A common sight in coastal regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere

Loud birds with a distinct three-note whistling sound

One of the easiest birds of prey to identify from a distance

Known for their vibrant colors, which can change rapidly in response to their environment, mood, or social interactions

Amazing flyers — they can even drink water while they’re flying!

Can dive down to the bottom of a lake and rest there, safe from predators!

Males are particularly eye-catching with their black and white plumage, looking like they’re wearing a little tuxedo

Instead of a bony shell, it has a flat, leathery covering that helps it glide smoothly through the water

Considered a sacred bird by ancient Egyptians, often depicted in their art and mythology

Most common and widely distributed swallow globally

Often called the “singer of the night,” it produces a complex and beautiful melody that has captivated people for centuries

Have been observed remembering the locations of their impaled prey and even using tools to help them catch food

Underneath this colorful beak, there’s a hidden surprise – a built-in net for scooping up a delicious lunch!

True to their name, they transform into protective balls when threatened, tucking their heads in for ultimate defense

Covered in thick golden fur with a touch of green, which is how they get their common name

The direct ancestor of the domestic cat—no wonder why they look so alike!

Often seen as a symbol of strength, freedom, and keen vision in many African communities

With its striking appearance and distinctive call, it is often referred to as the “voice of Africa”

In some regions, they are regarded as messengers of the gods or as symbols of rain and fertility

Itd name means “tree snake” in Afrikaans and Dutch, a fitting description of its arboreal lifestyle

Notoriously grumpy, always putting on a dramatic hissy fit when approached

The treasured bird of Saladin, the first Sultan of Egypt

Known for their extremely long legs, which lift their bodies off the hot desert sand, helping to keep them cool

Despite its fearsome appearance, it is a shy and reclusive creature that would rather hide than confront a threat

During breeding, they transform with elegant white plumage, adorned by decorative plumes on the head, neck, and back

They were commonly depicted in art from ancient Egypt

They consistently display a restless demeanor and exhibit a distinctive, tail-trembling behavior

Exhibit powerful flight, with distinctive slow wing beats and an extended neck, defining features during their aerial movements

Holds cultural symbolism in some societies, representing good luck

Adaptable raptor known for its hovering hunting technique and striking appearance

Their migratory behavior is often linked to the availability of insects for food

With lightning-fast speed and a keen sense of smell, this predator easily captures prey in the desert

Their keen vision enables them to scan vast landscapes, identifying small movements or potential prey items even from high altitudes

Their highly acidic stomachs and powerful enzymes help break down and neutralize harmful bacteria and toxins present in the carcasses they feed on

They are known to scavenge at rubbish dumps and around slaughterhouses, helping to dispose of animal byproducts and reducing potential health risks

Stands out with its striking ocelli, or eye-like markings, that adorn its sleek body

Known for their impressive stamina and can travel long distances in search of food and water

A genetic mix of 72% grey wolf & 28% Ethiopian wolf was classified as an African variant of the golden jackal until 2015!

Smallest fox in the world, measuring almost 25 cm (10 in), but has enormous ears that can grow up to 15 cm (6 in)

One of the least researched canid species, partly because it lives in remote habitats

Can be easily identified by its larger ears, making it stand out from red and pale foxes

Racing to extinction: historically ranging throughout Africa to India, now distributed in small, fragmented populations

Size matters! The largest of the three elephant species and the largest extant terrestrial creature on our planet

85% successful kills! Yet irreversibly waning, it is among the most endangered canids in Africa

Disappearing graceful shadows, this tree-climber is on the way to extinction

Often called ‘whispering’ bats because their echolocation used to access the area and prey location are low intensity and not strong

Distinguished by its impressive array of quills that can be erected into a striking crest, it represents one of the most formidable rodent species in terms of defense mechanisms. These quills, which cover the animal from its head down its back, are not only visually striking but also serve as a critical tool for self-preservation. […]

This ‘mini kangaroo’ leaps up to 3 m (9.8 ft) in a single jump, thanks to its incredibly large hind legs

Highly mobile bats that tend to roost in hundreds to thousands of whatever shelters they can find

1.6 ton (1.5 tonne) + 48 km/h (30 mph) = what do you think?

African darters or ‘snakebirds’ are expert underwater fishermen equipped with stealth, diving skills, and a spear-like bill

Arabian ostrich, 1 of 4 subspecies, was hunted to extinction in mid-20th century

The most cosmopolitan of owls with home ranges extending across the globe

These owls are strictly nocturnal and generalist hunters, preying on moths, scorpions, birds, rodents, and everything in between

Aptly named after the goddesses of wisdom and war, little owls have lived alongside human civilizations since 500 BC

If you ever forget the tune of a song, don’t worry; this bird has your back

This cute and small bird is one of the most elite hunters below the water’s surface

The master hunter and the bane of the bees

The hammerheads of the bird kingdom

This bird is unmistakable for its namesake, spoon-shaped bill

The fossil records suggest that this species has been on this planet for millions of years

These birds seem to have lost their way to the beauty pageant

This large heron is a firm believer in the adage: “Patience is the key to success”

The most numerous wild bird species in the world

Like those bulging red eyes weren’t scary enough, they eat their innocent chicks when hungry

Living around smelly brackish marshes is unthinkable, but these birds love their isolated habitat or don’t have a sense of smell

Native to Africa, it is the best-known bird of its family, broadly introduced as domesticated species

At the speed of over 321 km/h (200 mph), this bird outraces a Formula1 car

The only member of the genus having wide distribution across Asia and Africa is sociable, unlike other members of its family

Loves trees! Only member of its family breeding in Europe

They can support their whole body weight on a single toenail! I wonder how many steps long their nail care routine is

This Nature’s cleaners are the largest & heaviest living stork

As the name suggests, this whitish stork has a bright red face and a distinctively long yellow bill

The colorful stork of Africa

The stork with the widest geographic range

The folktale bird that brings the babies!

An unrushed flyboy from Africa

This bird taps its feet to imitate rain to make the prey reach the surface

One of the very few birds with an upturned bill

Elegant long-legged wader, common almost worldwide

One of the bigger waders with a reptilian eye

The janitors of the bird world

This bird holds the record of the longest distance flown by any bird in recorded history

Looks no less than a renaissance masterpiece

The most elegant of all godwit species

These enthusiastic travelers can be seen almost worldwide in different seasons

Insect-eating, tree-dwelling, and an incredible co-partner. That said, there’s nothing uninteresting about this one

Dependable wings and a muscular build. Nope, we aren’t talking about the next Redbull ad campaign

This invasive species is the ancestor to most of the modern ducks

Once found flying 11,300 meters (37,100 ft) high, sadly, this was more of an accident than a discovery

They’re known as ‘old world vultures’ endemic to Africa and the first ones to get a whiff of corpses

A highly intelligent species that is the world’s only tool-using vulture with a long migratory range

This majestic brown raptor is most widely distributed eagle species

The yellow-eyed devil

Better call the ambulance before the Sparrowhawk comes to devour all those who are injured

A magnificent migratory bird with long, broad wings and a short tail that sings in the form of musical whistles