Welcome to Kadiogo, where birds are some of the most beloved creatures! Here, people of all ages enjoy watching and listening to the variety of species that live in the area.
From the majestic African Fish Eagle to the chirpy Northern Red-Billed Firefinch, birds play an essential role in the local ecosystem. Birdwatching is a popular activity in Kadiogo, and the region is home to some of the most fascinating species of birds in the world.
With the help of experienced birdwatchers and local guides, visitors can explore the area and observe these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. So come and explore the wonders of Kadiogo’s birds.
15 Birds to Watch in Kadiogo
Where birds are some of the most beloved creatures! Here, people of all ages enjoy watching and listening to the variety of species that live in the area. From the majestic African Fish Eagle to the chirpy Northern Red-Billed Firefinch, birds play an important role in the local ecosystem.
Here are 15 birds to watch in Kadiogo:
1. Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a seabird widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and in other regions worldwide, including Australia, New Zealand, and India. In New Zealand, it is commonly referred to as the black shag or kawau.
It has also been referred to as the great black cormorant in the Northern Hemisphere, the black cormorant in Australia, and the large cormorant in India. The great cormorant is a member of the cormorant family, composed of various seabird species.
These birds are characterized by their webbed feet and long, slender bodies, which help them to swim and dive in the water. They also have long, hooked bills and often fish for food in the ocean.
The great cormorant, in particular, is known for its size, as it is one of the most prominent members of the cormorant family. These birds generally inhabit coastal areas, where they can find plenty of food from fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals.
They also feed on other animals, such as small mammals, reptiles, and birds. The great cormorant is a social bird often seen in large flocks, particularly during breeding.
The great cormorant is an essential species for fishing communities, as it helps to keep their fish stocks healthy. It is also a valuable species for conservation, as it is a crucial indicator of the health of our oceans.
As a result, it is essential to protect these birds and their habitats so that they can continue to thrive in the future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. carbo |
2. Black Crake
The black crake is a species of waterbird in the Rallidae family. It is found across much of sub-Saharan Africa, although it avoids arid areas. It may undertake seasonal migrations in parts of its range subject to drought.
There are no known subspecies of the black crake. The black crake is a medium-sized bird, usually measuring around 30 centimeters. Its plumage is mainly black with white barring on its flanks and wings.
It has a long, slightly upturned bill, with a yellow lower mandible and red gape. The black crake mainly inhabits shallow wetlands, feeding on aquatic insects and invertebrates. It can also be found in flooded grassland and short vegetation during the breeding season.
It nests on the ground, with the female laying two or three eggs.
The chicks are precocial, meaning they can feed themselves shortly after hatching. The black crake is generally a solitary species, although it may form small groups of up to 20 individuals, especially in drought.
It is not considered globally threatened and has a wide range across sub-Saharan Africa, though its population size is unknown.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Zapornia |
| Species | Z. flavirostra |
3. White-throated Francolin
The white-throated francolin is a species of bird belonging to the family Phasianidae.
It is native to the African continent and can be found in several countries, including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, and Zambia.
This bird is a ground-dwelling species inhabiting open grassland and savanna habitats. It feeds on a wide variety of insects, seeds, and fruits. It is characterized by its white throat, brown crown, and brownish-streaked back and wings.
It is usually seen in small groups and can be identified by loud calls. This species is not considered to be threatened and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Campocolinus |
| Species | C. albogularis |
4. Arabian Bustard
The Arabian bustard is a species of bird belonging to the large-bodied genus Ardeotis. Endemic to the Sahel region of Africa and southwestern Arabia, it is one of the least studied species of its family.
Nevertheless, based on its physical characteristics, it appears to be a typical species within the Ardeotis genus. The Arabian bustard is a medium-sized bird, with adults typically ranging in size from 24 to 27 inches in length.
Its plumage is mainly greyish-brown, with a white throat and neck. Its wings and tail also have distinctive black and white striped markings.
Its diet consists mainly of insects, small rodents, and lizards, which it typically hunts by running, suddenly stopping, and pouncing on its prey. The Arabian bustard is a solitary species that forms small flocks during the non-breeding season.
It prefers to inhabit savanna and semi-arid habitats but can also be found in open grasslands and agricultural areas. Breeding usually takes place in the dry months between March and October.
The female lays a single egg in a shallow depression on the ground, which both parents incubate. The Arabian bustard is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The major threats to its population are habitat loss, hunting, and the increased use of pesticides. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species from further decline.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Ardeotis |
| Species | A. arabs |
5. Black Crowned Crane
The black-crowned crane is a majestic bird that is part of the family Gruidae, which includes its sister species, the grey-crowned crane. It is a large bird with a wingspan of up to two meters and a height of up to one meter.
It has a black body, white upper wings, and a white tail. This bird stands out because of its characteristic bristle-feathered golden crown, which sits atop its head and is surrounded by a black ruff.
This crown gives the black-crowned crane a regal and impressive appearance. The black crowned crane is found in the wetlands and grasslands of Africa, with a few populations living in the Middle East.
It feeds mainly on small animals, such as insects, reptiles, and rodents, as well as grains, roots, and fruits. It is a social bird and can often be seen in flocks.
During the breeding season, the birds perform elaborate courtship dances, with the males bowing and leaping to attract a mate. The black crowned crane is an essential species in many African cultures and is often seen in ceremonial dances and rituals.
It is also a protected species, and its numbers are being carefully monitored. Its beautiful feathers and impressive crown make it a species worth protecting.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Balearica |
| Species | B. pavonina |
6. Black-winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a long-legged wading bird belonging to the avocet and stilt family. It is widely distributed across many parts of the world and is known by its scientific name, H. himantopus.
It is an almost cosmopolitan species, meaning it can be found in nearly every part of the globe. The black-winged stilt is a medium-sized bird growing to a length of around 40 cm. It has a black back and wings, white underparts, and a long, thin, black bill.
Its long, thin legs are pinkish-red in color. They have a distinctively long, slender profile and are perfectly adapted for wading in shallow water. The black-winged stilt is a highly social bird, often found in large flocks, particularly during breeding season.
It feeds mainly on small invertebrates, which it finds in shallow water, but may also take some vegetable matter.
It usually nests in colonies, with each pair occupying a small nesting site surrounded by a shallow depression.
The black-winged stilt is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), although its population is declining due to habitat destruction and pollution.
Protection of its wetland habitats is essential to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
7. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
The chestnut-bellied sandgrouse is found in northern and central Africa and further east towards western and southern Asia.
It is a sedentary and nomadic species, meaning it usually lives in the same area but may also migrate for food and water. This bird has six recognized subspecies, each with unique physical characteristics.
For example, one of the subspecies, the Syrmaticus mongolicus, has a reddish-brown head and chest with white feathers on its belly. Other subspecies may have different colorations, including grey, black, or brown.
The chestnut-bellied sandgrouse is a ground-dwelling bird primarily found in arid and semi-arid grasslands, deserts, and savannahs. It feeds on various seeds and vegetation and is usually seen in small flocks of 2-20 birds.
During the breeding season, pairs of sandgrouse will defend their territory and mate. The female will lay a single egg in a shallow nest on the ground and then incubate it by both parents.
In conclusion, the chestnut-bellied sandgrouse is found in Africa and Asia. It has six recognized subspecies and is a ground-dwelling bird that lives in arid and semi-arid environments.
It feeds on seeds and vegetation and, during the breeding season, forms pairs that will defend its territory and mate to lay eggs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pterocliformes |
| Family | Pteroclidae |
| Genus | Pterocles |
| Species | P. exustus |
8. Grey-headed Gull
The grey-headed gull, also known as the gray-hooded gull, is a small species found in some regions of South America and Africa south of the Sahara. It is not a migratory bird, but it moves around more often in winter.
Occasionally, this species can be seen as a rare vagrant in North America, Italy, and Spain. This species of gull breeds in patchy areas. This means there may be only a few breeding pairs in any given area, making it a sparsely found species.
They tend to remain in the same region rather than migrate, though they may move further from where they breed to find food or better living conditions in winter. The grey-headed gull is a small species of gull, usually with a greyish-brown head and back with a white belly.
The wings are grey with white tips, and the tail is white. They can usually be seen flying in tight flocks or alone and often scavenge in open areas. The grey-headed gull is not a widely found species, but it can be seen as a rare vagrant in some parts of the world.
It is a small bird that remains in the same region rather than migrating and is usually found in patchy areas.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. cirrocephalus |
9. Greater Painted-snipe
The greater painted snipe is a species of wader in the family Rostratulidae. It is found in many parts of the world, including Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
This wader species can typically be found in marshy areas, as they are adapted to living in such an environment. The greater painted snipe is identified by its distinct coloring, which features a wide array of shades of brown and grey plumage.
Their long beaks can also recognize them, which is ideal for probing the mud for food.
The greater painted snipe is a relatively small bird with an average length of around 25 centimeters. The greater painted-snipe is a highly social bird, often found in groups of two to six individuals. During the breeding season, they may form larger flocks of up to 30 birds.
The greater painted-snipe is an omnivorous species, with its diet consisting mainly of insects, worms, and small crustaceans. They can also feed on aquatic plants, such as grasses and reeds.
The greater painted snipe is a highly vocal bird, producing various calls and songs. The greater painted snipe is a relatively common species with a wide distribution range.
However, it is listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and other human-induced factors. As a result, conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the continued survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Rostratulidae |
| Genus | Rostratula |
| Species | R. benghalensis |
10. Lesser Jacana
The lesser jacana is a unique bird species belonging to the family Jacanidae. This species is the only one in its genus, known as Microparra. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
The lesser jacana is a large bird, typically weighing around 22-26 cm long and weighing 75-90 grams. It has a distinctive black-and-white coloration, with a yellow bill, orange legs, and an orange patch near the eyes.
Its long, thin legs allow it to walk on water and feed on aquatic insects. Its diet consists of various aquatic insects, mollusks, and crustaceans.
The lesser jacana is an essential species in its ecosystem, as its diet helps control aquatic insect populations. Furthermore, its presence provides food for other bird species in the area.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Jacanidae |
| Genus | Microparra |
| Species | M. capensis |
11. Pennant-winged Nightjar
The Pennant-winged Nightjar is a species of nightjar that lives in the African continent, stretching from Nigeria in the north to South Africa in the south.
This species is an intra-African migrant, meaning it migrates within the continent and does not cross oceans or other large bodies of water.
During breeding season, the Pennant-winged Nightjar exhibits remarkable sexual dimorphism, meaning that males and females of the species look very different from one another.
Male Pennant-winged Nightjars have black and white feathers on their wings and a white patch on their tails, while females are a brownish-grey color with no distinctive markings.
This dimorphism is considered an evolutionary advantage, giving the species an advantage in finding food and avoiding predators.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. vexillarius |
12. Red-chested Flufftail
The red-chested flufftail is an incredibly unique species of bird. It belongs to the family Sarothruridae, which consists of small, short-legged birds that live in open woodland, grassland, and marshes.
The red-chested flufftail is primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa, from Liberia in the west to Ethiopia in the east and South Africa in the south.
This bird species is elusive, as it is rarely seen in the open, preferring to hide in dense undergrowth. It has a distinctive red chest, which is why it got its name, and it is also known for its loud, far-carrying call.
Because of its rarity, the red-chested flufftail is considered a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, it is still essential to conserve its natural habitats to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Sarothruridae |
| Genus | Sarothrura |
| Species | S. rufa |
13. Stone Partridge
The Stone Partridge is a member of the New World quail family. It is primarily brown and is known for holding its tail up. It can be found in various habitats, including scrubland and lightly wooded areas, and is often found close to rocks.
Its range covers a wide area, stretching from Kenya and Ethiopia to Gambia. The Stone Partridge is a social bird often found in small groups. It is a ground-dwelling bird and spends most of its time foraging for food in the undergrowth.
The diet of the Stone Partridge consists mainly of seeds, insects, and fruit. It also enjoys a wide variety of berries and other small fruits. The Stone Partridge is a relatively small bird with an average length of 8-10 inches.
The plumage of the Stone Partridge is usually a mottled brown with black and white streaks. The tail is typically held up and is often a lighter color than the body.
The bill is short and thin, and the legs are short and stout. The Stone Partridge is a common bird found throughout much of its range. Human activities do not threaten it, but its population is declining in some areas due to habitat destruction.
The Stone Partridge is an integral part of the local ecology, and its presence helps keep the food chain balanced.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Ptilopachus |
| Species | P. petrosus |
14. Little Ringed Plover
The little ringed plover is a small bird that belongs to the genus Charadrius. The name Charadrius is derived from Late Latin, which the fourth-century Vulgate used. This Latin term was used to refer to a yellowish bird.
Further, the Latin term is derived from Ancient Greek kharadrios, a bird found in river valleys. The little ringed plover is a small bird found in various habitats, including river valleys, coasts, and freshwater wetlands.
Its scientific name, Charadrius, refers to its yellowish color and presence in river valleys.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. dubius |
15. Wattled Lapwing
The African wattled lapwing is a species of wader belonging to the family Charadriidae, known by several names, including the Senegal wattled plover and wattled lapwing. This species is a large lapwing, a type of wader found in various world regions.
It is a resident breeder in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, except rainforest areas, although it makes seasonal migrations.
As a resident breeder, the African wattled lapwing typically builds its nest on the ground, laying a clutch of two to four eggs, incubated for around 25 days.
The adults are mainly predators of insects, although they have also been known to consume small lizards and other invertebrates. The species has a brown coloration, white speckles on the wings and neck, and distinctive yellow facial wattles.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Vanellus |
| Species | V. senegallus |
Conclusion
Birds are an essential part of the Kadiogo environment and play a vital role in the local ecology. They are a source of food, a source of beauty, and a source of knowledge for the people living there.
They have been around for hundreds of years and have been an integral part of the culture and environment of Kadiogo. Without the birds, Kadiogo would be a very different place.
