List of birds of Zambia

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African Fish Eagle, the national bird of Zambia
African Fish Eagle, the national bird of Zambia

This article provides a list of the bird species recorded in Zambia. The avifauna of Zambia includes a total of 779 species, of which 1 is endemic, 1 has been introduced by humans, and 4 are rare or accidental. 11 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 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 Zambia.

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 rarely or accidentally occurs in Zambia.
  • (E) Endemic A species endemic to Zambia.
  • (I) Introduced A species introduced to Zambia as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.


Table of contents

Non-passerines: Ostriches . Grebes . Pelicans . Cormorants . Darters . Bitterns, Herons and Egrets . Hammerkop . Storks . Shoebill . Ibises and Spoonbills . Flamingos . Ducks, Geese and Swans . Osprey . Hawks, Kites and Eagles . Secretary-bird . Falcons . Pheasants and Partridges . 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, Macaws and allies . Turacos . Cuckoos . Barn owls . Typical owls . Nightjars . Swifts . Mousebirds . Trogons . Kingfishers . Bee-eaters . Typical Rollers . Hoopoes . Woodhoopoes . Hornbills . Barbets . Honeyguides . Woodpeckers and allies .

Passerines: Broadbills . Pittas . Larks . Swallows and Martins . Wagtails and Pipits . Cuckoo-shrikes . Bulbuls . Thrushes and allies . Cisticolas and allies . Old World warblers . Old World flycatchers . Wattle-eyes . Monarch flycatchers . Babblers . Chickadees and Titmice . Treecreepers . Penduline tits . Sunbirds and Spiderhunters . White-eyes . Old World Orioles . Shrikes . Bushshrikes and allies . Helmetshrikes . Drongos . Crows, Jays, Ravens and Magpies . Starlings . Weavers and allies . Waxbills and allies . Indigobirds . Weavers and allies . Buntings . Finches . Sparrows .

See also       References

[edit] Ostriches

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest living species of bird.
The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is the largest living species of bird.

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.

[edit] Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae

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 2 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae

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 Zambia.

[edit] Cormorants

Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) drying its wings
Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) drying its wings

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 Zambia.

[edit] Darters

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Anhingidae

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 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Zambia.

[edit] Bitterns, Herons and Egrets

The little egret (Egretta garzetta) catches prey by wading.
The little egret (Egretta garzetta) catches prey by wading.

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ardeidae

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 Zambia.

[edit] Hammerkop

The shape of the hammerkop's head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name.
The shape of the hammerkop's head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name.

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Scopidae

The Hammerkop is a medium-sized bird with a long shaggy crest. Its plumage is a drab brown all over.

[edit] Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae

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 Zambia.

[edit] Shoebill

The shoebill derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.
The shoebill derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Balaenicipididae

The Shoebill is a large bird related to the storks.

[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 Zambia.

[edit] Flamingos

The oddly-shaped beaks of flamingos are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely used upside-down.
The oddly-shaped beaks of flamingos are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely used upside-down.

Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae

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

[edit] Ducks, Geese and Swans

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae

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 17 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Osprey

The osprey is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
The osprey is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

Order: Falconiformes Family: Pandionidae

The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the Osprey.

[edit] Hawks, Kites and Eagles

Order: Falconiformes Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include 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 46 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Secretary-bird

The secretary-bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is easily distinguished from other raptors by it long crane-like legs.
The secretary-bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is easily distinguished from other raptors by it long crane-like legs.

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

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 14 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Pheasants and Partridges

Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae

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 13 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Guineafowl

The 'helmets' of these helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) are clearly visible.
The 'helmets' of these helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris) are clearly visible.

Order: Galliformes Family: Numididae

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

[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 Zambia.

[edit] Cranes

Grey crowned cranes (Balearica regulorum) have large crests on their heads.
Grey crowned cranes (Balearica regulorum) have large crests on their heads.

Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Zambia.

[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. 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 20 species which occur in Zambia.

[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 Zambia.

[edit] Bustards

The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) spends most of its time on the ground but is the heaviest bird capable of flying.
The kori bustard (Ardeotis kori) spends most of its time on the ground but is the heaviest bird capable of flying.

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 5 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Jacanas

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae

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 Zambia.

[edit] Painted snipe

The greater painted snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) is not related to the true snipes and varies in many ways.
The greater painted snipe (Rostratula benghalensis) is not related to the true snipes and varies in many ways.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae

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 Zambia.

[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 Zambia.

[edit] Thick-knees

Order: Charadriiformes 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. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Pratincoles and Coursers

The collared pratincole (Glareola pratincola) is unusual among pratincoles as it hunts insects in the air.
The collared pratincole (Glareola pratincola) is unusual among pratincoles as it hunts insects in the air.

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 and 7 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Plovers and Lapwings

The wattled plover (Vanellus senegallus) occurs in Zambia.
The wattled plover (Vanellus senegallus) occurs in Zambia.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Sandpipers and allies

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae

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 28 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Gulls

The black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) spends northern winters in Zambia.
The black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus) spends northern winters in Zambia.

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae

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 Zambia.

[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. 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 Zambia.

[edit] Skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rynchopidae

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 Zambia.

[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 2 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Pigeons and Doves

The dusky turtle dove (Streptopelia lugens) lives in Zambia.
The dusky turtle dove (Streptopelia lugens) lives in Zambia.

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 and 16 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Parrots, Macaws and allies

The black-cheeked lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis) is endemic to Zambia.
The black-cheeked lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis) is endemic to Zambia.

Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

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 Zambia.

[edit] Turacos

Order: Cuculiformes 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 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 Zambia.

[edit] Cuckoos

The pied cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) is a parasite of Turdoides babblers.
The pied cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus) is a parasite of Turdoides babblers.

Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Barn owls

The African grass-owl (Tyto capensis) is mainly nocturnal.
The African grass-owl (Tyto capensis) is mainly nocturnal.

Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae

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 Zambia.

[edit] Typical owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae

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 9 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Nightjars

The Eurasian nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) winters in Zambia.
The Eurasian nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus) winters in Zambia.

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 8 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Swifts

Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae

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 12 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Mousebirds

The speckled mousebird (Colius striatus) is the largest species of mousebird.
The speckled mousebird (Colius striatus) is the largest species of mousebird.

Order: Coliiformes Family: Coliidae

The mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers and very long thin tails. They are arboreal and scurry through the leaves like rodents in search of berries, fruit and buds. They are acrobatic, and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes. They also have crests and stubby bills. There are 6 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Trogons

Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae

The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Kingfishers

Although the woodland kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) is a "kingfisher", it prefers drier habitats in more traditional woodland and can be far from water.
Although the woodland kingfisher (Halcyon senegalensis) is a "kingfisher", it prefers drier habitats in more traditional woodland and can be far from water.

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 and 12 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Bee-eaters

The European bee-eater (Merops apiaster), like other bee-eaters, is a richly-coloured, slender bird.
The European bee-eater (Merops apiaster), like other bee-eaters, is a richly-coloured, slender bird.

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Meropidae

The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly 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 11 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Typical Rollers

The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudata) perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot its prey.
The lilac-breasted roller (Coracias caudata) perches conspicuously at the tops of trees, poles or other high vantage points from where it can spot its prey.

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Zambia.

[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 Zambia.

[edit] Woodhoopoes

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Phoeniculidae

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 3 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Hornbills

The southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) is a common, widespread resident of dry thorn fields and broad-leafed woodlands.
The southern yellow-billed hornbill (Tockus leucomelas) is a common, widespread resident of dry thorn fields and broad-leafed woodlands.

Order: Coraciiformes 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. There are 57 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Barbets

Order: Piciformes Family: Capitonidae

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 Zambia.

[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 7 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Woodpeckers and allies

The golden-tailed woodpecker (Campethera abingoni) lives throughout central and southern Africa.
The golden-tailed woodpecker (Campethera abingoni) lives throughout central and southern Africa.

Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 218 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Zambia.

[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 Zambia.

[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 Zambia.

[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 13 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Swallows and Martins

The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) lives near humans, and is tolerated because it eats insects.
The barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) lives near humans, and is tolerated because it eats insects.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae

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 23 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Wagtails and Pipits

The white wagtail (Motacilla alba) lives near habitation and water.
The white wagtail (Motacilla alba) lives near habitation and water.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae

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 21 species which occur in Zambia.

[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 4 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Bulbuls

The common bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) has readily taken to living alongside humans.
The common bulbul (Pycnonotus barbatus) has readily taken to living alongside humans.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae

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 16 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Thrushes and allies

The African thrush (Turdus pelios) is common in well-wooded areas.
The African thrush (Turdus pelios) is common in well-wooded areas.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Cisticolas and allies

The zitting cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) is best distinguished by its zit-zit-zit song.
The zitting cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) is best distinguished by its zit-zit-zit song.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cisticolidae

The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 40 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Old World warblers

The marsh warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) mimics the songs of other birds.
The marsh warbler (Acrocephalus palustris) mimics the songs of other birds.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae

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 38 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Old World flycatchers

The white-eyed slaty-flycatcher (Melaenornis fischeri) is commonly seen in gardens.
The white-eyed slaty-flycatcher (Melaenornis fischeri) is commonly seen in gardens.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There 274 species worldwide and 36 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Wattle-eyes

The black-and-white shrike-flycatcher (Bias musicus) is found in dry forest habitats.
The black-and-white shrike-flycatcher (Bias musicus) is found in dry forest habitats.

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 6 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Monarch flycatchers

The white-tailed blue-flycatcher (Elminia albicauda) is found around central and southern Africa.
The white-tailed blue-flycatcher (Elminia albicauda) is found around central and southern Africa.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae

The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines, which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Zambia.

[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 Zambia.

[edit] Chickadees and Titmice

Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are species 59 worldwide and 4 species which occur in Zambia.

[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 Zambia.

[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 Zambia.

[edit] Sunbirds and Spiderhunters

Sunbirds, such as this collared sunbird (Hedydipna collaris), are often brightly coloured.
Sunbirds, such as this collared sunbird (Hedydipna collaris), are often brightly coloured.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae

The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 26 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] White-eyes

The African yellow white-eye (Zosterops senegalensis) is the only white-eye to live in Zambia.
The African yellow white-eye (Zosterops senegalensis) is the only white-eye to live in Zambia.

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 Zambia.

[edit] Old World Orioles

Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae

The Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Shrikes

The common fiscal (Lanius collaris) impales its prey on acacia thorns to eat later.
The common fiscal (Lanius collaris) impales its prey on acacia thorns to eat later.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Bushshrikes and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Malaconotidae

Bushshrikes are similar in habits to shrikes, hunting insects and other small prey from a perch on a bush. Although similar in build to the shrikes, these tend to be either colourful species or largely black; some species are quite secretive. There are 46 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Helmetshrikes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Prionopidae

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 Zambia.

[edit] Drongos

The fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) has short legs and sits very upright whilst perched prominently.
The fork-tailed drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis) has short legs and sits very upright whilst perched prominently.

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 Zambia.

[edit] Crows, Jays, Ravens and Magpies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae

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 3 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Starlings

The red-billed oxpecker's (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) favorite food is blood.
The red-billed oxpecker's (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) favorite food is blood.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Weavers and allies

The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is characterized by a broad, white eyebrow stripe.
The white-browed sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) is characterized by a broad, white eyebrow stripe.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae

The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly 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 35 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Waxbills and allies

The common waxbill (Estrilda astrild) is native to sub-Saharan Africa but has been introduced in other parts of the world.
The common waxbill (Estrilda astrild) is native to sub-Saharan Africa but has been introduced in other parts of the world.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae

The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed-eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. There are 141 species worldwide and 27 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Indigobirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Viduidae

The indigobirds are finch-like species which usually have black or indigo predominating in their plumage. All are brood parasites, which lay their eggs in the nests of estrildid finch species. There are 20 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Weavers and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae

The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly 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 1 species which occurs in Zambia.

[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 6 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Finches

The streaky seedeater (Serinus striolatus) is found in Zambia.
The streaky seedeater (Serinus striolatus) is found in Zambia.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 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 14 species which occur in Zambia.

[edit] Sparrows

The gray-headed sparrow (Passer griseus) occurs in a wide range of open habitats.
The gray-headed sparrow (Passer griseus) occurs in a wide range of open habitats.

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae

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 Zambia.

[edit] See also

[edit] References