List of birds of Zimbabwe

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File:African fish eagle flying cropped.jpg
African fish eagle, the national bird

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Zimbabwe. The avifauna of Zimbabwe include a total of 708 species, of which 4 have been introduced by humans.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2022 edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Zimbabwe.

The following tags have been used to highlight several categories, but not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring native species.

  • (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Zimbabwe
  • (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Zimbabwe as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions


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Ostriches

File:North African Ostrich - Masai Ostrich (Struthio camelus massaicus) - Flickr - Lip Kee.jpg
Common ostrich

Order: StruthioniformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Struthionidae

The ostrich is a flightless bird native to Africa. It is the largest living species of bird. It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at high speeds.

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl

File:White-backed Duck RWD2.jpg
White-backed duck
File:Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos female by Dr. Raju Kasambe.jpg
Knob-billed duck

Order: AnseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Guineafowl

File:Helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris damarensis) head.jpg
Helmeted guineafowl

Order: GalliformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Numididae

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

Pheasants, grouse, and allies

File:Coqui francolin.jpg
Coqui francolin

Order: GalliformesScript error: No such module "String".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

File:Flamenco común (Phoenicopterus roseus), Walvis Bay, Namibia, 2018-08-05, DD 30.jpg
Greater flamingo

Order: PhoenicopteriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually Script error: No such module "convert". 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.

Grebes

Order: PodicipediformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Pigeons and doves

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Lemon dove

Order: ColumbiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Columbidae

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

Sandgrouse

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Namaqua sandgrouse

Order: PterocliformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Bustards

File:Kori bustard (Ardeotis kori kori) male.jpg
Kori bustard

Order: OtidiformesScript error: No such module "String".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

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Gray go-away-bird

Order: MusophagiformesScript error: No such module "String".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 coloured, usually in blue, green or purple. The go-away birds are mostly grey and white.

Cuckoos

File:Senegal coucal (Centropus senegalensis senegalensis).jpg
Senegal coucal

Order: CuculiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Nightjars and allies

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Fiery-necked nightjar

Order: CaprimulgiformesScript error: No such module "String".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

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Scarce swift

Order: CaprimulgiformesScript error: No such module "String".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

File:Sarothrura affinis affinis 1838.jpg
Drawing of a striped flufftail from 1838

Order: GruiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Sarothruridae

The flufftails are a small family of ground-dwelling birds found only in Madagascar and sub-Saharan Africa.

Rails, gallinules and coots

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Purple gallinule

Order: GruiformesScript error: No such module "String".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

File:African Finfoot, male breeding.jpg
Male African fintfoot

Order: GruiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Heliornithidae

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

Cranes

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Wattled crane

Order: GruiformesScript error: No such module "String".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".

Thick-knees

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Burhinidae

The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are 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.

Stilts and avocets

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Pied avocet

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Plovers and lapwings

File:Senegal Lapwing (Vanellus lugubris) (51861697845).jpg
Senegal lapwing
File:African wattled lapwing (Vanellus senegallus senegallus).jpg
Wattled lapwing

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Painted-snipes

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Rostratulidae

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

Jacanas

File:African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus).jpg
African jacana

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are 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.

Sandpipers and allies

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Ruddy turnstone
File:African snipe (Gallinago nigripennis aequatorialis).jpg
African snipe
File:Lesser Yellowlegs.jpg
Lesser yellowlegs

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Buttonquail

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Small buttonquail

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Pratincoles and coursers

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Bronze-winged courser

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Gulls, terns, and skimmers

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Sooty tern
File:Rynchops flavirostris.jpg
African skimmer

Order: CharadriiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Northern storm-petrels

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European storm-petrel

Order: ProcellariiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Storks

File:African Openbill, Anastomus lamelligerus (6069961547).jpg
African openbill

Order: CiconiiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Frigatebirds

File:Male greater frigate bird displaying.jpg
Male greater frigatebird

Order: SuliformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Anhingas

File:African darter (Anhinga rufa) immature.jpg
Juvenile African darter

Order: SuliformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Cormorants and shags

File:Long-tailed cormorant (Microcarbo africanus).jpg
Long-tailed cormorant

Order: SuliformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Pelicans

File:Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens in Tanzania 4549 Nevit.jpg
Pink-backed pelican

Order: PelecaniformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Hamerkop

File:Hamerkop standing in a stream in Zambia.JPG
Hamerkop

Order: PelecaniformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Scopidae

The hamerkop 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.

Herons, egrets, and bitterns

File:Dwarf bittern, Ixobrychus sturmii, at Harvey's Pans, Savuti in Chobe National Park, Botswana (31974122060).jpg
Dwarf bittern
File:Black heron, Egretta ardesiaca, at Marievale Nature Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa (30243510745).jpg
A hunting black heron

Order: PelecaniformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Ibises and spoonbills

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African sacred ibis

Order: PelecaniformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Secretarybird

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Secretarybird

Order: AccipitriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Osprey

Order: AccipitriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Hawks, eagles, and kites

File:Western Banded Snake Eagle (Circaetus cinerascens) in Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary, crop.jpg
Banded snake-eagle
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Bat hawk
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Bateleur

Order: AccipitriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Barn-owls

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African grass-owl

Order: StrigiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Owls

File:Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) (53106730210).jpg
Pearl-spotted owlet

Order: StrigiformesScript error: No such module "String".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

File:Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus) in aloe (7623218072).jpg
Speckled mousebird

Order: ColiiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Trogons

Order: TrogoniformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Hoopoes

Order: BucerotiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Upupidae

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

Woodhoopoes

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Common scimitarbill

Order: BucerotiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Phoeniculidae

The woodhoopoes are related to the kingfishers, rollers and hoopoes. 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.

Ground-hornbills

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Southern ground-hornbill

Order: BucerotiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Hornbills

File:Bucerotidae Bycanistes bucinator 1.jpg
Trumpeter hornbill

Order: BucerotiformesScript error: No such module "String".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 coloured.

Kingfishers

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Pied kingfisher

Order: CoraciiformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Alcedinidae

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

Bee-eaters

File:Little Bee-eater (Merops pusillus pusillus), Kotu Beach, Gambia.jpg
Little bee-eater

Order: CoraciiformesScript error: No such module "String".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 coloured 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

File:Broad-billed Roller (Eurystomus glaucurus) (9613725207), crop.jpg
Broad-billed roller

Order: CoraciiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

African barbets

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Pied barbet

Order: PiciformesScript error: No such module "String".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 coloured.

Honeyguides

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Green-backed honeyguide

Order: PiciformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Woodpeckers

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Golden-tailed woodpecker

Order: PiciformesScript error: No such module "String".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

File:Amur Falcon (Falco amurensis) male (16794543415).jpg
Amur falcon

Order: FalconiformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Old World parrots

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Lilian's lovebird

Order: PsittaciformesScript error: No such module "String".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 Script error: No such module "convert". to Script error: No such module "convert". in length. Old World parrots are found from Africa east across south and southeast Asia and Oceania to Australia and New Zealand.

New World and African parrots

File:Poicephalus meyeri -Zimbabwe -two-8-3c.jpg
Meyer's parrot

Order: PsittaciformesScript error: No such module "String".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 Script error: No such module "convert". to Script error: No such module "convert". in length. Most of the more than 150 species in this family are found in the New World.

African and green broadbills

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Calyptomenidae

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

Pittas

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African pitta

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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 coloured. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates.

Cuckooshrikes

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Campephagidae

The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured.

Old World orioles

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African Black-headed oriole

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Oriolidae

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

Wattle-eyes and batises

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Platysteiridae

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

Vangas, helmetshrikes, and allies

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Retz's helmetshrike

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Bushshrikes and allies

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Brubru

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Drongos

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Fork-tailed drongo

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Monarch flycatchers

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African paradise-flycatcher

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Monarchidae

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

Shrikes

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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 typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey.

Crows, jays, and magpies

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Pied crow

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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.

Hyliotas

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Fairy flycatchers

File:Fairy Flycatcher (Stenostira scita).jpg
Fairy flycatcher

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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".

Tits, chickadees and titmice

File:Melaniparus griseiventris, oog van Cuitorivier, Birding Weto, a (cropped).jpg
Miombo tit


Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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

File:Grey penduline tit, Anthoscopus caroli, also known as the African penduline-tit at Ndumo Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (28632517810).jpg
African penduline-tit

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Remizidae

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

Larks

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Monotonous lark

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Nicators

File:Western nicator (Nicator chloris) juvenile.jpg
Western nicator

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Nicatoridae

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

African warblers

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Cape crombec

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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

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Burnt-necked eremomela
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Wailing cisticola

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Reed warblers and allies

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Icterine warbler

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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

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River warbler

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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

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Pearl-breasted swallow
File:Phedina borbonica 183279540 (cropped).jpg
Mascarene martin

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Bulbuls

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Sombre greenbul

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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

File:Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus.jpg
Willow warbler

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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 another family.[1]

Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies

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Garden warbler

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Laughingthrushes and allies

File:Arrow-marked Babbler (Turdoides jardineii) (52098111781).jpg
Arrow-marked babbler

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Treecreepers

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Oxpeckers

File:Red-billed Oxpecker, Buphagus erythrorhynchus on Zebra (7685837978).jpg
Red-billed oxpecker

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Starlings

File:Cape Starling (Lamprotornis nitens) (52737021416).jpg
Cape starling

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Thrushes and allies

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Groundscraper thrush

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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

File:Fiscal Flycatcher, Sigelus silens - male, at Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa.jpg
Fiscal flycatcher
File:White-starred Robin (Pogonocichla stellata).jpg
White-starred robin
File:Mocking Cliff Chat - female.jpg
Mocking cliff-chat

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Sugarbirds

File:Gurney's Sugarbird, Promerops gurneyi at Marakele National Park (13936184879).jpg
Gurney's sugarbird

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".Family: Promeropidae

The sugarbirds resemble large sunbirds in general appearance and habits, but are possibly more closely related to the Australian honeyeaters. They have brownish plumage, the long downcurved bill of passerine nectar feeders and long tail feathers.

Sunbirds and spiderhunters

File:Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris).jpg
Collared sunbird
File:Marico sunbird, Cinnyris mariquensis, at Marakele National Park, Limpopo, South Africa (31756233857).jpg
Mariqua sunbird

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Weavers and allies

File:Red-headed weaver, Anaplectes rubriceps, at Loodswaai Game Reserve, Gauteng, South Africa.jpg
Red-headed weaver
File:Yellow Bishop (Euplectes capensis) (28458186644).jpg
Yellow bishop

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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 coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season.

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Waxbills and allies

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Swee waxbill
File:Flickr - Rainbirder - African Quailfinch (Ortygospiza atricollis) male.jpg
Quailfinch
File:Cut-throat Finch (Amadina fasciata, male - Djenné, Mali, 2008).jpg
Cut-throat

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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 colours and patterns.

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Indigobirds

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Village indigobird

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Old World sparrows

File:Great Sparrow (or Southern Rufous Sparrow or Rufous Sparrow), Passer motitensis at Marakele National Park, South Africa (7796691488).jpg
Great rufous sparrow

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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

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Buffy pipit
File:Pipit Golden by Mark Tittley.jpg
Golden pipit

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

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Finches, euphonias, and allies

File:African Citril - Naivasha - Kenya 06 9856 (22621619658).jpg
African citril

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

Old World buntings

File:Emberiza cabanisi cognominata, Menongue, Birding Weto, a (cropped).jpg
Cabanis's bunting

Order: PasseriformesScript error: No such module "String".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.

See also

References

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  1. Gill, F. and D. Donsker (Eds). 2019. IOC World Bird List (v 9.2). Script error: No such module "CS1 identifiers". http://www.worldbirdnames.org/ retrieved June 22, 2019.

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External links

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