List of birds of Liberia
This is a list of the bird species recorded in Liberia. The avifauna of Liberia include a total of 695 species, of which one is endemic, three have been introduced by humans and three are rare or accidental. Twelve 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 Liberia.
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 Liberia
- (E) Endemic - a species endemic to Liberia
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to Liberia as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions
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 1 species which occurs in Liberia.
- Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
Shearwaters and petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary.
- Soft-plumaged petrel, Pterodroma mollis
- Fea's petrel, Pterodroma feae
- Bulwer's petrel, Bulweria bulwerii
- Cory's shearwater, Calonectris borealis
- Scopoli's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
- Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
- Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus
- Balearic shearwater, Puffinus mauretanicus
- Barolo shearwater, Puffinus baroli (A)
Storm petrels
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
The storm petrels are relatives of the petrels and are the smallest seabirds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Liberia.
- Wilson's storm petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
- White-faced storm petrel, Pelagodroma marina
- Black-bellied storm petrel, Fregetta tropica
- White-bellied storm petrel, Fregetta grallaria
- European storm petrel, Hydrobates pelagicus
- Band-rumped storm petrel, Oceanodroma castro
- Leach's storm petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Tropicbirds
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings.
- Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus
- White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus
Boobies and gannets
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium to large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish.
- Northern gannet, Morus bassanus
- Cape gannet, Morus capensis
- Masked booby, Sula dactylatra
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster
Cormorants
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage coloration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colorful.
- 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
Frigatebirds
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black-and-white or completely black, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week.
- Ascension frigatebird, Fregata aquila
Pelicans
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.
- 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
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
- Striated heron, Butorides striata
- Black-crowned night heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
- White-backed night heron, Gorsachius leuconotus
- White-crested bittern, Tigriornis leucolophus
- Dwarf bittern, Ixobrychus sturmii
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
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
- Olive ibis, Bostrychia olivacea
- 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
- 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 2 species which occur in Liberia.
- Greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus
- 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.
- White-faced whistling duck, Dendrocygna viduata
- Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiacus
- Spur-winged goose, Plectropterus gambensis
- Comb duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos
- Hartlaub's duck, Pteronetta hartlaubii
- African pygmy-goose, Nettapus auritus
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta
- Garganey, Anas querquedula
- Northern shoveler, Anas clypeata
- Common pochard, Aythya ferina
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
- White-backed vulture, Gyps africanus
- Beaudouin's snake eagle, Circaetus beaudouini
- Brown snake eagle, Circaetus cinereus
- Bateleur, Terathopius ecaudatus
- Congo serpent eagle, Dryotriorchis spectabilis
- Western marsh harrier, Circus aeruginosus
- Pallid harrier, Circus macrourus
- Montagu's harrier, Circus pygargus
- African harrier-hawk, Polyboroides typus
- Lizard buzzard, Kaupifalco monogrammicus
- Gabar goshawk, Micronisus gabar
- Red-chested goshawk, Accipiter toussenelii
- Chestnut-flanked sparrowhawk, Accipiter castanilius (A)
- Shikra, Accipiter badius
- Red-thighed sparrowhawk, Accipiter erythropus
- Black goshawk, Accipiter melanoleucus
- Long-tailed hawk, Urotriorchis macrourus
- Grasshopper buzzard, Butastur rufipennis
- Eurasian buzzard, Buteo buteo
- Red-necked buzzard, Buteo auguralis
- Cassin's hawk-eagle, Aquila africana
- Tawny eagle, Aquila rapax
- 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.
- Lesser kestrel, Falco naumanni
- Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus
- Fox kestrel, Falco alopex
- Gray kestrel, Falco ardosiaceus
- Red-footed falcon, Falco vespertinus
- 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.
- Latham's francolin, Peliperdix lathami
- Ahanta francolin, Pternistis ahantensis
- Double-spurred francolin, Pternistis bicalcaratus
- 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 gray plumage. There are 6 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Liberia.
- White-breasted guineafowl, Agelastes meleagrides
- Helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris
- Crested guineafowl, Guttera pucherani
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.
- White-spotted flufftail, Sarothrura pulchra
- Buff-spotted flufftail, Sarothrura elegans
- Red-chested flufftail, Sarothrura rufa
- Nkulengu rail, Himantornis haematopus
- Gray-throated rail, Canirallus oculeus
- African rail, Rallus caerulescens
- African crake, Crecopsis egregia
- Black crake, Amaurornis flavirostris
- Little crake, Porzana parva
- Spotted crake, Porzana porzana
- Striped crake, Aenigmatolimnas marginalis
- African swamphen, Porphyrio madagascariensis
- Allen's gallinule, Porphyrio alleni
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (A)
- Common moorhen, Gallinula chloropus
- Lesser moorhen, Gallinula angulata
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.
- 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
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 Liberia.
- 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 colored. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Liberia.
- Greater painted-snipe, Rostratula benghalensis
Oystercatchers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Liberia.
- Eurasian oystercatcher, Haematopus ostralegus
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 Liberia.
- 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 Liberia.
- Water thick-knee, Burhinus vermiculatus
- Senegal thick-knee, Burhinus senegalensis
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 3 species which occur in Liberia.
- Egyptian plover, Pluvianus aegyptius
- Collared pratincole, Glareola pratincola
- 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 15 species which occur in Liberia.
- Spur-winged plover, Vanellus spinosus
- White-headed lapwing, Vanellus albiceps
- Senegal lapwing, Vanellus lugubris
- Wattled lapwing, Vanellus senegallus
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- European golden-plover, Pluvialis apricaria
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula
- Little ringed plover, Charadrius dubius
- Kittlitz's plover, Charadrius pecuarius
- Forbes's plover, Charadrius forbesi
- White-fronted plover, Charadrius marginatus
- Snowy plover, Charadrius alexandrinus
- 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 24 species which occur in Liberia.
- Jack snipe, Lymnocryptes minimus
- 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
- Green sandpiper, Tringa ochropus
- Wood sandpiper, Tringa glareola
- 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
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Ruff, Philomachus pugnax
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius
Skuas and jaegers
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Liberia.
- Great skua, Stercorarius skua
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus
Gulls
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically gray 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
- Gray-headed gull, Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus
- Sabine's gull, Xema sabini
Terns
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Sternidae
Terns are a group of generally medium to large seabirds typically with gray 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
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea
- Little tern, Sternula albifrons
- Damara tern, Sternula balaenarum
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus
- Whiskered tern, Chlidonias hybrida
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
- Lesser noddy, Anous tenuirostris
- Black noddy, Anous minutus
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus
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 Liberia.
- 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.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia
- Speckled pigeon, Columba guinea
- Afep pigeon, Columba unicincta
- Western bronze-naped pigeon, Columba iriditorques
- Lemon dove, Columba larvata
- Eurasian turtle dove, Streptopelia turtur
- Red-eyed dove, Streptopelia semitorquata
- Vinaceous dove, Streptopelia vinacea
- Laughing dove, Spilopelia senegalensis
- Black-billed wood dove, Turtur abyssinicus
- Blue-spotted wood dove, Turtur afer
- Tambourine dove, Turtur tympanistria
- Blue-headed wood dove, Turtur brehmeri
- Namaqua dove, Oena capensis
- African green pigeon, Treron calva
Old World parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittaculidae
- Rose-ringed parakeet, Psittacula krameri
- Red-headed lovebird, Agapornis pullarius (I)
- Black-collared lovebird, Agapornis swinderniana
African and New World parrots
Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
- Gray parrot, Psittacus erithacus
- Brown-necked parrot, Poicephalus robustus
- Red-fronted parrot, Poicephalus gulielmi
- Senegal parrot, Poicephalus senegalus (I)
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 colored, usually in blue, green or purple. The go-away birds are mostly gray and white. There are 23 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Liberia.
- Great blue turaco, Corythaeola cristata
- Guinea turaco, Tauraco persa
- Yellow-billed turaco, Tauraco macrorhynchus
- Violet turaco, Musophaga violacea
- Western plantain-eater, Crinifer piscator
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 18 species which occur in Liberia.
- Levaillant's cuckoo, Clamator levaillantii
- Great spotted cuckoo, Clamator glandarius
- Thick-billed cuckoo, Pachycoccyx audeberti
- Red-chested cuckoo, Cuculus solitarius
- Black cuckoo, Cuculus clamosus
- Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus
- African cuckoo, Cuculus gularis
- Dusky long-tailed cuckoo, Cercococcyx mechowi
- Olive long-tailed cuckoo, Cercococcyx olivinus
- Yellow-throated cuckoo, Chrysococcyx flavigularis
- Klaas's cuckoo, Chrysococcyx klaas
- African emerald cuckoo, Chrysococcyx cupreus
- Dideric cuckoo, Chrysococcyx caprius
- Blue malkoha, Ceuthmochares aereus
- Black coucal, Centropus grillii
- Black-throated coucal, Centropus leucogaster
- Blue-headed coucal, Centropus monachus
- Senegal coucal, Centropus senegalensis
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. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Liberia.
- 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.
- Sandy scops owl, Otus icterorhynchus
- African scops owl, Otus senegalensis
- European scops owl, Otus scops
- Northern white-faced owl, Ptilopsis leucotis
- Grayish eagle-owl, Bubo cinerascens
- Fraser's eagle-owl, Bubo poensis
- Shelley's eagle-owl, Bubo shelleyi
- Verreaux's eagle-owl, Bubo lacteus
- Akun eagle-owl, Bubo leucostictus
- Pel's fishing owl, Scotopelia peli
- Rufous fishing owl, Scotopelia ussheri
- Vermiculated fishing owl, Scotopelia bouvieri
- African wood owl, Strix woodfordii
- Maned owl, Jubula lettii
- Pearl-spotted owlet, Glaucidium perlatum
- Red-chested owlet, Glaucidium tephronotum
- African barred owlet, Glaucidium capense
- Chestnut owlet, Glaucidium castaneum
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
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 10 species which have been recorded in Liberia.
- Brown nightjar, Caprimulgus binotatus
- Red-necked nightjar, Caprimulgus ruficollis
- Eurasian nightjar, Caprimulgus europaeus
- Black-shouldered nightjar, Caprimulgus nigriscapularis
- Fiery-necked nightjar, Caprimulgus pectoralis (A)
- Swamp nightjar, Caprimulgus natalensis
- Plain nightjar, Caprimulgus inornatus
- Freckled nightjar, Caprimulgus tristigma
- Long-tailed nightjar, Caprimulgus climacurus
- Standard-winged nightjar, Caprimulgus longipennis
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 13 species which occur in Liberia.
- Mottled spinetail, Telacanthura ussheri
- Black spinetail, Telacanthura melanopygia
- Sabine's spinetail, Rhaphidura sabini
- Cassin's spinetail, Neafrapus cassini
- 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
- White-rumped swift, Apus caffer
- Bates's swift, Apus batesi
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 colorful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Liberia.
- Narina trogon, Apaloderma narina
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 Liberia.
- Shining-blue kingfisher, Alcedo quadribrachys
- Malachite kingfisher, Corythornis cristatus
- White-bellied kingfisher, Corythornis leucogaster
- African pygmy kingfisher, Ispidina picta
- African dwarf kingfisher, Ispidina lecontei
- Chocolate-backed kingfisher, Halcyon badia
- Gray-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 have richly colored plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colorful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 8 species which have been recorded in Liberia.
- Black bee-eater, Merops gularis
- Blue-moustached bee-eater, Merops mentalis
- Little bee-eater, Merops pusillus
- Swallow-tailed bee-eater, Merops hirundineus
- White-throated bee-eater, Merops albicollis
- Blue-cheeked bee-eater, Merops persicus
- European bee-eater, Merops apiaster
- Northern carmine bee-eater, Merops nubicus
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 colorful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Liberia.
- European roller, Coracias garrulus
- Abyssinian roller, Coracias abyssinica
- Rufous-crowned roller, Coracias naevia
- Blue-bellied roller, Coracias cyanogaster
- Broad-billed roller, Eurystomus glaucurus
- Blue-throated roller, Eurystomus gularis
Hoopoes
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink coloring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Liberia.
- 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 2 species which occur in Liberia.
- White-headed woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus bollei
- Forest woodhoopoe, Phoeniculus castaneiceps
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 colored. There are 57 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Liberia.
- White-crested hornbill, Tockus albocristatus
- Black dwarf hornbill, Tockus hartlaubi
- Red-billed dwarf hornbill, Tockus camurus
- African pied hornbill, Tockus fasciatus
- African gray hornbill, Tockus nasutus
- Piping hornbill, Ceratogymna fistulator
- Black-and-white-casqued hornbill, Ceratogymna subcylindricus
- Brown-cheeked hornbill, Ceratogymna cylindricus
- Black-casqued hornbill, Ceratogymna atrata
- Yellow-casqued hornbill, Ceratogymna elata
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 colored.
- Naked-faced barbet, Gymnobucco calvus
- Bristle-nosed barbet, Gymnobucco peli
- Speckled tinkerbird, Pogoniulus scolopaceus
- Red-rumped tinkerbird, Pogoniulus atroflavus
- Yellow-throated tinkerbird, Pogoniulus subsulphureus
- Yellow-rumped tinkerbird, Pogoniulus bilineatus
- Yellow-spotted barbet, Buccanodon duchaillui
- Hairy-breasted barbet, Tricholaema hirsuta
- Vieillot's barbet, Lybius vieilloti
- Double-toothed barbet, Lybius bidentatus
- Yellow-billed barbet, Trachyphonus purpuratus
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 10 species which occur in Liberia.
- Spotted honeyguide, Indicator maculatus
- Greater honeyguide, Indicator indicator
- Lesser honeyguide, Indicator minor
- Thick-billed honeyguide, Indicator conirostris
- Willcock's honeyguide, Indicator willcocksi
- Least honeyguide, Indicator exilis
- Lyre-tailed honeyguide, Melichneutes robustus
- Yellow-footed honeyguide, Melignomon eisentrauti
- Cassin's honeyguide, Prodotiscus insignis
- 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.
- Eurasian wryneck, Jynx torquilla
- African piculet, Sasia africana
- Fine-spotted woodpecker, Campethera punctuligera
- Little green woodpecker, Campethera maculosa
- Buff-spotted woodpecker, Campethera nivosa
- Brown-eared woodpecker, Campethera caroli
- Cardinal woodpecker, Dendropicos fuscescens
- Gabon woodpecker, Dendropicos gabonensis
- African grey woodpecker, Dendropicos goertae
- Brown-backed woodpecker, Dendropicos obsoletus
- Fire-bellied woodpecker, Chloropicus pyrrhogaster
Broadbills
Order: Passeriformes Family: Eurylaimidae
The broadbills are small, brightly colored 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 2 species which occur in Liberia.
- African broadbill, Smithornis capensis
- Rufous-sided broadbill, Smithornis rufolateralis
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, but not all, are brightly colored. 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 Liberia.
- 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 Liberia.
- Rufous-naped lark, Mirafra africana
- Flappet lark, Mirafra rufocinnamomea
- Rufous-rumped lark, Pinarocorys erythropygia
- Sun lark, Galerida modesta
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 15 species which occur in Liberia.
- Sand martin, Riparia riparia
- Gray-rumped swallow, Pseudhirundo griseopyga
- Rock martin, Ptyonoprogne fuligula
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
- Red-chested swallow, Hirundo lucida
- Wire-tailed swallow, Hirundo smithii
- White-throated blue swallow, Hirundo nigrita
- Lesser striped-swallow, Cecropis abyssinica
- Rufous-chested swallow, Cecropis semirufa
- Mosque swallow, Cecropis senegalensis
- Red-rumped swallow, Cecropis daurica
- Preuss's swallow, Petrochelidon preussi
- Common house martin, Delichon urbicum
- Square-tailed sawwing, Psalidoprocne nitens
- Fanti sawwing, Psalidoprocne obscura
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 10 species which occur in Liberia.
- White wagtail, Motacilla alba
- African pied wagtail, Motacilla aguimp
- Yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava
- Mountain wagtail, Motacilla clara
- Yellow-throated longclaw, Macronyx croceus
- Plain-backed pipit, Anthus leucophrys
- Tawny pipit, Anthus campestris
- Long-billed pipit, Anthus similis
- 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 grayish with white and black, although some species are brightly colored.
- Blue cuckooshrike, Coracina azurea
- Red-shouldered cuckooshrike, Campephaga phoenicea
- Purple-throated cuckooshrike, Campephaga quiscalina
- Ghana cuckooshrike, Campephaga lobata
Bulbuls
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pycnonotidae
Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colorful 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
- Little grey greenbul, Eurillas gracilis
- Ansorge's greenbul, Eurillas ansorgei
- Plain greenbul, Eurillas curvirostris
- Yellow-whiskered bulbul, Eurillas latirostris
- Slender-billed greenbul, Stelgidillas gracilirostris
- Golden greenbul, Calyptocichla serinus
- Honeyguide greenbul, Baeopogon indicator
- Spotted greenbul, Ixonotus guttatus
- Simple greenbul, Chlorocichla simplex
- Swamp greenbul, Thescelocichla leucopleura
- Red-tailed leaflove, Phyllastrephus scandens
- Baumann's greenbul, Phyllastrephus baumanni
- White-throated greenbul, Phyllastrephus albigularis
- Icterine greenbul, Phyllastrephus icterinus
- Liberian greenbul, Phyllastrephus leucolepis (E)
- Common bristlebill, Bleda syndactyla
- Green-tailed bristlebill, Bleda eximia
- Gray-headed bristlebill, Bleda canicapilla
- Yellow-spotted nicator, Nicator chloris
- Red-tailed greenbul, Criniger calurus
- Western bearded greenbul, Criniger barbatus
- Yellow-bearded greenbul, Criniger olivaceus
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
- Finsch's rufous thrush, Neocossyphus finschi
- White-tailed ant thrush, Neocossyphus poensis
- Grey ground thrush, Geokichla princei
- African thrush, Turdus pelios
- Brown-chested alethe, Pseudalethe poliocephala
- White-tailed alethe, Alethe diademata
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 gray appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 22 species which occur in Liberia.
- Red-faced cisticola, Cisticola erythrops
- Singing cisticola, Cisticola cantans
- Whistling cisticola, Cisticola lateralis
- Chattering cisticola, Cisticola anonymus
- Rock-loving cisticola, Cisticola aberrans
- Winding cisticola, Cisticola galactotes
- Croaking cisticola, Cisticola natalensis
- Siffling cisticola, Cisticola brachypterus
- Rufous cisticola, Cisticola rufus
- Zitting cisticola, Cisticola juncidis
- Black-necked cisticola, Cisticola eximius
- Tawny-flanked prinia, Prinia subflava
- Sierra Leone prinia, Prinia leontica
- Red-winged prinia, Prinia erythroptera
- Red-winged gray warbler, Drymocichla incana
- Black-capped apalis, Apalis nigriceps
- Sharpe's apalis, Apalis sharpii
- Oriole warbler, Hypergerus atriceps
- Gray-capped warbler, Eminia lepida
- Green-backed camaroptera, Camaroptera brachyura
- Yellow-browed camaroptera, Camaroptera superciliaris
- Olive-green camaroptera, Camaroptera chloronota
- Black-capped rufous warbler, Bathmocercus cerviniventris
- Senegal eremomela, Eremomela pusilla
- Rufous-crowned eremomela, Eremomela badiceps
African warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Macrosphenidae
- Moustached grass warbler, Melocichla mentalis
- Green crombec, Sylvietta virens
- Lemon-bellied crombec, Sylvietta denti
- Northern crombec, Sylvietta brachyura
- Kemp's longbill, Macrosphenus kempi
- Gray longbill, Macrosphenus concolor
Cettid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Cettiidae
- Green hylia, Hylia prasina
Locustellid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Locustellidae
- Common grasshopper warbler, Locustella naevia
- Fan-tailed grassbird, Schoenicola brevirostris
Acrocephalid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Acrocephalidae
- Sedge warbler, Acrocephalus schoenobaenus
- Eurasian reed warbler, Acrocephalus scirpaceus
- Great reed warbler, Acrocephalus arundinaceus
- Eastern olivaceous warbler, Iduna pallida
- Western olivaceous warbler, Iduna opaca
- Melodious warbler, Hippolais polyglotta
- Icterine warbler, Hippolais icterina
Phylloscopid warblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Phylloscopidae
- Willow warbler, Phylloscopus trochilus
- Common chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita
- Western Bonelli's warbler, Phylloscopus bonelli
- 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
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.
- Common rock thrush, Monticola saxatilis
- Blue rock thrush, Monticola solitarius
- Pale flycatcher, Melaenornis pallidus
- Northern black flycatcher, Melaenornis edolioides
- Nimba flycatcher, Melaenornis annamarulae
- African forest flycatcher, Fraseria ocreata
- White-browed forest flycatcher, Fraseria cinerascens
- Spotted flycatcher, Muscicapa striata
- Gambaga flycatcher, Muscicapa gambagae
- Ussher's flycatcher, Muscicapa ussheri
- Swamp flycatcher, Muscicapa aquatica
- Olivaceous flycatcher, Muscicapa olivascens
- Little gray flycatcher, Muscicapa epulata
- Dusky-blue flycatcher, Muscicapa comitata
- Tessmann's flycatcher, Muscicapa tessmanni
- Cassin's flycatcher, Muscicapa cassini
- Ashy flycatcher, Muscicapa caerulescens
- Gray-throated tit-flycatcher, Myioparus griseigularis
- Gray tit-flycatcher, Myioparus plumbeus
- European pied flycatcher, Ficedula hypoleuca
- Forest robin, Stiphrornis erythrothorax
- Lowland akalat, Sheppardia cyornithopsis
- Common nightingale, Luscinia megarhynchos
- Blue-shouldered robin-chat, Cossypha cyanocampter
- Gray-winged robin-chat, Cossypha polioptera
- Snowy-crowned robin-chat, Cossypha niveicapilla
- Forest scrub-robin, Cercotrichas leucosticta
- Common redstart, Phoenicurus phoenicurus
- Whinchat, Saxicola rubetra
- Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe
- Sooty chat, Myrmecocichla nigra
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 colored fleshy eye decorations found in most species in this group. There are 10 species which have been recorded in Liberia.
- African shrike-flycatcher, Megabyas flammulatus
- Black-and-white shrike-flycatcher, Bias musicus
- Brown-throated wattle-eye, Platysteira cyanea
- West African wattle-eye, Platysteira hormophora
- White-spotted wattle-eye, Platysteira tonsa
- Red-cheeked wattle-eye, Platysteira blissetti
- Yellow-bellied wattle-eye, Platysteira concreta
- Senegal batis, Batis senegalensis
- Fernando Po batis, Batis poensis
- West African batis, Batis occulta
Erythrocercid flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Erythrocercidae
- Chestnut-capped flycatcher, Erythrocercus mccallii
Fairy flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Stenostiridae
- African blue flycatcher, Elminia longicauda
- Dusky crested flycatcher, Elminia nigromitrata
Monarch flycatchers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Monarchidae
The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines which hunt by flycatching.
- Blue-headed crested flycatcher, Trochocercus nitens
- Black-headed paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone rufiventer
- African paradise flycatcher, Terpsiphone viridis
Rockfowl
Order: Passeriformes Family: Picathartidae
Rockfowl are lanky birds with crow-like bills, long necks, tails and legs, and strong feet adapted to terrestrial feeding. They are similar in size and structure to the completely unrelated roadrunners, but they hop rather than walk. They also have brightly colored unfeathered heads. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Liberia.
- White-necked rockfowl, Picathartes gymnocephalus
Ground babblers
Order: Passeriformes Family: Pellorneidae
- Blackcap illadopsis, Illadopsis cleaveri
- Rufous-winged illadopsis, Illadopsis rufescens
- Puvel's illadopsis, Illadopsis puveli
- Pale-breasted illadopsis, Illadopsis rufipennis
- Brown illadopsis, Illadopsis fulvescens
Laughingthrushes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Leiothrichidae
- Blackcap babbler, Turdoides reinwardtii
- Capuchin babbler, Phyllanthus atripennis
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 2 species which occur in Liberia.
- White-shouldered black-tit, Melaniparus guineensis
- Dusky tit, Melaniparus funereus
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. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Liberia.
- 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. There are 13 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Liberia.
- Forest penduline-tit, Anthoscopus flavifrons
- Tit-hylia, Pholidornis rushiae
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 23 species which occur in Liberia.
- Scarlet-tufted sunbird, Deleornis fraseri
- Mouse-brown sunbird, Anthreptes gabonicus
- Western violet-backed sunbird, Anthreptes longuemarei
- Little green sunbird, Anthreptes seimundi
- Green sunbird, Anthreptes rectirostris
- Collared sunbird, Hedydipna collaris
- Pygmy sunbird, Hedydipna platura
- Reichenbach's sunbird, Anabathmis reichenbachii
- Green-headed sunbird, Cyanomitra verticalis
- Blue-throated brown sunbird, Cyanomitra cyanolaema
- Eastern olive-sunbird, Cyanomitra olivacea
- Buff-throated sunbird, Chalcomitra adelberti
- Carmelite sunbird, Chalcomitra fuliginosa
- Scarlet-chested sunbird, Chalcomitra senegalensis
- Olive-bellied sunbird, Cinnyris chloropygius
- Tiny sunbird, Cinnyris minullus
- Beautiful sunbird, Cinnyris pulchellus
- Splendid sunbird, Cinnyris coccinigaster
- Johanna's sunbird, Cinnyris johannae
- Superb sunbird, Cinnyris superbus
- 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 color 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 Liberia.
- African yellow white-eye, Zosterops senegalensis
Old World orioles
Order: Passeriformes Family: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colorful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Liberia.
- Eurasian golden oriole, Oriolus oriolus
- African golden oriole, Oriolus auratus
- Western black-headed oriole, Oriolus brachyrhynchus
- Black-winged oriole, Oriolus nigripennis
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 2 species which have been recorded in Liberia.
- Northern fiscal, Lanius humeralis
- Woodchat shrike, Lanius senator
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 colorful species or largely black; some species are quite secretive. There are 46 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Liberia.
- Brubru, Nilaus afer
- Northern puffback, Dryoscopus gambensis
- Large-billed puffback, Dryoscopus sabini
- Marsh tchagra, Tchagra minuta
- Black-crowned tchagra, Tchagra senegala
- Brown-crowned tchagra, Tchagra australis
- Tropical boubou, Laniarius major
- Southern boubou, Laniarius ferrugineus
- Common gonolek, Laniarius barbarus
- Sooty boubou, Laniarius leucorhynchus
- Sulphur-breasted bushshrike, Telophorus sulfureopectus
- Many-colored bushshrike, Telophorus multicolor
- Fiery-breasted bushshrike, Malaconotus cruentus
- Lagden's bushshrike, Malaconotus lagdeni
- Gray-headed bushshrike, Malaconotus blanchoti
Helmetshrikes
Order: Passeriformes Family: Prionopidae
The helmetshrikes are similar in build to the shrikes, but tend to be colorful 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 Liberia.
- White helmetshrike, Prionops plumatus
- Chestnut-bellied helmetshrike, Prionops caniceps
Drongos
Order: Passeriformes Family: Dicruridae
The drongos are mostly black or dark gray in color, 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 4 species which occur in Liberia.
- Square-tailed drongo, Dicrurus ludwigii
- Shining drongo, Dicrurus atripennis
- Fork-tailed drongo, Dicrurus adsimilis
- Velvet-mantled drongo, Dicrurus modestus
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 Liberia.
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.
- Lesser blue-eared glossy-starling, Lamprotornis chloropterus
- Bronze-tailed glossy-starling, Lamprotornis chalcurus
- Splendid glossy-starling, Lamprotornis splendidus
- Emerald starling, Lamprotornis iris
- Purple glossy-starling, Lamprotornis purpureus
- Long-tailed glossy-starling, Lamprotornis caudatus
- Purple-headed starling, Hylopsar purpureiceps
- Copper-tailed starling, Hylopsar cupreocauda
- Violet-backed starling, Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
- Chestnut-winged starling, Onychognathus fulgidus
- Narrow-tailed starling, Poeoptera lugubris
- 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 colored, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in color only in the breeding season.
- White-billed buffalo-weaver, Bubalornis albirostris
- Speckle-fronted weaver, Sporopipes frontalis
- Slender-billed weaver, Ploceus pelzelni
- Black-necked weaver, Ploceus nigricollis
- Orange weaver, Ploceus aurantius
- Heuglin's masked-weaver, Ploceus heuglini
- Village weaver, Ploceus cucullatus
- Vieillot's weaver, Ploceus nigerrimus
- Yellow-mantled weaver, Ploceus tricolor
- Maxwell's black weaver, Ploceus albinucha
- Preuss's weaver, Ploceus preussi
- Compact weaver, Pachyphantes superciliosus
- Ballman's malimbe, Malimbus ballmanni
- Red-vented malimbe, Malimbus scutatus
- Gray's malimbe, Malimbus nitens
- Crested malimbe, Malimbus malimbicus
- Red-headed malimbe, Malimbus rubricollis
- Red-headed quelea, Quelea erythrops
- Red-billed quelea, Quelea quelea
- Yellow-crowned bishop, Euplectes afer
- Black-winged bishop, Euplectes hordeaceus
- Orange bishop, Euplectes franciscanus
- Yellow-shouldered widowbird, Euplectes macroura
- Red-collared widowbird, Euplectes ardens
- Grosbeak weaver, Amblyospiza albifrons
- Parasitic weaver, Anomalospiza imberbis
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 colors and patterns. There are 141 species worldwide and 26 species which occur in Liberia.
- Red-fronted antpecker, Parmoptila rubrifrons
- White-breasted negrofinch, Nigrita fusconota
- Chestnut-breasted negrofinch, Nigrita bicolor
- Pale-fronted negrofinch, Nigrita luteifrons
- Gray-headed negrofinch, Nigrita canicapilla
- Gray-headed oliveback, Nesocharis capistrata
- Red-winged pytilia, Pytilia phoenicoptera
- Red-faced pytilia, Pytilia hypogrammica
- Green-backed twinspot, Mandingoa nitidula
- Crimson seedcracker, Pyrenestes sanguineus
- Western bluebill, Spermophaga haematina
- Dybowski's twinspot, Euschistospiza dybowskii
- Bar-breasted firefinch, Lagonosticta rufopicta
- Red-billed firefinch, Lagonosticta senegala
- Black-bellied firefinch, Lagonosticta rara
- African firefinch, Lagonosticta rubricata
- Red-cheeked cordonbleu, Uraeginthus bengalus
- Lavender waxbill, Estrilda caerulescens
- Orange-cheeked waxbill, Estrilda melpoda
- Black-rumped waxbill, Estrilda troglodytes
- Common waxbill, Estrilda astrild
- Zebra waxbill, Sporaeginthus subflavus
- Black-faced quailfinch, Ortygospiza atricollis
- 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 10 species which occur in Liberia.
- Village indigobird, Vidua chalybeata
- Jambandu indigobird, Vidua raricola
- Baka indigobird, Vidua larvaticola
- Variable indigobird, Vidua funerea
- Green indigobird, Vidua codringtoni
- Pale-winged indigobird, Vidua wilsoni
- Cameroon indigobird, Vidua camerunensis
- Pin-tailed whydah, Vidua macroura
- Togo paradise-whydah, Vidua togoensis
- Long-tailed paradise-whydah, Vidua interjecta
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 3 species which have been recorded in Liberia.
- Ortolan bunting, Emberiza hortulana
- Gosling's bunting, Emberiza goslingi
- 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.
- White-rumped seedeater, Crithagra leucopygius
- Yellow-fronted canary, Crithagra mozambicus
Sparrows
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or gray birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Liberia.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
- Gray-headed sparrow, Passer griseus
See also
General:
References
- Gatter, Wulf (1988). Birds of Liberia. A Preliminary Check-List with Status and Open Questions. Verhandlungen der ornithologischen Gesesellschaft Bayern, vol. 24. pp. 689–723.
- Gatter, Wulf (1998). Birds of Liberia. Yale University Press. p. 320. ISBN 9780300075762.
- Lepage, Denis. "Checklist of birds of Liberia". 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 Liberia - World Institute for Conservation and Environment