Birds of Africa: Home to over 2,000bird species, the African continent boasts some of the most spectacular avian diversity on Earth. From tiny sunbirds to massive ostrich, dazzling birds occupy every habitat across Africa’s vast landscapes. This article offers a sweeping overview to the remarkable ornithological richness found throughout this region.
We explore major habitat types ranging from the world’s largest desert, the Sahara, to expansive tropical rainforests, woodlands and savannas which comprise the majority of Sub-Saharan Africa, seabirds along island archipelagos to endemic montane species in isolated highlands. Abundant birdlife fills Africa’s lakes, rivers and coastlines as well. We spotlight distinctive endemic families showcasing Africa’s fabulous contributions to global bird diversity.
Meet behemoths like the outsized shoebill and heaviest flying bird, Kori bustard, along with colorful turacos and mesmerizing sunbirds gathering nectar. Learn identification tips for challenging groups like weavers, lovebirds and hornbills – some boasting spectacular casques atop their bills.
Whether trekking amid throngs of dazzling queleas or scanning for secretive nightjars, prepare to be amazed by Africa’s spectacular avifauna. From ostriches to vultures, get acquainted with the birds characterizing this wildlife haven.
The African penguin is a medium-sized penguin that is believed to be the first species of penguin that was ever discovered. Learn African penguin facts, anatomy, habitat, diet, predators, life-span, sound call, and more.
The brown-necked raven (Corvus ruficollis) is a clever, desert-adapted corvid found across North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Recognized by its glossy black body and brown-tinged neck, this bird thrives in arid habitats, from rocky outcrops to human-altered landscapes. An opportunistic omnivore, it feeds on insects, carrion, fruit, and even trash. Known for its intelligence, aerial acrobatics, and cooperative behavior, the raven plays a crucial ecological role as a scavenger and predator. Its adaptability ensures resilience amid shifting environmental conditions.
The Cape crow is a glossy black, intelligent bird native to eastern and southern Africa. Known for its large curved bill and deep "krrah" call, this corvid thrives in open grasslands, savannas, and farmlands. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem as both a predator and scavenger, helping control pests and recycle nutrients. Though sometimes viewed as a pest, it demonstrates advanced problem-solving, tool use, and social intelligence, making it a fascinating species among Africa’s many types of birds.
The Crowned Eagle, also known as the African Crowned Eagle, is a powerful raptor native to sub-Saharan Africa, favoring dense forests and woodlands. Recognizable by its striking dark crest and intense yellow eyes, this eagle boasts a wingspan of 5–6 feet and is considered Africa’s most powerful eagle pound for pound. Its massive talons and strong legs allow it to hunt large prey, primarily monkeys, small antelope, and hyraxes, though it occasionally takes birds and reptiles. Crowned Eagles build enormous nests high in emergent trees, sometimes reusing them for over a decade. Their courtship includes dramatic aerial displays and prey offerings.
The Pied Crow is a striking black-and-white corvid native to sub-Saharan Africa and nearby islands. Easily recognized by its glossy black head, wings, and tail contrasted with a broad white chest and belly, it is slightly larger than the Carrion Crow and has a robust, slightly hooked bill. Highly adaptable, Pied Crows thrive in open savannas, grasslands, farmlands, and urban areas, often seen in pairs or small groups but sometimes gathering in large flocks. Exceptionally intelligent, they use tools, cache food, and mimic sounds. Their omnivorous diet includes insects, small animals, fruit, carrion, and human scraps.
The Red-billed Oxpecker is a medium-sized, olive-brown bird easily recognized by its vivid red bill and yellow eye-ring. Native to the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa, it forms a remarkable mutualistic relationship with large mammals like buffalo, giraffe, and rhino, feeding on ticks and other parasites from their skin. Specialized claws and stiff tail feathers help it cling to moving hosts. Highly social, oxpeckers communicate with sharp, hissing calls and may even alert hosts to predators. Their diet also includes earwax and blood from wounds, sparking debate over whether they are always helpful. Nests are built in tree cavities lined with animal hair.
Learn all about the vibrant, social Senegal parrot (Poicephalus senegalus), a popular West African parrot species that thrives in captivity when well-trained. Get information on taxonomy, physical features, reproduction, behavior, communication style, and fun facts.
The thick-billed raven is Africa’s largest corvid, native to the highlands of Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. Known for its massive white-patched bill and glossy black plumage with a white nape, this intelligent bird thrives in both wild and urban settings. Its diet includes carrion, seeds, and small animals, showcasing its adaptability. Thick-billed ravens are monogamous, nest on cliffs or tall trees, and play vital ecological roles as scavengers and predators. Their vocal variety, tool use, and social foraging highlight their complex behavior in highland ecosystems.
The white-necked raven is a large, intelligent bird native to the highlands of eastern and southern Africa. Recognizable by its white nape and glossy black plumage, this adaptable corvid thrives in mountainous terrain, open savannas, and even urban settings. It feeds on everything from insects and carrion to human scraps, often displaying clever foraging tactics like dropping nuts on rocks. Monogamous pairs build sturdy nests on cliffs or tall trees. As both scavenger and predator, it plays a vital ecological role while showcasing striking social and problem-solving behaviors.
