List of birds of Angola
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Angola. The avifauna of Angola include a total of 983 species, of which fourteen are endemic, one has been introduced by humans and four are rare or accidental. Twenty species are globally threatened.
This list's taxonomic treatment and nomenclature follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 6th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Angola.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.
- Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Angola
- Endemic - a species endemic to Angola
- Introduced - a species introduced to Angola as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
Ostriches
Order: StruthioniformesFamily: StruthionidaeThe 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.
- Common ostrich, Struthio camelus
Penguins
The penguins are a group of aquatic, flightless birds living almost exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere. Most penguins feed on krill, fish, squid and other forms of sealife caught while swimming underwater. There are 17 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Angola.
- Jackass penguin, Spheniscus demersus
Grebes
Grebes are small to medium-large 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 3 species which occur in Angola.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
- Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus
- Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
Albatrosses
The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. There are 6 species which have been recorded in Angola.
- Wandering albatross, Diomedea exulans
- Tristan albatross, Diomedea dabbenena
- Grey-headed albatross, Thalassarche chrysostoma
- Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris
- Salvin's albatross, Thalassarche salvini
- Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos
Shearwaters and petrels
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterised by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
- Antarctic giant petrel, Macronectes giganteus
- Hall's giant petrel, Macronectes halli
- Southern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialoides
- Cape petrel, Daption capense
- Great-winged petrel, Pterodroma macroptera
- Soft-plumaged petrel, Pterodroma mollis
- Antarctic prion, Pachyptila desolata
- White-chinned petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis
- Cory's shearwater, Calonectris borealis
- Scopoli's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
- Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
- Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus
Austral storm petrels
The austral storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.
- Wilson's storm petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
Northern storm petrels
- European storm petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus
- Leach's storm petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Boobies and gannets
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
- Northern gannet, Morus bassanus
- Cape gannet, Morus capensis
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Cormorants
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds 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.
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
- Cape cormorant, Phalacrocorax capensis
- Reed cormorant, Microcarbo africanus
- Crowned cormorant, Microcarbo coronatus
Darters
Darters are often called "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 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.
- African darter, Anhinga rufa
Frigatebirds
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have coloured inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
- Ascension frigatebird, Fregata aquila
Pelicans
Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes.
- Great white pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus
- Pink-backed pelican, Pelecanus rufescens
Bitterns, herons and egrets
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
- Grey heron, Ardea cinerea
- Black-headed heron, Ardea melanocephala
- Goliath heron, Ardea goliath
- Purple heron, Ardea purpurea
- Great egret, Ardea alba
- Intermediate egret, Ardea intermedia
- Slaty egret, Egretta vinaceigula
- Black heron, Egretta ardesiaca
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta
- Squacco heron, Ardeola ralloides
- Madagascar pond heron, Ardeola idae
- Rufous-bellied heron, Ardeola rufiventris
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- White-backed night heron, Gorsachius leuconotus
- White-crested bittern, Tigriornis leucolophus
- Dwarf bittern, Ixobrychus sturmii
- Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris
Hammerkop
The hammerkop is a medium-sized bird with a long shaggy crest. The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. Its plumage is drab-brown all over.
- Hamerkop, Scopus umbretta
Shoebill
The shoebill is a large bird related to the storks. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.
- Shoebill, Balaeniceps rex
Ibises and spoonbills
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.
- Sacred ibis, Threskiornis aethiopicus
- Spot-breasted ibis, Bostrychia rara
- Hadada ibis, Bostrychia hagedash
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
- African spoonbill, Platalea alba
Storks
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 8 species which occur in Angola.
- Yellow-billed stork, Mycteria ibis
- African openbill, Anastomus lamelligerus
- Black stork, Ciconia nigra
- Abdim's stork, Ciconia abdimii
- Woolly-necked stork, Ciconia episcopus
- White stork, Ciconia ciconia
- Saddle-billed stork, Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
- Marabou stork, Leptoptilos crumenifer
Flamingos
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 1–1.5 m tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. 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, uniquely, are used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Angola.
- Greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus
- Lesser flamingo, Phoenicopterus minor
Ducks, geese and swans
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
- Fulvous whistling duck, Dendrocygna bicolor
- White-faced whistling duck, Dendrocygna viduata
- White-backed duck, Thalassornis leuconotus
- Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiacus
- Spur-winged goose, Plectropterus gambensis
- Knob-billed duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
- Hartlaub's duck, Pteronetta hartlaubii
- African pygmy goose, Nettapus auritus
- African black duck, Anas sparsa
- Cape teal, Anas capensis
- Yellow-billed duck, Anas undulata
- Red-billed duck, Anas erythrorhyncha
- Hottentot teal, Spatula hottentota
- Cape shoveler, Spatula smithii
- Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
- Southern pochard, Netta erythrophthalma
- Maccoa duck, Oxyura maccoa
Osprey
The family Pandionidae 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
Hawks, kites and eagles
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
- African cuckoo-hawk, Aviceda cuculoides
- European honey buzzard, Pernis apivorus
- Bat hawk, Macheiramphus alcinus
- Black-winged kite, Elanus caeruleus
- Black kite, Milvus migrans
- Yellow-billed kite, Milvus aegyptius
- African fish eagle, Haliaeetus vocifer
- Palm-nut vulture, Gypohierax angolensis
- Hooded vulture, Necrosyrtes monachus
- Egyptian vulture, Neophron percnopterus
- White-backed vulture, Gyps africanus
- Lappet-faced vulture, Torgos tracheliotos
- White-headed vulture, Trigonoceps occipitalis
- Black-breasted snake eagle, Circaetus pectoralis
- Brown snake eagle, Circaetus cinereus
- Banded snake eagle, Circaetus cinerascens
- Bateleur, Terathopius ecaudatus
- Congo serpent eagle, Dryotriorchis spectabilis
- Western marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus
- African marsh harrier, Circus ranivorus
- Pallid harrier, Circus macrourus
- Montagu's harrier, Circus pygargus
- African harrier-hawk, Polyboroides typus
- Lizard buzzard, Kaupifalco monogrammicus
- Dark chanting goshawk, Melierax metabates
- Pale chanting goshawk, Melierax canorus
- Gabar goshawk, Micronisus gabar
- Red-chested goshawk, Accipiter toussenelii
- African goshawk, Accipiter tachiro
- Chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk, Accipiter castanilius
- Shikra, Accipiter badius
- Red-thighed sparrowhawk, Accipiter erythropus
- Little sparrowhawk, Accipiter minullus
- Ovampo sparrowhawk, Accipiter ovampensis
- Rufous-chested sparrowhawk, Accipiter rufiventris
- Black goshawk, Accipiter melanoleucus
- Long-tailed hawk, Urotriorchis macrourus
- Eurasian buzzard, Buteo buteo
- Red-necked buzzard, Buteo auguralis
- Augur buzzard, Buteo augur
- Lesser spotted eagle, Clanga pomarina
- Tawny eagle, Aquila rapax
- Steppe eagle, Aquila nipalensis
- Verreaux's eagle, Aquila verreauxii
- African hawk-eagle, Aquila spilogaster
- Cassin's hawk-eagle, Aquila africana
- Wahlberg's eagle, Hieraaetus wahlbergi
- Booted eagle, Hieraaetus pennatus
- Ayres's hawk-eagle, Hieraaetus ayresii
- Martial eagle, Polemaetus bellicosus
- Long-crested eagle, Lophaetus occipitalis
- Crowned hawk-eagle, Stephanoaetus coronatus
Secretarybird
The secretarybird is a bird of prey in the order Falconiformes but is easily distinguished from other raptors by its long crane-like legs.
- Secretarybird, Sagittarius serpentarius
Caracaras and falcons
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 talons.
- Pygmy falcon, Polihierax semitorquatus
- Lesser kestrel, Falco naumanni
- Common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
- Rock kestrel, Falco rupicolus
- Greater kestrel, Falco rupicoloides
- Grey kestrel, Falco ardosiaceus
- Dickinson's kestrel, Falco dickinsoni
- Red-necked falcon, Falco chicquera
- Red-footed falcon, Falco vespertinus
- Amur falcon, Falco amurensis
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo
- African hobby, Falco cuvierii
- Lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
Pheasants and partridges
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 and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 17 species which have been recorded in Angola.
- Coqui francolin, Peliperdix coqui
- White-throated francolin, Peliperdix albogularis
- Latham's francolin, Peliperdix lathami
- Crested francolin, Dendroperdix sephaena
- Finsch's francolin, Scleroptila finschi
- Red-winged francolin, Scleroptila levaillantii
- Orange River francolin, Scleroptila gutturalis
- Scaly francolin, Pternistis squamatus
- Grey-striped francolin, Pternistis griseostriatus
- Hartlaub's francolin, Pternistis hartlaubi
- Red-billed spurfowl, Pternistis adspersus
- Red-necked spurfowl, Pternistis afer
- Swainson's spurfowl, Pternistis swainsonii
- Swierstra's francolin, Pternistis swierstrai
- Common quail, Coturnix coturnix
- Harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei
- Blue quail, Excalfactoria adansonii
Guineafowl
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 4 species which occur in Angola.
- Black guineafowl, Agelastes niger
- Helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris
- Plumed guineafowl, Guttera plumifera
- Crested guineafowl, Guttera pucherani
Cranes
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".
- Grey crowned crane, Balearica regulorum
- Black crowned crane, Balearica pavonina
- Wattled crane, Bugeranus carunculatus
Flufftails
- White-spotted flufftail, Sarothrura pulchra
- Buff-spotted flufftail, Sarothrura elegans
- Red-chested flufftail, Sarothrura rufa
- Chestnut-headed flufftail, Sarothrura lugens
- Streaky-breasted flufftail, Sarothrura boehmi
Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots
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, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. There are 13 species which occur in Angola.
- Nkulengu rail, Himantornis haematopus
- African rail, Rallus caerulescens
- African crake, Crex egregia
- Corn crake, Crex crex
- Black crake, Amaurornis flavirostris
- Baillon's crake, Porzana pusilla
- Spotted crake, Porzana porzana
- Striped crake, Aenigmatolimnas marginalis
- African swamphen, Porphyrio madagascariensis
- Allen's gallinule, Porphyrio alleni
- Common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
- Lesser moorhen, Gallinula angulata
- Red-knobbed coot, Fulica cristata
Sungrebe and finfoots
Heliornithidae is a 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 Angola.
- African finfoot, Podica senegalensis
Bustards
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.
- Kori bustard, Ardeotis kori
- Ludwig's bustard, Neotis ludwigii
- Denham's bustard, Neotis denhami
- White-bellied bustard, Eupodotis senegalensis
- Rüppell's bustard, Eupodotis rueppellii
- Red-crested korhaan, Lophotis ruficrista
- Northern black korhaan, Afrotis afraoides
- Black-bellied bustard, Lissotis melanogaster
Buttonquails
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.
- Small buttonquail, Turnix sylvatica
- Black-rumped buttonquail, Turnix nanus
Jacanas
The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found throughout 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 are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Angola.
- Lesser jacana, Microparra capensis
- African jacana, Actophilornis africanus
Painted-snipe
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 Angola.
- Painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
Oystercatchers
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 2 species which occur in Angola.
- African oystercatcher, Haematopus moquini
- Eurasian oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus
Avocets and stilts
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and 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 Angola.
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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 3 species which occur in Angola.
- Water thick-knee, Burhinus vermiculatus
- Senegal thick-knee, Burhinus senegalensis
- Spotted thick-knee, Burhinus capensis
Pratincoles and coursers
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 10 species which occur in Angola.
- Burchell's courser, Cursorius rufus
- Temminck's courser, Cursorius temminckii
- Double-banded courser, Smutsornis africanus
- Three-banded courser, Rhinoptilus cinctus
- Bronze-winged courser, Rhinoptilus chalcopterus
- Collared pratincole, Glareola pratincola
- Black-winged pratincole, Glareola nordmanni
- Rock pratincole, Glareola nuchalis
- Grey pratincole, Glareola cinerea
Plovers and lapwings
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. There are 66 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Angola.
- Long-toed lapwing, Vanellus crassirostris
- Blacksmith plover, Vanellus armatus
- Spur-winged plover, Vanellus spinosus
- White-headed lapwing, Vanellus albiceps
- Senegal lapwing, Vanellus lugubris
- Crowned lapwing, Vanellus coronatus
- Wattled lapwing, Vanellus senegallus
- Grey plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula
- Kittlitz's plover, Charadrius pecuarius
- Three-banded plover, Charadrius tricollaris
- Forbes's plover, Charadrius forbesi
- White-fronted plover, Charadrius marginatus
- Chestnut-banded plover, Charadrius pallidus
- Kentish plover, Charadrius alexandrinus
- Caspian plover, Charadrius asiaticus
- Egyptian plover, Pluvianus aegyptius
Sandpipers and allies
Scolopacidae is 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 these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 21 species which occur in Angola.
- African snipe, Gallinago nigripennis
- Great snipe, Gallinago media
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus
- Common redshank, Tringa totanus
- Marsh sandpiper, Tringa stagnatilis
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia
- Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- 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
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
- Ruff, Calidris pugnax
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius
Skuas
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 4 species which occur in Angola.
- Brown skua, Stercorarius antarctica
- Pomarine skua, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Arctic skua, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed skua, Stercorarius longicaudus
Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. Gulls are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds 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 known to live in excess of 30 years. 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.
- Kelp gull, Larus dominicanus
- Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
- Grey-headed gull, Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
- Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus
- Sabine's gull, Xema sabini
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus
- Great crested tern, Thalasseus bergii
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea
- Little tern, Sternula albifrons
- Damara tern, Sternula balaenarum
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
- African skimmer, Rynchops flavirostris
Sandgrouse
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 Angola.
- Namaqua sandgrouse, Pterocles namaqua
- Yellow-throated sandgrouse, Pterocles gutturalis
- Double-banded sandgrouse, Pterocles bicinctus
- Burchell's sandgrouse, Pterocles burchelli
Pigeons and doves
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia
- Speckled pigeon, Columba guinea
- Afep pigeon, Columba unicincta
- Rameron pigeon, Columba arquatrix
- Western bronze-naped pigeon, Columba iriditorques
- Lemon dove, Columba larvata
- Mourning collared dove, Streptopelia decipiens
- Red-eyed dove, Streptopelia semitorquata
- Ring-necked dove, Streptopelia capicola
- Laughing dove, Spilopelia senegalensis
- Emerald-spotted wood dove, Turtur chalcospilos
- Blue-spotted wood dove, Turtur afer
- Tambourine dove, Turtur tympanistria
- Blue-headed wood dove, Turtur brehmeri
- Namaqua dove, Oena capensis
- African green pigeon, Treron calva
Parrots, macaws and allies
Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. There are 335 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Angola.
- Red-headed lovebird, Agapornis pullarius
- Peach-faced lovebird, Agapornis roseicollis
- Grey parrot, Psittacus erithacus
- Brown-necked parrot, Poicephalus robustus
- Red-fronted parrot, Poicephalus gulielmi
- Meyer's parrot, Poicephalus meyeri
- Rüppell's parrot, Poicephalus rueppellii
Turacos
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, usually in blue, green or purple. The go-away birds are mostly grey and white. There are 23 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Angola.
- Great blue turaco, Corythaeola cristata
- Guinea turaco, Tauraco persa
- Schalow's turaco, Tauraco schalowi
- Black-billed turaco, Tauraco schuettii
- Yellow-billed turaco, Tauraco macrorhynchus
- Red-crested turaco, Tauraco erythrolophus
- Ross's turaco, Musophaga rossae
- Grey go-away-bird, Corythaixoides concolor
Cuckoos and anis
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. There are 138 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Angola.
- Pied cuckoo, Clamator jacobinus
- Levaillant's cuckoo, Clamator levaillantii
- Great spotted cuckoo, Clamator glandarius
- Thick-billed cuckoo, Pachycoccyx audeberti
- Red-chested cuckoo, Cuculus solitarius
- Black cuckoo, Cuculus clamosus
- Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
- African cuckoo, Cuculus gularis
- Dusky long-tailed cuckoo, Cercococcyx mechowi
- Olive long-tailed cuckoo, Cercococcyx olivinus
- Klaas's cuckoo, Chrysococcyx klaas
- African emerald cuckoo, Chrysococcyx cupreus
- Dideric cuckoo, Chrysococcyx caprius
- Blue malkoha, Ceuthmochares aereus
- Black coucal, Centropus grillii
- Gabon coucal, Centropus anselli
- Blue-headed coucal, Centropus monachus
- Coppery-tailed coucal, Centropus cupreicaudus
- Senegal coucal, Centropus senegalensis
- White-browed coucal, Centropus superciliosus
Barn owls
Barn owls are medium to large 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 Angola.
- African grass owl, Tyto capensis
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Typical owls
The 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 12 species which occur in Angola.
- African scops owl, Otus senegalensis
- Southern white-faced owl, Ptilopsis granti
- Spotted eagle-owl, Bubo africanus
- Fraser's eagle-owl, Bubo poensis
- Verreaux's eagle-owl, Bubo lacteus
- Akun eagle-owl, Bubo leucostictus
- Pel's fishing owl, Scotopelia peli
- Vermiculated fishing owl, Scotopelia bouvieri
- African wood owl, Strix woodfordii
- Pearl-spotted owlet, Glaucidium perlatum
- African barred owlet, Glaucidium capense
- Marsh owl, Asio capensis
Nightjars
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. 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 10 species which have been recorded in Angola.
- Eurasian nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus
- Rufous-cheeked nightjar, Caprimulgus rufigena
- Black-shouldered nightjar, Caprimulgus nigriscapularis
- Fiery-necked nightjar, Caprimulgus pectoralis
- Abyssinian nightjar, Caprimulgus poliocephalus
- Swamp nightjar, Caprimulgus natalensis
- Freckled nightjar, Caprimulgus tristigma
- Long-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus climacurus
- Square-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus fossii
- Pennant-winged nightjar, Caprimulgus vexillarius
Swifts
Swifts are small birds which spend 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 which resemble a crescent or boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Angola.
- Scarce swift, Schoutedenapus myoptilus
- Mottled spinetail, Telacanthura ussheri
- Black spinetail, Telacanthura melanopygia
- Sabine's spinetail, Rhaphidura sabini
- Cassin's spinetail, Neafrapus cassini
- Bat-like spinetail, Neafrapus boehmi
- African palm swift, Cypsiurus parvus
- Alpine swift, Tachymarptis melba
- Mottled swift, Tachymarptis aequatorialis
- Common swift, Apus apus
- Pallid swift, Apus pallidus
- African swift, Apus barbatus
- Bradfield's swift, Apus bradfieldi
- Little swift, Apus affinis
- Horus swift, Apus horus
- White-rumped swift, Apus caffer
Mousebirds
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 Angola.
- Speckled mousebird, Colius striatus
- Red-backed mousebird, Colius castanotus
- Red-faced mousebird, Urocolius indicus
Trogons and quetzals
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 Angola.
- Narina trogon, Apaloderma narina
- Bar-tailed trogon, Apaloderma vittatum
Kingfishers
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Angola.
- Half-collared kingfisher, Alcedo semitorquata
- Shining-blue kingfisher, Alcedo quadribrachys
- Malachite kingfisher, Corythornis cristatus
- White-bellied kingfisher, Corythornis leucogaster
- African pygmy kingfisher, Ispidina picta
- African dwarf kingfisher, Ispidina lecontei
- Chocolate-backed kingfisher, Halcyon badia
- Grey-headed kingfisher, Halcyon leucocephala
- Woodland kingfisher, Halcyon senegalensis
- Blue-breasted kingfisher, Halcyon malimbica
- Brown-hooded kingfisher, Halcyon albiventris
- Striped kingfisher, Halcyon chelicuti
- Giant kingfisher, Megaceryle maximus
- Pied kingfisher, Ceryle rudis
Bee-eaters
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 colourful 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 12 species which occur in Angola.
- Black bee-eater, Merops gularis
- White-fronted bee-eater, Merops bullockoides
- Little bee-eater, Merops pusillus
- Blue-breasted bee-eater, Merops variegatus
- Swallow-tailed bee-eater, Merops hirundineus
- Black-headed bee-eater, Merops breweri
- White-throated bee-eater, Merops albicollis
- Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Merops persicus
- Madagascar bee-eater, Merops superciliosus
- European bee-eater, Merops apiaster
- Rosy bee-eater, Merops malimbicus
- Southern carmine bee-eater, Merops nubicoides
Typical rollers
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 6 species which occur in Angola.
- European roller, Coracias garrulus
- Lilac-breasted roller, Coracias caudata
- Racket-tailed roller, Coracias spatulata
- Rufous-crowned roller, Coracias naevia
- Broad-billed roller, Eurystomus glaucurus
- Blue-throated roller, Eurystomus gularis
Hoopoes
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 Angola.
- Eurasian hoopoe, Upupa epops
Wood hoopoes
The wood hoopoes are related to the kingfishers, rollers and hoopoes. They most resemble the hoopoes with their long curved bills, used to probe 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 4 species which occur in Angola.
- Green wood hoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus
- Violet wood hoopoe, Phoeniculus damarensis
- Black scimitarbill, Rhinopomastus aterrimus
- Common scimitarbill, Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
Hornbills
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.
- White-crested hornbill, Horizocerus albocristatus
- Black dwarf hornbill, Horizocerus hartlaubi
- Monteiro's hornbill, Tockus monteiri
- Damara red-billed hornbill, Tockus damarensis
- Southern red-billed hornbill, Tockus rufirostris
- Southern yellow-billed hornbill, Tockus leucomelas
- Red-billed dwarf hornbill, Lophoceros camurus
- Crowned hornbill, Lophoceros alboterminatus
- Bradfield's hornbill, Lophoceros bradfieldi
- African pied hornbill, Lophoceros fasciatus
- African grey hornbill, Lophoceros nasutus
- Pale-billed hornbill, Lophoceros pallidirostris
- Trumpeter hornbill, Bycanistes bucinator
- Piping hornbill, Bycanistes fistulator
- Black-and-white-casqued hornbill, Bycanistes subcylindricus
- Brown-cheeked hornbill, Bycanistes cylindricus
- White-thighed hornbill, Ceratogymna albotibialis
- Black-casqued hornbill, Ceratogymna atrata
Ground-hornbills
- Southern ground hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri
African barbets
The African 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.
- Naked-faced barbet, Gymnobucco calvus
- Bristle-nosed barbet, Gymnobucco peli
- Sladen's barbet, Gymnobucco sladeni
- Grey-throated barbet, Gymnobucco bonapartei
- Anchieta's barbet, Stactolaema anchietae
- Speckled tinkerbird, Pogoniulus scolopaceus
- Western tinkerbird, Pogoniulus coryphaea
- Red-rumped tinkerbird, Pogoniulus atroflavus
- Yellow-throated tinkerbird, Pogoniulus subsulphureus
- Yellow-rumped tinkerbird, Pogoniulus bilineatus
- Yellow-fronted tinkerbird, Pogoniulus chrysoconus
- Yellow-spotted barbet, Buccanodon duchaillui
- Hairy-breasted barbet, Tricholaema hirsuta
- Miombo pied barbet, Tricholaema frontata
- Acacia pied barbet, Tricholaema leucomelas
- White-headed barbet, Lybius leucocephalus
- Black-collared barbet, Lybius torquatus
- Black-backed barbet, Lybius minor
- Double-toothed barbet, Lybius bidentatus
- Yellow-billed barbet, Trachyphonus purpuratus
- Crested barbet, Trachyphonus vaillantii
Honeyguides
Honeyguides are among the few birds that feed on wax. They are named for the greater honeyguide which leads traditional honey-hunters to bees' nests and, after the hunters have harvested the honey, feeds on the remaining contents of the hive. There are 17 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Angola.
- Spotted honeyguide, Indicator maculatus
- Scaly-throated honeyguide, Indicator variegatus
- Greater honeyguide, Indicator indicator
- Lesser honeyguide, Indicator minor
- Thick-billed honeyguide, Indicator conirostris
- Least honeyguide, Indicator exilis
- Pallid honeyguide, Indicator meliphilus
- Lyre-tailed honeyguide, Melichneutes robustus
- Cassin's honeyguide, Prodotiscus insignis
- Green-backed honeyguide, Prodotiscus zambesiae
- Wahlberg's honeyguide, Prodotiscus regulus
Woodpeckers and allies
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.
- Rufous-necked wryneck, Jynx ruficollis
- African piculet, Verreauxia africana
- Bennett's woodpecker, Campethera bennettii
- Golden-tailed woodpecker, Campethera abingoni
- Green-backed woodpecker, Campethera cailliautii
- Buff-spotted woodpecker, Campethera nivosa
- Brown-eared woodpecker, Campethera caroli
- Cardinal woodpecker, Chloropicus fuscescens
- Gabon woodpecker, Chloropicus gabonensis
- Elliot's woodpecker, Chloropicus elliotii
- African grey woodpecker, Chloropicus goertae
- Olive woodpecker, Chloropicus griseocephalus
- Bearded woodpecker, Chloropicus namaquus
- Yellow-crested woodpecker, Chloropicus xantholophus
African and green broadbills
The broadbills are small, brightly coloured birds, which feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests.
- African broadbill, Smithornis capensis
- Rufous-sided broadbill, Smithornis rufolateralis
Pittas
Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards and are stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many are brightly coloured. They spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrates. There are 32 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Angola.
- African pitta, Pitta angolensis
Larks
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 15 species which occur in Angola.
- Monotonous lark, Mirafra passerina
- Angolan lark, Mirafra angolensis
- Rufous-naped lark, Mirafra africana
- Flappet lark, Mirafra rufocinnamomea
- Sabota lark, Calendulauda sabota
- Fawn-coloured lark, Calendulauda africanoides
- Dusky lark, Pinarocorys nigricans
- Benguela lark, Certhilauda benguelensis
- Spike-heeled lark, Chersomanes albofasciata
- Chestnut-backed sparrow-lark, Eremopterix leucotis
- Grey-backed sparrow-lark, Eremopterix verticalis
- Gray's lark, Ammomanopsis grayi
- Red-capped lark, Calandrella cinerea
- Pink-billed lark, Spizocorys conirostris
- Stark's lark, Spizocorys starki
Swallows and martins
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to 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 Angola.
- Sand martin, Riparia riparia
- Brown-throated martin, Riparia paludicola
- Banded martin, Riparia cincta
- Brazza's martin, Phedina brazzae
- Grey-rumped swallow, Pseudhirundo griseopyga
- Rock martin, Ptyonoprogne fuligula
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Angolan swallow, Hirundo angolensis
- White-throated swallow, Hirundo albigularis
- Wire-tailed swallow, Hirundo smithii
- White-throated blue swallow, Hirundo nigrita
- Black-and-rufous swallow, Hirundo nigrorufa
- Pearl-breasted swallow, Hirundo dimidiata
- Greater striped swallow, Cecropis cucullata
- Lesser striped swallow, Cecropis abyssinica
- Rufous-chested swallow, Cecropis semirufa
- Mosque swallow, Cecropis senegalensis
- Red-throated swallow, Petrochelidon rufigula
- South African swallow, Petrochelidon spilodera
- Common house martin, Delichon urbicum
- Square-tailed saw-wing, Psalidoprocne nitens
- White-headed saw-wing, Psalidoprocne albiceps
- Black saw-wing, Psalidoprocne pristoptera
Wagtails and pipits
Motacillidae is 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 20 species which occur in Angola.
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba
- African pied wagtail, Motacilla aguimp
- Cape wagtail, Motacilla capensis
- Yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
- Mountain wagtail, Motacilla clara
- Yellow-throated longclaw, Macronyx croceus
- Fuelleborn's longclaw, Macronyx fuellebornii
- Rosy-throated longclaw, Macronyx ameliae
- Grimwood's longclaw, Macronyx grimwoodi
- Striped pipit, Anthus lineiventris
- Mountain pipit, Anthus hoeschi
- Woodland pipit, Anthus nyassae
- Plain-backed pipit, Anthus leucophrys
- Buffy pipit, Anthus vaalensis
- African pipit, Anthus cinnamomeus
- Long-legged pipit, Anthus pallidiventris
- Long-billed pipit, Anthus similis
- Short-tailed pipit, Anthus brachyurus
- Bush pipit, Anthus caffer
- Tree pipit, Anthus trivialis
Cuckooshrikes
The cuckooshrikes 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 6 species which occur in Angola.
- White-breasted cuckooshrike, Coracina pectoralis
- Blue cuckooshrike, Coracina azurea
- Petit's cuckooshrike, Campephaga petiti
- Black cuckooshrike, Campephaga flava
- Red-shouldered cuckooshrike, Campephaga phoenicea
- Purple-throated cuckooshrike, Campephaga quiscalina
Bulbuls
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throats or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive-brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.
- Common bulbul, Pycnonotus barbatus
- Black-fronted bulbul, Pycnonotus nigricans
- Little greenbul, Eurillas virens
- Little grey greenbul, Eurillas gracilis
- Ansorge's greenbul, Eurillas ansorgei
- Plain greenbul, Eurillas curvirostris
- Yellow-whiskered bulbul, Eurillas latirostris
- Slender-billed greenbul, Stelgidillas gracilirostris
- Golden greenbul, Calyptocichla serinus
- Honeyguide greenbul, Baeopogon indicator
- Spotted greenbul, Ixonotus guttatus
- Simple greenbul, Chlorocichla simplex
- Yellow-necked greenbul, Chlorocichla falkensteini
- Yellow-bellied greenbul, Chlorocichla flaviventris
- Swamp greenbul, Thescelocichla leucopleura
- Yellow-throated leaflove, Atimastillas flavicollis
- Cabanis's greenbul, Phyllastrephus cabanisi
- Terrestrial brownbul, Phyllastrephus terrestris
- Pale-olive greenbul, Phyllastrephus fulviventris
- Grey-olive greenbul, Phyllastrephus cerviniventris
- White-throated greenbul, Phyllastrephus albigularis
- Icterine greenbul, Phyllastrephus icterinus
- Xavier's greenbul, Phyllastrephus xavieri
- Common bristlebill, Bleda syndactyla
- Lesser bristlebill, Bleda notata
- Yellow-spotted nicator, Nicator chloris
- Yellow-throated nicator, Nicator vireo
- Red-tailed greenbul, Criniger calurus
- Western bearded greenbul, Criniger barbatus
- Eastern bearded greenbul, Criniger chloronotus
- White-bearded greenbul, Criniger ndussumensis
- Black-collared bulbul, Neolestes torquatus
Thrushes and allies
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.
- Rufous flycatcher-thrush, Neocossyphus fraseri
- White-tailed ant thrush, Neocossyphus poensis
- Orange ground thrush, Geokichla gurneyi
- Groundscraper thrush, Psophocichla litsitsirupa
- Kurrichane thrush, Turdus libonyana
- African thrush, Turdus pelios
Cisticolas and allies
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.
- Red-faced cisticola, Cisticola erythrops
- Whistling cisticola, Cisticola lateralis
- Chattering cisticola, Cisticola anonymus
- Bubbling cisticola, Cisticola bulliens
- Rock-loving cisticola, Cisticola aberrans
- Rattling cisticola, Cisticola chiniana
- Grey cisticola, Cisticola rufilatus
- Red-headed cisticola, Cisticola subruficapillus
- Wailing cisticola, Cisticola lais
- Winding cisticola, Cisticola marginatus
- Luapula cisticola, Cisticola luapula
- Chirping cisticola, Cisticola pipiens
- Tinkling cisticola, Cisticola tinniens
- Stout cisticola, Cisticola robustus
- Croaking cisticola, Cisticola natalensis
- Piping cisticola, Cisticola fulvicapillus
- Slender-tailed cisticola, Cisticola melanurus
- Siffling cisticola, Cisticola brachypterus
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Desert cisticola, Cisticola aridulus
- Cloud cisticola, Cisticola textrix
- Cloud-scraping cisticola, Cisticola dambo
- Pectoral-patch cisticola, Cisticola brunnescens
- Pale-crowned cisticola, Cisticola cinnamomeus
- Wing-snapping cisticola, Cisticola ayresii
- Tawny-flanked prinia, Prinia subflava
- Black-chested prinia, Prinia flavicans
- White-chinned prinia, Prinia leucopogon
- Banded prinia, Prinia bairdii
- Black-throated apalis, Apalis jacksoni
- Masked apalis, Apalis binotata
- Yellow-breasted apalis, Apalis flavida
- Buff-throated apalis, Apalis rufogularis
- Gosling's apalis, Apalis goslingi
- Grey apalis, Apalis cinerea
- Brown-headed apalis, Apalis alticola
- Green-backed camaroptera, Camaroptera brachyura
- Hartert's camaroptera, Camaroptera harterti
- Yellow-browed camaroptera, Camaroptera superciliaris
- Miombo wren-warbler, Calamonastes undosus
- Stierling's wren-warbler, Calamonastes stierlingi
- Grey wren-warbler, Calamonastes simplex
- Barred camaroptera, Calamonastes fasciolatus
- Salvadori's eremomela, Eremomela salvadorii
- Yellow-bellied eremomela, Eremomela icteropygialis
- Greencap eremomela, Eremomela scotops
- Rufous-crowned eremomela, Eremomela badiceps
- Black-necked eremomela, Eremomela atricollis
- Burnt-neck eremomela, Eremomela usticollis
[African warbler]s
- Moustached grass warbler, Melocichla mentalis
- Green crombec, Sylvietta virens
- Lemon-bellied crombec, Sylvietta denti
- Red-capped crombec, Sylvietta ruficapilla
- Cape crombec, Sylvietta rufescens
- Yellow longbill, Macrosphenus flavicans
- Grey longbill, Macrosphenus concolor
- Pulitzer's longbill, Macrosphenus pulitzeri
- Rockrunner, Achaetops pycnopygius
- Green hylia, Hylia prasina
- Tit-hylia, Pholidornis rushiae
Locustellid warblers
- African bush warbler, Bradypterus baboecala
- Cameroon scrub warbler, Bradypterus lopezi
- Fan-tailed grassbird, Schoenicola brevirostris
Acrocephalid warblers
- Sedge warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
- Eurasian reed warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus
- African reed warbler, Acrocephalus baeticatus
- Great reed warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus
- Greater swamp warbler, Acrocephalus rufescens
- Lesser swamp warbler, Acrocephalus gracilirostris
- Icterine warbler, Hippolais icterina
- African yellow warbler, Iduna natalensis
Phylloscopid warblers
- Laura's wood warbler, Phylloscopus laurae
- Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
- Wood warbler, Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Hyliotid warblers
- Yellow-bellied hyliota, Hyliota flavigaster
- Southern hyliota, Hyliota australis
Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They 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.
- Garden warbler, Sylvia borin
- Greater whitethroat, Sylvia communis
- Chestnut-vented warbler, Sylvia subcoerulea
- African hill babbler, Pseudoalcippe abyssinica
Old World flycatchers
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 highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
- Short-toed rock thrush, Monticola brevipes
- Miombo rock thrush, Monticola angolensis
- Pale flycatcher, Melaenornis pallidus
- Chat flycatcher, Melaenornis infuscatus
- Marico flycatcher, Melaenornis mariquensis
- Angolan slaty flycatcher, Melaenornis brunneus
- Southern black flycatcher, Melaenornis pammelaina
- African forest flycatcher, Fraseria ocreata
- White-browed forest flycatcher, Fraseria cinerascens
- Spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa striata
- Sooty flycatcher, Muscicapa infuscata
- Boehm's flycatcher, Muscicapa boehmi
- African dusky flycatcher, Muscicapa adusta
- Little grey flycatcher, Muscicapa epulata
- Dusky-blue flycatcher, Muscicapa comitata
- Cassin's flycatcher, Muscicapa cassini
- Ashy flycatcher, Muscicapa caerulescens
- Grey-throated tit-flycatcher, Myioparus griseigularis
- Grey tit-flycatcher, Myioparus plumbeus
- European pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca
- Collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis
- Bocage's akalat, Sheppardia bocagei
- Gabela akalat, Sheppardia gabela
- Grey-winged robin-chat, Cossypha polioptera
- White-browed robin-chat, Cossypha heuglini
- Red-capped robin-chat, Cossypha natalensis
- White-headed robin-chat, Cossypha heinrichi
- Snowy-crowned robin-chat, Cossypha niveicapilla
- Angolan cave chat, Xenocopsychus ansorgei
- Collared palm thrush, Cichladusa arquata
- Rufous-tailed palm thrush, Cichladusa ruficauda
- Forest scrub robin, Cercotrichas leucosticta
- Bearded scrub robin, Cercotrichas quadrivirgata
- Miombo scrub robin, Cercotrichas barbata
- Brown-backed scrub robin, Cercotrichas hartlaubi
- Red-backed scrub robin, Cercotrichas leucophrys
- Kalahari scrub robin, Cercotrichas paena
- Herero chat, Namibornis herero
- Common redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus
- African stonechat, Saxicola torquatus
- Mountain wheatear, Oenanthe monticola
- Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe
- Capped wheatear, Oenanthe pileata
- Isabelline wheatear, Oenanthe isabellina
- Karoo chat, Cercomela schlegelii
- Tractrac chat, Cercomela tractrac
- Familiar chat, Cercomela familiaris
- Congo moorchat, Myrmecocichla tholloni
- Southern anteater chat, Myrmecocichla formicivora
- Sooty chat, Myrmecocichla nigra
- White-fronted black-chat, Myrmecocichla albifrons
- White-headed black-chat, Myrmecocichla arnotti
- Brown-chested alethe, Chamaetylas poliocephala
- Fire-crested alethe, Alethe castanea
Wattle-eyes
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.
- African shrike-flycatcher, Megabyas flammulatus
- Black-and-white shrike-flycatcher, Bias musicus
- Brown-throated wattle-eye, Platysteira cyanea
- White-fronted wattle-eye, Platysteira albifrons
- Black-throated wattle-eye, Platysteira peltata
- Chestnut wattle-eye, Platysteira castanea
- Red-cheeked wattle-eye, Platysteira blissetti
- Black-necked wattle-eye, Platysteira chalybea
- Yellow-bellied wattle-eye, Platysteira concreta
- Boulton's batis, Batis margaritae
- Chinspot batis, Batis molitor
- Pririt batis, Batis pririt
- Western black-headed batis, Batis erlangeri
- Angolan batis, Batis minulla
- White-tailed shrike, Lanioturdus torquatus
Erythrocercid flycatchers
- Chestnut-capped flycatcher, Erythrocercus mccallii
Fairy flycatchers
- African blue flycatcher, Elminia longicauda
- White-tailed blue flycatcher, Elminia albicauda
Monarch flycatchers
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching.
- Blue-headed crested flycatcher, Trochocercus nitens
- Black-headed paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone rufiventer
- Rufous-vented paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone rufocinerea
- Bates's paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone batesi
- African paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone viridis
Ground babblers
- Scaly-breasted illadopsis, Illadopsis albipectus
- Pale-breasted illadopsis, Illadopsis rufipennis
- Brown illadopsis, Illadopsis fulvescens
- Spotted thrush-babbler, Ptyrticus turdinus
Laughingthrushes
- Black-faced babbler, Turdoides melanops
- Hartlaub's babbler, Turdoides hartlaubii
- Arrow-marked babbler, Turdoides jardineii
- Bare-cheeked babbler, Turdoides gymnogenys
Chickadees and titmice
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 59 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Angola.
- White-winged black tit, Melaniparus leucomelas
- Southern black tit, Melaniparus niger
- Carp's tit, Melaniparus carpi
- Rufous-bellied tit, Melaniparus rufiventris
- Dusky tit, Melaniparus funereus
- Miombo tit, Melaniparus griseiventris
- Ashy tit, Melaniparus cinerascens
Treecreepers
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.
- African spotted creeper, Salpornis salvadori
Penduline tits
The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores.
- African penduline tit, Anthoscopus caroli
- Southern penduline tit, Anthoscopus minutus
Sunbirds and spiderhunters
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.
- Scarlet-tufted sunbird, Deleornis fraseri
- Anchieta's sunbird, Anthreptes anchietae
- Mouse-brown sunbird, Anthreptes gabonicus
- Western violet-backed sunbird, Anthreptes longuemarei
- Violet-tailed sunbird, Anthreptes aurantius
- Little green sunbird, Anthreptes seimundi
- Green sunbird, Anthreptes rectirostris
- Collared sunbird, Hedydipna collaris
- Reichenbach's sunbird, Anabathmis reichenbachii
- Green-headed sunbird, Cyanomitra verticalis
- Blue-throated brown sunbird, Cyanomitra cyanolaema
- Bannerman's sunbird, Cyanomitra bannermani
- Eastern olive sunbird, Cyanomitra olivacea
- Western olive sunbird, Cyanomitra obscura
- Carmelite sunbird, Chalcomitra fuliginosa
- Green-throated sunbird, Chalcomitra rubescens
- Amethyst sunbird, Chalcomitra amethystina
- Scarlet-chested sunbird, Chalcomitra senegalensis
- Bocage's sunbird, Nectarinia bocagii
- Bronze sunbird, Nectarinia kilimensis
- Olive-bellied sunbird, Cinnyris chloropygius
- Western Miombo sunbird, Cinnyris gertrudis
- Montane double-collared sunbird, Cinnyris ludovicensis
- Greater double-collared sunbird, Cinnyris afer
- Mariqua sunbird, Cinnyris mariquensis
- Shelley's sunbird, Cinnyris shelleyi
- Purple-banded sunbird, Cinnyris bifasciatus
- Orange-tufted sunbird, Cinnyris bouvieri
- Splendid sunbird, Cinnyris coccinigaster
- Johanna's sunbird, Cinnyris johannae
- Superb sunbird, Cinnyris superbus
- Oustalet's sunbird, Cinnyris oustaleti
- White-breasted sunbird, Cinnyris talatala
- Variable sunbird, Cinnyris venustus
- Dusky sunbird, Cinnyris fuscus
- Bates's sunbird, Cinnyris batesi
- Copper sunbird, Cinnyris cupreus
White-eyes
The white-eyes are small and mostly undistinguished, their plumage above being generally some dull colour 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 each eye. There are 96 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Angola.
- African yellow white-eye, Zosterops senegalensis
Old World orioles
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Angola.
- Eurasian golden oriole, Oriolus oriolus
- African golden oriole, Oriolus auratus
- Western black-headed oriole, Oriolus brachyrhynchus
- African black-headed oriole, Oriolus larvatus
- Black-winged oriole, Oriolus nigripennis
Shrikes
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 8 species which have been recorded in Angola.
- Red-backed shrike, Lanius collurio
- Souza's shrike, Lanius souzae
- Lesser grey shrike, Lanius minor
- Mackinnon's shrike, Lanius mackinnoni
- Southern fiscal, Lanius collaris
- Northern fiscal, Lanius humeralis
- Woodchat shrike, Lanius senator
- Magpie shrike, Corvinella melanoleuca
- White-crowned shrike, Eurocephalus anguitimens
Bushshrikes and allies
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 24 species which occur in Angola.
- Brubru, Nilaus afer
- Northern puffback, Dryoscopus gambensis
- Black-backed puffback, Dryoscopus cubla
- Red-eyed puffback, Dryoscopus senegalensis
- Pink-footed puffback, Dryoscopus angolensis
- Large-billed puffback, Dryoscopus sabini
- Marsh tchagra, Tchagra minuta
- Black-crowned tchagra, Tchagra senegala
- Brown-crowned tchagra, Tchagra australis
- Luehder's bushshrike, Laniarius luehderi
- Gabela bushshrike, Laniarius amboimensis
- Braun's bushshrike, Laniarius brauni
- Tropical boubou, Laniarius major
- Gabon boubou, Laniarius bicolor
- Crimson-breasted gonolek, Laniarius atrococcineus
- Sooty boubou, Laniarius leucorhynchus
- Bokmakierie, Telophorus zeylonus
- Grey-green bushshrike, Telophorus bocagei
- Sulphur-breasted bushshrike, Telophorus sulfureopectus
- Many-colored bushshrike, Telophorus multicolor
- Black-fronted bushshrike, Telophorus nigrifrons
- Four-colored bushshrike, Telophorus viridis
- Grey-headed bushshrike, Malaconotus blanchoti
- Monteiro's bushshrike, Malaconotus monteiri
Vangas, helmetshrikes, and allies
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.
- White helmetshrike, Prionops plumatus
- Rufous-bellied helmetshrike, Prionops rufiventris
- Retz's helmetshrike, Prionops retzii
- Angola helmetshrike, Prionops gabela
Drongos
The drongos are mostly 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 when perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 4 species which occur in Angola.
- Common square-tailed drongo, Dicrurus ludwigii
- Sharpe's drongo, Dicrurus sharpei
- Fork-tailed drongo, Dicrurus adsimilis
- Velvet-mantled drongo, Dicrurus modestus
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Angola.
- Cape crow, Corvus capensis
- Pied crow, Corvus albus
Starlings
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.
- Wattled starling, Creatophora cinerea
- Cape starling, Lamprotornis nitens
- Greater blue-eared starling, Lamprotornis chalybaeus
- Splendid starling, Lamprotornis splendidus
- Meves's starling, Lamprotornis mevesii
- Burchell's starling, Lamprotornis australis
- Sharp-tailed starling, Lamprotornis acuticaudus
- Purple-headed starling, Hylopsar purpureiceps
- Violet-backed starling, Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
- Chestnut-winged starling, Onychognathus fulgidus
- Pale-winged starling, Onychognathus nabouroup
- Narrow-tailed starling, Poeoptera lugubris
- Babbling starling, Neocichla gutturalis
- Red-billed oxpecker, Buphagus erythrorhynchus
- Yellow-billed oxpecker, Buphagus africanus
Weavers and allies
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.
- White-billed buffalo weaver, Bubalornis albirostris
- Red-billed buffalo weaver, Bubalornis niger
- Scaly-feathered weaver, Sporopipes squamifrons
- White-browed sparrow-weaver, Plocepasser mahali
- Chestnut-crowned sparrow-weaver, Plocepasser superciliosus
- Chestnut-backed sparrow-weaver, Plocepasser rufoscapulatus
- Sociable weaver, Philetairus socius
- Black-chinned weaver, Ploceus nigrimentum
- Slender-billed weaver, Ploceus pelzelni
- Loango weaver, Ploceus subpersonatus
- Lesser masked weaver, Ploceus intermedius
- Spectacled weaver, Ploceus ocularis
- Black-necked weaver, Ploceus nigricollis
- Bocage's weaver, Ploceus temporalis
- Holub's golden weaver, Ploceus xanthops
- Orange weaver, Ploceus aurantius
- Southern brown-throated weaver, Ploceus xanthopterus
- Southern masked weaver, Ploceus velatus
- Village weaver, Ploceus cucullatus
- Vieillot's weaver, Ploceus nigerrimus
- Chestnut weaver, Ploceus rubiginosus
- Yellow-mantled weaver, Ploceus tricolor
- Dark-backed weaver, Ploceus bicolor
- Preuss's weaver, Ploceus preussi
- Brown-capped weaver, Ploceus insignis
- Bar-winged weaver, Ploceus angolensis
- Compact weaver, Pachyphantes superciliosus
- Cassin's malimbe, Malimbus cassini
- Blue-billed malimbe, Malimbus nitens
- Crested malimbe, Malimbus malimbicus
- Red-headed malimbe, Malimbus rubricollis
- Red-headed weaver, Anaplectes rubriceps
- Red-headed quelea, Quelea erythrops
- Red-billed quelea, Quelea quelea
- Yellow-crowned bishop, Euplectes afer
- Black bishop, Euplectes gierowii
- Black-winged bishop, Euplectes hordeaceus
- Red bishop, Euplectes orix
- Golden-backed bishop, Euplectes aureus
- Yellow bishop, Euplectes capensis
- Fan-tailed widowbird, Euplectes axillaris
- Yellow-mantled widowbird, Euplectes macroura
- White-winged widowbird, Euplectes albonotatus
- Red-collared widowbird, Euplectes ardens
- Marsh widowbird, Euplectes hartlaubi
- Long-tailed widowbird, Euplectes progne
- Thick-billed weaver, Amblyospiza albifrons
- Parasitic weaver, Anomalospiza imberbis
Waxbills and allies
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 wide variation in plumage colours and patterns.
- Woodhouse's antpecker, Parmoptila woodhousei
- White-breasted negrofinch, Nigrita fusconota
- Chestnut-breasted negrofinch, Nigrita bicolor
- Pale-fronted negrofinch, Nigrita luteifrons
- Grey-headed negrofinch, Nigrita canicapilla
- Orange-winged pytilia, Pytilia afra
- Green-winged pytilia, Pytilia melba
- Green-backed twinspot, Mandingoa nitidula
- Red-faced crimsonwing, Cryptospiza reichenovii
- Black-bellied seedcracker, Pyrenestes ostrinus
- Western bluebill, Spermophaga haematina
- Red-headed bluebill, Spermophaga ruficapilla
- Brown twinspot, Clytospiza monteiri
- Peters's twinspot, Hypargos niveoguttatus
- Dusky twinspot, Euschistospiza cinereovinacea
- Brown firefinch, Lagonosticta nitidula
- Red-billed firefinch, Lagonosticta senegala
- African firefinch, Lagonosticta rubricata
- Pale-billed firefinch, Lagonosticta landanae
- Jameson's firefinch, Lagonosticta rhodopareia
- Blue-breasted cordonbleu, Uraeginthus angolensis
- Red-cheeked cordonbleu, Uraeginthus bengalus
- Violet-eared waxbill, Uraeginthus granatina
- Yellow-bellied waxbill, Coccopygia quartinia
- Angolan waxbill, Coccopygia bocagei
- Black-tailed waxbill, Estrilda perreini
- Cinderella waxbill, Estrilda thomensis
- Fawn-breasted waxbill, Estrilda paludicola
- Orange-cheeked waxbill, Estrilda melpoda
- Common waxbill, Estrilda astrild
- Black-headed waxbill, Estrilda atricapilla
- Black-faced waxbill, Estrilda erythronotos
- Orange-breasted waxbill, Sporaeginthus subflavus
- Quailfinch, Ortygospiza atricollis
- *Black-faced quailfinch, Ortygospiza atricollis atricollis
- *Black-chinned quailfinch, Ortygospiza atricollis gabonensis
- Locust finch, Paludipasser locustella
- Bronze mannikin, Spermestes cucullatus
- Black-and-white mannikin, Spermestes bicolor
- Magpie mannikin, Spermestes fringilloides
- Cut-throat, Amadina fasciata
- Red-headed finch, Amadina erythrocephala
Indigobirds
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 finches. There are 20 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Angola.
- Village indigobird, Vidua chalybeata
- Variable indigobird, Vidua funerea
- Purple indigobird, Vidua purpurascens
- Shaft-tailed whydah, Vidua regia
- Pin-tailed whydah, Vidua macroura
- Eastern paradise whydah, Vidua paradisaea
- Broad-tailed paradise whydah, Vidua obtusa
Old World buntings
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills.
- Lark-like bunting, Emberiza impetuani
- Cinnamon-breasted bunting, Emberiza tahapisi
- Cape bunting, Emberiza capensis
- Golden-breasted bunting, Emberiza flaviventris
- Cabanis's bunting, Emberiza cabanisi
Finches, euphonias, and allies
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 twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
- Cape canary, Serinus canicollis
- Yellow-crowned canary, Serinus flavivertex
- African citril, Crithagra citrinelloides
- Black-faced canary, Crithagra capistratus
- Black-throated canary, Crithagra atrogularis
- Yellow-fronted canary, Crithagra mozambicus
- Yellow canary, Crithagra flaviventris
- Brimstone canary, Crithagra sulphuratus
- White-throated canary, Crithagra albogularis
- Streaky-headed seedeater, Crithagra gularis
- Black-eared seedeater, Crithagra mennelli
- Thick-billed seedeater, Crithagra burtoni
Old World sparrows
Old World 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, but they also consume small insects.
- Great rufous sparrow, Passer motitensis
- Cape sparrow, Passer melanurus
- Grey-headed sparrow, Passer griseus
- Southern grey-headed sparrow, Passer diffusus
- Yellow-throated petronia, Gymnornis superciliaris