List of birds of Rwanda
This is a list of bird species recorded in Rwanda. The avifauna of Rwanda include a total of 728 species, of which two are rare or accidental. Two species listed are extirpated in Rwanda and are not included in the species count.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Accidental species are included in the total species count for Rwanda.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories, but not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring native species.
- (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Rwanda
- (Ex) Extirpated - a species that no longer occurs in Rwanda although populations exist elsewhere
Grebes
Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
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 2 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
- Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
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
- Long-tailed cormorant, Microcarbo africanus
Darters
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
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 melanogaster
Pelicans
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
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. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Great white pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus
- Pink-backed pelican, Pelecanus rufescens
Bitterns, herons and egrets
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
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
- Black heron, Egretta ardesiaca
- Intermediate egret, Egretta intermedia
- Western reef heron, Egretta gularis
- 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
- Dwarf bittern, Ixobrychus sturmii
Hammerkop
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Scopidae
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
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Balaenicipididae
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
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
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
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
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.
- 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
Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet (0.9 to 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 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.
- Lesser flamingo, Phoenicopterus minor
Ducks, geese and swans
Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
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
- Comb duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
- Hartlaub's duck, Pteronetta hartlaubii
- African pygmy goose, Nettapus auritus
- African black duck, Anas sparsa
- Eurasian teal, Anas crecca
- Cape teal, Anas capensis
- Yellow-billed duck, Anas undulata
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Red-billed duck, Anas erythrorhyncha
- Hottentot teal, Anas hottentota
- Garganey, Anas querquedula
- Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata
- Southern pochard, Netta erythrophthalma
- Common pochard, Aythya ferina
- Maccoa duck, Oxyura maccoa
Osprey
Order: Accipitriformes 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
Hawks, kites and eagles
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
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-shouldered kite, Elanus caeruleus
- Scissor-tailed kite, Chelictinia riocourii
- 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
- Rüppell's vulture, Gyps rueppelli
- Lappet-faced vulture, Torgos tracheliotos
- White-headed vulture, Trigonoceps occipitalis
- Beaudouin's snake eagle, Circaetus beaudouini
- Black-breasted snake eagle, Circaetus pectoralis
- Brown snake eagle, Circaetus cinereus
- Banded snake eagle, Circaetus cinerascens
- Bateleur, Terathopius ecaudatus
- 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
- Gabar goshawk, Micronisus gabar
- Chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk, Accipiter castanilius
- Shikra, Accipiter badius
- Little sparrowhawk, Accipiter minullus
- Ovampo sparrowhawk, Accipiter ovampensis
- Rufous-chested sparrowhawk, Accipiter rufiventris
- Black goshawk, Accipiter melanoleucus
- Long-tailed hawk, Urotriorchis macrourus
- Grasshopper buzzard, Butastur rufipennis
- Eurasian buzzard, Buteo buteo
- Mountain buzzard, Buteo oreophilus
- 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
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Sagittariidae
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
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 talons. There are 62 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Pygmy falcon, Polihierax semitorquatus
- Lesser kestrel, Falco naumanni
- Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
- Grey kestrel, Falco ardosiaceus
- Red-necked falcon, Falco chicquera
- Red-footed falcon, Falco vespertinus
- Amur falcon, Falco amurensis
- Eleonora's falcon, Falco eleonorae
- Sooty falcon, Falco concolor
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo
- African hobby, Falco cuvierii
- Lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
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 vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 11 species which have been recorded in Rwanda.
- Coqui francolin, Peliperdix coqui
- Ring-necked francolin, Scleroptila streptophorus
- Red-winged francolin, Scleroptila levaillantii
- Shelley's francolin, Scleroptila shelleyi
- Scaly francolin, Pternistis squamatus
- Hildebrandt's francolin, Pternistis hildebrandti
- Red-necked spurfowl, Pternistis afer
- Handsome francolin, Pternistis nobilis
- Common quail, Coturnix coturnix
- Harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei
- Blue quail, Excalfactoria adansonii
Guineafowl
Order: Galliformes Family: Numididae
Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris
- Crested guineafowl, Guttera pucherani
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 Rwanda.
- Grey crowned-crane, Balearica regulorum
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, 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 143 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in Rwanda.
- 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
- White-winged flufftail, Sarothrura ayresi
- African rail, Rallus caerulescens
- African crake, Crecopsis egregia
- Corn crake, Crex crex
- Black crake, Amaurornis flavirostris
- Little crake, Porzana parva
- 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
Order: Gruiformes Family: Heliornithidae
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 Rwanda.
- African finfoot, Podica senegalensis
Bustards
Order: Otidiformes 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.
- Denham's bustard, Neotis denhami
- Black-bellied bustard, Lissotis melanogaster
Buttonquails
Order: Charadriiformes 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.
- Small buttonquail, Turnix sylvatica
- Black-rumped buttonquail, Turnix nanus
Jacanas
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Jacanidae
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 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Lesser jacana, Microparra capensis
- African jacana, Actophilornis africanus
Painted-snipe
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae
Painted-snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.
- Greater painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
Avocets and stilts
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
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 Rwanda.
- Black-winged stilt, Himantopus himantopus
- Pied avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta
Thick-knees
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Burhinidae
The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow-black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Water thick-knee, Burhinus vermiculatus
- Spotted thick-knee, Burhinus capensis
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 6 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Temminck's courser, Cursorius temminckii
- Three-banded courser, Rhinoptilus cinctus
- Bronze-winged courser, Rhinoptilus chalcopterus
- Collared pratincole, Glareola pratincola
- Black-winged pratincole, Glareola nordmanni
- Rock pratincole, Glareola nuchalis
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. There are 66 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Long-toed lapwing, Vanellus crassirostris
- Spur-winged plover, Vanellus spinosus
- White-headed lapwing, Vanellus albiceps
- Senegal lapwing, Vanellus lugubris
- Crowned lapwing, Vanellus coronatus
- Wattled lapwing, Vanellus senegallus
- Brown-chested lapwing, Vanellus superciliosus
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
- Kittlitz's plover, Charadrius pecuarius
- Three-banded plover, Charadrius tricollaris
- Forbes's plover, Charadrius forbesi
- White-fronted plover, Charadrius marginatus
- Lesser sandplover, Charadrius mongolus
- Greater sandplover, Charadrius leschenaultii
- Caspian plover, Charadrius asiaticus
Sandpipers and allies
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
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 89 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Rwanda.
- African snipe, Gallinago nigripennis
- Great snipe, Gallinago media
- Common snipe, Gallinago gallinago
- Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa
- 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
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus
- Common sandpiper, Actitis hypoleucos
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Little stint, Calidris minuta
- Temminck's stint, Calidris temminckii
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea
- Broad-billed sandpiper, Limicola falcinellus
- Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the 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.
- Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
- Grey-headed gull, Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
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.
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
Skimmers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rynchopidae
Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.
- African skimmer, Rynchops flavirostris
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.
- Speckled pigeon, Columba guinea
- Afep pigeon, Columba unicincta
- Rameron pigeon, Columba arquatrix
- White-naped pigeon, Columba albinucha
- Western bronze-naped pigeon, Columba iriditorques
- Lemon dove, Columba larvata
- Dusky turtle dove, Streptopelia lugens
- African mourning 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
- Namaqua dove, Oena capensis
- African green pigeon, Treron calva
Old World parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
- Red-headed lovebird, Agapornis pullarius
- Fischer's lovebird, Agapornis fischeri
African and New World parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
- Grey parrot, Psittacus erithacus
- Brown-necked parrot, Poicephalus robustus
- Red-fronted parrot, Poicephalus gulielmi
- Meyer's parrot, Poicephalus meyeri
Turacos
Order: Cuculiformes Family: Musophagidae
The turacos, plantain eaters and go-away-birds make up the bird family Musophagidae. They are medium-sized arboreal birds. The turacos and plantain eaters are brightly coloured, usually in blue, green or purple. The go-away birds are mostly grey and white. There are 23 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Great blue turaco, Corythaeola cristata
- Black-billed turaco, Tauraco schuettii
- Purple-crested turaco, Tauraco porphyreolophus
- Ruwenzori turaco, Ruwenzorornis johnstoni
- Ross's turaco, Musophaga rossae
- Bare-faced go-away-bird, Corythaixoides personatus
- Eastern plantain-eater, Crinifer zonurus
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. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Rwanda.
- 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
- Madagascar cuckoo, Cuculus rochii
- Dusky long-tailed cuckoo, Cercococcyx mechowi
- Olive long-tailed cuckoo, Cercococcyx olivinus
- Barred long-tailed cuckoo, Cercococcyx montanus
- Klaas's cuckoo, Chrysococcyx klaas
- African emerald cuckoo, Chrysococcyx cupreus
- Dideric cuckoo, Chrysococcyx caprius
- Blue malkoha, Ceuthmochares aereus
- Black coucal, Centropus grillii
- Blue-headed coucal, Centropus monachus
- Senegal coucal, Centropus senegalensis
- White-browed coucal, Centropus superciliosus
Barn owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. .
- African grass owl, Tyto capensis
- Barn owl, Tyto alba
Typical owls
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
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.
- 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
- Pel's fishing owl, Scotopelia peli
- African wood owl, Strix woodfordii
- Pearl-spotted owlet, Glaucidium perlatum
- Red-chested owlet, Glaucidium tephronotum
- African barred owlet, Glaucidium capense
- Albertine owlet, Glaucidium albertinum
- African long-eared owl, Asio abyssinicus
- Marsh owl, Asio capensis
Nightjars
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
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 11 species which have been recorded in Rwanda.
- Eurasian nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus
- Sombre nightjar, Caprimulgus fraenatus
- Black-shouldered nightjar, Caprimulgus nigriscapularis
- Fiery-necked nightjar, Caprimulgus pectoralis
- Abyssinian nightjar, Caprimulgus poliocephalus
- Montane nightjar, Caprimulgus ruwenzorii
- Swamp nightjar, Caprimulgus natalensis
- Star-spotted nightjar, Caprimulgus stellatus
- Freckled nightjar, Caprimulgus tristigma
- Square-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus fossii
- Pennant-winged nightjar, Caprimulgus vexillarius
Swifts
Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
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 9 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Scarce swift, Schoutedenapus myoptilus
- African palm-swift, Cypsiurus parvus
- Alpine swift, Tachymarptis melba
- Mottled swift, Tachymarptis aequatorialis
- Common swift, Apus apus
- African swift, Apus barbatus
- Little swift, Apus affinis
- Horus swift, Apus horus
- White-rumped swift, Apus caffer
Mousebirds
Order: Coliiformes Family: Coliidae
The mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers and very long thin tails. They are arboreal and scurry through the leaves like rodents in search of berries, fruit and buds. They are acrobatic and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes. They also have crests and stubby bills. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Speckled mousebird, Colius striatus
- Blue-naped mousebird, Urocolius macrourus
Trogons and quetzals
Order: Trogoniformes Family: Trogonidae
The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Narina trogon, Apaloderma narina
- Bar-tailed trogon, Apaloderma vittatum
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 9 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Shining-blue kingfisher, Alcedo quadribrachys
- Malachite kingfisher, Corythornis cristatus
- African pygmy kingfisher, Ispidina picta
- Grey-headed kingfisher, Halcyon leucocephala
- Woodland kingfisher, Halcyon senegalensis
- Blue-breasted kingfisher, Halcyon malimbica
- Striped kingfisher, Halcyon chelicuti
- Giant kingfisher, Megaceryle maximus
- Pied kingfisher, Ceryle rudis
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 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 10 species which occur in Rwanda.
- White-fronted bee-eater, Merops bullockoides
- Little bee-eater, Merops pusillus
- Blue-breasted bee-eater, Merops variegatus
- Cinnamon-chested bee-eater, Merops oreobates
- Swallow-tailed bee-eater, Merops hirundineus
- White-throated bee-eater, Merops albicollis
- Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Merops persicus
- Madagascar bee-eater, Merops superciliosus
- European bee-eater, Merops apiaster
- Southern carmine bee-eater, Merops nubicoides
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 5 species which occur in Rwanda.
- European roller, Coracias garrulus
- Lilac-breasted roller, Coracias caudata
- Rufous-crowned roller, Coracias naevia
- Broad-billed roller, Eurystomus glaucurus
- Blue-throated roller, Eurystomus gularis
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 Rwanda.
- Hoopoe, Upupa epops
Woodhoopoes
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Phoeniculidae
The woodhoopoes 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 Rwanda.
- Green woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus purpureus
- White-headed woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus bollei
- Forest woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus castaneiceps
- Common scimitar-bill, Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
Hornbills
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Bucerotidae
Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly coloured. There are 57 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Red-billed dwarf hornbill, Tockus camurus
- Crowned hornbill, Tockus alboterminatus
- African grey hornbill, Tockus nasutus
- Black-and-white-casqued hornbill, Ceratogymna subcylindricus
- Southern ground-hornbill, Bucorvus leadbeateri
Barbets
Order: Piciformes Family: Lybiidae
The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly coloured.
- Grey-throated barbet, Gymnobucco bonapartei
- Western tinkerbird, Pogoniulus coryphaea
- Yellow-rumped tinkerbird, Pogoniulus bilineatus
- Yellow-fronted tinkerbird, Pogoniulus chrysoconus
- Red-fronted tinkerbird, Pogoniulus pusillus
- Yellow-spotted barbet, Buccanodon duchaillui
- Hairy-breasted barbet, Tricholaema hirsuta
- Spot-flanked barbet, Tricholaema lachrymosa
- Red-faced barbet, Lybius rubrifacies
- Black-collared barbet, Lybius torquatus
- Double-toothed barbet, Lybius bidentatus
- Yellow-billed barbet, Trachyphonus purpuratus
- Crested barbet, Trachyphonus vaillantii
Honeyguides
Order: Piciformes Family: Indicatoridae
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 9 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Scaly-throated honeyguide, Indicator variegatus
- Greater honeyguide, Indicator indicator
- Lesser honeyguide, Indicator minor
- Thick-billed honeyguide, Indicator conirostris
- Willcock's honeyguide, Indicator willcocksi (A)
- Least honeyguide, Indicator exilis
- Dwarf honeyguide, Indicator pumilio
- Green-backed honeyguide, Prodotiscus zambesiae
- Wahlberg's honeyguide, Prodotiscus regulus
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 12 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Rufous-necked wryneck, Jynx ruficollis
- Bennett's woodpecker, Campethera bennettii
- Golden-tailed woodpecker, Campethera abingoni
- Green-backed woodpecker, Campethera cailliautii
- Tullberg's woodpecker, Campethera tullbergi
- Buff-spotted woodpecker, Campethera nivosa
- Speckle-breasted woodpecker, Dendropicos poecilolaemus
- Cardinal woodpecker, Dendropicos fuscescens
- Elliot's woodpecker, Dendropicos elliotii
- African grey woodpecker, Dendropicos goertae
- Olive woodpecker, Dendropicos griseocephalus
- Bearded woodpecker, Chloropicus namaquus
Pittas
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pittidae
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 Rwanda.
- African pitta, Pitta angolensis
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 4 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Rufous-naped lark, Mirafra africana
- Flappet lark, Mirafra rufocinnamomea
- Fischer's sparrow-lark, Eremopterix leucopareia
- Red-capped lark, Calandrella cinerea
Swallows and martins
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
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 16 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Sand martin, Riparia riparia
- Brown-throated martin, Riparia paludicola
- Banded martin, Riparia cincta
- Grey-rumped swallow, Pseudhirundo griseopyga
- Rock martin, Ptyonoprogne fuligula
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Angolan swallow, Hirundo angolensis
- Wire-tailed swallow, Hirundo smithii
- Blue swallow, Hirundo atrocaerulea
- Lesser striped swallow, Cecropis abyssinica
- Rufous-chested swallow, Cecropis semirufa
- Mosque swallow, Cecropis senegalensis
- Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
- Common house martin, Delichon urbicum
- White-headed sawwing, Psalidoprocne albiceps
- Blue sawwing, Psalidoprocne pristoptera
Wagtails and pipits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
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 14 species which occur in Rwanda.
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba
- African pied wagtail, Motacilla aguimp
- Cape wagtail, Motacilla capensis
- Yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
- Grey wagtail, Motacilla cinerea
- Mountain wagtail, Motacilla clara
- Yellow-throated longclaw, Macronyx croceus
- Striped pipit, Anthus lineiventris
- Plain-backed pipit, Anthus leucophrys
- African pipit, Anthus cinnamomeus
- Long-billed pipit, Anthus similis
- Short-tailed pipit, Anthus brachyurus
- Tree pipit, Anthus trivialis
- Red-throated pipit, Anthus cervinus
Cuckooshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Campephagidae
The cuckooshrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured.
- White-breasted cuckooshrike, Coracina pectoralis (A)
- Grey cuckooshrike, Coracina caesia
- Petit's cuckooshrike, Campephaga petiti
- Black cuckooshrike, Campephaga flava
- Red-shouldered cuckooshrike, Campephaga phoenicea
- Purple-throated cuckooshrike, Campephaga quiscalina
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
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
- Little greenbul, Eurillas virens
- Plain greenbul, Eurillas curvirostris
- Yellow-whiskered bulbul, Eurillas latirostris
- Slender-billed greenbul, Stelgidillas gracilirostris
- Shelley's greenbul, Arizelocichla masukuensis
- Mountain greenbul, Arizelocichla nigriceps
- Yellow-throated leaflove, Atimastillas flavicollis
- Red-tailed leaflove, Phyllastrephus scandens
- Cabanis's greenbul, Phyllastrephus cabanisi
- Yellow-streaked bulbul, Phyllastrephus flavostriatus
- Black-collared bulbul, Neolestes torquatus
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.
- Fraser's rufous thrush, Neocossyphus fraseri
- White-tailed ant thrush, Neocossyphus poensis
- Abyssinian ground thrush, Geokichla piaggiae
- Kivu ground thrush, Geokichla piaggiae tanganjicae
- Abyssinian thrush, Turdus abyssinicus
- African thrush, Turdus pelios
- Brown-chested alethe, Pseudalethe poliocephala
- Red-throated alethe, Pseudalethe poliophrys
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 32 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Red-faced cisticola, Cisticola erythrops
- Singing cisticola, Cisticola cantans
- Trilling cisticola, Cisticola woosnami
- Chubb's cisticola, Cisticola chubbi
- Rock-loving cisticola, Cisticola aberrans
- Rattling cisticola, Cisticola chiniana
- Winding cisticola, Cisticola galactotes
- Carruthers's cisticola, Cisticola carruthersi
- Tinkling cisticola, Cisticola tinniens
- Stout cisticola, Cisticola robustus
- Croaking cisticola, Cisticola natalensis
- Piping cisticola, Cisticola fulvicapillus
- Tabora cisticola, Cisticola angusticaudus
- Siffling cisticola, Cisticola brachypterus
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Wing-snapping cisticola, Cisticola ayresii
- Tawny-flanked prinia, Prinia subflava
- White-chinned prinia, Prinia leucopogon
- Banded prinia, Prinia bairdii
- Black-collared apalis, Apalis pulchra
- Ruwenzori apalis, Apalis ruwenzori
- Black-throated apalis, Apalis jacksoni
- Black-faced apalis, Apalis personata
- Yellow-breasted apalis, Apalis flavida
- Buff-throated apalis, Apalis rufogularis
- Chestnut-throated apalis, Apalis porphyrolaema
- Grey apalis, Apalis cinerea
- Grey-capped warbler, Eminia lepida
- Green-backed camaroptera, Camaroptera brachyura
- Olive-green camaroptera, Camaroptera chloronota
- Miombo camaroptera, Calamonastes undosus
- Grey wren-warbler, Calamonastes simplex
- Black-faced rufous warbler, Bathmocercus rufus
- Buff-bellied warbler, Phyllolais pulchella
- Yellow-bellied eremomela, Eremomela icteropygialis
- Greencap eremomela, Eremomela scotops
African warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Macrosphenidae
- Moustached grass warbler, Melocichla mentalis
- White-browed crombec, Sylvietta leucophrys
- Red-faced crombec, Sylvietta whytii
Cettid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cettiidae
- Green hylia, Hylia prasina
- Neumann's warbler, Urosphena neumanni
Locustellid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
- Little rush warbler, Bradypterus baboecala
- Highland rush warbler, Bradypterus centralis
- White-winged scrub warbler, Bradypterus carpalis
- Grauer's scrub warbler, Bradypterus graueri
- Cameroon scrub warbler, Bradypterus lopezi
- Cinnamon bracken warbler, Bradypterus cinnamomeus
- Fan-tailed grassbird, Schoenicola brevirostris
- Grauer's warbler, Graueria vittata
Acrocephalid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
- Sedge warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
- Eurasian reed warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus
- African reed warbler, Acrocephalus baeticatus
- Marsh warbler, Acrocephalus palustris
- Great reed warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus
- Greater swamp warbler, Acrocephalus rufescens
- Lesser swamp warbler, Acrocephalus gracilirostris
- Icterine warbler, Hippolais icterina
- Eastern olivaceous warbler, Iduna pallida
- African yellow warbler, Iduna natalensis
- Mountain yellow warbler, Iduna similis
- Papyrus yellow warbler, Calamonastides gracilirostris
Phylloscopid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
- Red-faced woodland warbler, Phylloscopus laetus
- Brown woodland warbler, Phylloscopus umbrovirens
- Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
- Common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita
- Wood warbler, Phylloscopus sibilatrix
Hyliotid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hyliotidae
- Yellow-bellied hyliota, Hyliota flavigaster
- Violet-backed hyliota, Hyliota violacea
Old World warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sylviidae
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.
- Eurasian blackcap, Sylvia atricapilla
- Garden warbler, Sylvia borin
- Greater whitethroat, Sylvia communis
- African hill babbler, Pseudoalcippe abyssinica
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 highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
- Miombo rock thrush, Monticola angolensis
- Rufous-tailed rock thrush, Monticola saxatilis
- Pale flycatcher, Melaenornis pallidus
- White-eyed slaty-flycatcher, Melaenornis fischeri
- Southern black-flycatcher, Melaenornis pammelaina
- Yellow-eyed black-flycatcher, Melaenornis ardesiacus
- Spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa striata
- Swamp flycatcher, Muscicapa aquatica
- African dusky flycatcher, Muscicapa adusta
- Ashy flycatcher, Muscicapa caerulescens
- Grey tit-flycatcher, Myioparus plumbeus
- Collared flycatcher, Ficedula albicollis
- Semicollared flycatcher, Ficedula semitorquata
- White-starred robin, Pogonocichla stellata
- Forest robin, Stiphrornis erythrothorax
- Equatorial akalat, Sheppardia aequatorialis
- White-bellied robin-chat, Cossyphicula roberti
- Archer's robin-chat, Cossypha archeri
- Cape robin-chat, Cossypha caffra
- Grey-winged robin-chat, Cossypha polioptera
- White-browed robin-chat, Cossypha heuglini
- Red-capped robin-chat, Cossypha natalensis
- Snowy-crowned robin-chat, Cossypha niveicapilla
- Collared palm thrush, Cichladusa arquata
- Brown-backed scrub robin, Cercotrichas hartlaubi
- Red-backed scrub robin, Cercotrichas leucophrys
- Common redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus
- Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra
- African stonechat, Saxicola torquatus
- Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe
- Isabelline wheatear, Oenanthe isabellina
- White-fronted black chat, Oenanthe albifrons
- Familiar chat, Cercomela familiaris
- Sooty chat, Myrmecocichla nigra
- Arnot's chat, Myrmecocichla arnotti
- Ruaha chat, Myrmecocichla collaris
- Mocking cliff chat, Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
Wattle-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Platysteiridae
The wattle-eyes, or puffback flycatchers, are small stout passerine birds of the African tropics. They get their name from the brightly coloured fleshy eye decorations found in most species in this group. There are 31 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Black-and-white shrike-flycatcher, Bias musicus
- Brown-throated wattle-eye, Platysteira cyanea
- Yellow-bellied wattle-eye, Platysteira concreta
- Ruwenzori batis, Batis diops
- Chinspot batis, Batis molitor
- Black-headed batis, Batis minor
Fairy flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Stenostiridae
- African blue flycatcher, Elminia longicauda
- White-tailed blue flycatcher, Elminia albicauda
- White-bellied crested flycatcher, Elminia albiventris
- White-tailed crested flycatcher, Elminia albonotata
Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching.
- African crested flycatcher, Trochocercus cyanomelas
- African paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone viridis
Arcanatorids
Order: Passeriformes Family: Arcanatoridae
- Grey-chested babbler, Kakamega poliothorax
Ground babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pellorneidae
- Scaly-breasted illadopsis, Illadopsis albipectus
- Pale-breasted illadopsis, Illadopsis rufipennis
- Brown illadopsis, Illadopsis fulvescens
- Mountain illadopsis, Illadopsis pyrrhoptera
Laughingthrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Leiothrichidae
- Black-lored babbler, Turdoides sharpei
- Hartlaub's babbler, Turdoides hartlaubii
- Arrow-marked babbler, Turdoides jardineii
- Red-collared babbler, Kupeornis rufocinctus
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 59 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Rwanda.
- White-winged black-tit, Melaniparus leucomelas
- Dusky tit, Melaniparus funereus
- Stripe-breasted tit, Melaniparus fasciiventer
Penduline tits
Order: Passeriformes Family: Remizidae
The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores. There are 13 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.
- African penduline-tit, Anthoscopus caroli
Sunbirds and spiderhunters
Order: Passeriformes Family: Nectariniidae
The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 26 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Western violet-backed sunbird, Anthreptes longuemarei
- Kenya violet-backed sunbird, Anthreptes orientalis
- Little green sunbird, Anthreptes seimundi
- Collared sunbird, Hedydipna collaris
- Green-headed sunbird, Cyanomitra verticalis
- Blue-throated brown sunbird, Cyanomitra cyanolaema
- Blue-headed sunbird, Cyanomitra alinae
- Cameroon sunbird, Cyanomitra oritis
- Eastern olive-sunbird, Cyanomitra olivacea
- Green-throated sunbird, Chalcomitra rubescens
- Scarlet-chested sunbird, Chalcomitra senegalensis
- Purple-breasted sunbird, Nectarinia purpureiventris
- Bronze sunbird, Nectarinia kilimensis
- Red-tufted sunbird, Nectarinia johnstoni
- Malachite sunbird, Nectarinia famosa
- Olive-bellied sunbird, Cinnyris chloropygius
- Stuhlmann's sunbird, Cinnyris stuhlmanni
- Northern double-collared sunbird, Cinnyris preussi
- Greater double-collared sunbird, Cinnyris afer
- Regal sunbird, Cinnyris regius
- Beautiful sunbird, Cinnyris pulchellus
- Mariqua sunbird, Cinnyris mariquensis
- Red-chested sunbird, Cinnyris erythrocerca
- Purple-banded sunbird, Cinnyris bifasciatus
- Variable sunbird, Cinnyris venustus
- Copper sunbird, Cinnyris cupreus
White-eyes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Zosteropidae
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 Rwanda.
- African yellow white-eye, Zosterops senegalensis
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 4 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Eurasian golden oriole, Oriolus oriolus
- African golden oriole, Oriolus auratus
- African black-headed oriole, Oriolus larvatus
- Black-tailed oriole, Oriolus percivali
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.
- Red-backed shrike, Lanius collurio
- Isabelline shrike, Lanius isabellinus
- Red-tailed shrike, Lanius phoenicuroides
- Souza's shrike, Lanius souzae
- Lesser grey shrike, Lanius minor
- Grey-backed fiscal, Lanius excubitoroides
- Mackinnon's shrike, Lanius mackinnoni
- Southern fiscal, Lanius collaris
- Northern fiscal, Lanius humeralis
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 22 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Brubru, Nilaus afer
- Northern puffback, Dryoscopus gambensis
- Black-backed puffback, Dryoscopus cubla
- Red-eyed puffback, Dryoscopus senegalensis
- Pink-footed puffback, Dryoscopus angolensis
- Marsh tchagra, Tchagra minuta
- Black-crowned tchagra, Tchagra senegala
- Brown-crowned tchagra, Tchagra australis
- Luehder's bushshrike, Laniarius luehderi
- Tropical boubou, Laniarius major
- Black-headed gonolek, Laniarius erythrogaster
- Papyrus gonolek, Laniarius mufumbiri
- Slate-coloured boubou, Laniarius funebris
- Fuelleborn's boubou, Laniarius fuelleborni
- Mountain sooty boubou, Laniarius poensis
- Willard's sooty boubou, Laniarius willardi
- Grey-green bushshrike, Telophorus bocagei (Ex)
- Sulphur-breasted bushshrike, Telophorus sulfureopectus
- Many-coloured bushshrike, Telophorus multicolor
- Doherty's bushshrike, Telophorus dohertyi
- Lagden's bushshrike, Malaconotus lagdeni
- Grey-headed bushshrike, Malaconotus blanchoti
Helmetshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Prionopidae
The helmetshrikes are similar in build to the shrikes, but tend to be colourful species with distinctive crests or other head ornaments, such as wattles, from which they get their name. There are 12 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Rwanda.
- White helmetshrike, Prionops plumatus
- Yellow-crested helmetshrike, Prionops alberti
- Rufous-bellied helmetshrike, Prionops rufiventris (Ex)
Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
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 24 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.
- Fork-tailed drongo, Dicrurus adsimilis
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
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 Rwanda.
- Pied crow, Corvus albus
- White-necked raven, Corvus albicollis
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.
- Wattled starling, Creatophora cinerea
- Greater blue-eared glossy-starling, Lamprotornis chalybaeus
- Splendid glossy-starling, Lamprotornis splendidus
- Rueppell's glossy-starling, Lamprotornis purpuropterus
- Purple-headed starling, Hylopsar purpureiceps
- Violet-backed starling, Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
- Slender-billed starling, Onychognathus tenuirostris
- Chestnut-winged starling, Onychognathus fulgidus
- Waller's starling, Onychognathus walleri
- Stuhlmann's starling, Poeoptera stuhlmanni
- Sharpe's starling, Poeoptera sharpii
- Red-billed oxpecker, Buphagus erythrorhynchus
- Yellow-billed oxpecker, Buphagus africanus
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 28 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Red-billed buffalo-weaver, Bubalornis niger
- Baglafecht weaver, Ploceus baglafecht
- Slender-billed weaver, Ploceus pelzelni
- Little weaver, Ploceus luteolus
- Lesser masked-weaver, Ploceus intermedius
- Spectacled weaver, Ploceus ocularis
- Black-necked weaver, Ploceus nigricollis
- Black-billed weaver, Ploceus melanogaster
- Strange weaver, Ploceus alienus
- Holub's golden-weaver, Ploceus xanthops
- Northern brown-throated weaver, Ploceus castanops
- Village weaver, Ploceus cucullatus
- Vieillot's weaver, Ploceus nigerrimus
- Black-headed weaver, Ploceus melanocephalus
- Forest weaver, Ploceus bicolor
- Brown-capped weaver, Ploceus insignis
- Compact weaver, Pachyphantes superciliosus
- Red-headed weaver, Anaplectes rubriceps
- Cardinal quelea, Quelea cardinalis
- Red-headed quelea, Quelea erythrops
- Red-billed quelea, Quelea quelea
- Black-winged bishop, Euplectes hordeaceus
- Red bishop, Euplectes orix
- Yellow bishop, Euplectes capensis
- Fan-tailed widowbird, Euplectes axillaris
- White-winged widowbird, Euplectes albonotatus
- Red-collared widowbird, Euplectes ardens
- Grosbeak weaver, Amblyospiza albifrons
Waxbills and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae
The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed eaters with short thick but pointed bills. They are all similar in structure and habits, but have wide variation in plumage colours and patterns. There are 141 species worldwide and 31 species which occur in Rwanda.
- White-breasted nigrita, Nigrita fusconota
- Grey-headed nigrita, Nigrita canicapilla
- White-collared oliveback, Nesocharis ansorgei
- Orange-winged pytilia, Pytilia afra
- Green-winged pytilia, Pytilia melba
- Green-backed twinspot, Mandingoa nitidula
- Red-faced crimsonwing, Cryptospiza reichenovii
- Abyssinian crimsonwing, Cryptospiza salvadorii
- Dusky crimsonwing, Cryptospiza jacksoni
- Shelley's crimsonwing, Cryptospiza shelleyi
- Red-headed bluebill, Spermophaga ruficapilla
- Peters's twinspot, Hypargos niveoguttatus
- Dusky twinspot, Euschistospiza cinereovinacea
- Bar-breasted firefinch, Lagonosticta rufopicta
- Red-billed firefinch, Lagonosticta senegala
- African firefinch, Lagonosticta rubricata
- Red-cheeked cordonbleu, Uraeginthus bengalus
- Yellow-bellied waxbill, Coccopygia quartinia
- Fawn-breasted waxbill, Estrilda paludicola
- Orange-cheeked waxbill, Estrilda melpoda
- Crimson-rumped waxbill, Estrilda rhodopyga
- Common waxbill, Estrilda astrild
- Black-crowned waxbill, Estrilda nonnula
- Black-headed waxbill, Estrilda atricapilla
- Kandt's waxbill, Estrilda kandti
- Black-faced waxbill, Estrilda erythronotos
- Zebra waxbill, Amandava subflava
- Red-billed quailfinch, Ortygospiza gabonensis
- Bronze mannikin, Spermestes cucullatus
- Black-and-white mannikin, Spermestes bicolor
- Magpie mannikin, Spermestes fringilloides
Indigobirds
Order: Passeriformes Family: Viduidae
The indigobirds are finch-like species which usually have black or indigo predominating in their plumage. All are brood parasites, which lay their eggs in the nests of estrildid finches. There are 20 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Village indigobird, Vidua chalybeata
- Variable indigobird, Vidua funerea
- Pin-tailed whydah, Vidua macroura
- Broad-tailed paradise-whydah, Vidua obtusa
Weavers and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ploceidae
The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.
- Parasitic weaver, Anomalospiza imberbis
Buntings, sparrows, seedeaters and allies
Order: Passeriformes Family: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. In Europe, most species are called 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 275 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Rwanda.
- Cinnamon-breasted bunting, Emberiza tahapisi
- Golden-breasted bunting, Emberiza flaviventris
- Cabanis's bunting, Emberiza cabanisi
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 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.
- Oriole finch, Linurgus olivaceus
- Cape canary, Serinus canicollis
- Western citril, Crithagra frontalis
- Papyrus canary, Crithagra koliensis
- Black-throated canary, Crithagra atrogularis
- Yellow-fronted canary, Crithagra mozambicus
- Brimstone canary, Crithagra sulphuratus
- Streaky seedeater, Crithagra striolatus
- Thick-billed seedeater, Crithagra burtoni
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, but they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.
- Grey-headed sparrow, Passer griseus
See also
- List of birds
- Lists of birds by region
- List of mammals of Rwanda
- List of moths of Rwanda
- List of butterflies of Rwanda
References
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Rwanda". Bird Checklists of the World. Avibase. Retrieved 27 April 2007.
- Clements, James F. (2000). Birds of the World: a Checklist. Cornell University Press. p. 880. ISBN 0-934797-16-1.
External links
- Birds of Rwanda - World Institute for Conservation and Environment