Wildlife of Libya
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The Wildlife of Libya includes it's flora and fauna and their natural habitats. Libya has 87 species of mammals and 338 species of birds.
[edit] Fauna
[edit] Subclass: Theria
[edit] Infraclass: Eutheria
[edit] Order: Macroscelidea (elephant-shrews)
Often called sengisi, the elephant shrews or jumping shrews are native to southern Africa. Their common English name derives from their elongated flexible snout and their resemblance to the true shrews.
- Family: Macroscelididae (elephant-shrews)
-
- Genus: Elephantulus
- North African Sengi Elephantulus rozeti LC
- Genus: Elephantulus
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[edit] Order: Hyracoidea (hyraxes)
The hyraxes are any of four species of fairly small, thickset, herbivorous mammals in the order Hyracoidea. About the size of a domestic cat they are well-furred, with rounded bodies and a stmpy tail. They are native to Africa and the Middle East.
- Family: Procaviidae (hylaxes)
-
- Genus: Procavia
- Cape Hyrax Procavia capensis LC
- Genus: Procavia
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[edit] Order: Primates
The order Primates contains all the species commonly related to the lemurs, monkeys, and apes, with the latter category including humans. It is divided informally into three main groupings: prosimians, monkeys of the New World, and monkeys and apes of the Old World.
- Suborder: Haplorrhini
- Infraorder: Simiiformes
- Parvorder: Catarrhini
- Superfamily: Cercopithecoidea
- Family: Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys)
-
- Genus: Papio
- Olive Baboon Papio anubis LR/lc
- Genus: Papio
-
- Family: Cercopithecidae (Old World monkeys)
- Superfamily: Cercopithecoidea
- Parvorder: Catarrhini
- Infraorder: Simiiformes
[edit] Order: Rodentia (rodents)
Rodents make up the largest order of mammals, with over 40 percent of mammalian species. They have two incisors in the upper and lower jaw which grow continually and must be keep short by gnawing. Most rodents are small though the capybara can weigh up to 45 kg (100 lb).
- Suborder: Hystricognathi
- Family: Hystricidae (Old World porcupines)
-
- Genus: Hystrix
- Crested Porcupine Hystrix cristata LC
- Genus: Hystrix
-
- Family: Hystricidae (Old World porcupines)
- Suborder: Sciurognathi
- Family: Gliridae (dormice)
- Subfamily: Leithiinae
- Genus: Eliomys
- Asian Garden Dormouse Eliomys melanurus LC
- Genus: Eliomys
- Subfamily: Leithiinae
- Family: Dipodidae (jerboas)
- Subfamily: Allactaginae
- Genus: Allactaga
- Four-toed jerboa Allactaga tetradactyla DD
- Genus: Allactaga
- Subfamily: Dipodinae
- Genus: Jaculus
- Lesser Egyptian Jerboa Jaculus jaculus LC
- Greater Egyptian Jerboa Jaculus orientalis LC
- Genus: Jaculus
- Subfamily: Allactaginae
- Family: Spalacidae
- Subfamily: Spalacinae
- Genus: Nannospalax
- Palestine Mole Rat Nannospalax ehrenbergi LC
- Genus: Nannospalax
- Subfamily: Spalacinae
- Family: Cricetidae
- Subfamily: Arvicolinae
- Genus: Microtus
- nopage Microtus mustersi LC
- Genus: Microtus
- Subfamily: Arvicolinae
- Family: Muridae (mice, rats, voles, gerbils, hamsters, etc.)
- Subfamily: Deomyinae
- Genus: Acomys
- Cairo Spiny Mouse Acomys cahirinus LC
- Genus: Acomys
- Subfamily: Gerbillinae
- Genus: Dipodillus
- North African Gerbil Dipodillus campestris LC
- Genus: Gerbillus
- Pleasant Gerbil Gerbillus amoenus DD
- Anderson's Gerbil Gerbillus andersoni LR/lc
- Gerbillus gerbillus LC
- Gerbillus grobbeni DD
- Pygmy Gerbil Gerbillus henleyi LC
- Gerbillus latastei DD
- Gerbillus nanus LC
- Gerbillus simoni LC
- Sand Gerbil Gerbillus syrticus DD
- Tarabul's Gerbil Gerbillus tarabuli LC
- Genus: Meriones
- Sundevall's Jird Meriones crassus LC
- Libyan Jird Meriones libycus LC
- Shaw's Jird Meriones shawi LC
- Genus: Pachyuromys
- Fat-tailed Gerbil Pachyuromys duprasi LC
- Genus: Psammomys
- Sand Rat Psammomys obesus LC
- Thin Sand Rat Psammomys vexillaris DD
- Genus: Dipodillus
- Subfamily: Murinae
- Genus: Mus
- Algerian Mouse Mus spretus LC
- Genus: Mus
- Subfamily: Deomyinae
- Family: Ctenodactylidae
- Genus: Ctenodactylus
- Gundi Ctenodactylus gundi LC
- Val's Gundi Ctenodactylus vali DD
- Genus: Massoutiera
- Mzab Gundi Massoutiera mzabi LC
- Genus: Ctenodactylus
- Family: Gliridae (dormice)
[edit] Order: Lagomorpha (lagomorphs)
The lagomorphs comprise two families, Leporidae (hares and rabbits), and Ochotonidae (pikas). Though they can resemble rodents, and were classified as a superfamily in that order until the early twentieth century, they have since been considered a separate order. They differ from rodents in a number of physical characteristics, such as having four incisors in the upper jaw rather than two.
- Family: Leporidae (rabbits, hares)
- Genus: Lepus
- Cape Hare Lepus capensis LR/lc
- African Savanna Hare Lepus microtis LR/lc
- Genus: Lepus
[edit] Order: Erinaceomorpha (hedgehogs and gymnures)
The order Erinaceomorpha contains a single family, Erinaceidae, which comprise the hedgehogs and gymnures. The hedgehogs are easily recognised by their spines while gymnures look more like large rats.
- Family: Erinaceidae (hedgehogs)
- Subfamily: Erinaceinae
- Genus: Atelerix
- North African Hedgehog Atelerix algirus LR/lc
- Genus: Hemiechinus
- Desert Hedgehog Hemiechinus aethiopicus LR/lc
- Long-eared Hedgehog Hemiechinus auritus LR/lc
- Genus: Atelerix
- Subfamily: Erinaceinae
[edit] Order: Soricomorpha (shrews, moles, and soledons)
The "shrew-forms" are insectivorous mmmals. The shrews and soledons closely resemble mice while the moles are stout bodied burrowers.
- Family: Soricidae (shrews)
- Subfamily: Crocidurinae
- Genus: Crocidura
- Alexandrian Shrew Crocidura aleksandrisi LC
- Genus: Suncus
- Etruscan Shrew Suncus etruscus LC
- Genus: Crocidura
- Subfamily: Crocidurinae
[edit] Order: Chiroptera (bats)
The bats' most distinguishing feature is that their forelimbs are developed as wings, making them the only mammals in the world naturally capable of flight. Bat species account for about 20% of all mammals.
- Family: Pteropodidae (flying foxes, Old World fruit bats)
- Subfamily: Pteropodinae
- Genus: Rousettus
- Egyptian fruit bat Rousettus aegyptiacus LC
- Genus: Rousettus
- Subfamily: Pteropodinae
- Family: Vespertilionidae
- Subfamily: Myotinae
- Genus: Myotis
- Felten's Myotis Myotis punicus DD
- Genus: Myotis
- Subfamily: Vespertilioninae
- Genus: Eptesicus
- Serotine bat Eptesicus serotinus LR/lc
- Genus: Nyctalus
- Greater Noctule bat Nyctalus lasiopterus LR/nt
- Lesser Noctule Nyctalus leisleri LR/nt
- Genus: Otonycteris
- Desert Long-eared Bat Otonycteris hemprichii LR/lc
- Genus: Pipistrellus
- Egyptian Pipistrelle Pipistrellus deserti LC
- Kuhl's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus kuhlii LC
- Common Pipistrelle Pipistrellus pipistrellus LC
- RÜppel's Pipistrelle Pipistrellus rueppelli LC
- Genus: Plecotus
- nopage Plecotus christiei DD
- Canary Big-eared Bat Plecotus teneriffae DD
- Genus: Eptesicus
- Subfamily: Miniopterinae
- Genus: Miniopterus
- Schreiber's Long-fingered Bat Miniopterus schreibersii LC
- Genus: Miniopterus
- Subfamily: Myotinae
- Family: Rhinopomatidae
- Genus: Rhinopoma
- Lesser Mouse-tailed Bat Rhinopoma hardwickei LC
- Greater Mouse-tailed Bat Rhinopoma microphyllum LC
- Genus: Rhinopoma
- Family: Nycteridae
- Genus: Nycteris
- Egyptian Slit-Faced Bat Nycteris thebaica LC
- Genus: Nycteris
- Family: Rhinolophidae
- Subfamily: Rhinolophinae
- Genus: Rhinolophus
- Geoffroy's Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus clivosus LC
- Mehely's Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus mehelyi VU
- Genus: Rhinolophus
- Subfamily: Hipposiderinae
- Genus: Asellia
- Trident Leaf-nosed Bat Asellia tridens LC
- Genus: Asellia
- Subfamily: Rhinolophinae
[edit] Order: Cetacea (whales)
The order Cetacea includes whales, dolphins and porpoises. They are the mammals most fully adapted to aquatic life with a spindle-shaped nearly hairless body, protected by a thick layer of blubber, and forelimbs and tail modified to provide propulsion underwater.
- Suborder: Odontoceti
- Superfamily: Platanistoidea
- Family: Delphinidae (marine dolphins)
- Genus: Steno
- Rough-toothed Dolphin Steno bredanensis DD
- Genus: Tursiops
- Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus DD
- Genus: Delphinus
- Common dolphin Delphinus delphis LR/lc
- Genus: Globicephala
- Pilot whale Globicephala melas LR/lc
- Genus: Steno
- Family: Delphinidae (marine dolphins)
- Superfamily: Platanistoidea
[edit] Order: Carnivora (carnivores)
The carnivores include over 260 species, the majority of which eat meat as their primary dietary item. Carnivores have a characteristic skull shape and dentition.
- Suborder: Feliformia
- Family: Felidae (cats)
- Family: Viverridae (civets, mongooses, etc.)
- Subfamily: Viverrinae
- Genus: Genetta
- Common Genet Genetta genetta LR/lc
- Genus: Genetta
- Subfamily: Viverrinae
- Family: Herpestidae (mongooses)
- Genus: Herpestes
- Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon LR/lc
- Genus: Herpestes
- Family: Hyaenidae (hyaenas)
- Genus: Hyaena
- Striped Hyena Hyaena hyaena LR/nt
- Genus: Hyaena
- Suborder: Caniformia
- Family: Canidae (dogs, foxes)
- Genus: Vulpes
- Pale Fox Vulpes pallida DD
- Rueppell's Fox Vulpes rueppelli DD
- Red Fox Vulpes vulpes LC
- Fennec Vulpes zerda DD
- Genus: Canis
- Golden Jackal Canis aureus LC
- Gray Wolf Canis lupus LC
- Genus: Vulpes
- Family: Mustelidae (mustelids)
- Genus: Ictonyx
- Saharan Striped Polecat Ictonyx libyca LR/lc
- Genus: Ictonyx
- Family: Phocidae (earless seals)
- Genus: Monachus
- Mediterranean Monk Seal Monachus monachus CR
- Genus: Monachus
- Family: Canidae (dogs, foxes)
[edit] Order: Artiodactyla (even-toed ungulates)
The even-toed ungulates are ungulates whose weight is borne about equally by the third and fourth toes, rather than mostly or entirely by the third as in perissodactyls. There are about 220 artiodactyl species, including many that are of great economic importance to humans.
- Family: Suidae (pigs)
- Family: Bovidae (cattle, antelope, sheep, goats)
- Subfamily: Alcelaphinae
- Genus: Alcelaphus
- Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus LR/cd
- Genus: Alcelaphus
- Subfamily: Antilopinae
- Genus: Gazella
- Dama Gazelle Gazella dama CR
- Dorcas Gazelle Gazella dorcas VU
- Rhim Gazelle Gazella leptoceros EN
- Genus: Gazella
- Subfamily: Caprinae
- Genus: Ammotragus
- Barbary Sheep Ammotragus lervia VU
- Genus: Ammotragus
- Subfamily: Hippotraginae
- Genus: Addax
- Addax Addax nasomaculatus CR
- Genus: Oryx
- Scimitar Oryx Oryx dammah EW
- Genus: Addax
- Subfamily: Alcelaphinae
[edit] Birds
[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.
- Ostrich Struthio camelus (Ex)
[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 4 species which occur in Libya.
- Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
- Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
- Horned Grebe Podiceps auritus
- Eared Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
[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 and 3 species which occur in Libya.
- Cory's Shearwater Calonectris diomedea
- Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus
- Balearic Shearwater Puffinus mauretanicus
[edit] Storm-Petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- European Storm-Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus
[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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
[edit] Boobies and Gannets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise medium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Northern Gannet Morus bassanus
[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 Libya.
- Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo
- European Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis
[edit] Bitterns, Herons and Egrets
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 8 species which occur in Libya.
- Gray Heron Ardea cinerea
- Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
- Great Egret Ardea alba
- Little Egret Egretta garzetta
- Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
- Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
- Black-crowned Night-Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
- Great Bittern Botaurus stellaris
[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 2 species which occur in Libya.
- 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. 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 2 species which occur in Libya.
- Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus
- Eurasian Spoonbill Platalea leucorodia
[edit] Flamingos
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. 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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
[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 27 species which occur in Libya.
- Mute Swan Cygnus olor
- Tundra Swan Cygnus columbianus
- Greater White-fronted Goose Anser albifrons
- Greylag Goose Anser anser
- Brant Branta bernicla
- Ruddy Shelduck Tadorna ferruginea
- Common Shelduck Tadorna tadorna
- Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope
- Gadwall Anas strepera
- Eurasian Teal Anas crecca
- Cape Teal Anas capensis
- Mallard Anas platyrhynchos
- Northern Pintail Anas acuta
- Garganey Anas querquedula
- Northern Shoveler Anas clypeata
- Marbled Teal Marmaronetta angustirostris
- Red-crested Pochard Netta rufina
- Common Pochard Aythya ferina
- Ferruginous Pochard Aythya nyroca
- Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula
- Greater Scaup Aythya marila
- Black Scoter Melanitta nigra
- Common Goldeneye Bucephala clangula
- Smew Mergellus albellus
- Red-breasted Merganser Mergus serrator (A)
- Common Merganser Mergus merganser
- White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala
[edit] Osprey
Order: Falconiformes Family: Pandionidae
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.
- Osprey Pandion haliaetus
[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 23 species which occur in Libya.
- European Honey-buzzard Pernis apivorus
- Red Kite Milvus milvus
- Black Kite Milvus migrans
- Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus
- Eurasian Griffon Gyps fulvus
- Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus
- Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus
- Short-toed Eagle Circaetus gallicus
- Western Marsh-Harrier Circus aeruginosus
- Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus
- Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus
- Montagu's Harrier Circus pygargus
- Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus
- Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis
- Eurasian Buzzard Buteo buteo
- Long-legged Buzzard Buteo rufinus
- Rough-legged Hawk Buteo lagopus
- Lesser Spotted Eagle Aquila pomarina
- Greater Spotted Eagle Aquila clanga
- Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca
- Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos
- Bonelli's Eagle Aquila fasciatus
- Booted Eagle Aquila pennatus
[edit] Caracaras and 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 11 species which occur in Libya.
- Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni
- Eurasian Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
- Red-footed Falcon Falco vespertinus
- Eleonora's Falcon Falco eleonorae
- Sooty Falcon Falco concolor
- Merlin Falco columbarius
- Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo (Ex)
- Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
- Saker Falcon Falco cherrug (A)
- Barbary Falcon Falco pelegrinoides
- Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
[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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Barbary Partridge Alectoris barbara
[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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Small Buttonquail Turnix sylvatica
[edit] Cranes
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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Common Crane Grus grus
[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 8 species which occur in Libya.
- Water Rail Rallus aquaticus
- Corn Crake Crex crex
- Little Crake Porzana parva
- Baillon's Crake Porzana pusilla
- Spotted Crake Porzana porzana
- Striped Crake Aenigmatolimnas marginalis (A)
- Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
- Eurasian Coot Fulica atra
[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 Libya.
- Houbara Bustard Chlamydotis undulata
- Little Bustard Tetrax tetrax
[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 and 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- 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. 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 Libya.
- 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. 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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- 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 and 4 species which occur in Libya.
- Egyptian Plover Pluvianus aegyptius (A)
- Cream-colored Courser Cursorius cursor
- Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
- Black-winged Pratincole Glareola nordmanni
[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. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Libya.
- Northern Lapwing Vanellus vanellus
- White-tailed Lapwing Vanellus leucurus
- European Golden-Plover Pluvialis apricaria
- Black-bellied Plover Pluvialis squatarola
- Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula
- Little Ringed Plover Charadrius dubius
- Snowy Plover Charadrius alexandrinus
- Greater Sandplover Charadrius leschenaultii
- Eurasian Dotterel Charadrius morinellus
[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 30 species which occur in Libya.
- Eurasian Woodcock Scolopax rusticola
- Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus
- Great Snipe Gallinago media
- Common Snipe Gallinago gallinago
- Black-tailed Godwit Limosa limosa
- Bar-tailed Godwit Limosa lapponica
- Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
- Slender-billed Curlew Numenius tenuirostris
- Eurasian Curlew Numenius arquata
- Spotted Redshank Tringa erythropus
- Common Redshank Tringa totanus
- Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis
- Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
- Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus
- Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
- Terek Sandpiper Xenus cinereus
- Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
- Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres
- Red Knot Calidris canutus
- Sanderling Calidris alba
- Little Stint Calidris minuta
- Temminck's Stint Calidris temminckii
- Pectoral Sandpiper Calidris melanotos
- Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea
- Dunlin Calidris alpina
- Purple Sandpiper Calidris maritima
- Broad-billed Sandpiper Limicola falcinellus
- Ruff Philomachus pugnax
- Red-necked Phalarope Phalaropus lobatus
- Red Phalarope Phalaropus fulicarius
[edit] Skuas and Jaegers
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. They nest on the ground in temperate and Arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Libya.
- Great Skua Stercorarius skua
- Pomarine Jaeger Stercorarius pomarinus (A)
- Parasitic Jaeger Stercorarius parasiticus
[edit] Gulls
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 8 species which occur in Libya.
- Mew Gull Larus canus
- Audouin's Gull Larus audouinii
- Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus
- Caspian Gull Larus cachinnans
- Black-headed Gull Larus ridibundus
- Slender-billed Gull Larus genei
- Mediterranean Gull Larus melanocephalus
- Little Gull Larus minutus
[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 11 species which occur in Libya.
- Gull-billed Tern Sterna nilotica
- Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
- Lesser Crested Tern Sterna bengalensis
- Sandwich Tern Sterna sandvicensis
- Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii
- Common Tern Sterna hirundo
- Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea
- Little Tern Sterna albifrons
- Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
- White-winged Tern Chlidonias leucopterus
- Black Tern Chlidonias niger
[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 4 species which occur in Libya.
- Pin-tailed Sandgrouse Pterocles alchata
- Spotted Sandgrouse Pterocles senegallus
- Black-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles orientalis
- Crowned Sandgrouse Pterocles coronatus
[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 and 5 species which occur in Libya.
- Rock Pigeon Columba livia
- Stock Pigeon Columba oenas
- Common Wood-Pigeon Columba palumbus (A)
- Eurasian Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur
- Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis
[edit] Cuckoos and Anis
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 2 species which occur in Libya.
- Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius
- Common Cuckoo Cuculus canorus
[edit] Barn owls
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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Barn Owl Tyto alba
[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 5 species which occur in Libya.
- European Scops-Owl Otus scops
- Pharaoh Eagle-Owl Bubo ascalaphus
- Little Owl Athene noctua
- Long-eared Owl Asio otus
- Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus
[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 3 species which occur in Libya.
- Red-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus ruficollis (A)
- Eurasian Nightjar Caprimulgus europaeus
- Egyptian Nightjar Caprimulgus aegyptius
[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 4 species which occur in Libya.
- Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
- Common Swift Apus apus
- Pallid Swift Apus pallidus
- 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 and 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- 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. 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 3 species which occur in Libya.
- Green Bee-eater Merops orientalis
- Blue-cheeked Bee-eater Merops persicus
- European Bee-eater Merops apiaster
[edit] Typical Rollers
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 2 species which occur in Libya.
- European Roller Coracias garrulus
- Abyssinian Roller Coracias abyssinica (A)
[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 Libya.
- 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 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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Eurasian Wryneck Jynx torquilla
[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 Libya.
- Bar-tailed Lark Ammomanes cincturus
- Desert Lark Ammomanes deserti
- Greater Hoopoe-Lark Alaemon alaudipes
- Thick-billed Lark Ramphocoris clotbey
- Calandra Lark Melanocorypha calandra
- Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla
- Lesser Short-toed Lark Calandrella rufescens
- Dupont's Lark Chersophilus duponti
- Crested Lark Galerida cristata
- Thekla Lark Galerida theklae
- Wood Lark Lullula arborea
- Eurasian Skylark Alauda arvensis
- 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. 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 6 species which occur in Libya.
- Bank Swallow Riparia riparia
- Eurasian Crag-Martin Ptyonoprogne rupestris
- Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula
- Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
- Red-rumped Swallow Cecropis daurica
- Common House-Martin Delichon urbica
[edit] Wagtails and Pipits
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 8 species which occur in Libya.
- White Wagtail Motacilla alba
- Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava
- Gray Wagtail Motacilla cinerea
- Tawny Pipit Anthus campestris
- Tree Pipit Anthus trivialis
- Meadow Pipit Anthus pratensis
- Red-throated Pipit Anthus cervinus
- Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta
[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 because they also resemble the titmice. There are 7 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Libya.
[edit] Dippers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements. There are 5 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- White-throated Dipper Cinclus cinclus (A)
[edit] Wrens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and a thin down-turned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. There are 80 species worldwide (of which all but one are New World species) and 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Winter Wren Troglodytes troglodytes
[edit] Accentors
Order: Passeriformes Family: Prunellidae
The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows. There are 13 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Dunnock Prunella modularis
[edit] Thrushes and allies
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 8 species which occur in Libya.
- Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush Monticola saxatilis
- Blue Rock-Thrush Monticola solitarius
- Ring Ouzel Turdus torquatus
- Eurasian Blackbird Turdus merula
- Fieldfare Turdus pilaris
- Redwing Turdus iliacus
- Song Thrush Turdus philomelos
- Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus
[edit] Cisticolas and allies
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 2 species which occur in Libya.
- 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. 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 30 species which occur in Libya.
- Grasshopper Warbler Locustella naevia
- Savi's Warbler Locustella luscinioides
- Moustached Warbler Acrocephalus melanopogon
- Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
- Eurasian Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus scirpaceus
- Great Reed-Warbler Acrocephalus arundinaceus
- Eastern Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais pallida
- Western Olivaceous Warbler Hippolais opaca
- Melodious Warbler Hippolais polyglotta
- Icterine Warbler Hippolais icterina
- Willow Warbler Phylloscopus trochilus
- Common Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita
- Western Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus bonelli
- Eastern Bonelli's Warbler Phylloscopus orientalis (A)
- Wood Warbler Phylloscopus sibilatrix
- Yellow-browed Warbler Phylloscopus inornatus
- Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla
- Garden Warbler Sylvia borin
- Greater Whitethroat Sylvia communis
- Lesser Whitethroat Sylvia curruca
- African Desert Warbler Sylvia deserti
- Western Orphean Warbler Sylvia hortensis
- Eastern Orphean Warbler Sylvia crassirostris
- Rueppell's Warbler Sylvia rueppelli
- Subalpine Warbler Sylvia cantillans
- Sardinian Warbler Sylvia melanocephala
- Spectacled Warbler Sylvia conspicillata
- Tristram's Warbler Sylvia deserticola
- Dartford Warbler Sylvia undata
- Marmora's Warbler Sylvia sarda
[edit] Old World flycatchers
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 25 species which occur in Libya.
- Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata
- European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca
- Collared Flycatcher Ficedula albicollis
- Red-breasted Flycatcher Ficedula parva
- European Robin Erithacus rubecula
- Thrush Nightingale Luscinia luscinia (A)
- Common Nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos
- Bluethroat Luscinia svecica
- Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin Cercotrichas galactotes
- Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros
- Common Redstart Phoenicurus phoenicurus
- Moussier's Redstart Phoenicurus moussieri
- Whinchat Saxicola rubetra
- European Stonechat Saxicola rubicola
- White-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe leucopyga
- Black Wheatear Oenanthe leucura
- Northern Wheatear Oenanthe oenanthe
- Mourning Wheatear Oenanthe lugens
- Finsch's Wheatear Oenanthe finschii (A)
- Red-rumped Wheatear Oenanthe moesta
- Pied Wheatear Oenanthe pleschanka
- Black-eared Wheatear Oenanthe hispanica
- Red-tailed Wheatear Oenanthe xanthoprymna (A)
- Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti
- Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina
[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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Fulvous Chatterer Turdoides fulvus
[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 2 species which occur in Libya.
- Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus
- African Blue Tit Cyanistes teneriffae
[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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Eurasian Golden Oriole Oriolus oriolus
[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 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 Libya.
- Red-backed Shrike Lanius collurio
- Southern Gray Shrike Lanius meridionalis
- Lesser Gray Shrike Lanius minor
- Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus
- Woodchat Shrike Lanius senator
[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 1 species which occurs in Libya.
- Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegala
[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 5 species which occur in Libya.
- Carrion Crow Corvus corone
- Pied Crow Corvus albus (A)
- Brown-necked Raven Corvus ruficollis
- Common Raven Corvus corax
- Hooded Crow Corvus cornix (A)
[edit] Starlings
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 3 species which occur in Libya.
- Rosy Starling Pastor roseus
- European Starling Sturnus vulgaris
- Spotless Starling Sturnus unicolor
[edit] Buntings, Sparrows, Seedeaters and allies
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 7 species which occur in Libya.
- Rock Bunting Emberiza cia
- Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana
- Cretzschmar's Bunting Emberiza caesia
- House Bunting Emberiza striolata
- Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala
- Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus
- Corn Bunting Emberiza calandra
[edit] Siskins, Crossbills and allies
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 10 species which occur in Libya.
- Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs
- Brambling Fringilla montifringilla
- Red Crossbill Loxia curvirostra
- European Greenfinch Carduelis chloris
- Eurasian Siskin Carduelis spinus
- European Goldfinch Carduelis carduelis
- Eurasian Linnet Carduelis cannabina
- European Serin Serinus serinus
- Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes
- Trumpeter Finch Bucanetes githaginea
[edit] Sparrows
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 Libya.
- House Sparrow Passer domesticus
- Spanish Sparrow Passer hispaniolensis
- Desert Sparrow Passer simplex
- Rock Petronia Petronia petronia
[edit] Flora
[edit] Notes
[edit] References
- The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Mammals of Libya. IUCN (2001). Retrieved on 22 May 2007.
- Mammal Species of the World. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (2005). Retrieved on 22 May 2007.
- Animal Diversity Web. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology (1995-2006). Retrieved on 22 May 2007.
- Lepage, Denis. Checklist of birds of Libya. Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved on 26 April 2007.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press, 880. ISBN 0934797161.