A common sight in coastal regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere

Unlike the black mamba, the deadliest snake in Africa, it is less aggressive and more likely to retreat when threatened

Has the incredible ability to swallow eggs that are much larger than its own head

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

Spend most of their time lurking in the thick reeds and grasses, only venturing out when they absolutely have to

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!

A bat with a face that looks like it belongs on a comic superhero!

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

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

Often chasing each other in the air or amusing themselves by catching and dropping objects like sticks or leaves

A bird as big as a crow but with feathers that shimmer an unbelievable shade of blue

Covered in tough, overlapping scales made of keratin — the same material human fingernails are made from

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

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

Their horizontal pupils give them a permanently surprised expression

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

The males, in particular, produce a rich and intricate song that contributes to their charm

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

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

It holds significant cultural and spiritual importance in African cultures, often associated with wisdom, longevity, and good fortune

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

They can raise their body temperatures to avoid loss of water from their body by sweating

Widespread and bright; a superb starling indeed

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

White with a dark future! Victim of the myths, it is the biggest of the five rhino species

With 3 out of 8 subspecies have been declared extinct, illegal poaching puts these hooked upper lip rhinos in danger

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

Much larger than any other ape, it is the rarest of two gorillas species

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

They hold their food tightly and closely to their bodies while feeding, preventing the food from being stolen by other bats

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. […]

These ‘sloppy animals’ tend to have a strong and unpleasant odor due to accumulated wastes in roosts

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

Due to their adaptability and willingness to migrate to more favorable habitats, great cormorants are found worldwide

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

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

One of the smaller barbet species that resemble a sparrow, only found in Africa

This bird holds a Guinness book of world records to its name

The iconic and elegant bird with a curved pink bill is known for turning heads

The hammerheads of the bird kingdom

One of the most bizarre creatures you can ever lay your eyes upon

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

One of the best avian vocal mimics

The tiny hovering jewel of house gardens

These large birds may remind you of ostriches, but they can fly!

These birds were once hunted for their beautiful crimson flight feathers

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

Don’t be disappointed if you don’t see a fluffy tail on these birds – it’s a misnomer

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

Smallest raptor of Africa with a heart bigger than lion’s

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

Their dull mousy-brown color justifies the name pretty well

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

Global Warming got nothing on this bird