Throughout the world, Africa is renowned for its diverse cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Interestingly, their skies also boast of several colorful and beautiful birds. From the tiny sunbirds to the majestic crowned cranes and kingfishers, these birds are not just a delight to watch but also contribute to the health of the African rainforest ecosystem.
These 30 Beautiful African Birds are a Sight to Behold
1. African Barbet
- Scientific Name: Lybiidae
- Length: 7.9 to 9.8 inches
- Weight: 0.3 to 7.2 ounces
- Range: Sub-saharan Africa
It is not only the vibrant colors of the African Barbet that make it the first on this list but the intricate patterns on its feathers, its big head, short, thick bill, and plump body.
There are several species but the most common is the created barbet which is nicknamed fruit salad. It features a prominent yellow crest on its head and a vibrant green plumage with a yellow breast.
They are known for their loud, drumming calls and their playful behavior. Surprisingly they hardly move in groups.
The barbet is an omnivore bird and mostly feeds on fruits and insects. They are mostly found in woodlands or scrub savannas in Zambia, Angola, and other Southern African countries.
2. Secretarybird
- Scientific Name: Balearica regulorum
- Length: 3.3 feet
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
This is one of the most unique African birds and its name originates from the black plume of feathers at the back of its head which resembles the quill pens used by secretaries in the 19th century. They are mostly more than 4 feet tall and they hunt mostly on the ground and feed primarily on small rodents, amphibians, and reptiles using their sharp claws and powerful legs to stomp and kill their prey before swallowing it whole.
The secretary birds are mostly found in the open grasslands and savannas of the sub-Saharan region. They spread across Senegal to Somalia and down to South Africa.
3. Grey Crowned Crane
- Scientific Name: Balearica regulorum
- Length: 3.3 feet
- Weight: 7.7 pounds
The Grey Crowned Crane is stunningly one of Africa’s most beautiful and colorful birds. This bird stands tall with grey plumage, white wings, a golden crown of feathers, and a bright red throat pouch. In measurement, they grow up to 1m (3.3ft) and weigh 3.5 kg (7.7 lbs) with a wingspan of 2 m (6.5 ft).
They are mostly found in the Eastern and Southern parts of Africa in areas like the grasslands, flooded plains, marshes, and agricultural land. The grey-crowned cranes are known for their elaborate courtship dances which involve synchronizing bowing, jumping, and wing display.
4. African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
- Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
- Length: 33 cm
- Weight: 0.4 kg
This bird is renowned for its exceptional intelligence and ability to talk and mimic human speech and sounds. The African Grey Parrot are native to rainforests of West and Central Africa and you will most likely find them in coastal countries such as Sierra Leone, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast foraging for nuts and fruits on treetops. These birds can easily captivate anyone with their sleek grey plumage and very distinctive bright red tail feathers.
They are highly social birds who play a significant role in their communities, forming strong bonds and engaging in complex communication. No wonder they have been nicknamed “The Einsteins of the Bird World.”
5. Hadada Ibis
- Scientific Name: Bostrychia hagedash
- Height: 30 inches
- Weight: 1.2 kg
This Africa beautiful bird is easily recognizable by its long, down-curved bill and the crest of loose feathers adorning its head. Hadada Ibises are found in wetlands and grasslands, where they wade through shallow water searching for crustaceans, insects, and small fish.
Their loud, drawn-out call, resembling “ha-da-da,” has earned them their unique name. They are also known for
6. African Fish Eagle
- Scientific Name: Haliaeetus vocifer
- Length: 63 to 77 cm
- Weight: 2.1 to 3.6 kg
You can call the African fish eagle a dominant predator in African skies and that’s no lie. Its brown plumage is accentuated by white patches on its chest and wings, and its powerful yellow beak is perfectly adapted for tearing apart fish. They are found near water bodies in sub-Saharan Africa.
In addition to its colorful looks, the African Fish Eagle is also known for its piercing cry which is a familiar sound across African landscapes. These birds are hunters and primarily feed on fishes.
7. African Penguin
- Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus
- Length: 24 to 28 inches
- Weight: 4.9 to 7.7 pounds
- Range: Southern Africa
Like other penguins around the world, the African Penguin cannot fly. However, this doesnt stop this bird from being one of Africa’s delights. Penguins exist in different species across the world. But in Africa, they are mostly found along the coastline of southern Africa and Namibia.
Penguins are naturally social birds and their friendly nature makes them an attraction for a lot of tourists. Their distinctive b; black and white plumage also makes them attractive to birdwatchers. Since they live on land and water, they eat fish and insects.
8. Saddle-billed Stork
- Scientific Name: Ephippiorhyncus senegalensis
- Length: 4 ft 8 inches
- Weight: 11 to 16.6 pounds
With its long, slender legs and a massive, saddle-shaped bill, the Saddle-billed Stork is a majestic inhabitant of African wetlands. Its plumage is a stunning combination of black, white, and grey, with a bare red patch around the eye
These patient predators stand motionless for long periods, awaiting the opportune moment to strike unsuspecting prey like fish, frogs, and small reptiles.
Read Also: African Animals With Horns
9. Lilac-breasted Roller
- Scientific Name: Coracias caudatus
- Height: 14.5 inches
- Weight: 110g
Across the south and east of Africa is where you’ll find the lilac-breasted roller. Its vibrant lilac breast contrasts beautifully with its turquoise back, and its underparts are adorned with a mosaic of black, white, and brown hence its name.
The Lilac-breasted Roller is a skilled acrobat who has been captured performing aerial somersaults while capturing insects in mid-air.
10. Purple-crested Turaco
- Scientific Name: Tauraco porphyreolophus
- Length: 18-19 inches
- Weight: 8-12 ounces
Another magnificent turaco species, the Purple-crested Turaco are peculiar birds that have long tails, chunky bodies, small heads, and mohawk-like crest features. These birds are the national birds of Swaziland and are native to South and East Africa. They have vibrant green plumage, a striking purple crest on its head, and a bright red beak.
The purple-crested turaco is a shy bird that is often heard before they are seen, thanks to their loud calls echoing through the dense rainforest canopy.
11. African Spoonbill
- Scientific Name: Platalea alba
- Length: 90 cm (35 inches)
- Weight: about 3 pounds)
This bird is mostly found in long marshes, lakes, and rivers across Africa. Their features such as their white plumage, black long spoon-shaped bill, bright red facial skin, and long legs make them a favorite for birdwatchers.
This wading bird primarily feeds on small fish and crustaceans. They skillfully sweep the water surface for food using their bill to sift through mud and water.
12. Malachite Kingfisher
- Scientific Name: Corythornis cristatus
- Length: 5.11 inches
- Weight: 12-19 g
The Malachite Kingfishers are mostly found in forests and woodlands. You’ll find these tiny jewel-toned birds near rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
These birds often perch on branches and sometimes dive into water to catch insects and small fish. It is not just its agile movement that makes it a delight to watch but its iridescent colors as well. From its electric blue back to its black and blue crest, and rufous and white underparts, this bird is undoubtedly one beautiful bird you’ll find in Africa.
13. African Pied Kingfisher
- Scientific Name: Ceryle Rudis
- Length: 9.8 inches
- Weight: 1.5 to 2 ounces
- Range: Africa, Asia
This is another kingfisher species that is a common sight along rivers, lakes, and streams across Africa. Its striking appearance features a white chest and belly, contrasted by a black head, back, and wings.
The African Pied Kingfisher is a skilled hunter, hovering mid-air before diving headfirst into the water to catch fish.
14. Oxpecker
- Scientific Name: Buphagus
- Length: 7.9 inches
- Weight: 2 ounces
This is another unique bird that is found in Africa with the yellow-billed and the red-billed oxpeckers endemic to Africa and are both distinguished by their bill colors. These birds share a mutual relationship with mammals like rhinos and buffalos typically feeding on insects that live on the host. However, their relationship gets parasitic when they begin to pick off the flesh of the animal.
The oxpeckers have greyish plumage, red eyes, short legs, and a strong, stiff tail and can be found in Savannas in countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia
15. European Bee-eaters
- Scientific Name: Merops block
- Length: 8 to 9 inches
- Weight: 23g
These birds are a feast for the eyes and boast beautiful shades of red, orange, and green with sky-blue underparts. Despite being called the European bee-eaters, the breed of these birds is found across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Oftentimes, these birds are found in savannahs, grasslands, woodlands, shrublands, and cultivations. By nature, they are acrobatic and display hunting skills. Talking of hunting, these birds, feed mostly on bees and other flying insects.
16. Go Away Bird
- Scientific Name: Corythaixoides concolor
- Length: 47–51 cm
- Weight: 200-300g
If you’ve ever heard any bird say “Kuh-we” then you may have likely crossed paths with the Go Away bird. They are known for their loud, repetitive call alarm call which sounds like they are saying “Go Away”. There are 3 species of this African bird namely the grey go-away bird, the bare-faced go-away bird, and the white-bellied go-away bird.
They are often found in southern and eastern Africa. Also, they eat fruits and insects and enjoy perching on tall or dead trees. What makes them even more interesting is their communication prowess. The go-away birds sometimes involve in duets and mimicry which makes their vocalization something to marvel about.
17. Flamingo
- Scientific Name: Phoenicopteridae
- Length: 4 to 5 feet
- Weight: 4 to 8 pounds
- Range: Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia
Even though it is the Greater Flamingo that is widely recognized, Africa is also home to the Lesser Flamingo which is a slightly smaller species. There are 4 species of flamingos around the world but there are only 2 of them in Africa while others can be found in the islands of Asia, America, and Europe. These birds have vibrant pink plumage and black wingtips. Aside from their beautiful color, the flamingoes usually stand with one leg while the other remains tucked in their bodies.
These social birds primarily feed on shellfish which most has been attributed to their pink coloured plumage. They also eat small insects and algae.
18. The Cape Sugar Bird
- Scientific Name: Promerops cafer
- Length: 23 to 44 cm (9.1–17.3 in)
- Weight: 26 and 46 g
The cape sugarbird is undoubtedly another true visual spectacle. These birds are native and endemic to South Africa particularly areas with an abundance of flowers. The cape suarbird feeds primarily on nectar, using its long, curved beak to reach deep inside flowers.
Both males and females display impressive aerial acrobatics while hovering in mid-air. However, the male cape sugarbirds are more dominating as they are fiercely territorial, and would even engage in aerial battles to defend their feeding areas while attracting mates with their melodious songs.
19. The Ostrich
- Scientific Name: Struthio camelus
- Length: 2.5 m (8 ft.)
- Weight: 145 kg (320 lb.)
- Range: central and southern Africa.
No other bird comes close to the Ostrich when it comes to height and weight. For this reason, it is the largest living bird on Earth. Interestingly, its size does not make it a lazy bird thanks to its powerful legs which propels it across vast savannas at speeds exceeding 70 kilometers per hour, earning another title as the “fastest bird on land.”
The ostrich has a distinctive black and white plumage, with males sporting a flamboyant red neck and thighs during breeding season. Since they are social birds, they live in flocks of up to 20 individuals. Aside from their large bodies, they possess keen eyes and ears that make them vigilant sentinels. The dominant males keep watch for predators for the entire flock and alert them with a loud warning call which can be mistaken for a lion’s roar.
Interestingly, ostriches can eat anything even things that other animals cannot digest as they can grind food with their muscular stomach. While their diet consists of roots, leaves, and seeds, these birds can also consume insects, snakes, lizards, and rodents.
20. Rosy-Faced Lovebirds
- Scientific Name: Agapornis
- Length: 5 to 7 inches
- Weight: 1.5 to 2 ounces
These charming birds are not just colorful but also social and affectionate and are known for their strong pair bonds. The lovebirds are often seen perched together, preening and feeding each other to show their companionship. It is no surprise that these birds are mostly the popular choice for pet owners.
Over nine species of this bird across southwest Africa can be seen in savannahs, woodlands, croplands, and human habitations. They come in various colors, including green, yellow, and blue, and often have pink spotting around the eye region.
21. Superb Starling
- Scientific Name: Lamprotornis superbus
- Length: 7.1 to 7.5 inches
- Weight: 2.5 to 3 ounces
These birds are mostly found in habitats like savannas, woodlands, and gardens, and just like their name, they are stunning and colorful birds. Their iridescent plumage shimmers in shades of blue, green, and purple, while their chest glows a vibrant orange.
It is a native of East Africa and they are often seen in large flocks which makes them a complete attraction. As per feeding, they eat small animals like worms, termites, and beetles
22. Sunbird
- Scientific Name: Nectariniidae
- Length: 4 inches
- Weight: 5 to 45g
- Range: Africa, Asia, Australia
The African sunbird species are often called hummingbirds of Africa. Aside from the colors and beauty they add to African gardens and forests, these birds are pollinators of many African plant species as they also use their curved beaks to feed on nectar just like the hummingbirds.
Several species across Africa appear in different colors. The Variable Sunbird, for example, dazzles with its iridescent green feathers and a bright red gorget on its throat, while the Bronzy Sunbird has a combination of metallic bronze and green feathers. Also, the male variable sunbird often shows off its beautiful plumage to impress the females.
23. African Hoopoe
- Scientific Name: Upupa africana
- Length: 25 to 29 cm
- Weight: 38 to 67 g
These unique birds are one of the species to see on a safari for bird lovers and are easily recognizable because of their distinctive crests and long, curved bills. You’ll find them in open parklands and snobs across Africa. The most common species of this bird is the Eurasian Hoopoe which is orange and has a white-striped body and black and white crest.
The African Hoopoe feeds on insects like beetles, locusts, and grasshoppers. They grub by probing the ground with their bills. Some of their predators include cats, hawks, and eagles.
24. White-backed Vulture
- Scientific Name: Ornithurae
- Length: 30 inches
- Weight: 15 to 33 pounds
- Range: Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas
Vultures play a critical role as nature’s clean-up crew and this bird lives up to its role as the “garbage man” of the savannah. The White-backed Vulture is smaller in size and has a dark eye compared to the Cape vultures which it is often confused with. You will find these birds in open plains and wooded country across West Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and throughout Southern Africa.
Their names match their description. They have white head and body and dark brown wings. These birds help prevent the spread of disease by scavenging on carcasses.
25. Pelican
- Scientific Name: Pelecanus
- Length: 5.2 to 5.9 feet
- Weight: 22 to 26 pounds
- Range: Worldwide
This species of birds are mostly found in Southern and Sub-saharan Africa and they exist in 8 species around the world except Antarctica. They are mostly known as water birds and the species living in Africa are the great white and the pink-backed pelicans.
Pelicans are known for their large throat pouch and for most people, they have something in there. But the throat pouch only helps to filter food. Another feature of the pelicans is that they have long necks and short legs.
26. Shoebill
- Scientific Name: Balaeniceps rex
- Length: 43 to 55 inches
- Weight: 8.8 to 15.4 pounds
- Range: East Africa
This is another beautiful African bird that has a bill that resembles a shoe hence its name “Shoebill”. However, it is also known as the billed stork or the whale-headed. This prehistory bird also resembles the dinosaurs of old. They have long legs and the adults appear grey while the juveniles are brown. These birds can be found in freshwater swamps in Central and East Africa.
Primarily, the Shoebill feeds on snakes, frogs, fish, and other aquatic creatures using their big bill to catch their prey. They are also known for their slow and deliberate movement that’s possibly why they enjoy marshy areas where they can stay unmoving for hours.
27. Marabou Stork
- Scientific Name: Leptoptilos crumenifer
- Length: 4.99 feet
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Range: Sub-saharan Africa
The Marabou Stork belongs to the stork family known as the Ciciniidae and it is mostly found in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Kenya. This bird is similar to the vulture not just in appearance but other traits and has been nicknamed the undertaker bird. The Marabou stock is large and has a bald hair and neck with white underparts. They are skilled hunters and scavengers that mostly feed on small animals and carrion
28. Hamerkop
- Scientific Name: Scopus umbretta
- Length: 22 inches
- Weight: 17 ounces
- Range: Africa, Arabia
The hamerkop is a fascinating bird that has a hammer-shaped crest on its head which explains its name. It is also closely related to the pelicans and shoebill and is the only species in the genus Scopus and the Scopidae family.
Most hamerkops are brown and have barred tails, black legs, big wings, and partially webbed feet. They feed on fish and other small animals using their bill to catch their prey. Also, they are known for their nest-building skills as most of their nest are perched high on trees and are often dome-shaped.
29. Cattle Egret
- Scientific Name: Bubulcus ibis
- Length: 18 to 22 inches
- Weight: 9.5 to 18 ounces
- Range: Worldwide
This bird is one of the common beautiful birds in Africa and in recent times, they have spread throughout the world. These birds are mostly found around herd cattle as they have a symbiotic relationship with cattle hence their name. During nonbreding season, they appear white but while breeding, they develop orange buff plumes on the crown, back, and breast areas. It is also around this period that their bill becomes red.
These birds are often found in the lake and marshy areas. They do not make many sounds except for the throaty “rick rack” sound that is hardly heard by a lot of people.
30. Hornbill
- Scientific Name: Bucerotidae
- Length: 1 ft 1 to 5 ft 11 inches
- Weight: 3.50 ounces to 14 pounds
- Range: Africa, Asia
The Hornbill is another species of beautiful bird found in Eastern and Southern Africa, especially in subtropical areas. You will hardly miss a hornbill as they are known for their brightly colored plumage and the unique casques on their bill which makes it heavy. As such, they use their first and second neck vertebrae to carry it.
Different species of hornbills differ in size and color. It is only their bill they share in common. Among other things, Hornbills are known for their distinctive call which can be heard echoing throughout the forest and savannah areas.
Like the shoebill, these birds also use their bill to catch prey, fight, and construct nests.
