Birds have been an integral part of the Rijau ecosystem since ancient times. They are a vital part of the food chain and provide an important service to the local environment.
With over 200 species of birds, Rijau is home to many different kinds of birds, ranging from small songbirds to large raptors and waterfowl. Birds are integral to the region’s culture, with many traditional stories and folk songs featuring birds.
From their unique calls to their colorful plumage, Rijau’s birds are a delight to observe.
1. Little Grebe
The little grebe, also known as the dabchick, is a type of water bird that belongs to the grebe family. Its genus name is derived from the Ancient Greek words “takhus” and “bapto” which literally translates to “fast” and “to sink under” respectively.
The species name, ruficollis, comes from two Latin words, “rufus” meaning “red” and “collum” which translates to “neck”. This is combined with the Modern Latin suffix, “-collis”, which literally translates to “-necked”.
Therefore, the species name of the little grebe is an indication of its neck being red in color.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
2. Cuculus Canorus
The common cuckoo is a part of the Cuculiformes bird family, which is a diverse group that includes roadrunners, anis, and coucals. This particular species is a migratory bird, meaning it moves between different locations based on the season.
During the summer months, the common cuckoo can be found in Europe and Asia, but it will travel to Africa for the winter. This behavior is a part of the cuckoo’s natural life cycle that allows it to take advantage of the different climates in different regions.
This migration also helps the species to find food and shelter in areas where resources may be scarce. The common cuckoo is an important species in its natural environment, and its migratory behavior helps it to survive and thrive.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Cuculus |
| Species | C. canorus |
3. Blue Quail
Source: pinterest.com
The blue quail, or African blue quail, is a small bird that belongs to the Phasianidae family. It is found in sub-Saharan Africa, where it prefers habitats such as dry grasslands and savannahs.
These birds are often seen in flocks of up to twenty birds, and they feed mainly on seeds and grains. They are mostly active during the day and rest at night. The blue quail has a distinct appearance, with a long neck and tail, and a glossy blue-gray plumage.
Its head and neck are grayish-brown, while its chest and back are light blue-gray. It has a white rump, and its bill is yellowish-gray. Its legs are a reddish-brown color. The blue quail is an important game bird in many parts of Africa, and it is hunted for sport and food.
It is also an important part of the local culture and folklore.
It is believed to be a symbol of fertility and is sometimes used in traditional ceremonies and rituals. The blue quail is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, which means that it is not currently threatened with extinction.
However, it is still vulnerable to habitat loss and hunting, so it is important to protect its habitats and regulate hunting in order to ensure its continued survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Synoicus |
| Species | S. adansonii |
4. Pennant-winged Nightjar
Source: ebird.org
The Pennant-winged Nightjar is a species of nightjar that can be found in the regions of Nigeria and northern South Africa. This species of nightjar is an intra-African migrant, meaning it migrates within the continent of Africa and is not found in other parts of the world.
During the breeding season, the Pennant-winged Nightjar displays remarkable sexual dimorphism. This means that the male and female of the species look markedly different from one another, usually in terms of the size and color of their plumage.
For example, the male might have brighter colors than the female, while the female might be larger than the male. This type of sexual dimorphism is seen quite commonly in the bird kingdom.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. vexillarius |
5. Rail
Rails are a large family of birds that vary widely in size and shape. They inhabit both terrestrial and semi-aquatic habitats and can range from small to medium in size. The family is quite diverse, with species found in many parts of the world.
Some of the most common species include the crakes, coots, and gallinule. Other rail species, however, are much rarer and even endangered in some cases.
Due to their wide range of habitats, rails can be found in a variety of climates and regions, from forests and wetlands to grasslands and coasts.
They typically feed on small invertebrates, such as insects, worms, and snails, but can also take advantage of larger prey when available. In addition, many rail species use their long bills to probe mud and shallow water for food.
Furthermore, rails have a unique form of courtship behavior, with males often displaying their colorful feathers and making loud calls to attract mates. All in all, rails are an incredibly diverse family of birds that play an important role in the global ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Rallidae |
6. Speckled Pigeon
The speckled pigeon is a species of pigeon native to much of Africa south of the Sahara. It is a very common bird and can be found in many different kinds of open habitats.
It is widespread and found in many places in Africa, although there are some areas where it is not present. The speckled pigeon has other common names, such as African rock pigeon and Guinea pigeon.
It is a resident breeding bird in Africa, meaning that it lives and breeds in Africa all year round. It is a hardy species and is known to survive in a variety of habitats and climates. The speckled pigeon can be identified by its speckled feathers.
The feathers are usually white or gray with black or brown spots. The pigeon is also known for its large, broad wings and its short, stout beak. The speckled pigeon is an important species for several reasons.
It is an important seed disperser, as it eats a variety of seeds and disperses them over a wide area. It is also a source of food for many predators, such as hawks and eagles.
Additionally, it is valued as a game bird and is hunted in some areas. Overall, the speckled pigeon is an important species in Africa, and it is an important part of the African ecosystem.
It is a common and widespread species, although there are some areas where it is not present.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. guinea |
7. Ferruginous Duck
The ferruginous duck is a species of diving duck from the Eurosiberian region. It is also known by other common names such as ferruginous pochard, common white-eye, and white-eyed pochard. Its scientific name is derived from two Greek words.
The first word, aithuia, is an unidentified seabird mentioned by ancient writers such as Hesychius and Aristotle. The second word, nyrok, is the Russian name for a duck. This species of duck is medium-sized and can be found in wetland habitats throughout the Eurosiberian region.
They are a migratory species and their populations have declined in recent years due to habitat destruction and hunting. The ferruginous duck has a distinctive rusty-brown coloration which is why it is named after the Latin word for iron, ferruginous.
They feed on aquatic plants, insects, larvae, and small fish. The ferruginous duck is an important part of the Eurosiberian ecosystem and is a popular species among birdwatchers.
Conservation efforts are underway to help protect the species from further decline and to ensure its continued survival in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. nyroca |
8. European Turtle Dove
The European turtle dove is a species of bird belonging to the Columbidae family, which includes both doves and pigeons. It is widely distributed across the southwestern Palearctic region, including North Africa.
During the winter months, the turtle dove migrates to northern sub-Saharan Africa, likely in search of better climate conditions or more plentiful food sources.
This species is part of a larger pattern of migration seen in many birds, which often travel long distances to more suitable habitats during the winter.
While the turtle dove’s migratory journey is relatively short, its ability to move between different regions is essential for its survival. This bird species is able to adapt to different environments, which helps it to survive in the face of changing conditions.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. turtur |
9. Great Cormorant
The great cormorant, also known by various other names, is a very widespread species of seabird belonging to the cormorant family.
In New Zealand, it is commonly referred to as the black shag or kawau, while across the Northern Hemisphere, it is known as the great black cormorant. In Australia, it is known as the black cormorant and in India, it is commonly referred to as the large cormorant.
This bird species is found in many different areas all around the world, and its range includes temperate and tropical regions of the world. The great cormorant has a long and slender body, with a wingspan that can range from 2.3 to 3.9 feet.
It has a blackish-brown plumage on its body, while its head and neck are usually white. This species is a strong swimmer and an adept fisher, and it is most frequently seen diving into the water to catch its prey.
It feeds mainly on small fish, but it will also eat crustaceans, molluscs, and sometimes aquatic insects. The great cormorant is a fairly social species, and it can often be seen in large groups near the coast.
These birds will often nest together in large colonies, and they will often share nesting sites.
They also have a wide variety of vocalizations that they use to communicate with one another. Overall, the great cormorant is an impressive species of seabird, and it is found in many different parts of the world.
Despite its many different names, this species is easily recognizable and its unique plumage and vocalizations make it an easy species to identify.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Suliformes |
| Family | Phalacrocoracidae |
| Genus | Phalacrocorax |
| Species | P. carbo |
10. African Collared Dove
The African collared dove is a small bird found in the Sahel, which is located in northeast Africa, as well as in southwestern Arabia. This bird has adapted to its arid environment and is often spotted around water sources, as it is essential for its survival.
In terms of size, the African-collared dove is typically around 26 cm in length. This makes it one of the smaller birds in the dove family, although it is still easily identifiable, due to its light brown color and black and white collar-like markings on its neck.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. roseogrisea |
11. Black-bellied Bustard
The black-bellied bustard, also known as the black-bellied korhaan, is a species of large bird that is native to Africa. It is a member of the bustard family, which is comprised of large ground-dwelling birds that are found in Africa, southern Europe, and parts of Asia.
The black-bellied bustard is characterized by its black-colored belly and legs, as well as its brownish-gray wings and head.
It is a rather large bird, with an average body length of around 70 cm and a wingspan of roughly 120 cm. The black-bellied bustard lives in open grasslands and savannas, where it feeds on a variety of insects, lizards, and small mammals.
It is a solitary bird, but will occasionally form small flocks in order to forage for food.
In the breeding season, the male black-bellied bustard performs a distinctive courtship display, which includes raising its wings and neck feathers, fanning out its tail, and making loud calls.
The female will lay a clutch of one to five eggs, which are incubated for about a month before hatching. The black-bellied bustard is considered to be a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Although its population is decreasing in some areas due to habitat loss, it is still found in large numbers in other parts of Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Otidiformes |
| Family | Otididae |
| Genus | Lissotis |
| Species | L. melanogaster |
12. Common Ostrich
The common ostrich is one of the largest living birds in the world, standing up to 8 feet tall and weighing up to 250 pounds. It is flightless, meaning it does not have the ability to fly.
It is native to certain regions of Africa, but it is found in many other places around the world due to its popularity as a domesticated bird. The common ostrich is a member of the ratite order of birds, along with other flightless birds like the emu and kiwi.
It is one of only two species of ostriches, both of which belong to the genus Struthio. Ostriches are well known for their long necks and powerful legs, which they use to run up to 45 miles an hour.
They also have a unique ability to store fat in their bodies, which helps them survive long droughts. Ostriches are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
They are mostly ground-dwelling birds, but they are also capable of swimming and are known to use their wings to help keep balance while running.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
| Species | S. camelus |
13. White-spotted Flufftail
The white-spotted flufftail is a unique species of bird that belongs to the family Sarothruridae. It is found in many tropical rainforests throughout Africa and has a wide range of presence across the continent.
This species of bird is identified by its white spots on its plumage, which make it stand out amongst its surroundings. The flufftail also has a distinct call that can be heard in the African rainforest, making it easier to spot.
Its diet consists mostly of insects, fruit, and other small animals, which it can easily find in its tropical environment. This species of bird is known for its shy nature and is usually found in small groups, although they can sometimes be seen alone.
The white-spotted flufftail is an important part of the African rainforest ecosystem, and its presence is essential for the health of the ecosystem.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Sarothruridae |
| Genus | Sarothrura |
| Species | S. pulchra |
14. Yellow-billed Stork
The yellow-billed stork is a large bird species found in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. It is also known by a few other names such as the wood stork and wood ibis. The yellow-billed stork belongs to the family Ciconiidae, which is a group of wading birds.
The species is widespread in the African continent but is also found in Madagascar. The yellow-billed stork is a large bird, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters. Its body is mainly white, and its head is grey with yellow beaks and legs.
It has a distinctive black stripe on the top of its neck. These birds feed on small fish, frogs, insects, and other small animals. They wade through shallow waters while hunting for food.
The yellow-billed stork is a highly social species, and can often be seen in flocks of up to dozens of birds. They nest in colonies, usually near wetlands and rivers.
The breeding season for these birds is during the summer months, and during this time they can be heard making loud, guttural noises. The young birds are born blind and are fed by their parents until they can fend for themselves.
The yellow-billed stork is an important species of the African ecosystem. It helps keep insects, amphibians, and small mammals in check and is also a popular species for birdwatchers. Unfortunately, these birds are increasingly threatened by habitat destruction and pollution.
Conservation efforts must be made to ensure the survival of this iconic species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Ciconiiformes |
| Family | Ciconiidae |
| Genus | Mycteria |
| Species | M. ibis |
15. Greater Painted-snipe
The greater painted-snipe is a type of wading bird found in the family Rostratulidae. It is primarily found in marshy areas in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. This species of bird has a unique appearance, with a long bill, bright colors, and a plump body.
Its head and neck have a reddish-brown hue, and its back and wings are marked with black and white stripes. The greater painted snipe is a shy bird that typically hides in thick vegetation and is usually seen in the mornings and evenings.
It feeds on insects, worms, and other small invertebrates that it finds in the mud or shallow waters. The greater painted snipe is an important part of the ecosystem as it helps keep the population of small invertebrates in balance.
Unfortunately, this species is threatened by habitat loss, pollution, and hunting. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure that the greater painted snipe will continue to thrive in its natural habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Rostratulidae |
| Genus | Rostratula |
| Species | R. benghalensis |
Conclusion
Birds play an important role in the ecosystem of Rijau. They provide a variety of environmental services, such as pollination, seed dispersal, pest control, and food for other animals.
They also provide a source of enjoyment for people, as they are often seen in the wild and in parks. Birds are important to the health of Rijau and should be protected and conserved.
