Segou, a city in Mali, is home to many species of birds. From the majestic Secretary Bird to the colorful Yellow-billed Hornbill, the region is alive with a variety of avian life.
The town is known for its vibrant markets, diverse culture, and stunning sunsets, but the birds of Segou add an extra layer of delight.
Whether it’s a flock of swallows swooping around the city center or a lone eagle soaring across the sky, the birds of Segou are always a sight to behold.
1. Common Ostrich
The common ostrich is a species of bird that is native to certain parts of Africa. It is flightless, meaning it cannot fly, and is the only living member of the genus Struthio in the ratite order.
Ostriches are large animals that are the largest living bird species on earth, with adults reaching heights of up to 2.7 meters and weights of around 156 kilograms. They have long necks and legs, and their feathers are mostly black and white.
They are also incredibly fast runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour. Ostriches are omnivores, meaning they feed on both plants and animals. They are also very social animals, living in groups of up to 50 individuals.
Their eggs are the largest of any bird species, and they take around 42 days to hatch. Ostriches have been domesticated by humans for their feathers, meat, and skin since ancient times, and their feathers are still used today for decorative purposes.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Struthioniformes |
| Family | Struthionidae |
| Genus | Struthio |
| Species | S. camelus |
2. Stone Partridge
The stone partridge is a type of bird belonging to the New World quail family and is found in various parts of Africa. It is a largely brown bird, with a distinctive habit of holding its tail raised.
It can be found in various habitats, including scrubland and lightly wooded areas, particularly near rocks.
The stone partridge is found in parts of Kenya, Ethiopia, and Gambia. This bird is well-adapted to survive in open and often dry environments, and as such, is quite well-suited to living in areas with rocks and sparse vegetation.
Its brown feathers help it to blend in with its surroundings, allowing it to remain camouflaged and hidden from potential predators.
Its raised tail is thought to be a form of communication, serving as a warning to other members of its species. The stone partridge is an important species in its natural habitats, as its presence helps to add diversity and complexity to the local ecosystems.
Its diet includes a variety of seeds, insects, and other small prey, which helps to control and maintain the local balance of species. Additionally, its presence often attracts other animals, which can help to spread seeds and fertilize the soil.
In this way, the stone partridge plays an important role in its local environment.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Odontophoridae |
| Genus | Ptilopachus |
| Species | P. petrosus |
3. Helmeted Guineafowl
The helmeted guineafowl is a species of bird that is part of the Numididae bird family. It is the only member of its genus, Numida, and is mainly found in Africa, south of the Sahara desert.
This bird has also been introduced to many other places around the world, primarily as a domesticated species.
In the West Indies, North America, Colombia, Brazil, Australia, and Europe, the helmeted guineafowl can be found in domesticated environments. The helmeted guineafowl is most notable for its distinctive helmet-like crest, which gives it its name.
This crest is composed of several small feathers that grow in a circular pattern around its head. The crest is usually a reddish-brown color and is used to attract mates. The guineafowl also has a distinctive call, which is a loud, harsh rattle.
The bird is omnivorous, feeding on insects, small mammals, fruits, and seeds. The helmeted guineafowl is a social bird, often living in large flocks. They have been known to form relationships with other species, such as chickens, and will often roost together.
The guineafowl is also known to be a very protective bird, and will fiercely defend its young from predators. Overall, the helmeted guineafowl is an interesting species of bird with a wide range of habitats and behaviors.
It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive crest and call and is valued for its role in pest control. As more people become aware of this species, the helmeted guineafowl will likely become a more common sight around the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Numididae |
| Genus | Numida |
| Species | N. meleagris |
4. Little Grebe
The little grebe is a member of the grebe family of water birds. Its scientific name, takhus ruficollis, is derived from Ancient Greek and Latin. The Ancient Greek root takhus translates to “fast,” referring to the grebe’s quick underwater movements.
The Latin root ruficollis is a combination of rufus, meaning “red,” and -collis, meaning “-necked,” which is derived from collum, meaning “neck.” This likely refers to the grebe’s reddish-brown neck coloration.
The little grebe is a small bird, typically found near lakes and rivers, and is known for its agility in the water. It dives quickly to catch small fish and aquatic insects for food and can stay underwater for up to a minute.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Podicipediformes |
| Family | Podicipedidae |
| Genus | Tachybaptus |
| Species | T. ruficollis |
5. Whimbrel
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is a type of wader, meaning it is a bird that spends much of its time in wetland areas. It is a part of the Scolopacidae family, which is the largest family of shorebirds.
This species is one of the most widespread species of curlews, which are large wading birds with long bills. The Eurasian or common whimbrel breeds across much of subarctic Asia and Europe, all the way down to Scotland.
In North America, it is referred to as the white-rumped whimbrel. This species prefers to live around wetlands and coastlines, and it feeds on small animals and invertebrates that live in these areas.
The Eurasian or common whimbrel is an important part of the wetland ecosystem, and it is important to conserve these areas to ensure the safety of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Scolopacidae |
| Genus | Numenius |
| Species | N. phaeopus |
6. Black Crowned Crane
The black-crowned crane is a species belonging to the family Gruidae, which also includes its sister species, the grey-crowned crane. These two cranes are the only members of this family.
The black-crowned crane is easily recognizable by its golden crown, which is made up of bristly feathers. This species is native to tropical and subtropical wetlands and it can be found in parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
The black-crowned crane is distinguished from its sister species by its slightly darker plumage, and its golden crown is a bit more pronounced. It is an omnivore and it feeds on small insects, grains, and other vegetation.
The black crowned crane is a ground-dwelling species and it usually moves around in pairs or small groups. This species is considered to be a symbol of luck and good fortune in many cultures.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Gruidae |
| Genus | Balearica |
| Species | B. pavonina |
7. Black-winged Stilt
The black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus) is a species of wader, a type of water bird, belonging to the avocet and stilt family. It is found in wetlands throughout the world, from the tropics to the temperate zone.
The bird is very easily identified by its long, thin legs, and its black wings, although there are some regional variations in the color of its plumage. The wings are typically black, while the body is white or grey.
The tail is white, and the head is a blackish-grey color. The scientific name for the black-winged stilt is Himantopus himantopus, and it is commonly referred to as a “single species”.
This is because it is found in many areas, and its characteristics are quite consistent throughout its range. It is a migratory bird, and during the summer it can be found in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
In the winter it is found in South America, Australia, and New Zealand. The black-winged stilt is an active forager, feeding mainly on insects, worms, and crustaceans. It prefers shallow water, and can often be seen standing in shallow pools, probing the water for food.
It is a social bird and often forms small flocks when foraging or resting. They are also known to form larger flocks during migration. The black-winged stilt is an important part of the avian community, especially in wetlands and coastal areas.
It is vulnerable to habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species. Conservation efforts are needed to ensure the survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Recurvirostridae |
| Genus | Himantopus |
| Species | H. himantopus |
8. Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
The chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, also known as the common sandgrouse, is a species of bird that can be found in a wide range of habitats across northern and central Africa, and western and southern Asia.
It is a sedentary species, meaning that it has a fixed home range, but is also nomadic, meaning that it will travel to different areas seasonally in search of food.
There are six recognized subspecies of the chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, which vary slightly in size, coloration, and behavior. The most common of these subspecies is the nominate subspecies, which is found throughout the species’ entire range.
The other five subspecies are found in more limited areas and are often only found in one particular region.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Pterocliformes |
| Family | Pteroclidae |
| Genus | Pterocles |
| Species | P. exustus |
9. Guinea Turaco
The Guinea turaco is a species of bird found in Africa. It is a member of the otidimorph group of birds, which are related to turacos. It is known by a few different names, such as the green turaco or green lourie.
In the past, this species used to include several other subspecies, such as the Livingstone’s, Schalow’s, Knysna, black-billed, and Fischer’s turacos.
These subspecies have since been separated from the Guinea turaco, and are now classified as distinct species.
The Guinea turaco is a brightly colored bird, with a deep green body and a bright red beak. It is a social bird and is often seen in flocks.
It is an omnivorous species and primarily feeds on fruits, nuts, and insects. Its habitats include rivers, streams, and woodlands.
The Guinea turaco plays an important role in its ecosystem, as it helps disperse seeds and other plant material.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Musophagiformes |
| Family | Musophagidae |
| Genus | Tauraco |
| Species | T. persa |
10. Standard-winged Nightjar
The standard-winged nightjar is a species of bird belonging to the family of nightjars. Nightjars are nocturnal birds, meaning they are most active during the night. The standard-winged nightjar is a small to medium-sized bird, with a length of around 20 – 25 centimeters.
Its wingspan can range from 36 – 40 centimeters, and its weight is usually between 39 – 51 grams. The nightjar has a mottled brown and white plumage, with white spots on the wings and tail, and a separate white stripe running along the outer edge of its wings.
It has a long pointed bill, long legs, and a short tail. The nightjar primarily feeds on insects, which it catches in mid-flight using its long bill. It can be found in the forests, grasslands, and open fields of the Indian Subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and parts of Australia.
These birds nest on the ground, usually in an open area, with the nest being made of leaves and twigs. This species of bird is considered to be of least concern, as it has a large population and is not threatened by habitat loss or degradation.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Strisores |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. longipennis |
11. Streaky-breasted Flufftail
The streaky-breasted flufftail is an elusive bird, endemic to the wet grasslands of Central Africa. It belongs to the family Sarothruridae, which consists of small, quail-like birds.
The streaky-breasted flufftail has a unique, streaked pattern on its breast that distinguishes it from other birds.
This species has been named after the German zoologist Richard Böhm, in recognition of his contributions to the study of birds in Africa. Böhm was an enthusiastic naturalist, spending much of his life in the field studying the birds of Africa.
During his expeditions, he discovered and described many new species of birds, including the streaky-breasted flufftail. He was also a passionate conservationist, working to protect the birds of Africa from the threats of habitat loss and overhunting.
His work has helped to promote awareness of bird conservation and the importance of preserving the unique wildlife of Africa. The streaky-breasted flufftail is an important species for conservation, as it is an indicator of healthy wetlands and grasslands.
As a result, it is important to focus on the conservation of these habitats to ensure the species’ survival. Additionally, the recognition of Böhm’s work through the naming of this bird serves to honor his contributions to the study of birds and conservation efforts in Africa.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Gruiformes |
| Family | Sarothruridae |
| Genus | Sarothrura |
| Species | S. boehmi |
12. Egyptian Plover
The Egyptian plover is a unique wading bird that is found in a variety of habitats in Africa. It is known as the crocodile bird because it has been observed standing on the backs of crocodiles, picking parasites from their skin.
It is the only member of the genus Pluvianus, which is why it is sometimes referred to as a monotypic family. It was formerly placed in the pratincole and courser family, Glareolidae, but is now considered to be the sole member of its own family, Pluvianidae.
This small wading bird is quite distinctive looking, with its black and white plumage and bright orange legs. It feeds mainly on insects, but also eats small fish, frogs, aquatic invertebrates, and seeds.
It nests in colonies, usually on sandbanks, and is known to be a very vocal species. The Egyptian plover is a fascinating bird with a unique and important ecological role in its habitat.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Pluvianidae |
| Genus | Pluvianus |
| Species | P. aegyptius |
13. Knob-billed Duck
The knob-billed duck (also known as the African comb duck) is a species of duck native to Sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, South Asia, and mainland Indochina. It is typically found in wetlands and aquatic habitats in these regions.
Generally, the knob-billed duck is characterized by its unique bill, which is large and broad, and has a knob at the tip. Taxonomically, the knob-billed duck and the comb duck are classified separately.
This is because the two species have distinct morphological and behavioral differences. The comb duck is larger and has an elongated bill with a comb-like structure on the head.
In contrast, the knob-billed duck is smaller and has a shorter bill with a knob-like structure at the tip. Additionally, the knob-billed duck has a browner plumage than the comb duck.
Overall, the knob-billed duck is a unique species, and its geographical range spans a large portion of the world. Its distinct features and behavior make it a valuable part of the local ecosystems in which it lives.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Sarkidiornis |
| Species | S. melanotos |
14. Black Bellied Plover
The grey plover is a species of shorebird found on beaches, mudflats, and coastal wetlands across the world. It is also referred to as the black-bellied plover in North America.
This species is known as a large cosmopolitan plover, meaning it can be found in various locations around the world. This bird breeds in the Arctic regions and is a long-distance migrant, meaning it migrates long distances between its breeding and non-breeding habitats.
During its breeding season, the grey plover can be found in Arctic regions. However, when not breeding, this species has a nearly worldwide coastal distribution. This means that it can be found in coastal areas around the world.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Charadriidae |
| Genus | Pluvialis |
| Species | P. squatarola |
15. Eurasian Oystercatcher
The Eurasian oystercatcher is a type of bird, belonging to the family Haematopodidae. It is also commonly known as the common pied oystercatcher, the Palaearctic oystercatcher, or simply oystercatcher.
It is a wader, meaning it typically inhabits wetlands and coastal environments.
It is a large species of bird and is easily recognizable due to its striking black and white plumage. The Eurasian oystercatcher has a long, orange-red beak, which it uses to feed on molluscs, crustaceans, and worms.
It is an omnivorous species, and will also feed on a variety of other aquatic invertebrates, as well as some plant matter. It is often seen wading in shallow waters, probing the mud with its bill in search of food.
It is also known to be a very vocal species, with loud, ringing calls that can be heard during the breeding season. The Eurasian oystercatcher is a migratory species and can be found in many parts of Europe and Asia.
It is found in coastal and wetland habitats, such as mudflats, salt marshes, and estuaries. It is a common sight along the coasts of the UK and is also found in parts of Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Germany, and Scandinavia.
Its range extends as far east as the Far East, including parts of Russia, Mongolia, and China. The Eurasian oystercatcher is a socially monogamous species and nests in large colonies. It lays its eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground, which are then incubated by both parents.
The chicks hatch after about 24 days, and soon after they can leave the nest. The chicks are then dependent on their parents for about another month before they can fly and become independent.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Haematopodidae |
| Genus | Haematopus |
| Species | H. ostralegus |
16. Greater Painted-snipe
The greater painted-snipe is a species of wader belonging to the family Rostratulidae. It is a large, colorful bird that is native to parts of Asia and Africa. It has a long, pointed bill and dark eyes, and its body is mainly reddish.
Its wings are a mix of brown, tan, and black, and its tail is reddish-brown. The greater painted snipe is usually found in marshy regions, such as those in Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.
It will inhabit areas with shallow waters and plenty of vegetation, such as reed beds, marshes, and wetlands.
It feeds on small invertebrates, such as insects, crustaceans, and mollusks. The greater painted snipe is usually seen in small flocks of up to 10 individuals, and they often remain in the same area for extended periods.
They are not migratory, so they tend to stay in their home range all year round. The greater painted-snipe is a vulnerable species and is listed as Near Threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
It is threatened by habitat destruction and human activities such as hunting and pollution. As such, conservation efforts are needed to ensure the long-term survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Rostratulidae |
| Genus | Rostratula |
| Species | R. benghalensis |
17. Lesser Jacana
The lesser jacana is a species of bird that belongs to the family Jacanidae. This family contains a variety of wading birds, often found in wetlands and wet grasslands. The lesser jacana is the only species within its genus, Microparra.
This species is found in tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia, East Asia, and parts of Africa. It is a small wading bird, usually measuring between 18-20 cm in length.
The plumage of the lesser jacana is distinctive, with black and white feathers, a yellow bill, and a long tail. Its diet consists of aquatic insects, crustaceans, frogs, and snails. It is an active forager, walking on vegetation in shallow water to search for food.
The lesser jacana is a social bird, often seen in small flocks. It is also known to be a vocal species, with a variety of calls and songs that are used for communication between individuals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Charadriiformes |
| Family | Jacanidae |
| Genus | Microparra |
| Species | M. capensis |
18. White-throated Francolin
The White-throated Francolin is a species of bird belonging to the Phasianidae family. It is native to the African countries of Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo and Zambia.
This species of bird is a ground-dwelling bird and is usually found living in grassy habitats, such as savannah and grassland.
It is a secretive bird, often keeping to the shadows and avoiding people. The White-throated Francolin is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 22-25 cm in length and weighing around 150-180 g.
Its plumage is mainly composed of various shades of grey, with a white throat and black barring on its wings and tail. It is also characterized by its long, pointed bill. The White-throated Francolin feeds mainly on seeds, insects, and other invertebrates.
It is a monogamous species, forming pairs that will remain together for the duration of the breeding season.
The female will lay up to four eggs in a shallow scrape on the ground, which will be incubated by both the male and female. Overall, the White-throated Francolin is an important species of bird in its native range.
It is a shy and elusive species, however, it is an important part of the ecological balance in its habitats. Its numbers are believed to be declining, however, due to habitat loss and degradation, and it is currently listed as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
As such, its habitat must be conserved and protected as much as possible, to ensure the species’ survival.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Galliformes |
| Family | Phasianidae |
| Genus | Campocolinus |
| Species | C. albogularis |
19. Northern Pintail
The pintail or northern pintail is a species of duck found in many parts of the world. It is found in the northern areas of Europe and the Palearctic and North American regions.
This species of duck is migratory, meaning that it moves from one area to another during different seasons. During the summer, the pintail breeds in the northern areas.
When winter approaches, it migrates to areas south of its breeding range, sometimes as far south as the equator. This allows the pintail to find ideal conditions for breeding and feeding.
The wide geographic distribution of the pintail allows it to be found in many parts of the world. It is an important species to many ecosystems, providing food for other animals and helping to maintain the balance of nature.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anas |
| Species | A. acuta |
20. Bean Goose
The Taiga Bean Goose is a species of goose that is found in northern Europe and Asia. It is distinct from the Tundra Bean Goose and is recognized as a separate species by both the American Ornithological Society and the International Ornithologists’ Union.
However, some other authorities view the Taiga and Tundra Bean Goose as a single species due to their close resemblance. The Taiga Bean Goose is a migratory species, which is found in the northern parts of Europe and Asia during the summer months.
During the winter, it migrates south to the warmer climates of the Mediterranean and Middle East. The Taiga Bean Goose has a brown-grey coloration and is slightly smaller than the Tundra Bean Goose. It has a white head and neck, and a white belly.
The wings are mottled with light and dark brown, and the back is grey-brown. The Taiga Bean Goose feeds mainly on aquatic vegetation, such as grasses, sedges, and rushes, as well as insects and small fish.
It is usually found in small flocks, feeding in shallow wetlands, marshes, and rivers. Breeding usually takes place in the northern parts of its range, with pairs forming in the early spring months.
The female lays three to five eggs in a shallow nest, which are incubated for about 25 days. Overall, the Taiga Bean Goose is an important species of waterfowl, which plays an important role in the ecology of northern Europe and Asia.
It is recognized as a separate species by many authorities and is considered a conservation priority in many countries.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Anser |
| Species | A. fabalis |
21. Tufted Duck
The Tufted Duck, also known as the Tufted Pochard, is a species of diving duck that is native to northern Eurasia. It is estimated that there are close to one million birds of this species. The scientific name for the Tufted Duck is derived from two sources.
The first source is Ancient Greek, with the word “aithuia” being used to refer to an unknown seabird that was mentioned by authors such as Hesychius and Aristotle.
The second part of the scientific name comes from Latin, with the words “fuligo” meaning “soot” and “gula” meaning “throat”. This refers to the characteristic black feathers of the white-necked Tufted Ducks.
The Tufted Duck is mainly found in shallow wetlands and is well-adapted to cold climates. Its diet consists of aquatic plants, insects, molluscs and small fish. It is a migratory species, with some birds flying as far as Britain and Scandinavia in the winter months.
The Tufted Duck is also a popular game bird, as its meat is considered to be of high quality. The Tufted Duck is a fairly common species, but its population is in decline in some parts of its range due to habitat destruction and human disturbance.
Conservation efforts are underway to ensure the continued survival of this species.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Anseriformes |
| Family | Anatidae |
| Genus | Aythya |
| Species | A. fuligula |
22. Speckled Pigeon
The speckled pigeon, also known as the African rock pigeon or Guinea pigeon, is a species of pigeon native to much of Africa south of the Sahara. It is a common bird in open habitats throughout its range and can be spotted easily due to its distinct speckled feathers.
However, its distribution is not continuous; there are sizable gaps in the regions where the speckled pigeon is found. These gaps may be due to unsuitable habitats or competition from other species of pigeons.
The speckled pigeon typically nests in large colonies on cliffs, and feeds on grains, seeds, and other vegetation. Its plumage is generally a mottled gray or brown color, with a characteristic pattern of white spots.
This pattern helps it to blend into its natural environment, making it difficult for predators to spot. The speckled pigeon is an important species for many ecosystems in the African continent and is an important food source for many other animals.
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Columba |
| Species | C. guinea |
Conclusion
Birds in Segou are an important part of the local ecosystem and have been an integral part of the Segou region for centuries. They provide a variety of vital services to the people of Segou, including pest control, pollination, and seed dispersal.
The presence of birds is also important in the local economy, as they attract tourists and birdwatchers to the region.
Unfortunately, the habitat of many of these birds is threatened by human activities, and we must work to protect and preserve the birds of Segou so that they may continue to contribute to the region’s unique biodiversity.