List of birds of Morocco
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Morocco. The avifauna of Morocco includes a total of 454 species (Bergier & Thévenot 2006), of which five have been introduced by humans, and 156 are rare or accidental. Five species listed are extinct in Morocco and are not included in the species count. Fifteen species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of the West Palearctic List Committee. 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 Morocco.
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 species that only rarely occurs in Morocco; records of these species require formal acceptance by the Commission d’Homologation Marocaine (Moroccan Rare Birds Committee).
- (I) Introduced. A species introduced to Morocco as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.
- (Ex) Extinct. A species that no longer occurs in Morocco although populations may exist elsewhere.
[edit] Ostriches
Order: Struthioniformes 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. It became extinct in Morocco some time before 1990 (Snow & Perrins 1998); a re-introduction programme is in progress (National Environment Observatory of Morocco 2001).
- Ostrich Struthio camelus (Ex A)
[edit] Swans, Geese and Ducks
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as swans and geese. There are 131 species worldwide, of which 39 species occur in Morocco.
- Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor (A)
- Mute Swan Cygnus olor (A)
- Whooper Swan Cygnus cygnus (A)
- Bean Goose Anser fabalis (A)
- White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons (A)
- Greylag Goose Anser anser
- Snow Goose Anser caerulescens (A)
- Barnacle Goose Branta leucopsis (A)
- Brent Goose Branta bernicla (A)
- Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
- Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
- Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis (A)
- Mandarin Duck Aix galericulata (I A)
- Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
- American Wigeon Anas americana (A)
- Gadwall Anas strepera
- Common Teal Anas crecca
- Green-winged Teal Anas carolinensis (A)
- Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
- Northern Pintail Anas acuta
- Garganey Anas querquedula
- Blue-winged Teal Anas discors (A)
- Cape Shoveler Anas smithii (A)
- Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
- Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris
- Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
- Pochard Aythya ferina
- Ring-necked Duck Aythya collaris (A)
- Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca
- Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
- Greater Scaup Aythya marila (A)
- Lesser Scaup Aythya affinis (A)
- Common Scoter Melanitta nigra
- Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca (A)
- Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula (A)
- Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator (A)
- Goosander Mergus merganser (A)
- Ruddy Duck Oxyura jamaicensis (I A)
- White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala (A)
[edit] Pheasants and Partridges
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, francolins, and pheasants. In general, they are plump (although they may vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide, of which 4 species occur in Morocco.
- Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara
- Double-spurred Francolin Francolinus bicalcaratus
- Common Quail Coturnix coturnix
- Ring-necked Pheasant Phasianus colchicus (I)
[edit] Guineafowl
Order: Galliformes Family: Numididae
Guineafowl are a group of African birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage. There are 6 species worldwide, of which 1 species (extinct since about 1980) occurred in Morocco.
- Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris (Ex A)
[edit] Divers
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Divers are group of aquatic birds found in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. There are 5 species worldwide, of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Red-throated Diver Gavia stellata (A)
- Black-throated Diver Gavia arctica (A)
- Great Northern Diver Gavia immer (A)
[edit] Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. There are 20 species worldwide, of which 4 species occur in Morocco.
- Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
- Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
- Slavonian Grebe Podiceps auritus (A)
- Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
[edit] Albatrosses
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. There are 21 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris (A)
[edit] Shearwaters and Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide, of which 10 species occur in Morocco.
- Northern Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis (A)
- Bulwer's Petrel Bulweria bulwerii (A)
- Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea
- Cape Verde Shearwater Calonectris edwardsii (A)
- Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis (A)
- Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus (A)
- Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus (A)
- Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus
- Yelkouan Shearwater Puffinus yelkouan
- Macaronesian Shearwater Puffinus baroli (A)
[edit] Storm-petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. There are 21 species worldwide, of which 5 species occur in Morocco.
- Wilson's Storm-petrel Oceanites oceanicus (A)
- White-faced Storm-petrel Pelagodroma marina (A)
- European Storm-petrel Hydrobates pelagicus
- Leach's Storm-petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa (A)
- Madeiran Storm-petrel Oceanodroma castro (A)
[edit] Gannets and Boobies
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide, of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Brown Booby Sula leucogaster (A)
- Gannet Morus bassanus
- Cape Gannet Morus capensis (A)
[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. There are 38 species worldwide, of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
- Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
- Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus (A)
[edit] Darters
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae
Darters are water birds with a distinctive long slender neck and bill. There are 4 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Darter Anhinga rufa (A)
[edit] Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. There are 8 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus (A)
[edit] Bitterns, Herons and Egrets
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. There are 61 species worldwide, of which 10 species occur in Morocco.
- Bittern Botaurus stellaris (A)
- Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus
- Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
- Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
- Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
- Western Reef Heron Egretta gularis (A)
- Little Egret Egretta garzetta
- Great White Egret Ardea alba (A)
- Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
- Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
[edit] Storks
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis (A)
- Black Stork Ciconia nigra
- White Stork Ciconia ciconia
[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. There are 36 species worldwide of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
- Bald Ibis Geronticus eremita
- Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
[edit] Flamingos
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 1-1.5 m high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. There are 6 species worldwide of which 2 species occur in Morocco.
- Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
- Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor (A)
[edit] Kites, Hawks and Eagles
Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae
The Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. There are 233 species worldwide, of which 29 species occur in Morocco. Lammergeier, Dark Chanting Goshawk, and Tawny Eagle are all close to extinction in Morocco.
- Honey Buzzard Pernis apivorus
- Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
- Black Kite Milvus migrans
- Red Kite Milvus milvus
- White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (A)
- Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus (A)
- Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
- Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus (A)
- Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus
- Rüppell's Vulture Gyps rueppellii (A)
- Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus (A)
- Black Vulture Aegypius monachus (A)
- Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
- Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus
- Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus
- Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus (A)
- Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
- Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates (A)
- Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
- Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
- Common Buzzard Buteo buteo
- Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
- Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina (A)
- Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga (A)
- Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus
- Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
- Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciatus
- Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax (A)
- Spanish Eagle Aquila adalberti (Ex A)
[edit] Osprey
Order: Falconiformes Family: Pandionidae
The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the Osprey, a medium large bird of prey with a worldwide distribution.
- Osprey Pandion haliaetus
[edit] Falcons
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 feet. There are 62 species worldwide, of which 11 species occur in Morocco.
- Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
- Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
- Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus (A)
- Merlin Falco columbarius
- Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo
- Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae
- Sooty Falcon Falco concolor (A)
- Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
- Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (A)
- Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
- Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides (A)
[edit] Buttonquails
Order: Gruiformes Family: Turnicidae
The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails. There are 16 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco; it is close to extinction in Morocco.
- Small Buttonquail Turnix sylvaticus (A)
[edit] Rails, Crakes, 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. There are 143 species worldwide, of which 11 species occur in Morocco.
- Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
- Spotted Crake Porzana porzana (A)
- Sora Crake Porzana carolina (A)
- Little Crake Porzana parva (A)
- Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla (A)
- Corn Crake Crex crex (A)
- Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
- Allen's Gallinule Porphyrio alleni (A)
- Purple Swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio
- Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
- Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
[edit] Cranes
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. There are 15 species worldwide, of which 2 species occur in Morocco, though Demoiselle Crane has been extinct since 1985.
- Common Crane Grus grus
- Demoiselle Crane Anthropoides virgo (Ex A)
[edit] Bustards
Order: Gruiformes Family: Otididae
Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. There are 26 species worldwide, of which 4 species occur in Morocco. Arabian Bustard has been extinct in Morocco since about 1985, and Houbara Bustard is close to extinction.
- Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax (A)
- Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata
- Arabian Bustard Ardeotis arabs (Ex A)
- Great Bustard Otis tarda
[edit] Painted Snipes
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted Snipes are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis
[edit] Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus
[edit] Avocets and Stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. There are 9 species worldwide, of which 2 species occur in Morocco.
- Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
- Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
[edit] Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There are 9 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Eurasian Thick-knee Burhinus oedicnemus
[edit] 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. There are 17 species worldwide, of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Cream-coloured Courser Cursorius cursor
- Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
- Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni (A)
[edit] 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. There are 66 species worldwide, of which 11 species occur in Morocco.
- Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
- Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
- Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius (A)
- Kentish Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
- Dotterel Charadrius morinellus
- American Golden Plover Pluvialis dominica (A)
- Eurasian Golden Plover Pluvialis apricaria
- Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
- Sociable Lapwing Vanellus gregarius (A)
- White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus (A)
- Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
[edit] Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized waders including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, 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, of which 39 species occur in Morocco.
- Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris (A)
- Red Knot Calidris canutus
- Sanderling Calidris alba
- Semipalmated Sandpiper Calidris pusilla (A)
- Little Stint Calidris minuta
- Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
- White-rumped Sandpiper Calidris fuscicollis (A)
- Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos (A)
- Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
- Stilt Sandpiper Calidris himantopus (A)
- Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima (A)
- Dunlin Calidris alpina
- Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus (A)
- Buff-breasted Sandpiper Tryngites subruficollis (A)
- Ruff Philomachus pugnax
- Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
- Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
- Great Snipe Gallinago media (A)
- Long-billed Dowitcher Limnodromus scolopaceus (A)
- Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
- Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
- Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
- Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
- Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris (Ex A)
- Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
- Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
- Common Redshank Tringa totanus
- Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
- Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
- Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes (A)
- Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
- Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
- Terek Sandpiper Tringa cinereus (A)
- Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
- Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia (A)
- Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
- Wilson's Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor (A)
- Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus (A)
- Grey Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius
[edit] Skuas
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. There are 7 species worldwide, of which 4 species occur in Morocco.
- Great Skua Stercorarius skua
- Pomarine Skua Stercorarius pomarinus
- Arctic Skua Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed Skua Stercorarius longicaudus (A)
[edit] Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. There are 55 species worldwide, of which 20 species occur in Morocco.
- Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
- Laughing Gull Larus atricilla (A)
- Franklin's Gull Larus pipixcan (A)
- Little Gull Larus minutus
- Sabine's Gull Larus sabini (A)
- Bonaparte's Gull Larus philadelphia (A)
- Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
- Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus (A)
- Slender-billed Gull Larus genei
- Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii
- Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis (A)
- Common Gull Larus canus (A)
- Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
- Herring Gull Larus argentatus (A)
- Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis
- Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens (A)
- Iceland Gull Larus glaucoides (A)
- Glaucous Gull Larus hyperboreus (A)
- Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus (A)
- Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla
[edit] Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
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. There are 44 species worldwide, of which 15 species occur in Morocco.
- Brown Noddy Anous stolidus (A)
- Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscata (A)
- Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus (A)
- Little Tern Sternula albifrons
- Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
- Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
- Black Tern Chlidonias niger
- White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
- Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis
- Royal Tern Thalasseus maxima
- Lesser Crested Tern Thalasseus bengalensis
- Common Tern Sterna hirundo
- Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea (A)
- Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii (A)
[edit] Skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rynchopidae
Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. There are 3 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- African Skimmer Rynchops flavirostris (A)
[edit] Auks
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. There are 24 species worldwide, of which 4 species occur in Morocco.
- Common Guillemot Uria aalge (A)
- Razorbill Alca torda
- Little Auk Alle alle (A)
- Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica
[edit] Sandgrouse
Order: Pterocliformes Family: Pteroclidae
Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. There are 16 species worldwide, of 5 which species occur in Morocco.
- Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii (A)
- Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus
- Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus
- Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis
- Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata
[edit] 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. There are 308 species worldwide, of which 7 species occur in Morocco.
- Rock Pigeon Columba livia
- Stock Pigeon Columba oenas
- Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus
- Collared Dove Streptopelia decaocto
- Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur
- Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
- Namaqua Dove Oena capensis (A)
[edit] Parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. There are 335 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri (I A)
[edit] Cuckoos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The cuckoos are birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. There are 138 species worldwide, of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
- Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
- Yellow-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus americanus (A)
[edit] Barn Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn Owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. There are 16 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Barn Owl Tyto alba
[edit] Typical Owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
Typical Owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. There are 195 species worldwide, of which 7 species occur in Morocco.
- European Scops Owl Otus scops
- Pharaoh Eagle Owl Bubo ascalaphus
- Little Owl Athene noctua
- Tawny Owl Strix aluco
- Long-eared Owl Asio otus
- Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus (A)
- Marsh Owl Asio capensis
[edit] Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills. There are 86 species worldwide, of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
- Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis
- Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius
[edit] Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
Swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. There are 98 species worldwide, of which 7 species occur in Morocco.
- Chimney Swift Chaetura pelagica (A)
- Alpine Swift Apus melba
- Plain Swift Apus unicolor (A)
- Common Swift Apus apus
- Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
- White-rumped Swift Apus caffer (A)
- Little Swift Apus affinis
[edit] Kingfishers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Common Kingfisher Alcedo atthis
[edit] Bee-eaters
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. There are 26 species worldwide, of which 2 species occur in Morocco.
- Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus
- European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
[edit] Rollers
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. There are 12 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- European Roller Coracias garrulus
[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, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Hoopoe Upupa epops
[edit] Woodpeckers and allies
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues. There are 218 species worldwide, of which 3 species occur in Morocco.
- Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
- Levaillant's Woodpecker Picus vaillantii
- Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major
[edit] Larks
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds, mostly fairly dull in appearance. There are 91 species worldwide, of which 15 species occur in Morocco.
- Black-crowned Finch Lark Eremopterix nigriceps (A)
- Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cinctura
- Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti
- Hoopoe Lark Alaemon alaudipes
- Dupont's Lark Chersophilus duponti
- Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris clotbey
- Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra
- Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
- Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens
- Crested Lark Galerida cristata
- Thekla Lark Galerida theklae
- Wood Lark Lullula arborea
- Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis
- Horned Lark Eremophila alpestris
- Temminck's Lark Eremophila bilopha
[edit] Swallows and Martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. There are 75 species worldwide, of which 7 species occur in Morocco.
- Plain Martin Riparia paludicola
- Sand Martin Riparia riparia
- Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula (A)
- Crag Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
- Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
- House Martin Delichon urbicum
- Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
[edit] Wagtails and Pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
The Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails and pipits. There are 54 species worldwide, of which 11 species occur in Morocco.
- Richard's Pipit Anthus richardi
- Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
- Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
- Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
- Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
- Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
- Rock Pipit Anthus petrosus (A)
- Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
- Citrine Wagtail Motacilla citreola (A)
- Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
- White Wagtail Motacilla alba
[edit] Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. There are 130 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus
[edit] Dippers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds which specialise in feeding in running water. There are 5 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Dipper Cinclus cinclus
[edit] Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. There are 80 species worldwide (all but one in the New World); 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
[edit] Accentors
Order: Passeriformes Family: Prunellidae
The accentors are in the only bird family which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. There are 13 species worldwide, of which 2 species occur in Morocco.
- Dunnock Prunella modularis (A)
- Alpine Accentor Prunella collaris
[edit] Thrushes and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. There are 335 species worldwide, of which 26 species occur in Morocco.
- Rufous Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactotes
- Robin Erithacus rubecula
- Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
- Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
- Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
- Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
- Moussier's Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri
- Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
- European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
- Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina (A)
- Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
- Seebohm's Wheatear Oenanthe seebohmi
- Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica
- Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
- Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta
- Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe halophila
- White-crowned Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga
- Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura
- Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush Monticola saxatilis
- Blue Rock Thrush Monticola solitarius
- Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
- Blackbird Turdus merula
- Fieldfare Turdus pilaris (A)
- Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
- Redwing Turdus iliacus
- Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
[edit] Cisticolas and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae
The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer regions of the Old World. There are 111 species worldwide, of which 2 species occur in Morocco.
- Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
- Streaked Scrub Warbler Scotocerca inquieta
[edit] Old World Warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. There are 291 species worldwide, of which 35 species occur in Morocco.
- Cetti's Warbler Cettia cetti
- Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler Locustella certhiola (A)
- Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
- Eurasian River Warbler Locustella fluviatilis (A)
- Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides
- Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon
- Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola (A)
- Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
- Eurasian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
- Marsh Warbler Acrocephalus palustris (A)
- Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
- Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida (A)
- Western Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais opaca
- Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina (A)
- Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta
- Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
- Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
- Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca (A)
- Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis
- African Desert Warbler Sylvia deserti
- Common Whitethroat Sylvia communis
- Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata
- Tristram's Warbler Sylvia deserticola
- Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata
- Marmora's Warbler Sylvia sarda (A)
- Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
- Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
- Pallas's Warbler Phylloscopus proregulus (A)
- Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus (A)
- Dusky Warbler Phylloscopus fuscatus (A)
- Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli
- Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
- Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
- Iberian Chiffchaff Phylloscopus ibericus (A)
- Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
[edit] Kinglets
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
The kinglets or crests are a small group of birds often included in the Old World warblers, but frequently given family status. There are 7 species worldwide, of which 2 species occur in Morocco.
[edit] Old World Flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. There 274 species worldwide, of which 5 species occur in Morocco.
- Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
- Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva (A)
- Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis (A)
- Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
- Atlas Flycatcher Ficedula speculigera
[edit] Parrotbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paradoxornithidae
The parrotbills are a group of birds mainly native to east and southeast Asia. They are generally small, long-tailed birds which inhabit reedbeds and similar habitats. There are 20 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Bearded Reedling Panurus biarmicus
[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, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Fulvous Babbler Turdoides fulva
[edit] Long-tailed Tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed Tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. There are 9 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Long-tailed Tit Aegithalos caudatus
[edit] Tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. There are 59 species worldwide, of which 4 species occur in Morocco.
- Crested Tit Lophophanes cristatus (A)
- Coal Tit Periparus ater
- African Blue Tit Cyanistes teneriffae
- Great Tit Parus major
[edit] Nuthatches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. There are 24 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Eurasian Nuthatch Sitta europaea
[edit] Wallcreeper
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tichodromidae
The Wallcreeper is a small bird with crimson, grey and black plumage, related to the nuthatches.
- Wallcreeper Tichodroma muraria (A)
[edit] Treecreepers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. There are 6 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Short-toed Treecreeper Certhia brachydactyla
[edit] Penduline Tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Remizidae
The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds, related to the true tits. There are 13 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Penduline Tit Remiz pendulinus (A)
[edit] Old World Orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds, not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
[edit] Bushshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Malaconotidae
Bushshrikes are similar in habits to shrikes, hunting insects and other small prey from a perch on a bush. There are 46 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala
[edit] 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 on thorns. There are 31 species worldwide, of which 5 species occur in Morocco.
- Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio (A)
- Isabelline Shrike Lanius isabellinus (A)
- Southern Grey Shrike Lanius meridionalis
- Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus (A)
- Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
[edit] Crows, Ravens, Jays and Magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, and magpies. There are 120 species worldwide, of which 9 species occur in Morocco.
- Eurasian Jay Garrulus glandarius
- Eurasian Magpie Pica pica
- Yellow-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax graculus
- Red-billed Chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax
- Eurasian Jackdaw Corvus monedula
- House Crow Corvus splendens (A)
- Carrion Crow Corvus corone (A)
- Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis
- Common Raven Corvus corax
[edit] Starlings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. There are 125 species worldwide, of which 2 species occur in Morocco.
- European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
- Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor
[edit] Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. There are 35 species worldwide, of which 5 species occur in Morocco.
- House Sparrow Passer domesticus
- Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
- Desert Sparrow Passer simplex
- Tree Sparrow Passer montanus
- Rock Sparrow Petronia petronia
[edit] Waxbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. There are 141 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala (I A)
[edit] Vireos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium sized passerine birds restricted to the New World. There are 52 species worldwide, of which 1 species occurs in Morocco.
- Red-eyed Vireo Vireo olivaceus (A)
[edit] Finches
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds. There are 137 species worldwide, of which 15 species occur in Morocco.
- Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
- Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
- European Serin Serinus serinus
- Citril Finch Carduelis citrinella (A)
- European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
- European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
- Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus
- Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina
- Lesser Redpoll Carduelis cabaret (A)
- Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
- Crimson-winged Finch Rhodopechys sanguinea
- Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githaginea
- Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus (A)
- Eurasian Bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula (A)
- Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
[edit] Buntings
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The buntings are a large family of passerine birds. There are species 275 worldwide, of which 9 species occur in Morocco.
- Snow Bunting Plectrophenax nivalis (A)
- Yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella (A)
- Cirl Bunting Emberiza cirlus
- Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
- House Bunting Emberiza sahari
- Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
- Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
- Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala (A)
- Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Bergier, P.,; & Thévenot, M. (2006). Liste des oiseaux du Maroc / The List of the Birds of Morocco. Go-South Bull. 3: 51-83. Go-South. Retrieved on 23 July 2007.
- Snow, D. W. & Perrins, C. M. (1998). Birds of the Western Palearctic: Concise Edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-854099-X.
- The National Environment Observatory of Morocco (2001). Report on the state of the environment in Morocco: A synthesis (pdf). Kingdom of Morocco, Secretariat of State of Environment. Retrieved on 23 July 2007.
- Lepage, D.. Checklist of birds of Morocco. Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved on 26 April 2007.
- Clements, J. F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press, 880. ISBN 0934797161.