds mainly throughout temperate Europe and Asia but only reside in milder areas such as western Europe due to colder climates migrating them southwards towards Africa or South Asia for warmer temperatures.
The Western Yellow Wagtails have been known for centuries due to their unique beauty making them an iconic part of many cultures around the world today.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Motacillidae |
| Genus | Motacilla |
| Species | M. flava |
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