Birds are a vital part of Nouaceur’s wildlife. From the majestic eagles soaring high above the city to the tiny sparrows flitting around the streets, Nouaceur is home to various bird species.
With its diverse habitats and abundant food sources, Nouaceur is an ideal place for birds to thrive. From the banks of the Oued El Harrach to the vast palm groves, Nouaceur offers birds an abundance of places to feed, rest, and breed.
With careful conservation, the birds of Nouaceur can continue to flourish.
21 Birds to Watch in Nouaceur
Nouaceur is a province in the Casablanca-Settat region of Morocco, known for its rich biodiversity and natural beauty. If you are a bird lover, you will find plenty of opportunities to observe and admire some of the most amazing avian species in this area.
Here are 21 birds that you should not miss when you visit Nouaceur.
1. Glossy Ibis
The glossy ibis is a species of bird that belongs to the order Pelecaniformes and the ibis and spoonbill family Threskiornithidae.
This species is known for its distinctive curved beak, which is why its scientific name, Plegadis falcinellus, is derived from the Ancient Greek words “pleads” and “facts,” meaning “sickle.” The name reflects the shape of the bill, which is curved in a sickle-like fashion.
The glossy ibis can be found in wetlands, marshes, and riverbanks worldwide. It is a medium-sized bird with shiny black and brown plumage, and its wingspan is typically around 70 cm long. Its diet consists of aquatic insects, small fish, and amphibians.
The glossy ibis is an integral part of many ecosystems, as it helps keep the prey population in check.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Threskiornithidae |
| Genus | Plegadis |
| Species | P. falcinellus |
2. Great Egret
The great egret is a large bird species of the heron family and is found in many parts of the world.
Also known as the common egret, large egret, great white egret, or great white heron, it is widespread, with four distinct subspecies found in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and southern Europe.
In recent years, its range has expanded to more northern parts of Europe, indicating that the species is in good health. The great egret is a medium-sized species, with adults reaching a total body length of three feet.
They are white birds with long, slender necks and pointed yellow bills. Its legs are also yellow, and it has long black legs. The wingspan is typically between four and five feet.
The great egret is known to inhabit wetlands, marshes, and shallow water but can also be found in open grasslands, woodlands, and cultivated fields. It feeds on various aquatic animals like fish, frogs, and crustaceans.
It is also known to feed on small mammals and insects. The great egret is an essential species due to its role in controlling insect populations, as well as its role in providing food for other species.
It is also a conservation symbol and a protected species in many countries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. alba |
3. Black-crowned Night Heron
The black-crowned night heron, also known as the black-capped night heron, is a species of heron that can be found in many parts of the world. This medium-sized bird is easily recognizable by its striking black crown, which is the source of its name.
It can be found in Europe, Asia, and North and South America. The night heron is a solitary bird and tends to hunt at night or in the early morning and late evening when it can take advantage of its excellent night vision.
It is a predatory bird and feeds mainly on small fish, crustaceans, frogs, and other aquatic creatures. The night heron is known for its loud, croaking call, which can be heard at dusk and dawn.
It nests in colonies and prefers habitats close to water, such as marshes, swamps, and other wetlands. The black-crowned night heron is a beautiful bird important to many wetland and waterway ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Nycticorax |
| Species | N. nycticorax |
4. Purple Heron
The purple heron is a species of heron that is found in many different parts of the world. It breeds in Africa, southern and central Europe, and south and eastern Palearctic. This species is widespread and is found in various climates and landscapes.
It typically breeds in areas with shallow bodies of water, such as marshes, swamps, and ponds.
It is a medium-sized heron, measuring between 70 and 90 cm long and typically weighing 1 and 1.5 kilograms. The purple heron is a solitary bird that usually spends its days foraging for food.
It feeds on various small fish, amphibians, mammals, insects, and crustaceans. Its diet is highly varied and can change depending on the food availability in its environment. The purple heron has a unique plumage, with a grey-blue body and chestnut-brown wings.
Its long legs are yellowish-green, and it has a long yellow bill. Its most striking feature is its white crown, which can be seen from a distance. The purple heron is known to be an active predator, and it often hunts in shallow waters.
It is also known to be a vocal bird, with various loud calls that can be heard throughout the day. It nests in colonies, usually near water, and roosts in tall trees. The purple heron is a wide-ranging species found in many parts of the world.
It is a solitary bird that is well adapted to various habitats. It is an active predator and is known for its loud call. It nests in colonies near water and is integral to many ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardea |
| Species | A. purpurea |
5. Squacco Heron
The squacco heron is a small species found in the Old World. It is between 44-47 cm long, with a body length of 20-23 cm and a wingspan of 80-92 cm.
It breeds in the southern parts of Europe and the Middle East. The squacco heron is distinguished by its smaller size compared to other herons. It has a relatively short body and long wings.
Its wingspan is between 80 and 92 cm, a bit longer than its body length of 20 to 23 cm. The overall length of the bird is 44-47 cm. The squacco heron is found in the Old World, primarily in southern Europe and the Middle East.
This species of heron breeds in these areas and is found in wetlands, streams, and shallow water bodies. It has adapted to its environment and can survive in these areas. The squacco heron is a small but essential species of heron that is found in the Old World.
Its size is relatively small compared to other herons, with an 80-92 cm wingspan. It breeds in southern Europe and the Middle East and can be found in wetlands, streams, and shallow water bodies.
This heron species is essential to the ecosystem of its range and provides a valuable food source for other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Ardeola |
| Species | A. ralloides |
6. Greater Flamingo
The greater flamingo is the most significant and widespread species of the family.
It is a common sight in the Old World, specifically 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.
The flamingo is a beautiful and iconic bird with long legs and a curved beak. Its long neck has a bright pink plumage that distinguishes it from other birds.
It is an essential species in the ecosystem, as it is a filter-feeder that helps to keep waterways clean. They mainly feed on tiny aquatic organisms, such as crustaceans, mollusks, and plankton. Flamingos are also known to eat insects, seeds, and plant matter.
Flamingos are social birds living in large colonies, which can sometimes reach thousands of individuals. They often gather in shallow lakes, lagoons, and other wetlands.
They also migrate in large flocks, sometimes traveling long distances to find more suitable habitats. The greater flamingo is an essential species globally, and its populations are currently stable.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Phoenicopteriformes |
| Family | Phoenicopteridae |
| Genus | Phoenicopterus |
| Species | P. roseus |
7. Red-crested Pochard
The red-crested pochard is a large species of duck adept at diving. Its scientific name comes from two sources: the Greek word “Netta,” which translates to “duck,” and the Latin word “Rufina,” which translates to “golden-red.”
This name fits the red-crested pochard, as its crown is often a vibrant red hue. The pochard is a reasonably common bird in wetlands and shallow European and Asian waters.
It is an omnivore, feeding on both aquatic plant life and small animals such as insects and fish. The red-crested pochard is also an important species for conservation, as it is a crucial indicator of wetland health.
Its presence in an area signifies good water quality and a thriving wetland ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Netta |
| Species | N. rufina |
8. Red-necked Nightjar
The red-necked nightjar is a species of nightjar that is found in Europe. It is the largest of the nightjars in Europe and has a wide geographic range. The red-necked nightjar breeds in Iberia and North Africa, then migrates to tropical West Africa for the winter.
This nightjar species has an impressive wingspan in both open and wooded habitats. They are most active at night and can be seen hunting for insects on the wing. During the day, red-necked nightjars are known to roost in dense vegetation.
This species is protected in Europe, and their numbers have decreased over the past few decades due to habitat destruction. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure that the red-necked nightjar continues to thrive in Europe.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. ruficollis |
9. Great Cormorant
The great cormorant is a common seabird in various parts of the world. It is known by different names in different areas. 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 referred to as the black cormorant. In India, it is known as the large cormorant. The great cormorant is part of the cormorant family of seabirds. It is a species found near the coastlines of oceans, rivers, and lakes.
They are primarily black, with white patches on their wings and necks. They have long, hooked bills and webbed feet. They typically feed on fish, which they catch in their beaks and then swallow. The cormorant has a long history of being valued by humans.
In some cultures, they are seen as a symbol of prosperity and success. They have also been used for fishing by humans as they help to catch more prey. The great cormorant is a widespread species found in many different parts of the world.
It is an essential species for humans and the environment, and its various names reflect its importance in different cultures.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. carbo |
10. Black-tailed Godwit
The black-tailed godwit is a migratory shorebird species belonging to the Limosa genus. It was first documented by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus in 1758. It is a large bird with long legs and a long bill used to probe the mud for food.
It is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America. The godwit is a migratory species that travels long distances between its breeding and wintering grounds.
It can fly up to 10,000 kilometers (6,200 miles) non-stop during migration. The godwit usually feeds on mollusks, worms, crustaceans, and insects, which it finds in the mudflats.
It also eats seeds, berries, and other plant material. The black-tailed godwit is an important species, playing a vital role in the wetland ecosystems it inhabits.
It helps maintain the food chain balance by preying on invertebrates and providing food for other animals. It is also an important indicator species, as changes in its population can help us understand the environment’s health.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Limosa |
| Species | L. limosa |
11. Black-headed Gull
The black-headed gull is a small species found in many parts of the Palearctic, including Europe and coastal eastern Canada.
This gull species is migratory; most of the population will migrate south during winter, but some birds remain in the westernmost parts of Europe, where the climate is milder.
The black-headed gull is a reasonably common bird found in various habitats, from coastal areas to inland wetlands. They feed mainly on small invertebrates, such as insects, worms, and mollusks, but also scavenge for food scraps alongside other species of gulls.
During the breeding season, the male and female form a pair bond and construct a nest on the ground, usually in a sheltered location. The female will lay two to three eggs, which she will incubate for around three weeks.
Once the chicks hatch, both parents feed and care for them until they are ready to fledge. After fledging, the young birds will remain with their parents for a few weeks until they can fend for themselves.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Chroicocephalus |
| Species | C. ridibundus |
12. Common Sandpiper
The common sandpiper is a species of small wader bird found in the Palearctic region. This species is part of the genus Actitis, including its American sister species, the spotted sandpiper.
The two species are parapatric, meaning they are geographically overlapping but do not interbreed. However, birds of one species may sometimes settle down amongst birds of the other species, and the two species may hybridize. This is known as hybridization.
Hybridizing the two species may create a new bird form with different characteristics than either parent species.
Hybridization is a natural part of the evolution of many species and can help them adapt to changing environmental conditions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Actitis |
| Species | A. hypoleucos |
13. Common Ringed Plover
The common ringed plover is a small bird of the plover family that breeds in the Arctic regions of Eurasia. It is scientifically known as Charadrius, a Late Latin word used to describe a yellowish bird.
This word can be traced back to the fourth-century Vulgate, which has its roots in Ancient Greek and was referred to as kharadrios. This bird is usually found near ravines and river valleys.
It is pretty tiny, but its bright yellow feathers make it easily distinguishable from other birds in its habitat. It is also known for its distinct call and song, a pleasant addition to its natural environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. hiaticula |
14. Little Ringed Plover
The little ringed plover is a small wading bird species belonging to the genus Charadrius. This genus name is derived from Late Latin and was first used to describe a type of yellowish bird referenced in the fourth-century Vulgate, a Latin translation of the Bible.
The name is derived from the Ancient Greek word kharadrios, which refers to a bird found near river valleys. This particular bird species is found in various habitats, from wetlands to dry grasslands.
These birds mainly feed on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates they find while foraging in shallow waters. They have brownish-grey plumage and are easily recognizable by their distinctive black “rings” around their eyes and necks.
The little ringed plover is a migratory species, and its population is declining in some areas due to loss of habitat and hunting. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure that this species continues to thrive in its natural habitats.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Charadrius |
| Species | C. dubius |
15. European Storm Petrel
The European storm petrel, also known as the British storm petrel, is a small seabird that belongs to the northern storm petrel family, Hydrobatidae. It is easily recognized by its black coloring, with a broad white rump and a white band on the underside of its wings.
Its flight pattern is distinctive, resembling a bat’s fluttering flight. The storm petrel is a tiny bird with a square-shaped tail.
Its black coloring makes it difficult to spot on the open sea, but the white markings on its rump and wings make it easier to identify. Its flight is erratic and light, fluttering around like a bat.
It typically hovers over the water in search of food, diving down to the surface to catch small fish and crustaceans. Despite its small size, the storm petrel is an impressive creature.
Its endurance and adaptability allow it to survive in harsh conditions, and its unique flight pattern makes it an impressive sight on the open sea. It is an integral part of the marine ecosystem, providing a vital link between ocean and land.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Procellariiformes |
| Family | Hydrobatidae |
| Genus | Hydrobates |
| Species | H. pelagicus |
16. Little Egret
The little egret is a species of small heron, distinguished by its white plumage, slender black beak, and long black legs. It is part of the family Ardeidae, which includes other herons, egrets, and bitterns.
Depending on its geographical location, the little egret can have either yellow or black feet. The little egret is adapted to feed in shallow water and on land as an aquatic bird.
Its diet comprises small creatures, including fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and other aquatic animals. It also forages for insects, earthworms, and small reptiles. The little egret is an opportunistic feeder, so its diet can vary depending on what is available.
The little egret is not only a beautiful bird to observe but also serves a vital role in the environment. Preying on small aquatic animals helps keep aquatic systems in balance and prevents overpopulation of its prey.
It also provides food for larger predators, such as eagles, hawks, and owls.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pelecaniformes |
| Family | Ardeidae |
| Genus | Egretta |
| Species | E. garzetta |
17. Great Skua
The great skua is a formidable seabird that belongs to the skua family of birds called Stercorariidae. It is a large bird around the same size as a herring gull.
It has a wide range of habitats, from the Arctic’s coastal regions to the Antarctic coasts. The great skua is known as the bonxie in Britain.
It is a powerful bird, capable of chasing away other seabirds from its territory and even attacking humans to defend its nest. It is an aggressive predator, preying on other birds and small fish at the sea surface. It is also known to snatch fish from other birds.
The great skua is a unique species with a varied diet and a striking appearance. Its dark brown feathers are speckled with lighter spots, while its wings and tail are mottled with white.
It has a large, hooked beak, which it uses to catch its prey, and webbed feet, which help it move swiftly through the water. The great skua is an integral part of the marine ecosystem, as it helps keep the food chain balanced by preying on small fish and other seabirds.
It is a fascinating species, and its presence in the wild reminds us of the delicate balance between the natural world and our own.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Stercorariidae |
| Genus | Stercorarius |
| Species | S. skua |
18. Purple Sandpiper
The purple sandpiper is a small shorebird part of the sandpiper family, Scolopacidae. It is known for being a hardy species that can survive in some of the harshest climates. This sandpiper breeds in Eurasia and North America’s Arctic and subarctic regions.
During the winter, this species migrates south to avoid the cold weather and spends its time on the Atlantic coast. The purple sandpiper is an integral part of the natural environment and helps sustain populations of other species.
Its ability to survive in harsh climates makes it an essential species for conserving fragile ecosystems.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. maritima |
19. Red Knot
The red knot, or just knot, is a medium-sized shorebird in the tundra and Arctic Cordillera in the far north of Canada, Europe, and Russia. It is a member of the Calidris sandpipers and is the second largest of these birds, just below the great knot.
Six distinct subspecies of the red knot have been identified and given scientific recognition. The red knot is a well-known migratory bird, traveling thousands of miles between its summer breeding grounds and wintering sites yearly.
The bird is an essential part of the food chain, as it feeds on invertebrates like mollusks, crustaceans, and insects, but is also preyed upon by various predators.
The red knot also plays a vital role in the health of the ecosystems in which it lives, as it helps to spread nutrients around and aerate the soil.
The red knot is a species of conservation concern due to its declining population and its habitat being increasingly fragmented and degraded by human activities.
Climate change is also playing a significant role in the decline of the red knot, with rising temperatures affecting the bird’s breeding and wintering sites.
Conservation efforts are being undertaken in many areas to help protect the red knot, such as creating protected areas, establishing artificial feeding grounds, and implementing monitoring programs.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Calidris |
| Species | C. canutus |
20. Lesser Scaup
The lesser scaup is a small North American diving duck popular among birdwatchers and hunters. It is easily identified by its distinctive blue bill, which is why it is colloquially known as the little bluebill or broadbill.
During the winter months, it migrates south as far as Central America. This migration pattern allows the lesser scaup to survive the colder winter months and enjoy the more temperate climates of Central America.
The lesser scaup is an excellent swimmer and dives to the bottom of shallow bodies of water for food. It mainly feeds on aquatic insects, mollusks, and crustaceans. During the spring and summer months, they will sometimes feed on vegetation.
This duck species is an essential part of many North American ecosystems, providing food for other animals and helping maintain the balance of nature.
With its distinctive blue bill, the lesser scaup is a famous sight in many parts of North America, and it is a favorite among birdwatchers and hunters alike.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. affinis |
21. Little Gull
The little gull is a gull species belonging to the family Laridae. It is mainly found in the Palearctic, but there are some colonies in North America. This species breeds on freshwaters, but it migrates to the sea during the winter months.
It is the smallest gull species in the world and the only species in the monospecific genus Hydrocoloeus. The little gull has a unique appearance and is easily distinguishable from other gulls. Its body is small and delicate, with a black hood on its head.
It also has a white and grey plumage on its body, sometimes called a “pepper-and-salt” gull. The little gull is an interesting species of bird, and its small size makes it a favorite among bird watchers.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Laridae |
| Genus | Hydrocoloeus |
| Species | H. minutus |
Conclusion
Birds in Nouaceur are an essential part of the local ecosystem. They provide many benefits, including food, pest control, and pollination. The presence of birds in Nouaceur also contributes to the region’s biodiversity and is a source of recreation for many.
By protecting their habitats and taking steps to reduce threats, we can ensure that the birds of Nouaceur remain a vital part of the local environment for years to come.