List of birds of Zambia

This is a list of bird species recorded in Zambia. The avifauna of Zambia include a total of 779 species, of which one is endemic, one has been introduced by humans and four are rare or accidental. Eleven species are globally threatened.

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. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Zambia.

The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. The commonly occurring native species do not fall into any of these categories.

• (A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Zambia
• (E) Endemic - a species endemic to Zambia
• (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Zambia as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions

Ostriches

Order: StruthioniformesFamily: Struthionidae

The 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.

• Ostrich, Struthio camelus

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 Zambia.

• 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.

• Long-tailed cormorant, Microcarbo africanus
• White-breasted cormorant, Phalacrocorax lucidus

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.

• Great white pelican, Pelecanus onocrotalus
• Pink-backed pelican, Pelecanus rufescens

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.

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
• Slaty egret, Egretta vinaceigula
• Black heron, Egretta ardesiaca
• Intermediate egret, Egretta intermedia
• 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
• Great bittern, Botaurus stellaris

Hammerkop

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Scopidae

The hammerkop is a medium-sized wading bird with a long shaggy crest. Its plumage is drab-brown all over.

• Hammerkop , Scopus umbretta

Shoebill

Order:  Pelecaniformes  Family:  Balaenicipididae  

The shoebill is a large bird related to the storks.

• Shoebill , Balaeniceps rex

Ibises and spoonbills

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae

Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibis es and spoonbill s. 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
• 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 crumeniferus

Flamingos

Order: Phoenicopteriformes Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingo s 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. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Zambia.

• Greater flamingo , Phoenicopterus roseus
• Lesser flamingo , Phoenicopterus minor

Ducks, geese and swans

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae

Anatidae includes the duck s and most duck-like waterfowl, such as Goose|geese and swan s. 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
• African pygmy goose , Nettapus auritus
• African black duck , Anas sparsa
• 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
• Cape shoveler , Anas smithii
• Northern shoveler , Anas clypeata
• Southern pochard , Netta erythrophthalma

Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae

The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the osprey.

• Osprey , Pandion haliaetus

Hawks, kites and eagles

Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawk s, eagle s, Kite (bird)|kites , Harrier (bird)|harriers and Old World vulture s. 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
• 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
• Cape griffon , Gyps coprotheres
• Lappet-faced vulture , Torgos tracheliotus
• White-headed vulture , Trigonoceps occipitalis
• Black-breasted snake eagle , Circaetus pectoralis
• Brown snake eagle , Circaetus cinereus
• Western 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
• African goshawk , Accipiter tachiro
• Shikra , Accipiter badius
• Little sparrowhawk , Accipiter minullus
• Ovampo sparrowhawk , Accipiter ovampensis
• Rufous-chested sparrowhawk , Accipiter rufiventris
• Black goshawk , Accipiter melanoleucus
• Eurasian buzzard , Buteo buteo
• Mountain buzzard , Buteo oreophilus
• Long-legged buzzard , Buteo rufinus
• Augur buzzard , Buteo augur
• Lesser spotted eagle , Aquila pomarina
• Tawny eagle , Aquila rapax
• Steppe eagle , Aquila nipalensis
• Verreaux's eagle , Aquila verreauxii
• African hawk-eagle , Aquila spilogaster
• Ayres's hawk-eagle , Hieraaetus ayresii
• Booted eagle , Hieraaetus pennatus
• Wahlberg's eagle , Hieraaetus wahlbergi
• Martial eagle , Polemaetus bellicosus
• Long-crested eagle , Lophaetus occipitalis
• Crowned hawk-eagle , Stephanoaetus coronatus

Secretarybird

File:Secretary Bird.jpg|thumb|right|The  secretary-bird   (Sagittarius serpentarius) is easily distinguished from other  Bird of prey|raptors   by its long  crane (bird)|crane-like   legs.  

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

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.

• Lesser kestrel , Falco naumanni
• 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
• Sooty falcon , Falco concolor
• Eurasian hobby , Falco subbuteo
• African hobby , Falco cuvierii
• Lanner falcon , Falco biarmicus
• Taita falcon , Falco fasciinucha
• Peregrine falcon , Falco peregrinus

Pheasants and partridges

Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quail s, partridge s, snowcock s, francolin s, Pternistis|spurfowl s, tragopan s, monal s, pheasant s, peafowl s and jungle fowl s. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Zambia.

• Coqui francolin , Francolinus coqui
• White-throated francolin , Francolinus albogularis
• Crested francolin , Francolinus sephaena
• Red-winged francolin , Francolinus levaillantii
• Shelley's francolin , Francolinus shelleyi
• Red-billed francolin , Francolinus adspersus
• Natal francolin , Francolinus natalensis
• Hildebrandt's francolin , Francolinus hildebrandti
• Red-necked francolin , Francolinus afer
• Swainson's francolin , Francolinus swainsonii
• Common quail , Coturnix coturnix
• Harlequin quail , Coturnix delegorguei
• Blue quail , Coturnix adansonii

Guineafowl

File:Numida meleagris.jpg|thumb|right|The ' helmet  s' of these helmeted  guineafowl   (Numida meleagris) are clearly visible.  

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 Zambia.

• Helmeted guineafowl , Numida meleagris
• Crested guineafowl , Guttera pucherani

Cranes

File:Grey Crowned Crane.jpg|thumb|right| Grey crowned crane  s (Balearica regulorum) have large  Crest (feathers)|crest  s on their heads.  

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".

• Grey crowned crane , Balearica regulorum
• Wattled crane , Bugeranus carunculatus

Rails, crakes, gallinules and coots

Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the Rail (bird)|rails , crake s, coot s 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.

• 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
• Striped flufftail , Sarothrura affinis
• 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

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.

• African finfoot , Podica senegalensis

Bustards

File:Gompou 2007.JPG|thumb|right|The  kori bustard   (Ardeotis kori) spends most of its time on the ground but is the heaviest bird capable of flying.  

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.

• Kori bustard , Ardeotis kori
• Stanley bustard , Neotis denhami
• White-bellied bustard , Eupodotis senegalensis
• Red-crested bustard , Eupodotis ruficrista
• 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 jacana s 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 Zambia.

• Lesser jacana , Microparra capensis
• African jacana , Actophilornis africanus

Painted-snipe

File:Greater Painted-snipe (Female) I2 IMG 9477.jpg|thumb|right|The  greater painted-snipe   (Rostratula benghalensis) is not related to the true  snipe  s and varies in many ways.  

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rostratulidae

Painted-snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured.

• Greater painted-snipe , Rostratula benghalensis

Avocets and stilts

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocet s and stilt s. 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 Zambia.

• 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 Zambia.

• 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 pratincole s, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the courser s, which have long legs, short wings and long, pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Zambia.

• 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

Plovers and lapwings

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plover s, dotterel s and lapwing s. 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 20 species which occur in Zambia.

• Long-toed lapwing , Vanellus crassirostris
• Blacksmith plover , Vanellus armatus
• Spur-winged plover , Vanellus spinosus (A)
• White-headed lapwing , Vanellus albiceps
• Senegal lapwing , Vanellus lugubris
• Crowned lapwing , Vanellus coronatus
• Wattled lapwing , Vanellus senegallus
• Brown-chested lapwing , Vanellus superciliosus
• Pacific golden-plover , Pluvialis fulva
• Grey plover , Pluvialis squatarola
• 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
• Chestnut-banded plover , Charadrius pallidus
• 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 sandpiper s, curlew s, godwit s, Tringa|shanks , Tattler (bird)|tattler s, woodcock s, snipe s, dowitcher s and phalarope s. 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 28 species which occur in Zambia.

• Jack snipe , Lymnocryptes minimus
• African snipe , Gallinago nigripennis
• Great snipe , Gallinago media
• Common snipe , Gallinago gallinago
• Black-tailed godwit , Limosa limosa
• 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
• Lesser yellowlegs , Tringa flavipes (A)
• Green sandpiper , Tringa ochropus
• Solitary sandpiper , Tringa solitaria (A)
• 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
• Temminck's stint , Calidris temminckii
• Pectoral sandpiper , Calidris melanotos
• Curlew sandpiper , Calidris ferruginea
• Broad-billed sandpiper , Limicola falcinellus
• Ruff (bird)|Ruff , Philomachus pugnax
• Red-necked phalarope , Phalaropus lobatus

Gulls

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gull s and kittiwake s. 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

Tern  s 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
• Common tern , Sterna hirundo
• Whiskered tern , Chlidonias hybrida
• White-winged tern , Chlidonias leucopterus

Skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Rynchopidae

Skimmer  s 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 Zambia.

• African skimmer , Rynchops flavirostris

Sandgrouse

Order: Pterocliformes Family: Pteroclidae

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 2 species which occur in Zambia.

• Yellow-throated sandgrouse , Pterocles gutturalis
• Double-banded sandgrouse , Pterocles bicinctus

Pigeons and doves

File:Duskyturtledove.jpg|thumb|right|The  dusky turtle dove   (Streptopelia lugens) lives in Zambia.  

Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae

Pigeon  s and  dove  s 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
• 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

• Lilian's lovebird , Agapornis lilianae
• Black-cheeked lovebird , Agapornis nigrigenis

African and New World parrots

Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

• Brown-necked parrot , Poicephalus robustus
• 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 5 species which occur in Zambia.

• Schalow's turaco , Tauraco schalowi
• Purple-crested turaco , Tauraco porphyreolophus
• Ross's turaco , Musophaga rossae
• Bare-faced go-away-bird , Corythaixoides personatus
• Grey go-away-bird , Corythaixoides concolor

Cuckoos

Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoo s, Geococcyx|roadrunner s and Ani (bird)|anis . These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasite s. There are 138 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Zambia.

• 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
• Lesser cuckoo , Cuculus poliocephalus
• Madagascar cuckoo , Cuculus rochii
• 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
• Yellowbill , Ceuthmochares aereus
• Black coucal , Centropus grillii
• Coppery-tailed coucal , Centropus cupreicaudus
• Senegal coucal , Centropus senegalensis
• White-browed coucal , Centropus superciliosus

Barn owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae

Barn owl  s 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 owl s 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
• Verreaux's eagle-owl , Bubo lacteus
• Pel's fishing owl , Scotopelia peli
• African wood owl , Strix woodfordii
• Pearl-spotted owlet , Glaucidium perlatum
• African barred owlet , Glaucidium capense
• Marsh owl , Asio capensis

Nightjars

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjar  s 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 86 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Zambia.

• European nightjar , Caprimulgus europaeus
• Rufous-cheeked nightjar , Caprimulgus rufigena
• Fiery-necked nightjar , Caprimulgus pectoralis
• Abyssinian nightjar , Caprimulgus poliocephalus
• Swamp nightjar , Caprimulgus natalensis
• Freckled nightjar , Caprimulgus tristigma
• Square-tailed nightjar , Caprimulgus fossii
• Pennant-winged nightjar , Macrodipteryx vexillarius

Swifts

Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae Swift s 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 12 species which occur in Zambia.

• Scarce swift , Schoutedenapus myoptilus
• Mottled spinetail , Telacanthura ussheri
• 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
• 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 3 species which occur in Zambia.

• Speckled mousebird , Colius striatus
• Blue-naped mousebird , Urocolius macrourus
• Red-faced mousebird , Urocolius indicus

Trogons

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 Zambia.

• 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 12 species which occur in Zambia.

• Half-collared kingfisher , Alcedo semitorquata
• Shining-blue kingfisher , Alcedo quadribrachys
• Malachite kingfisher , Corythornis cristatus
• White-bellied kingfisher , Corythornis leucogaster
• African pygmy kingfisher , Ispidina picta
• Gray-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

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 11 species which occur in Zambia.

• White-fronted bee-eater , Merops bullockoides
• Little bee-eater , Merops pusillus
• Blue-breasted bee-eater , Merops variegatus
• Swallow-tailed bee-eater , Merops hirundineus
• White-throated bee-eater , Merops albicollis
• Boehm's bee-eater , Merops boehmi
• Blue-cheeked bee-eater , Merops persicus
• Madagascar bee-eater , Merops superciliosus
• European bee-eater , Merops apiaster
• Northern carmine bee-eater , Merops nubicus (A)
• Southern carmine bee-eater , Merops nubicoides

Typical rollers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crow s in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfisher s and bee-eater s. 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 Zambia.

• European roller , Coracias garrulus
• Lilac-breasted roller , Coracias caudata
• Racket-tailed roller , Coracias spatulata
• Rufous-crowned roller , Coracias naevia
• Broad-billed roller , Eurystomus glaucurus

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 Zambia.

• Hoopoe , Upupa epops

Woodhoopoes

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Phoeniculidae

The woodhoopoes are related to the kingfisher s, roller s and hoopoe s. 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 3 species which occur in Zambia.

• Green woodhoopoe , Phoeniculus purpureus
• Black scimitar-bill , Rhinopomastus aterrimus
• 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.

• Southern red-billed hornbill , Tockus rufirostris
• Southern yellow-billed hornbill , Tockus leucomelas
• Crowned hornbill , Tockus alboterminatus
• Bradfield's hornbill , Tockus bradfieldi
• African grey hornbill , Tockus nasutus
• Pale-billed hornbill , Tockus pallidirostris
• Trumpeter hornbill , Ceratogymna bucinator
• Silvery-cheeked hornbill , Ceratogymna brevis
• 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.

• Anchieta's barbet , Stactolaema anchietae
• Whyte's barbet , Stactolaema whytii
• Moustached tinkerbird , Pogoniulus leucomystax
• Yellow-rumped tinkerbird , Pogoniulus bilineatus
• Yellow-fronted tinkerbird , Pogoniulus chrysoconus
• White-chested tinkerbird , Pogoniulus makawai
• Miombo barbet , Tricholaema frontata
• Pied barbet , Tricholaema leucomelas
• Spot-flanked barbet , Tricholaema lachrymosa
• Chaplin's barbet , Lybius chaplini (E)
• Black-collared barbet , Lybius torquatus
• Black-backed barbet , Lybius minor
• 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 7 species which occur in Zambia.

• Scaly-throated honeyguide , Indicator variegatus
• Greater honeyguide , Indicator indicator
• Lesser honeyguide , Indicator minor
• Least honeyguide , Indicator exilis
• Pallid honeyguide , Indicator meliphilus
• 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 10 species which occur in Zambia.

• Eurasian wryneck , Jynx torquilla
• Rufous-necked wryneck , Jynx ruficollis
• 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 , Dendropicos fuscescens
• Bearded woodpecker , Dendropicos namaquus
• Olive woodpecker , Dendropicos griseocephalus

Broadbills

Order: Passeriformes Family: Eurylaimidae

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. There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Zambia.

• African broadbill , Smithornis capensis

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 Zambia.

• 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 13 species which occur in Zambia.

• Monotonous lark , Mirafra passerina
• Angola lark , Mirafra angolensis
• Rufous-naped lark , Mirafra africana
• Flappet lark , Mirafra rufocinnamomea
• Cape clapper lark , Mirafra apiata
• Eastern clapper lark , Mirafra fasciolata
• Fawn-coloured lark , Calendulauda africanoides
• Dusky lark , Pinarocorys nigricans
• Chestnut-backed sparrow-lark , Eremopterix leucotis
• Grey-backed sparrow-lark , Eremopterix verticalis
• Fischer's sparrow-lark , Eremopterix leucopareia
• Red-capped lark , Calandrella cinerea
• Pink-billed lark , Spizocorys conirostris

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 23 species which occur in Zambia.

• 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
• White-throated swallow , Hirundo albigularis
• Wire-tailed swallow , Hirundo smithii
• White-throated blue swallow , Hirundo nigrita
• Black-and-rufous swallow , Hirundo nigrorufa
• Blue swallow , Hirundo atrocaerulea
• 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-rumped swallow , Cecropis daurica
• Red-throated swallow , Petrochelidon rufigula
• South African swallow , Petrochelidon spilodera
• 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 21 species which occur in Zambia.

• White wagtail , Motacilla alba
• African pied wagtail , Motacilla aguimp
• Cape wagtail , Motacilla capensis
• Western yellow wagtail|Yellow wagtail , Motacilla flava
• Grey wagtail , Motacilla cinerea
• 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-billed pipit , Anthus similis
• Short-tailed pipit , Anthus brachyurus
• Bush pipit , Anthus caffer
• 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
• 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. There are 130 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Zambia.

• Common bulbul , Pycnonotus barbatus
• Little greenbul , Andropadus virens
• Sombre greenbul , Andropadus importunus
• Eastern mountain-greenbul , Andropadus nigriceps
• Honeyguide greenbul , Baeopogon indicator
• Yellow-throated greenbul , Chlorocichla flavicollis
• Yellow-bellied greenbul , Chlorocichla flaviventris
• Joyful greenbul , Chlorocichla laetissima
• Cabanis's greenbul , Phyllastrephus cabanisi
• Terrestrial brownbul , Phyllastrephus terrestris
• Grey-olive greenbul , Phyllastrephus cerviniventris
• Yellow-streaked bulbul , Phyllastrephus flavostriatus
• Common bristlebill , Bleda syndactyla
• Yellow-spotted nicator , Nicator chloris
• Eastern nicator , Nicator gularis
• Black-collared bulbul , Neolestes torquatus

Thrushes and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae

The Thrush (bird)|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
• Orange ground thrush , Geokichla gurneyi
• Groundscraper thrush , Psophocichla litsipsirupa
• Olive thrush , Turdus olivaceus
• Kurrichane thrush , Turdus libonyanus
• African thrush , Turdus pelios
• White-chested alethe , Pseudalethe fuelleborni

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.

• Red-faced cisticola , Cisticola erythrops
• Singing cisticola , Cisticola cantans
• Whistling cisticola , Cisticola lateralis
• Trilling cisticola , Cisticola woosnami
• Black-lored cisticola , Cisticola nigriloris
• Rock-loving cisticola , Cisticola aberrans
• Rattling cisticola , Cisticola chiniana
• Gray cisticola , Cisticola rufilatus
• Wailing cisticola , Cisticola lais
• Churring cisticola , Cisticola njombe
• Winding cisticola , Cisticola galactotes
• Chirping cisticola , Cisticola pipiens
• Levaillant's cisticola|Tinkling cisticola , Cisticola tinniens
• Stout cisticola , Cisticola robustus
• Croaking cisticola , Cisticola natalensis
• Piping cisticola , Cisticola fulvicapillus
• Tabora cisticola , Cisticola angusticaudus
• Slender-tailed cisticola , Cisticola melanurus
• Siffling cisticola , Cisticola brachypterus
• Rufous cisticola , Cisticola rufus
• 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
• Red-winged prinia , Prinia erythroptera
• Bar-throated apalis , Apalis thoracica
• Yellow-breasted apalis , Apalis flavida
• Buff-throated apalis , Apalis rufogularis
• Chapin's apalis , Apalis chapini
• Gray apalis , Apalis cinerea
• Brown-headed apalis , Apalis alticola
• Green-backed camaroptera , Camaroptera brachyura
• Miombo camaroptera , Calamonastes undosus
• Gray wren-warbler , Calamonastes simplex
• Salvadori's eremomela , Eremomela salvadorii
• Yellow-bellied eremomela , Eremomela icteropygialis
• Greencap eremomela , Eremomela scotops
• Black-necked eremomela , Eremomela atricollis
• Burnt-neck eremomela , Eremomela usticollis

African warbler s

Order: Passeriformes Family: Macrosphenidae

• Moustached grass warbler , Melocichla mentalis
• Red-capped crombec , Sylvietta ruficapilla
• Cape crombec , Sylvietta rufescens

Locustellid warblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae

• African bush warbler , Bradypterus baboecala
• Bamboo scrub warbler , Bradypterus alfredi
• Cameroon scrub warbler , Bradypterus lopezi
• Cinnamon bracken warbler , Bradypterus cinnamomeus
• Grasshopper warbler , Locustella naevia
• Eurasian river warbler , Locustella fluviatilis
• Fan-tailed grassbird , Schoenicola brevirostris

Acrocephalid warblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae

• Sedge warbler , Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
• Eurasian reed warbler , Acrocephalus scirpaceus
• African reed warbler , Acrocephalus baeticatus

File:Acrocephalus palustris (Marek Szczepanek).jpg|right|thumb|The  marsh warbler   (Acrocephalus palustris)  mimic  s the songs of other birds.  

• Marsh warbler , Acrocephalus palustris
• Great reed warbler , Acrocephalus arundinaceus
• Greater swamp warbler , Acrocephalus rufescens
• Lesser swamp warbler , Acrocephalus gracilirostris
• Olive-tree warbler , Hippolais olivetorum
• 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

• Yellow-throated wood-warbler , Phylloscopus ruficapillus
• Willow warbler , Phylloscopus trochilus

Hyliotid warblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Hyliotidae

• Yellow-bellied hyliota , Hyliota flavigaster
• Southern hyliota , Hyliota australis

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
• Chestnut-vented warbler , Sylvia subcaerulea
• Brown parisoma , Sylvia lugens
• 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 , Bradornis pallidus
• Mariqua flycatcher , Bradornis mariquensis
• White-eyed slaty flycatcher , Melaenornis fischeri
• Southern black flycatcher , Melaenornis pammelaina
• Spotted flycatcher , Muscicapa striata
• Sooty flycatcher , Muscicapa infuscata
• Boehm's flycatcher , Muscicapa boehmi
• Swamp flycatcher , Muscicapa aquatica
• African dusky flycatcher , Muscicapa adusta
• Cassin's flycatcher , Muscicapa cassini
• Ashy flycatcher , Muscicapa caerulescens
• Grey tit-flycatcher , Myioparus plumbeus
• Collared flycatcher , Ficedula albicollis
• White-starred robin , Pogonocichla stellata
• Bocage's akalat , Sheppardia bocagei
• Sharpe's akalat , Sheppardia sharpei
• Thrush nightingale , Luscinia luscinia
• Olive-flanked robin-chat , Cossypha anomala
• Cape robin-chat , Cossypha caffra
• Grey-winged robin-chat , Cossypha polioptera
• White-browed robin-chat , Cossypha heuglini
• Red-capped robin-chat , Cossypha natalensis
• Collared palm thrush , Cichladusa arquata
• Bearded scrub robin , Cercotrichas quadrivirgata
• Miombo scrub robin , Cercotrichas barbata
• Red-backed scrub robin , Cercotrichas leucophrys
• Whinchat , Saxicola rubetra
• African stonechat , Saxicola torquatus
• Northern wheatear , Oenanthe oenanthe
• Capped wheatear , Oenanthe pileata
• Isabelline wheatear , Oenanthe isabellina
• Familiar chat , Cercomela familiaris
• Sooty chat , Myrmecocichla nigra
• White-headed black chat , Myrmecocichla arnotti
• Mocking cliff chat , Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
• Boulder chat , Pinarornis plumosus

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 Zambia.

• Black-and-white shrike-flycatcher , Bias musicus
• Black-throated wattle-eye , Platysteira peltata
• Chestnut wattle-eye , Platysteira castanea
• Boulton's batis , Batis margaritae
• Cape batis , Batis capensis
• Chinspot batis , Batis molitor

Erythrocercid flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Erythrocercidae

• Livingstone's flycatcher , Erythrocercus livingstonei

Fairy flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Stenostiridae

• White-tailed blue flycatcher , Elminia albicauda
• 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
• Black-headed paradise flycatcher , Terpsiphone rufiventer
• African paradise flycatcher , Terpsiphone viridis

Ground babblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Pellorneidae

• Spotted thrush-babbler , Ptyrticus turdinus

Laughingthrushes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Leiothrichidae

• Hartlaub's babbler , Turdoides hartlaubii
• Arrow-marked babbler , Turdoides jardineii

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.

• White-winged black-tit , Melaniparus leucomelas
• Southern black-tit , Melaniparus niger
• Rufous-bellied tit , Melaniparus rufiventris
• Miombo tit , Melaniparus griseiventris

Treecreepers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae

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|Spotted creeper , Salpornis salvadori

Penduline tits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Remizidae

The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds related to the true tits. They are insectivores.

• African penduline tit , Anthoscopus caroli

Sunbirds and spiderhunters

File:Collaredsunbird.jpg|thumb|right| Sunbirds  , such as this  collared sunbird   (Hedydipna collaris), are often brightly coloured.  

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.

• Anchieta's sunbird , Anthreptes anchietae
• Western violet-backed sunbird , Anthreptes longuemarei
• Collared sunbird , Hedydipna collaris
• Green-headed sunbird , Cyanomitra verticalis
• Bannerman's sunbird , Cyanomitra bannermani
• Eastern olive-sunbird , Cyanomitra olivacea
• Green-throated sunbird , Chalcomitra rubescens
• Amethyst sunbird , Chalcomitra amethystina
• Scarlet-chested sunbird , Chalcomitra senegalensis
• Bronze sunbird , Nectarinia kilimensis
• Red-tufted sunbird , Nectarinia johnstoni
• Malachite sunbird , Nectarinia famosa
• Miombo sunbird , Cinnyris manoensis
• Prigogine's sunbird , Cinnyris prigoginei
• Montane double-collared sunbird , Cinnyris ludovicensis
• Greater double-collared sunbird , Cinnyris afer
• Eastern double-collared sunbird , Cinnyris mediocris
• Mariqua sunbird , Cinnyris mariquensis
• Shelley's sunbird , Cinnyris shelleyi
• Purple-banded sunbird , Cinnyris bifasciatus
• Orange-tufted sunbird , Cinnyris bouvieri
• Oustalet's sunbird , Cinnyris oustaleti
• White-breasted sunbird , Cinnyris talatala
• Variable sunbird , Cinnyris venustus
• Bates's sunbird , Cinnyris batesi
• 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 Zambia.

• 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 3 species which occur in Zambia.

• Eurasian golden oriole , Oriolus oriolus
• African golden oriole , Oriolus auratus
• African black-headed oriole , Oriolus larvatus

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. There are 31 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Zambia.

• Red-backed shrike , Lanius collurio
• Souza's shrike , Lanius souzae
• Lesser grey shrike , Lanius minor
• Southern fiscal|Common fiscal , Lanius collaris
• Magpie shrike , Corvinella melanoleuca

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 46 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Zambia.

• Brubru , Nilaus afer
• Black-backed puffback , Dryoscopus cubla
• Marsh tchagra , Tchagra minuta
• Black-crowned tchagra , Tchagra senegala
• Brown-crowned tchagra , Tchagra australis
• Tropical boubou , Laniarius major
• Gabon boubou , Laniarius bicolor
• Crimson-breasted gonolek , Laniarius atrococcineus
• Fuelleborn's boubou , Laniarius fuelleborni
• Sulphur-breasted bushshrike , Telophorus sulfureopectus
• Black-fronted bushshrike , Telophorus nigrifrons
• Four-coloured bushshrike , Telophorus viridis
• 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 2 species which occur in Zambia.

• White helmetshrike , Prionops plumatus
• Retz's helmetshrike , Prionops retzii

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 2 species which occur in Zambia.

• Square-tailed drongo , Dicrurus ludwigii
• Fork-tailed drongo , Dicrurus adsimilis

Crows, jays, ravens and magpies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crow s, raven s, jay s, chough s, magpie s, treepie s, nutcracker (bird)|nutcracker s and ground jay s. 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 3 species which occur in Zambia.

• Cape crow , Corvus capensis
• 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. There are 125 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Zambia.

• Wattled starling , Creatophora cinerea
• Cape glossy-starling , Lamprotornis nitens
• Greater blue-eared glossy-starling , Lamprotornis chalybaeus
• Lesser blue-eared glossy-starling , Lamprotornis chloropterus
• Splendid glossy-starling , Lamprotornis splendidus
• Meves's glossy-starling , Lamprotornis mevesii
• Burchell's glossy-starling , Lamprotornis australis
• Sharp-tailed glossy-starling , Lamprotornis acuticaudus
• Violet-backed starling , Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
• Red-winged starling , Onychognathus morio
• Slender-billed starling , Onychognathus tenuirostris
• Waller's starling , Onychognathus walleri
• Babbling starling , Neocichla gutturalis
• 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 finch es. 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 36 species which occur in Zambia.

• Red-billed buffalo-weaver , Bubalornis niger
• White-browed sparrow-weaver , Plocepasser mahali
• Chestnut-backed sparrow-weaver , Plocepasser rufoscapulatus
• Baglafecht weaver , Ploceus baglafecht
• Bertram's weaver , Ploceus bertrandi
• Slender-billed weaver , Ploceus pelzelni
• Lesser masked-weaver , Ploceus intermedius
• Spectacled weaver , Ploceus ocularis
• Bocage's weaver , Ploceus temporalis
• Holub's golden-weaver , Ploceus xanthops
• Southern brown-throated weaver , Ploceus xanthopterus
• Southern masked weaver , Ploceus velatus
• Katanga masked-weaver , Ploceus katangae
• Village weaver , Ploceus cucullatus
• Black-headed weaver , Ploceus melanocephalus
• Forest weaver , Ploceus bicolor
• Olive-headed weaver , Ploceus olivaceiceps
• Bar-winged weaver , Ploceus angolensis
• Compact weaver , Pachyphantes superciliosus
• Red-headed weaver , Anaplectes rubriceps
• Cardinal quelea , Quelea cardinalis
• Red-headed quelea , Quelea erythrops
• Red-billed quelea , Quelea quelea
• Yellow-crowned bishop , Euplectes afer
• Black-winged bishop , Euplectes hordeaceus
• Red bishop , Euplectes orix
• Yellow bishop , Euplectes capensis
• Fan-tailed widowbird , Euplectes axillaris
• Yellow-shouldered widowbird , Euplectes macrourus
• White-winged widowbird , Euplectes albonotatus
• Red-collared widowbird , Euplectes ardens
• Marsh widowbird , Euplectes hartlaubi
• Buff-shouldered widowbird , Euplectes psammocromius
• Long-tailed widowbird , Euplectes progne
• Grosbeak weaver , Amblyospiza albifrons
• Parasitic weaver , Anomalospiza imberbis

Waxbills and allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Estrildidae

The estrildid finch es 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 27 species which occur in Zambia.

• 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
• Peters's twinspot , Hypargos niveoguttatus
• Brown firefinch , Lagonosticta nitidula
• Red-billed firefinch , Lagonosticta senegala
• African firefinch , Lagonosticta rubricata
• 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
• Black-tailed waxbill , Estrilda perreini
• Fawn-breasted waxbill , Estrilda paludicola
• Orange-cheeked waxbill , Estrilda melpoda
• Common waxbill , Estrilda astrild
• Black-faced waxbill , Estrilda erythronotos
• Zebra waxbill , Amandava subflava
• Red-billed quailfinch , Ortygospiza gabonensis
• African quailfinch , Ortygospiza fuscocrissa
• Locustfinch , Paludipasser locustella
• Bronze mannikin , Spermestes cucullatus
• Black-and-white mannikin , Spermestes bicolor
• Magpie mannikin , Spermestes fringilloides
• Cut-throat finch|Cut-throat , Amadina fasciata

Indigobirds

Order: Passeriformes Family: Viduidae

The indigobirds are finch-like species which usually have black or indigo predominating in their plumage. All are brood parasite s, which lay their eggs in the nests of estrildid finch es. There are 20 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Zambia.

• Village indigobird , Vidua chalybeata
• Variable indigobird , Vidua funerea
• Green indigobird , Vidua codringtoni
• 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

Buntings

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 6 species which occur in Zambia.

• Lark-like bunting , Emberiza impetuani
• Cinnamon-breasted bunting , Emberiza tahapisi
• Cape bunting , Emberiza capensis
• Vincent's bunting , Emberiza vincenti
• Golden-breasted bunting , Emberiza flaviventris
• Cabanis's bunting , Emberiza cabanisi

Finches

Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae

Finch  es 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. There are 137 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Zambia.

• Cape canary , Serinus canicollis
• Western citril , Serinus frontalis
• Southern citril , Serinus hyposticutus
• Black-faced canary , Serinus capistratus
• Black-throated canary , Serinus atrogularis
• Lemon-breasted seedeater , Serinus citrinipectus
• Yellow-fronted canary , Serinus mozambicus
• Yellow canary , Serinus flaviventris
• Brimstone canary , Serinus sulphuratus
• Reichard's seedeater , Serinus reichardi
• Streaky-headed seedeater , Serinus gularis
• Black-eared seedeater , Serinus mennelli
• Streaky seedeater , Serinus striolatus
• Yellow-browed seedeater , Serinus whytii

Sparrows

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae

Sparrow s 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 4 species which occur in Zambia.

• House sparrow , Passer domesticus (I)
• Gray-headed sparrow , Passer griseus
• Southern grey-headed sparrow , Passer diffusus
• Yellow-throated petronia , Petronia superciliaris

External links

• Birds of Zambia - World Institute for Conservation and Environment