List of birds of Malawi

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

African Fish-Eagle, common around lakes and rivers.
African Fish-Eagle, common around lakes and rivers.

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Malawi. The avifauna of Malawi includes a total of 650 species, of which 1 has been introduced by humans, and 31 are rare or accidental. 10 species are globally threatened. Several subspecies of bird are endemic to Malawi. One of these, the Yellow-throated Apalis, is treated as a full endemic species by some authors. Several species such as the Thyolo Alethe are near-endemic to Malawi with only a restricted range outside the country.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of Clements's 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Malawi.

The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.

  • (A) Accidental A rarely-occurring species with no more than about five records in Malawi.
  • (I) Introduced A species introduced to Malawi as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.
  • (Ex) Extirpated A species that no longer occurs in Malawi although populations exist elsewhere.


Table of contents

Non-passerines: Grebes . Pelicans . Cormorants . Darters . Herons, egrets and bitterns . Hamerkop . Storks . Ibises and spoonbills . Flamingos . Ducks and geese . Osprey . Hawks, kites and eagles . Secretary-bird . Falcons . Francolins and quails . Guineafowl . Buttonquails . Cranes . Rails, crakes, gallinules, and coots . Finfoots . Bustards . Jacanas . Painted snipe . Avocets and stilts . Thick-knees . Pratincoles and coursers . Plovers and lapwings . Sandpipers and allies . Gulls . Terns . Skimmers . Sandgrouse . Pigeons and doves . Parrots . Turacos . Cuckoos . Barn owls . Typical owls . Nightjars . Swifts . Mousebirds . Trogons . Kingfishers . Bee-eaters . Typical rollers . Hoopoes . Woodhoopoes . Hornbills . Barbets . Honeyguides . Woodpeckers .

Passerines: Broadbills . Pittas . Larks . Swallows and martins . Wagtails and pipits . Cuckoo-shrikes . Bulbuls . Thrushes . Cisticolas and allies . Old World warblers . Old World flycatchers and chats . Wattle-eyes . Monarch flycatchers . Babblers . Tits . Treecreepers . Penduline tits . Sunbirds . White-eyes . Old World orioles . Shrikes . Bushshrikes and allies . Helmetshrikes . Drongos . Crows and ravens . Starlings . Weavers and allies . Waxbills and allies . Indigobirds . Buntings . Finches . Sparrows .

See also       References

[edit] Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae

Little Grebe, widespread on small waterbodies.
Little Grebe, widespread on small waterbodies.

Grebes are small to medium-large sized 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. There are 20 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae

Pink-backed Pelican, there are several breeding colonies in the south of the country.
Pink-backed Pelican, there are several breeding colonies in the south of the country.

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Cormorants

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae

The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds 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. There are 38 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Darters

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae

Darter, a local resident of lakes and rivers.
Darter, a local resident of lakes and rivers.

Darters are frequently referred to as "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 a 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. There are 2-4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Herons, egrets and bitterns

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae

Goliath Heron, a shy resident of large waterbodies.
Goliath Heron, a shy resident of large waterbodies.

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Hamerkop

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Scopidae

Hamerkop, a common resident.
Hamerkop, a common resident.

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 a drab brown all over.

[edit] Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae

Yellow-billed Stork, a widespread and dispersive bird of wetlands.
Yellow-billed Stork, a widespread and dispersive bird of wetlands.

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Ibises and spoonbills

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Threskiornithidae

The 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. There are 36 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Flamingos

Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae

Greater Flamingo, a regular migrant to Lake Chilwa and other wetlands.
Greater Flamingo, a regular migrant to Lake Chilwa and other wetlands.

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. 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 are uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Ducks and geese

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae

White-faced Whistling-duck, the most widespread of Malawi's ducks.
White-faced Whistling-duck, the most widespread of Malawi's ducks.

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Osprey

Order: Falconiformes Family: Pandionidae

Osprey, a migrant from the Northern Hemisphere.
Osprey, a migrant from the Northern Hemisphere.

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

[edit] Hawks, kites and eagles

Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae

Yellow-billed Kite, the breeding form of the Black Kite.
Yellow-billed Kite, the breeding form of the Black Kite.
Lizard Buzzard, common in woodland throughout Malawi.
Lizard Buzzard, common in woodland throughout Malawi.
Wahlberg's Eagle, a breeding migrant present from August to April.
Wahlberg's Eagle, a breeding migrant present from August to April.

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and 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. There are 233 species worldwide and 43 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Secretary-bird

Order: Falconiformes Family: Sagittariidae

The Secretary-bird is a bird of prey in the order Falconiformes but is easily distinguished from other raptors by it long crane-like legs.

[edit] Falcons

Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae

Red-necked Falcon, an uncommon raptor which is often associated with palm trees.
Red-necked Falcon, an uncommon raptor which is often associated with palm trees.

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 feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Francolins and quails

Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae

Red-necked Francolin, the commonest francolin in Malawi.
Red-necked Francolin, the commonest francolin in Malawi.

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they may vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Guineafowl

Order: Galliformes Family: Numididae

Helmeted Guineafowl, domesticated in many areas.
Helmeted Guineafowl, domesticated in many areas.

Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Buttonquails

Order: Gruiformes Family: Turnicidae

The buttonquails 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. There are 16 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Cranes

Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae

Wattled Crane, now very rare and local.
Wattled Crane, now very rare and local.

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". There are 15 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Rails, crakes, gallinules, and coots

Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae

Corn Crake, a declining migrant from Eurasia.
Corn Crake, a declining migrant from Eurasia.

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, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Finfoots

Order: Gruiformes Family: Heliornithidae

The Heliornithidae are small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Bustards

Order: Gruiformes 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. There are 26 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Jacanas

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae

African Jacana, very common in well-vegetated wetlands.
African Jacana, very common in well-vegetated wetlands.

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide in 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. There 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Painted snipe

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae

Greater Painted-snipe, a difficult-to-see bird of marshes and the edges of waterbodies.
Greater Painted-snipe, a difficult-to-see bird of marshes and the edges of waterbodies.

Painted snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Avocets and stilts

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Thick-knees

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae

Spotted Thick-knee, a scarce and little-known nocturnal bird.
Spotted Thick-knee, a scarce and little-known nocturnal bird.

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. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Pratincoles and coursers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Glareolidae

Collared Pratincole, a colonial nester of grassland and wetlands.
Collared Pratincole, a colonial nester of grassland and wetlands.

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. There are 17 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Plovers and lapwings

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae

Wattled Lapwing, locally fairly common in short, moist grassland.
Wattled Lapwing, locally fairly common in short, moist grassland.

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, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Sandpipers and allies

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae

Common Sandpiper, a very common Eurasian migrant.
Common Sandpiper, a very common Eurasian migrant.
Ruff, a widespread migrant to wetlands and grassland.
Ruff, a widespread migrant to wetlands and grassland.

The Scolopacidae are 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 species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Gulls

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae

Gray-headed Gull, a resident of larger lakes and rivers.
Gray-headed Gull, a resident of larger lakes and rivers.

Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Terns

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae

Whiskered Tern, frequent at Lake Chilwa where a breeding colony has been recorded.
Whiskered Tern, frequent at Lake Chilwa where a breeding colony has been recorded.

Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds 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 now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rynchopidae

African Skimmer, breeds along the River Shire.
African Skimmer, breeds along the River Shire.

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. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] 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. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Pigeons and doves

Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae

Laughing Dove, widespread in drier regions and increasing in numbers.
Laughing Dove, widespread in drier regions and increasing in numbers.

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Parrots

Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

Meyer's Parrot, occurs in woodland in northern and central Malawi.
Meyer's Parrot, occurs in woodland in northern and central Malawi.

Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Turacos

Order: Cuculiformes Family: Musophagidae

Livingstone's Turaco, common in forest and woodland in the south-east.
Livingstone's Turaco, common in forest and woodland in the south-east.

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 birds, usually blue, green or purple. The go-away birds are mostly grey and white. There are 23 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Cuckoos

Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae

Pied Cuckoo, a migrant from other parts of Africa and perhaps also from Asia.
Pied Cuckoo, a migrant from other parts of Africa and perhaps also from Asia.

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Barn owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae

Barn Owl, often around farms and villages.
Barn Owl, often around farms and villages.

Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Typical owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae

Spotted Eagle-Owl, common and present in many habitats.
Spotted Eagle-Owl, common and present in many habitats.

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. There are 195 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Nightjars

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Swifts

Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae

African Palm-Swift, common around palms in lowland areas.
African Palm-Swift, common around palms in lowland areas.

Swifts are small aerial birds, spending 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 that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Mousebirds

Order: Coliiformes Family: Coliidae

Speckled Mousebird, a sociable bird which often visits gardens.
Speckled Mousebird, a sociable bird which often visits gardens.

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. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Trogons

Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae

Bar-tailed Trogon, resident in highland rainforests.
Bar-tailed Trogon, resident in highland rainforests.

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. There are 33 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae

Striped Kingfisher, widespread in open woodland and savanna.
Striped Kingfisher, widespread in open woodland and savanna.

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Bee-eaters

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae

Boehm's Bee-eater, a local resident most common near rivers.
Boehm's Bee-eater, a local resident most common near rivers.

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 colorful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Typical rollers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae

Lilac-breasted Roller, widespread in open woodland and savanna.
Lilac-breasted Roller, widespread in open woodland and savanna.

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. There are 12 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Hoopoes

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Woodhoopoes

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Phoeniculidae

Common Scimitar-bill, a widespread resident in woodland.
Common Scimitar-bill, a widespread resident in woodland.

The woodhoopoes are related to the kingfishers, rollers and hoopoe. They most resemble the last species with their long curved bills, used for probing 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. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Hornbills

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Bucerotidae

Southern Ground-Hornbill, disappearing from more densely-populated areas.
Southern Ground-Hornbill, disappearing from more densely-populated areas.

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. There are 57 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Barbets

Order: Piciformes Family: Capitonidae

Black-collared Barbet, a widespread and common resident.
Black-collared Barbet, a widespread and common resident.

The 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. There are 84 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Honeyguides

Order: Piciformes Family: Indicatoridae

Honeyguides are among the few birds that feed on wax. They are named for the behaviour of the Greater Honeyguide which leads large animals to bees' nests and then feeds on the wax once the animal has broken the nest open to get at the honey. There are 17 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Woodpeckers

Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae

Golden-tailed Woodpecker, a widespread resident most common in the south-east.
Golden-tailed Woodpecker, a widespread resident most common in the south-east.

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. There are 218 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Broadbills

Order: Passeriformes Family: Eurylaimidae

The broadbills are small, brightly coloured birds that feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests. There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Pittas

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae

Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards, and stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many, but not all, are brightly coloured. They are spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrate prey which they find there. There are 32 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] 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. There are 91 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Swallows and martins

Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae

Barn Swallow, large numbers migrate to Malawi from the Northern Hemisphere.
Barn Swallow, large numbers migrate to Malawi from the Northern Hemisphere.
Lesser Striped Swallow, a common bird which has adapted to urban areas.
Lesser Striped Swallow, a common bird which has adapted to urban areas.

The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Wagtails and pipits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae

African Pied Wagtail, common near water and in urban areas.
African Pied Wagtail, common near water and in urban areas.
Yellow-throated Longclaw, fairly common in grassland.
Yellow-throated Longclaw, fairly common in grassland.

The Motacillidae are 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. There are 54 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Cuckoo-shrikes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae

The cuckoo-shrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured. There are 82 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Bulbuls

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae

Common Bulbul, one of Malawi's commonest birds.
Common Bulbul, one of Malawi's commonest birds.

Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throat or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests. There are 130 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Thrushes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae

Groundscraper Thrush, small numbers occur in open woodland, gardens and golf courses.
Groundscraper Thrush, small numbers occur in open woodland, gardens and golf courses.

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. There are about 176 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Cisticolas and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae

Wailing Cisticola, a bird of mountain grassland.
Wailing Cisticola, a bird of mountain grassland.
Tawny-flanked Prinia, a very common and widespread resident.
Tawny-flanked Prinia, a very common and widespread resident.

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. There are 111 species worldwide and 26 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Old World warblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae

Marsh Warbler, large numbers winter in the Lower Shire Valley.
Marsh Warbler, large numbers winter in the Lower Shire Valley.
Willow Warbler, a common migrant from Eurasia.
Willow Warbler, a common migrant from Eurasia.

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae 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. There are 291 species worldwide and 32 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Old World flycatchers and chats

Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae

Spotted Flycatcher, a common and widespread migrant.
Spotted Flycatcher, a common and widespread migrant.
African Stonechat, most common in highland areas.
African Stonechat, most common in highland areas.

Old World flycatchers and chats are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small insectivores. The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There 274 species worldwide and 30 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Wattle-eyes

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 coloured fleshy eye decorations found in most species in this group. There are 31 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Monarch flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae

The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines, which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Babblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Timaliidae

The babblers or timaliids are somewhat diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. There are 270 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Tits

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. There are species 59 worldwide and 4 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] 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. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Penduline tits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Remizidae

The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds, related to the true tits. They are insectivores. There are 13 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Sunbirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae

Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, very common in mountain rainforest.
Eastern Double-collared Sunbird, very common in mountain rainforest.
Copper Sunbird, many move down to lowland regions outside the breeding season.
Copper Sunbird, many move down to lowland regions outside the breeding season.

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. There are 131 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] White-eyes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae

The white-eyes are small and are mostly of undistinguished appearance, the plumage above being generally either some dull color 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 the eyes. There are 96 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Malawi.

[edit] Old World orioles

Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae

African Black-headed Oriole, a common and widespread bird of woodlands.
African Black-headed Oriole, a common and widespread bird of woodlands.

The Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Shrikes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae

Common Fiscal, conspicuous in open country.
Common Fiscal, conspicuous in open country.

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. There are 31 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Bushshrikes and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Malaconotidae

Tropical Boubou, a very common resident.
Tropical Boubou, a very common resident.

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. There are 46 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Helmetshrikes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Prionopidae

White Helmetshrike, a gregarious bird of woodland.
White Helmetshrike, a gregarious bird of woodland.

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. There are 12 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Drongos

Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae

The drongos are mostly are 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 whilst perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Crows and ravens

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae

Pied Crow, has adapted well to man-made habitats.
Pied Crow, has adapted well to man-made habitats.

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. There are 120 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Starlings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae

Red-billed Oxpecker, mainly found in national parks and nature reserves where there are populations of large wild mammals.
Red-billed Oxpecker, mainly found in national parks and nature reserves where there are populations of large wild mammals.

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. There are 125 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Weavers and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae

Village Weaver, breeds in colonies near water.
Village Weaver, breeds in colonies near water.
Red Bishop, locally very common.
Red Bishop, locally very common.

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. There are 116 species worldwide and 26 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Waxbills and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae

Common Waxbill, occurs in grassland and marshes throughout Malawi.
Common Waxbill, occurs in grassland and marshes throughout Malawi.
Bronze Mannikin, very common in grassy areas.
Bronze Mannikin, very common in grassy areas.

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 a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. There are 141 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Indigobirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Viduidae

Pin-tailed Whydah, lays its eggs in the nests of waxbills and mannikins.
Pin-tailed Whydah, lays its eggs in the nests of waxbills and mannikins.

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 finch species. There are 20 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Buntings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as Sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are species 275 worldwide and 4 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Finches

Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae

Yellow-fronted Canary, common everywhere except high mountain regions.
Yellow-fronted Canary, common everywhere except high mountain regions.

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 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] Sparrows

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae

House Sparrow, introduced to South Africa, this species has since spread, reaching Malawi in 1967.
House Sparrow, introduced to South Africa, this species has since spread, reaching Malawi in 1967.

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, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Malawi.

[edit] See also

[edit] References