List of birds of Africa

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Africa. The area covered by this list is the Africa region defined by the American Birding Association's listing rules.^[1] In addition to the continent itself, the area includes Socotra in the Arabian Sea, Zanzibar, the Canary Islands, São Tomé and Príncipe and Annobón in the Gulf of Guinea. It does not include Madeira, the Azores, Cape Verde, the Sinai Peninsula, Madagascar, Seychelles or the Comoro Islands.

This list is that of the African Bird Club (ABC) supplemented by Bird Checklists of the World (Avibase) and The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World.^[2][3][4]

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) are those of the Clements list. Taxonomic changes are on-going. As more research is gathered from studies of distribution, behavior, and DNA, the names, sequence, and number of families and species change every year. Differences in common and scientific names between the Clements taxonomy and that of the ABC are frequent but are seldom noted here.

By the numbers[]

This list contains 2386 species. Of them, 1584 (66%) are endemic to the area covered here. Fifteen entire families containing 174 species are endemic to Africa, and all of the African members of 14 other families are as well. These families are usually noted with text. Individual endemic species found in a single country are tagged (E-Country); the rest of the endemics are tagged (E) or noted in text. Other species, not tagged here, are found only on the continent and Madagascar. Tanzania has 30 endemic species and the island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe has 25, the most of any African countries. The 17 countries that have endemics and the number in each are listed below.

Countries with endemic species:

The sources classify 153 species as vagrants; they are tagged (V). Some of them occur fairly frequently but are far outside their normal ranges; several have only a single record. Ten of the species on the list were introduced to the continent.

Ostriches[]

Order: Struthioniformes   Family: Struthionidae

The ostriches are flightless birds native to Africa. They are the largest living species of bird and are distinctive in appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at high speeds.

• Common ostrich, Struthio camelus
• Somali ostrich, Struthio molybdophanes (E)

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl[]

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.

Guineafowl[]

Order: Galliformes   Family: Numididae

Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage.

• Helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris
• White-breasted guineafowl, Agelastes meleagrides (E)
• Black guineafowl, Agelastes niger (E)
• Vulturine guineafowl, Acryllium vulturinum (E)
• Plumed guineafowl, Guttera plumifera (E)
• Crested guineafowl, Guttera pucherani (E)

New World quail[]

Order: Galliformes   Family: Odontophoridae

Despite their family's common name, the two species are native to Africa.

• Stone partridge, Ptilopachus petrosus (E)
• Nahan's partridge, Ptilopachus nahani (E)

Pheasants, grouse, and allies[]

Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.

Flamingos[]

Order: Phoenicopteriformes   Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 1.5 m) tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume and, uniquely, are used upside-down.

• Greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus
• Lesser flamingo, Phoeniconaias minor

Grebes[]

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land.

• Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
• Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
• Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus (V)
• Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena (V)
• Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus
• Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis

Pigeons and doves[]

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.

Sandgrouse[]

Order: Pterocliformes   Family: Pteroclidae

Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes.

• Pallas's sandgrouse, Syrrhaptes paradoxus (V)
• Pin-tailed sandgrouse, Pterocles alchata
• Namaqua sandgrouse, Pterocles namaqua (E)
• Chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, Pterocles exustus
• Spotted sandgrouse, Pterocles senegallus
• Black-bellied sandgrouse, Pterocles orientalis
• Yellow-throated sandgrouse, Pterocles gutturalis (E)
• Crowned sandgrouse, Pterocles coronatus
• Black-faced sandgrouse, Pterocles decoratus (E)
• Lichtenstein's sandgrouse, Pterocles lichtensteinii
• Double-banded sandgrouse, Pterocles bicinctus (E)
• Four-banded sandgrouse, Pterocles quadricinctus (E)
• Burchell's sandgrouse, Pterocles burchelli (E)

Bustards[]

Order: Otidiformes   Family: Otididae

Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays.

Turacos[]

Order: Musophagiformes   Family: Musophagidae

The turacos, plantain eaters and go-away-birds make up the bird family Musophagidae. They are medium-sized arboreal birds. The turacos and plantain eaters are brightly colored, usually in blue, green or purple. The go-away birds are mostly grey and white. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

Cuckoos[]

Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites.

Nightjars and allies[]

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.

Swifts[]

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.

Flufftails[]

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Sarothruridae

The flufftails are a small family of ground-dwelling birds found only in Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa; the listed ones are endemic to the mainland.

• White-spotted flufftail, Sarothrura pulchra
• Buff-spotted flufftail, Sarothrura elegans
• Red-chested flufftail, Sarothrura rufa
• Chestnut-headed flufftail, Sarothrura lugens
• Streaky-breasted flufftail, Sarothrura boehmi
• Striped flufftail, Sarothrura affinis
• White-winged flufftail, Sarothrura ayresi

Rails, gallinules, and coots[]

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers.

Finfoots[]

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Heliornithidae

Heliornithidae is a small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots.

• African finfoot, Podica senegalensis (E)

Cranes[]

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances".

• Gray crowned-crane, Balearica regulorum (E)
• Black crowned-crane, Balearica pavonina (E)
• Demoiselle crane, Anthropoides virgo
• Blue crane, Anthropoides paradiseus (E)
• Wattled crane, Bugeranus carunculatus (E)
• Common crane, Grus grus

Sheathbills[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Chionididae

The sheathbills are scavengers of the Antarctic regions. They have white plumage and look plump and dove-like but are believed to be similar to the ancestors of the modern gulls and terns.

• Snowy sheathbill, Chionis albus (V) (ship-assisted)

Thick-knees[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Burhinidae

The thick-knees are a group of waders found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes, and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats.

• Water thick-knee, Burhinus vermiculatus (E)
• Eurasian thick-knee, Burhinus oedicnemus
• Senegal thick-knee, Burhinus senegalensis
• Spotted thick-knee, Burhinus capensis

Egyptian plover[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Pluvianidae

The Egyptian plover is found across equatorial Africa and along the Nile River.

• Egyptian plover, Pluvianus aegyptius

Stilts and avocets[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills.

• Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
• Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta

Oystercatchers[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs.

• Eurasian oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus
• African oystercatcher, Haematopus moquini (E)

Plovers and lapwings[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.

Painted-snipes[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Rostratulidae

Painted-snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly colored.

• Greater painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis

Jacanas[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a family of waders found throughout the tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat.

• Lesser jacana, Microparra capensis (E)
• African jacana, Actophilornis africanus (E)
• Pheasant-tailed jacana, Hydrophasianus chirurgus (V)

Sandpipers and allies[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food.

Buttonquail[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Turnicidae

The buttonquail are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. The female is the brighter of the sexes and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young.

• Small buttonquail, Turnix sylvaticus
• Black-rumped buttonquail, Turnix nanus (E)
• Fynbos buttonquail, Turnix hottentottus (E-South Africa)
• Quail-plover, Ortyxelos meiffrenii (E)

Crab-plover[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Dromadidae

The crab-plover is related to the waders. It resembles a plover but with very long grey legs and a strong heavy black bill similar to a tern's. It has black-and-white plumage, a long neck, partially webbed feet, and a bill designed for eating crabs.

• Crab-plover, Dromas ardeola

Pratincoles and coursers[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Glareolidae

Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards.

• Cream-colored courser, Cursorius cursor
• Somali courser, Cursorius somalensis (E)
• Burchell's courser, Cursorius rufus (E)
• Temminck's courser, Cursorius temminckii (E)
• Double-banded courser, Smutsornis africanus (E)
• Three-banded courser, Rhinoptilus cinctus (E)
• Bronze-winged courser, Rhinoptilus chalcopterus (E)
• Collared pratincole, Glareola pratincola
• Black-winged pratincole, Glareola nordmanni
• Madagascan pratincole, Glareola ocularis
• Rock pratincole, Glareola nuchalis (E)
• Gray pratincole, Glareola cinerea (E)

Skuas and jaegers[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants.

• Great skua, Stercorarius skua
• South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (V)
• Brown skua, Stercorarius antarcticus
• Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
• Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
• Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus

Auks, murres, and puffins[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Alcidae

Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colors, their upright posture and some of their habits, however they are not related to the penguins and differ in being able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest.

• Dovekie, Alle alle
• Common murre, Uria aalge
• Razorbill, Alca torda
• Black guillemot, Cepphus grylle (V)
• Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica

Gulls, terns, and skimmers[]

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species known to live in excess of 30 years. Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish.

Tropicbirds[]

Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.

• White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus
• Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus
• Red-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon rubricauda

Loons[]

Order: Gaviiformes   Family: Gaviidae

Loons, known as divers in Europe, are a group of aquatic birds found in many parts of North America and northern Europe. They are the size of a large duck or small goose, which they somewhat resemble when swimming, but to which they are completely unrelated.

• Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata (V)
• Arctic loon, Gavia arctica (V)
• Common loon, Gavia immer (V)

Penguins[]

Order: Sphenisciformes   Family: Spheniscidae

The penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater.

• King penguin, Aptenodytes patagonicus (V)
• Gentoo penguin, Pygoscelis papua
• African penguin, Spheniscus demersus (E)
• Macaroni penguin, Eudyptes chrysolophus (V)
• Southern rockhopper penguin, Eudyptes chrysocome (V)
• Moseley's rockhopper penguin, Eudyptes moseleyi (V)

Albatrosses[]

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Diomedeidae

The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses of the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds.

• Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos
• Gray-headed albatross, Thalassarche chrysostoma
• Buller's albatross, Thalassarche bulleri (V)
• white-capped albatross, Thalassarche cauta
• Salvin's albatross, Thalassarche salvini
• Chatham albatross, Thalassarche eremita (V)
• Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris
• Sooty albatross, Phoebetria fusca
• Light-mantled albatross, Phoebetria palpebrata
• Royal albatross, Diomedea epomophora
• Wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans
• Laysan albatross, Phoebastria immutabilis (V)

Southern storm-petrels[]

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Oceanitidae

The storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. Until 2018, this family's species were included with the other storm-petrels in family Hydrobatidae.

• Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
• Gray-backed storm-petrel, Garrodia nereis (V)
• White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina
• White-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta grallaria (V)
• Black-bellied storm-petrel, Fregetta tropica

Northern storm-petrels[]

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Hydrobatidae

Though the members of this family are similar in many respects to the southern storm-petrels, including their general appearance and habits, there are enough genetic differences to warrant their placement in a separate family.

• European storm-petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus (V)
• Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous
• Swinhoe's storm-petrel, Hydrobates monorhis
• Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hydrobates castro
• Cape Verde storm-petrel, Hydrobates jabejabe
• Matsudaira's storm-petrel, Hydrobates matsudairae

Shearwaters and petrels[]

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.

Storks[]

Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory.

• African openbill, Anastomus lamelligerus
• Black stork, Ciconia nigra
• Abdim's stork, Ciconia abdimii
• Woolly-necked stork, Ciconia episcopus
• White stork, Ciconia ciconia
• Saddle-billed stork, Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis (E)
• Marabou stork, Leptoptilos crumenifer
• Yellow-billed stork, Mycteria ibis

Frigatebirds[]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white, or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.

• Lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel
• Ascension frigatebird, Fregata aquila (V)
• Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens
• Great frigatebird, Fregata minor

Boobies and gannets[]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.

• Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
• Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
• Red-footed booby, Sula sula (V)
• Northern gannet, Morus bassanus
• Cape gannet, Morus capensis

Anhingas[]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Anhingidae

Anhingas or darters are often called "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged. The males have black and dark-brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving.

• African darter, Anhinga melanogaster

Cormorants and shags[]

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.

• Long-tailed cormorant, Microcarbo africanus
• Crowned cormorant, Microcarbo coronatus (E)
• Pygmy cormorant, Microcarbo pygmeus (V)
• Bank cormorant, Phalacrocorax neglectus (E)
• Cape cormorant, Phalacrocorax capensis (E)
• Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
• Socotra cormorant, Phalacrocorax nigrogularis
• European shag, Phalacrocorax aristotelis

Pelicans[]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.

• Great white pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus
• Pink-backed pelican, Pelecanus rufescens
• Dalmatian pelican, Pelecanus crispus

Shoebill[]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Balaenicipitidae

The shoebill was formerly thought to be related to storks but is in the same order as pelicans. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.

• Shoebill, Balaeniceps rex (E)

Hamerkop[]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Scopidae

The hammerkop is a medium-sized bird with a long shaggy crest. The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. Its plumage is drab-brown all over.

• Hamerkop, Scopus umbretta

Herons, egrets, and bitterns[]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.

Ibises and spoonbills[]

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers.

• Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
• African sacred ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus
• Northern bald ibis, Geronticus eremita
• Southern bald ibis, Geronticus calvus (E)
• Olive ibis, Bostrychia olivacea (E)
• Sao Tome ibis, Bostrychia bocagei (E-São Tomé and Príncipe)
• Spot-breasted ibis, Bostrychia rara (E)
• Hadada ibis, Bostrychia hagedash (E)
• Wattled ibis, Bostrychia carunculata (E)
• Eurasian spoonbill, Platalea leucorodia
• African spoonbill, Platalea alba

Secretarybird[]

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Sagittariidae

The secretarybird is a bird of prey in the order Accipitriformes but is easily distinguished from other raptors by its long crane-like legs.

• Secretarybird, Sagittarius serpentarius (E)

Osprey[]

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

• Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Hawks, eagles, and kites[]

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.

Barn-owls[]

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons.

• African grass-owl, Tyto capensis (E)
• Barn owl, Tyto alba
• Congo bay-owl, Phodilus prigoginei (E-Democratic Republic of the Congo)

Owls[]

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.

Mousebirds[]

Order: Coliiformes   Family: Coliidae

The mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers and very long thin tails. They are arboreal and scurry through the leaves like rodents in search of berries, fruit and buds. They are acrobatic and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes. They also have crests and stubby bills. These six species are endemic to Africa.

• Speckled mousebird, Colius striatus
• White-headed mousebird, Colius leucocephalus
• Red-backed mousebird, Colius castanotus
• White-backed mousebird, Colius colius
• Blue-naped mousebird, Urocolius macrourus
• Red-faced mousebird, Urocolius indicus

Trogons[]

Order: Trogoniformes   Family: Trogonidae

The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage.

• Narina trogon, Apaloderma narina (E)
• Bare-cheeked trogon, Apaloderma aequatoriale (E)
• Bar-tailed trogon, Apaloderma vittatum (E)

Hoopoes[]

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink coloring with a large erectile crest on their head.

• African hoopoe, Upupa africana
• Eurasian hoopoe, Upupa epops

Woodhoopoes and scimitarbills[]

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Phoeniculidae

The woodhoopoes and scimitarbills are related to the hoopoes, ground-hornbills, and hornbills. They most resemble the hoopoes with their long curved bills, used to probe for insects, and short rounded wings. However, they differ in that they have metallic plumage, often blue, green or purple, and lack an erectile crest. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

• Green woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus
• Violet woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus damarensis
• Black-billed woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus somaliensis
• White-headed woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus bollei
• Forest woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus castaneiceps
• Black scimitarbill, Rhinopomastus aterrimus
• Common scimitarbill, Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
• Abyssinian scimitarbill, Rhinopomastus minor

Ground-hornbills[]

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Bucorvidae

The ground-hornbills are terrestrial birds which feed almost entirely on insects, other birds, snakes, and amphibians. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

• Abyssinian ground-hornbill, Bucorvus abyssinicus
• Southern ground-hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri

Hornbills[]

Order: Bucerotiformes   Family: Bucerotidae

Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly colored.

Kingfishers[]

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails.

Bee-eaters[]

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Meropidae

The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly colored plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar.

Rollers[]

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not.

• European roller, Coracias garrulus
• Abyssinian roller, Coracias abyssinicus
• Lilac-breasted roller, Coracias caudatus (E)
• Racket-tailed roller, Coracias spatulatus (E)
• Rufous-crowned roller, Coracias noevius
• Indian roller, Coracias benghalensis (V)
• Blue-bellied roller, Coracias cyanogaster (E)
• Broad-billed roller, Eurystomus glaucurus
• Blue-throated roller, Eurystomus gularis (E)

African barbets[]

Order: Piciformes   Family: Lybiidae

The African barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly colored. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

Honeyguides[]

Order: Piciformes   Family: Indicatoridae

Honeyguides are among the few birds that feed on wax. They are named for the greater honeyguide which leads traditional honey-hunters to bees' nests and, after the hunters have harvested the honey, feeds on the remaining contents of the hive. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

• Cassin's honeyguide, Prodotiscus insignis
• Green-backed honeyguide, Prodotiscus zambesiae
• Wahlberg's honeyguide, Prodotiscus regulus
• Zenker's honeyguide, Melignomon zenkeri
• Yellow-footed honeyguide, Melignomon eisentrauti
• Dwarf honeyguide, Indicator pumilio
• Willcocks's honeyguide, Indicator willcocksi
• Pallid honeyguide, Indicator meliphilus
• Least honeyguide, Indicator exilis
• Thick-billed honeyguide, Indicator conirostris
• Lesser honeyguide, Indicator minor
• Spotted honeyguide, Indicator maculatus
• Scaly-throated honeyguide, Indicator variegatus
• Greater honeyguide, Indicator indicator
• Lyre-tailed honeyguide, Melichneutes robustus

Woodpeckers[]

Order: Piciformes   Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.

Falcons and caracaras[]

Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.

Old World parrots[]

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittaculidae

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly colored, and some are multi-colored. In size they range from 8 cm (3.1 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Old World parrots are found from Africa east across south and southeast Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand.

• Alexandrine parakeet, Psittacula eupatria (V)
• Rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri
• Black-collared lovebird, Agapornis swindernianus (E)
• Gray-headed lovebird, Agapornis canus (Introduced)
• Red-headed lovebird, Agapornis pullarius (E)
• Black-winged lovebird, Agapornis taranta (E)
• Rosy-faced lovebird, Agapornis roseicollis
• Fischer's lovebird, Agapornis fischeri
• Yellow-collared lovebird, Agapornis personatus (E-Tanzania)
• Lilian's lovebird, Agapornis lilianae (E)
• Black-cheeked lovebird, Agapornis nigrigenis (E)

African and New World parrots[]

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittacidae

Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet. Many parrots are vividly colored, and some are multi-colored. In size they range from 8 cm (3.1 in) to 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. Most of the more than 150 species in this family are found in the New World.

• Gray parrot, Psittacus erithacus (E)
• Brown-necked parrot, Poicephalus fuscicollis (E)
• Cape parrot, Poicephalus robustus (E-South Africa)
• Red-fronted parrot, Poicephalus gulielmi (E)
• Meyer's parrot, Poicephalus meyeri (E)
• Rüppell's parrot, Poicephalus rueppellii (E)
• Brown-headed parrot, Poicephalus cryptoxanthus (E)
• Niam-Niam parrot, Poicephalus crassus (E)
• Red-bellied parrot, Poicephalus rufiventris (E)
• Senegal parrot, Poicephalus senegalus (E)
• Yellow-fronted parrot, Poicephalus flavifrons (E-Ethiopia)
• Monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus (Introduced)

African and green broadbills[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Calyptomenidae

The broadbills are small, brightly colored birds, which feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests.

• African broadbill, Smithornis capensis (E)
• Gray-headed broadbill, Smithornis sharpei (E)
• Rufous-sided broadbill, Smithornis rufolateralis (E)

Asian and Grauer's broadbills[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Eurylaimidae

The broadbills are small, brightly colored birds, which feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests.

• Grauer's broadbill, Pseudocalyptomena graueri (E)

Pittas[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Pittidae

Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many are brightly colored. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates.

• African pitta, Pitta angolensis (E)
• Green-breasted pitta, Pitta reichenowi (E)

Cuckooshrikes[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Campephagidae

The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly colored. All of the listed species are endemic to Africa.

• Grauer's cuckooshrike, Coracina graueri
• Gray cuckooshrike, Coracina caesia
• White-breasted cuckooshrike, Coracina pectoralis
• Ghana cuckooshrike, Campephaga lobata
• Oriole cuckooshrike, Campephaga oriolina
• Black cuckooshrike, Campephaga flava
• Petit's cuckooshrike, Campephaga petiti
• Red-shouldered cuckooshrike, Campephaga phoenicea
• Purple-throated cuckooshrike, Campephaga quiscalina
• Blue cuckooshrike, Cyanograucalus azureus

Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Vireonidae

The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds restricted to the New World and Southeast Asia.

• Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus (V)

Old World orioles[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Oriolidae

The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles.

• Eurasian golden oriole, Oriolus oriolus
• African golden oriole, Oriolus auratus (E)
• Green-headed oriole, Oriolus chlorocephalus (E)
• Sao Tome oriole, Oriolus crassirostris (E-São Tomé and Príncipe)
• Western black-headed oriole, Oriolus brachyrhynchus (E)
• Ethiopian black-headed oriole, Oriolus monacha (E)
• African black-headed oriole, Oriolus larvatus (E)
• Black-tailed oriole, Oriolus percivali (E)
• Black-winged oriole, Oriolus nigripennis (E)

Wattle-eyes and batises[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Platysteiridae

The wattle-eyes, or puffback flycatchers, are small stout passerine birds of the African tropics. They get their name from the brightly colored fleshy eye decorations found in most species in this group. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

Vangas, helmetshrikes, and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Vangidae

The helmetshrikes are similar in build to the shrikes, but tend to be colourful species with distinctive crests or other head ornaments, such as wattles, from which they get their name. All of the listed species are endemic to Africa.

• White helmetshrike, Prionops plumatus
• Gray-crested helmetshrike, Prionops poliolophus
• Yellow-crested helmetshrike, Prionops alberti
• Red-billed helmetshrike, Prionops caniceps
• Rufous-bellied helmetshrike, Prionops rufiventris
• Retz's helmetshrike, Prionops retzii
• Angola helmetshrike, Prionops gabela
• Chestnut-fronted helmetshrike, Prionops scopifrons
• African shrike-flycatcher, Megabyas flammulatus
• Black-and-white shrike-flycatcher, Bias musicus

Bushshrikes and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Malaconotidae

Bushshrikes are similar in habits to shrikes, hunting insects and other small prey from a perch on a bush. Although similar in build to the shrikes, these tend to be either colourful species or largely black; some species are quite secretive. All of the listed species except black-crowned tchagra are endemic to Africa.

Drongos[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Dicruridae

The drongos are mostly black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. All of the listed species are endemic to Africa.

• Western square-tailed drongo, Dicrurus occidentalis
• Sharpe's drongo, Dicrurus sharpei
• Common square-tailed drongo, Dicrurus ludwigii
• Shining drongo, Dicrurus atripennis
• Fork-tailed drongo, Dicrurus adsimilis
• Glossy-backed drongo, Dicrurus divaricatus
• Fanti drongo, Dicrurus atactus
• Velvet-mantled drongo, Dicrurus modestus

Monarch flycatchers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Monarchidae

The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching.

• Blue-headed crested-flycatcher, Trochocercus nitens (E)
• African crested-flycatcher, Trochocercus cyanomelas (E)
• Sao Tome paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone atrochalybeia (E-São Tomé and Príncipe)
• Black-headed paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone rufiventer (E)
• Bedford's paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone bedfordi (E-Democratic Republic of the Congo)
• Rufous-vented paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone rufocinerea (E)
• Bates's paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone batesi (E)
• African paradise-flycatcher, Terpsiphone viridis

Shrikes[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey.

Crows, jays, and magpies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence.

Rockfowl[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Picathartidae

Rockfowl are lanky birds with crow-like bills, long necks, tails and legs, and strong feet adapted to terrestrial feeding. They are similar in size and structure to the completely unrelated roadrunners, but they hop rather than walk. They also have brightly colored unfeathered heads. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

• White-necked rockfowl, Picathartes gymnocephalus
• Gray-necked rockfowl, Picathartes oreas

Rockjumpers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Chaetopidae

These two species are the only ones in their family. They are primarily insectivores, but cape rockjumpers also eat small vertebrates. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

• Cape rockjumper, Chaetops frenatus (E-South Africa)
• Drakensberg rockjumper, Chaetops aurantius

Hyliotas[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hyliotidae

The members of this small family, all of genus Hyliota, are birds of the forest canopy. They tend to feed in mixed-species flocks. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

• Yellow-bellied hyliota, Hyliota flavigaster
• Southern hyliota, Hyliota australis
• Usambara hyliota, Hyliota usambarae (E-Tanzania)
• Violet-backed hyliota, Hyliota violacea

Fairy flycatchers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Stenostiridae

Most of the species of this small family are found in Africa, though a few inhabit tropical Asia. They are not closely related to other birds called "flycatchers". All of the listed species are endemic to Africa.

• Fairy flycatcher, Stenostira scita
• African blue flycatcher, Elminia longicauda
• White-tailed blue flycatcher, Elminia albicauda
• Dusky crested-flycatcher, Elminia nigromitrata
• White-bellied crested-flycatcher, Elminia albiventris
• White-tailed crested-flycatcher, Elminia albonotata

Tits, chickadees, and titmice[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects.

Penduline-tits[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Remizidae

The penduline-tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores.

• Eurasian penduline-tit, Remiz pendulinus (V)
• Sennar penduline-tit, Anthoscopus punctifrons (E)
• Mouse-colored penduline-tit, Anthoscopus musculus (E)
• Yellow penduline-tit, Anthoscopus parvulus (E)
• Forest penduline-tit, Anthoscopus flavifrons (E)
• African penduline-tit, Anthoscopus caroli (E)
• Southern penduline-tit, Anthoscopus minutus (E)

Larks[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds.

Bearded reedling[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Panuridae

A single species formerly placed in the Old World babbler family.

• Bearded reedling, Panurus biarmicus (V)

Nicators[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Nicatoridae

The nicators are shrike-like, with hooked bills. They are endemic to sub-Saharan Africa.

• Western nicator, Nicator chloris
• Eastern nicator, Nicator gularis
• Yellow-throated nicator, Nicator vireo

African warblers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Macrosphenidae

African warblers are small to medium-sized insectivores which are found in a wide variety of habitats south of the Sahara.

Cisticolas and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cisticolidae

The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub.

Reed warblers and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Acrocephalidae

The members of this family are usually rather large for "warblers". Most are rather plain olivaceous brown above with much yellow to beige below. They are usually found in open woodland, reedbeds, or tall grass. The family occurs mostly in southern to western Eurasia and surroundings, but it also ranges far into the Pacific, with some species in Africa.

Grassbirds and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Locustellidae

Locustellidae are a family of small insectivorous songbirds found mainly in Eurasia, Africa, and the Australian region. They are smallish birds with tails that are usually long and pointed, and tend to be drab brownish or buffy all over.

Swallows[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.

Bulbuls[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Pycnonotidae

Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.

Leaf warblers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Phylloscopidae

Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with grayish-green to grayish-brown colors.

Bush warblers and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Scotocercidae

The members of this family are found throughout Africa, Asia, and Polynesia. Their taxonomy is in flux, and some authorities place genus Erythrocerus in its own family, the "yellow flycatchers".^[5]

• Chestnut-capped flycatcher, Erythrocercus mccallii (E)
• Yellow flycatcher, Erythrocercus holochlorus (E)
• Livingstone's flycatcher, Erythrocercus livingstonei (E)
• Scrub warbler, Scotocerca inquieta
• Neumann's warbler, Urosphena neumanni (E)
• Cetti's warbler, Cettia cetti

Long-tailed tits[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Aegithalidae

The long-tailed tits are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insect

• Long-tailed tit, Aegithalos caudatus (V)

Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sylviidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.

White-eyes, yuhinas, and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Zosteropidae

The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull colour like greenish-olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around each eye.

Ground babblers and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Pellorneidae

These small to medium-sized songbirds have soft fluffy plumage but are otherwise rather diverse. Members of the genus Illadopsis are found in forests, but some other genera are birds of scrublands. All of the listed species are endemic to Africa.

• Brown illadopsis, Illadopsis fulvescens
• Pale-breasted illadopsis, Illadopsis rufipennis
• Mountain illadopsis, Illadopsis pyrrhoptera
• Blackcap illadopsis, Illadopsis cleaveri
• Scaly-breasted illadopsis, Illadopsis albipectus
• Thrush babbler, Ptyrticus turdina
• Puvel's illadopsis, Illadopsis puveli
• Rufous-winged illadopsis, Illadopsis rufescens

Laughingthrushes and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Leiothrichidae

The members of this family are diverse in size and colouration, though those of genus Turdoides tend to be brown or greyish. The family is found in Africa, India, and southeast Asia.

Kinglets[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Regulidae

The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds in the genus Regulus. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their name.

• Goldcrest, Regulus regulus
• Common firecrest, Regulus ignicapilla

Wallcreeper[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Tichodromidae

The wallcreeper is a small bird related to the nuthatch family, which has stunning crimson, grey and black plumage.

• Wallcreeper, Tichodroma muraria (V)

Nuthatches[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sittidae

Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet.

• Eurasian nuthatch, Sitta europaea
• Algerian nuthatch, Sitta ledanti (E-Algeria)

Treecreepers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees.

• Short-toed treecreeper, Certhia brachydactyla
• African spotted creeper, Salpornis salvadori (E)

Wrens[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Troglodytidae

The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.

• Eurasian wren, Troglodytes troglodytes

Dippers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cinclidae

Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movemen

• White-throated dipper, Cinclus cinclus

Oxpeckers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Buphagidae

As both the English and scientific names of these birds imply, they feed on ectoparasites, primarily ticks, found on large mammals. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

• Red-billed oxpecker, Buphagus erythrorynchus
• Yellow-billed oxpecker, Buphagus africanus

Starlings[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen.

Mockingbirds and thrashers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Mimidae

The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance.

• Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis (V)
• Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos (V)

Thrushes and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.

Old World flycatchers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.

Waxwings[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Bombycillidae

The waxwings are a group of passerine birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter.

• Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus (V)

Hypocolius[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hypocoliidae

The hypocolius is a small Middle Eastern bird with the shape and soft plumage of a waxwing. They are mainly a uniform grey colour except the males have a black triangular mask around their eyes.

• Hypocolius, Hypocolius ampelinus (V)

Sugarbirds[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Promeropidae

The two species in this family are restricted to southern Africa. They have brownish plumage, a long downcurved bill, and long tail feathers.

• Gurney's sugarbird, Promerops gurneyi
• Cape sugarbird, Promerops cafer (E-South Africa)

Dapple-throat and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Modulatricidae

These species, all of different genera, were formerly placed in family Promeropidae, the sugarbirds, but were accorded their own family in 2017. The entire family is endemic to Africa.

• Spot-throat, Modulatrix stictigula
• Dapple-throat, Arcanator orostruthus
• Gray-chested babbler, Kakamega poliothorax

Sunbirds and spiderhunters[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Nectariniidae

The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed.

Weavers and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Ploceidae

The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly colored, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season.

Waxbills and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Estrildidae

The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colors and patterns.

Indigobirds[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Viduidae

The indigobirds are finch-like species which usually have black or indigo predominating in their plumage. All are brood parasites, which lay their eggs in the nests of estrildid finches.

Accentors[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Prunellidae

The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows.

• Alpine accentor, Prunella collaris
• Dunnock, Prunella modularis (V)

Old World sparrows[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passeridae

Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.

Wagtails and pipits[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Motacillidae

Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.

Finches, euphonias, and allies[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.

Longspurs and snow buntings[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Calcariidae

The Calcariidae are a family of birds that had been traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas.

• Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus (V)
• Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis (V)

Old World buntings[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.

New World warblers[]

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Parulidae

Parulidae are a group of small, often colorful birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal and insectivorous.

• Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla (V)
• Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata (V)

See also[]

• List of birds
• Lists of birds by region

Notes[]

References[]