South Sudan is home to a variety of bird species, with more than 500 species of birds having been recorded in the country. These birds have adapted to a wide range of habitats, from desert to wetland and highlands.
The country’s tropical climate and diverse landscape provide an ideal environment for birds to thrive, with a variety of species of both resident and migratory birds.
From rare and endangered species to some of the most common birds in Africa, South Sudan’s avian population is a unique and diverse one.
This article will explore some of the interesting species of birds found in South Sudan and the conservation efforts that are being made to protect these birds.
1. Turaco
Turacos are a unique bird family that inhabit tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. They are also known as “banana-eaters” or “loeries” in southern Africa, due to their diet which consists mostly of fruit such as plantains.
These birds have an interesting semi-zygodactylous foot structure – the fourth toe can be switched back and forth while the second and third toes remain conjoined.
Turacos come in different sizes depending on species but they all generally boast bright colors like green, blue, purple or red feathers with vibrant yellow eyes.
In addition to being beautiful creatures, these birds make loud calls during mating season which makes them even more special.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Clade | Otidimorphae |
| Order | Musophagiformes Seebohm, 1890 |
| Family | Musophagidae Lesson, 1828 |
2. Freckled Nightjar
The Freckled Nightjar is a species of nightjar that belongs to the family Caprimulgidae. It has an irregular distribution throughout sub-Saharan Africa, being more common in eastern parts of the continent than in its western regions.
As well as this, it is also found year round in colder and drier areas southwards of the African continent.
The bird’s plumage is mostly greyish brown with some reddish feathers on its back and wings; Several freckles can be seen across its neck area too – hence how it got its name.
Its diet mainly consists of small insects which are caught during dusk by hawking or gleaning from trees or shrubs.
Despite having such a wide range, this species’ population numbers remain relatively low due to habitat loss caused by deforestation and other human activities damaging their natural environment.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Caprimulgiformes |
| Family | Caprimulgidae |
| Genus | Caprimulgus |
| Species | C. tristigma |
3. Jackson’s Hornbill
Jackson’s hornbill is a species of bird from the Bucerotidae family, which can be found only in North West Kenya and North East Uganda. It has similarities with Von der Decken’s Hornbill, except for its distinct dense white spots on the wing-coverts.
This beautiful avian species has an overall grey colouration on its body, black wings and tail feathers, along with a yellow bill marked by red at the tip.
The female Jackson’s Hornbills have slightly duller colours than males of their own kind as well as other members of this family.
They feed mainly on insects but also consume fruits and seeds to supplement their diet when they find it difficult to hunt down prey during harsh weather conditions or lack thereof due to drought seasons etcetera.
These birds are known for long lasting pair bonds between mates that last until one dies; making them loyal creatures who look after each other even through tough times.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Bucerotiformes |
| Family | Bucerotidae |
| Genus | Tockus |
| Species | T. jacksoni |
4. Mourning Collared Dove
The Mourning Collared Dove is a species of dove found in Africa south of the Sahara. It is large, stocky and has distinct markings on its wings that resemble collars.
Its diet consists mainly of grains and seeds which it finds near water sources where it often mingles with other doves peacefully.
This bird makes cooing sounds as part of its courtship ritual to attract mates but also vocalises alarm calls when threatened or startled by predators.
They are widespread across their habitat range and commonly seen perched atop trees or flying about during dawn & dusk hours.
These birds make interesting avian companions for humans who appreciate their gentle nature & graceful beauty.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Columbiformes |
| Family | Columbidae |
| Genus | Streptopelia |
| Species | S. decipiens |
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5. Little Bee-Eater
The Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus) is a beautiful species of bird belonging to the family Meropidae.
These birds are found in much of Sub-Saharan Africa and their migration patterns depend on seasonal rainfall changes.
They have slender, brightly coloured bodies with an iridescent green sheen across the wings and back.
Their diet consists mainly of bees, wasps, dragonflies, moths and other insects which they catch mid-air or from perches above open grasslands or along mudbanks near water sources like rivers and lakes.
In order for these birds to digest their food properly before swallowing it whole, they use pebbles that help them grind up hard exoskeletons so as not to cause any blockages within their digestive tract – something only bee-eaters do.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. pusillus |
6. Red-Throated Bee-Eater
The Red-throated Bee-eater is a beautiful species of bird found in tropical Africa. It has bright red feathers covering its throat, giving it a distinct look.
Its body is mostly brown with white stripes and its wings are dark blue on the tips.
This species enjoys an extensive range throughout countries like Benin, Burkina Faso, and Togo to name just a few.
These birds feed mainly on insects that they catch in midair or from nearby foliage during their hunting flights over open country habitats such as woodlands and savannas.
While not much else is known about this particular type of bee-eater, these colorful creatures have surely become quite popular due to their striking beauty.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Coraciiformes |
| Family | Meropidae |
| Genus | Merops |
| Species | M. bulocki |
7. Senegal Coucal
The Senegal coucal is a cuckoo-like bird native to Central and Southern Africa. It has a medium-sized body with black wings, tail and head along with white breast feathers.
Its natural habitat consists of lightly wooded savannahs where it feeds on insects, small reptiles, amphibians and fruits.
This species can be found in pairs or alone atop low bushes searching for prey or perched up high singing its distinctive song that features a mix of harsh notes as well as melodic ones.
The Senegal coucal enjoys the sun’s rays but also loves sheltering in dense vegetation when danger arises nearby.
Overall this beautiful bird makes an interesting addition to any backyard garden.Scientific classification:
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Cuculiformes |
| Family | Cuculidae |
| Genus | Centropus |
| Species | C. senegalensis |