Birds are some of the most beautiful and fascinating creatures on earth. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and can be found on all continents, from the hot desert to the coldest regions of the Arctic.
Not only are they beautiful to look at, but their songs can be a source of joy and peace to humans. Birds play a vital role in the environment, providing food for other animals and helping to spread plants’ seeds.
In Namentenga, there is a wide variety of bird species to be found, ranging from the colorful African Grey parrot to the majestic Egyptian Vulture. No matter where you go in Namentenga, you are sure to find a variety of feathered friends.
1. Common Ostrich
The common ostrich is a large flightless bird species native to Africa. It is a member of the ratite order of birds, which are birds that lack a keel on their sternum and are not able to fly. The common ostrich is the only living member of the genus Struthio.
It is the largest living bird species, with some specimens reaching up to 2.7 meters in height and weighing up to 156 kilograms. Ostriches are omnivorous, eating a variety of plants, insects, and other animals.
They are well adapted to life in the African savanna, with a keen sense of sight and strong legs to help them escape predators. Ostriches are also known for their large eggs, which are the largest bird eggs of any species.
They are highly sociable animals, forming large groups for protection and to raise their young. Overall, the common ostrich is a fascinating species of bird that has adapted to life in the African savanna.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
| Species | S. camelus |
2. Black Bellied Plover
The grey plover is a large shorebird found in a variety of habitats around the world. It is also known as the black-bellied plover in North America.
It breeds in the Arctic regions and is a long-distance migrant, meaning it is found in coastal areas throughout the world when it is not breeding. It is a cosmopolitan species, meaning it can be found in a variety of habitats and climates.
It is a popular bird among birders due to its wide range and tolerance for human presence. It is a ground-dwelling bird, meaning it spends most of its time on the ground, but it can also be seen wading in shallow waters and flying over the ocean.
The grey plover has a dark grey back and a white belly, giving it its distinctive black-bellied look. Its diet consists of insects, crustaceans, and small fish. It is a fairly common bird and can be found in most coastal areas of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
3. Osprey
The osprey is a remarkable bird of prey that can be found in many different areas of the world. It has many different names, such as sea hawk, river hawk, and fish hawk. It catches its prey during the day, as it is a diurnal bird, and its main diet consists of fish.
It is quite large, with a length of more than 60 cm and a wingspan of 180 cm. Its color is mainly brown on the upper parts and greyish on the head and under parts. This bird of prey is an impressive sight in the skies.
Its sharp eyes are well-suited for the task of catching its prey, which it does with expert skill. The osprey is known for its ability to hover in the air and even dive into the water to catch its prey.
It is an efficient hunter, using its long, hooked talons to snatch its meals from the surface of the water. The osprey is an important part of the natural ecosystem.
Its diet helps to keep fish populations in check, and its presence can also help to indicate the health of a particular body of water. This bird of prey is celebrated for its beauty and grace as it soars through the sky.
It is an incredible sight to behold and a valuable part of any environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Pandionidae |
| Genus | Pandion |
| Species | P. haliaetus |
4. Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is a majestic bird of prey found in North America. It is commonly referred to as a sea eagle, due to its presence near coastal areas. It has two known subspecies, the northern bald eagle and the southern bald eagle.
In addition, the bald eagle forms a species pair with the white-tailed eagle, which occupies the same niche as the bald eagle in the Palearctic.
The Palearctic is a biogeographic region that includes temperate Europe, Asia north of the Himalayas, North Africa, and the temperate portion of Arabia. Bald eagles have a variety of adaptations that make them well-suited to a life spent near water.
They have powerful talons and large beaks, which they use to hunt for fish and other aquatic prey. They also have keen eyesight, allowing them to spot potential prey from great distances.
In addition, their white head and tail feathers make them easily recognizable in the sky. Bald eagles are a symbol of strength, freedom, and national pride in the United States. They are often seen soaring majestically over lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.
This unique bird of prey is a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving our natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Accipitriformes |
| Family | Accipitridae |
| Genus | Haliaeetus |
| Species | H. leucocephalus |
5. Great White Pelican
The great white pelican is a large bird found in many parts of the world. It is a member of the pelican family and is also known as the eastern white pelican, rosy pelican, or white pelican.
This majestic bird can be found breeding in southeastern Europe, Asia, and Africa in swamps and shallow lakes.
It is a large bird with a wingspan of up to 10 feet and a body length of up to five feet. The great white pelican is predominantly white in color, with black flight feathers on its wings. It has a long, yellow beak with a large pouch, which it uses to scoop up fish.
It is a powerful flier and can reach speeds of up to 60 miles per hour. It is a social bird, and can often be seen flying in large flocks. The great white pelican is an important part of several ecosystems.
Its diet consists primarily of fish, and it plays a crucial role in controlling the populations of some species.
It is also an important source of food for predators such as eagles and ospreys. Overall, the great white pelican is a majestic bird that plays an important role in the environment.
It is an impressive sight to behold, and its presence is an indicator of a healthy and thriving ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Pelecanidae |
| Genus | Pelecanus |
| Species | P. onocrotalus |
6. Pied Avocet
The pied avocet is a species of wading bird belonging to the avocet and stilt family, Recurvirostridae. This species is found throughout temperate Europe and into Central Asia, as well as the Russian Far East.
It is a migratory species, with most populations migrating to Africa or southern Asia during the winter months. The pied avocet is a striking bird, with its black and white plumage.
It is one of the larger members of the family, measuring up to sixteen inches in length. The pied avocet is usually found near shallow bodies of water such as marshes and lakes. It feeds mainly on aquatic invertebrates such as small fish, crustaceans, and insects.
During the breeding season, these birds form large colonies and lay their eggs in shallow depressions in the ground, which are lined with vegetation.
The pied avocet is monogamous and the parents take turns caring for the chicks until they are old enough to fly. The pied avocet is considered to be a vulnerable species, due to loss of habitat caused by human activities such as draining wetlands for urban development and agricultural use.
The species is also hunted for its feathers, which are used in native ceremonial dress. Conservation efforts are in place to protect this species, and the population is slowly recovering.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Recurvirostra |
| Species | R. avosetta |
7. Egyptian Plover
The Egyptian plover, also known as the crocodile bird, is an unusual bird. It belongs to the wader family of seabirds and is the only known species in its genus, Pluvianus.
Originally, it was classified in the pratincole and courser family, Glareolidae, however, more recently, it has been recognized as its own unique family, Pluvianidae.
This small wading bird is found in the tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and is renowned for its unique behavior of standing between the open jaws of a crocodile while it feeds on the bits of food stuck in its teeth.
The bird is also known for its distinct, loud, and chirping call. It has a striking black and white plumage, with a black head, white underside, and black wings with white patches.
They feed mostly on insects and small aquatic invertebrates, which they usually hunt near the banks of rivers and marshes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Pluvianidae |
| Genus | Pluvianus |
| Species | P. aegyptius |
8. Black-winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt is a species of bird belonging to the avocet and stilt family. It is a long-legged wader, meaning it spends much of its time in shallow wetlands, such as marshes and lagoons.
This species is widely distributed across many continents, from Africa to Eurasia to Australasia. It has been given the scientific name Himantopus himantopus, although sometimes this name is used to refer to a single species that is almost cosmopolitan.
This means that it can be found in many different habitats. The black-winged stilt is a distinctive bird, with its long legs and black wings. It is usually found in wetlands, where it feeds on small aquatic creatures such as shrimp and insects.
It often stands in shallow water or on mudflats, which allows it to spot potential prey more easily. The black-winged stilt is a highly social bird, often seen in large flocks.
It is a beautiful species, and can often be seen in wetland areas or along the edges of lakes and rivers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
9. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
The chestnut-bellied sandgrouse is a species of bird that belongs to the sandgrouse family. This species can be found in many parts of the world, including northern and central Africa, and western and southern Asia, and is known for being both a sedentary and nomadic species.
This means that it can either stick to one place or be constantly on the move, depending on the season or their needs. There are six recognized subspecies of the chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, each with its own unique physical characteristics.
For example, some can have different shades of chestnut in their feathers or have different patterns on them. In addition, they can have different sizes and shapes, depending on which subspecies they belong to.
Overall, the chestnut-bellied sandgrouse is an incredibly diverse species that can be found in many parts of the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pterocliformes |
| Family | Pteroclidae |
| Genus | Pterocles |
| Species | P. exustus |
10. Grey-headed Gull
The grey-headed gull, also known as the gray-hooded gull, is a small species of gull that breeds in South America and Africa south of the Sahara. It is not a migratory species but is more widespread and common during the winter months.
This species has been seen as a rare vagrant in North America, Italy, and Spain. The grey-headed gull is usually found in coastal areas, but can also be seen in more inland areas near lakes and rivers. They feed on small fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and carrion.
They often hunt in pairs or small groups, foraging near the shore. This species is not considered to be endangered, but its population has been declining due to habitat loss. Conservation efforts are underway to protect this species and ensure its future survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. cirrocephalus |
11. Common Quail
The common quail, also known as the European quail, is a small bird belonging to the pheasant family Phasianidae.
It is a migratory species, meaning it travels long distances to breed in the western Palearctic region and then moves to more southern regions such as Africa and India to spend the winter months.
The common quail is not easily seen due to its small size and ground-nesting habits. However, its distinct call of three repeated chirps can easily be heard, making it a recognizable species.
This call is usually heard in the morning and late evening hours when the sun is low in the sky. This species of quail is also known for its short flights, which are often done in groups of up to 15 birds.
The common quail is a shy species, but it can be found in open grasslands and cultivated fields throughout Europe. It feeds on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates.
The breeding season for this species typically begins in April, with the female laying up to 10 eggs in a shallow ground nest. The chicks are able to fly within a few days of hatching, and the family remains together until the start of the migration season.
The common quail is an important species for both hunters and conservationists alike. Its population numbers have been declining in recent years due to overhunting, habitat loss, and other human-related activities.
Conservation efforts are underway in many parts of the world to help protect this species and its habitat so that its unique call can continue to be heard for generations to come.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Coturnix |
| Species | C. coturnix |
12. Eurasian Moorhen
The common moorhen is a species of bird that is part of the rail family. It is found across various parts of the Old World.
This bird species is known by many names, including the waterhen and the swamp chicken. The common moorhen is an aquatic bird that prefers habitats such as well-vegetated marshes, ponds, canals, and other wetlands.
It is well adapted to these areas as it can use its long toes to walk on the mud or vegetation found in these places.
This bird is also a strong swimmer and can stay underwater for long periods of time. The common moorhen is a territorial bird and will defend its area from intruders. It can be seen foraging for food in the water or on the shoreline.
Its diet consists mainly of aquatic insects, snails, and small fish. It also eats grasses, grains, and other plant material. The common moorhen is a monogamous bird and usually nests in the same wetland area every year.
It builds its nest by weaving reeds and other vegetation together. The female lays up to eleven eggs which are incubated for about three weeks.
After hatching, the young chicks are cared for by both parents until they are able to fly. The common moorhen is a valuable species that plays an important role in the wetlands ecosystem.
It helps to control the population of aquatic insects which can be damaging to the local environment. It is also a popular bird for birdwatchers as it can be easily spotted in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
| Genus | Gallinula |
| Species | G. chloropus |
13. Spur-winged Goose
The spur-winged goose is a large waterbird native to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is a member of the Anatidae family, which includes both geese and shelducks. The spur-winged goose is a striking bird, with a long neck, a black body, and bright white wing patches.
Its wings have a distinctive spur-like shape, which is how it got its name. It is typically found near shallow wetlands and lakes, and it feeds on aquatic vegetation. It is an important part of the local ecosystem, providing food for many other species.
The spur-winged goose is a threatened species, due to habitat destruction and hunting. Efforts are being made to protect this species, in order to ensure its future.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Plectropterus |
| Species | P. gambensis |
Conclusion
Birds are an important part of the Namentenga landscape. They play an important role in maintaining the local ecosystem, providing food for other animals, dispersing seeds, controlling insects, and providing beauty and enjoyment for all.
They are also important indicators of the health of the environment, and their presence or absence can tell us a lot about the health of the local environment.
Therefore, it is important to continue to protect and conserve these birds and their habitats in order to ensure the health and well-being of all living things in Namentenga.
