There are approximately 620 species of birds in the Gambia, a small country bordering Senegal in the north and surrounded by the Sahara Desert in the south. The country contains no endemic species, and the birds in the Gambia belong to several categories. Anatidae is a large family that includes ducks, geese, swans, and other duck-like waterfowl. They are characterized by flattened bills and webbed feet.
Birds
The Gambia is home to several endemic species of birds from Africa, as well as European migrants. This country also has a diverse landscape that varies from the arid coast of northwest Africa to the coastal deserts of the north. A birdwatcher’s checklist of the birds of The Gambia is a must-have when visiting. If you’re traveling to this African country, make sure to check out the bird life in Bao Bolong.
Gambia offers year-round birding opportunities, with the rainy season in May to September, and the dry season from April to November. In late October, migratory birds arrive from Europe and other parts of Africa. Raptors also breed in the country, and the intense heat in January and February makes for easier birding. The book includes stunning colour plates of 680 species, as well as accurate maps of each habitat.
During your stay, you should make sure to take note of the different species of bird you see, since many are extremely vocal and conspicuous in colour. To avoid missing a single species, it is best to hire a professional local ornithologist to lead you on your tour. You can contact the Abuko Centre or the West African Bird Studies Association for more information. Just be sure to check the phone number of the bird watchers in advance, as these numbers often change.
Habitat
Although the Gambia is a small country, its wildlife is incredibly diverse. The country’s coastal regions are especially rich in fish, which attract large numbers of birds to feed on the abundant food resources there. A small team of KBO researchers conducts regular surveys to track changes in bird numbers, distributions, and migration timings. They also help guide conservation efforts in the country and other parts of the migration route.
Birds of The Gambia inhabit every nook and cranny of the landscape. Nearly 600 different species have been recorded in this country, which is less than half the size of Wales. There are several guides on hand who can assist you in your search for these magnificent birds. The Gambia Bird Watching Tour provides the perfect introduction to the wildlife of this West African nation. Throughout the trip, you’ll discover the habitat of over six hundred species and learn about the various lifestyles of these charismatic creatures.
Some of the most notable species of birds found in The Gambia include the red-necked phalarope, tufted duck, and the African spoonbill. Red pandas are often found in urban areas, but they’re more likely to hang around in rural areas, where they can be spotted closely by humans. In addition to red pandas, the Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve in The Gambia is also an important site for wildlife. Over 20,000 migratory water birds spend time here between August and December. The ring-billed plover, black-tailed godwit, and common greenshank are just a few of the species you can spot there.
Migration routes
The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal on three sides and is a haven for avian life. Birds of various species migrate through the country, but there is a distinct sequence of migrations, with equatorial birds departing from June to July. The latter arrive in the Gambia for several days to breed, while the former arrive during the wet season to breed and settle.
Juveniles are more variable in their migration routes than adults, and stopover sites are often of low quality, making them prone to change. This increases the probability of environmental change for the individual. As a result, populations with more stopover sites are more susceptible to decline. Although the average number of stopover sites is unknown, the degree to which individual birds shift southward is correlated with age. In addition, differences in the availability of stopover sites and the distance between different populations can confound the average route.
Despite its short length, the country is packed with winged wonders. The Gambia lies in a transition zone between tropical forest and semi-desert regions, attracting a variety of migratory species. Regardless of the season, the Gambia offers a wonderful opportunity to view these magnificent creatures and learn about their migration routes. So what is it like to see these magnificent birds in person?
Common species
There are a number of common species of birds in The Gambia. In addition to pelicans, vultures, and other migratory birds, Gambia is home to the endangered black-crowned sparrow lark. Rarer species include the tufted duck and red-necked phalarope. For visitors who are interested in learning more about the country’s birds, there are guided tours available.
The Gamia is home to over 620 species of birds, despite its small size. Gambia is nearly completely surrounded by Senegal, so there are no endemic species to worry about. The country’s birds fall into several subcategories, highlighting the most common ones. In the Anatidae family, there are many ducks, geese, swans, and other waterfowl. They have flattened bills and webbed feet, and many species are similar to ducks.
The Gamia has a long list of birds, ranging from resident species to Western Palearctic migrants. The country’s unique geography makes it an excellent place to see both resident and migratory species. Birdwatchers should consider buying a field guide to The Gambia, which includes stunning colour plates and accurate maps of every species. In addition to birding enthusiasts, the guide includes information about the wildlife and culture of the country.
The country’s first nature reserve, Abuko Nature Reserve, is easily accessible and is home to more than 250 different species of birds. Birds that inhabit the Abuko Nature Reserve include African goshawks and green hylias. Other notable species are violet turacos and western bluebills. You can also see a variety of other bird species. You’ll likely see some migratory species as well.
Locations
The location of the Gambian coast and the presence of abundant waterfowl and wading birds will make you a happy birdwatcher. You can also catch sight of game and raptors, including swifts and nighthawks. You can spot more than 100 different bird species in the Gambia. During the rainy season, equatorial species depart from the country, while the influx of migratory species from the Palearctic reaches the Gambia in June to July.
Birds can be seen in a wide variety of habitats, including forest and waterways. At Senegambia, you can view the black-shouldered kite, which is unique to the Gambia. Other common birds include the white-fronted black-chat, Dorst’s cisticola, and Temminck’s courser. You can also find rare species such as the Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver and Brown-rumped Bunting at Kunkilling FR.
There are several places to see the birdlife of Gambia, including the famous Banjul Island. The Banjul Island Wildlife Reserve protects reed beds, open channels, and mud banks. A road running south from Banjul to Brikama passes next to a large expanse of tidal mud, which is often exposed during low tide. The mud here provides excellent viewing opportunities for several wader species, including the lesser yellowlegs, saddle-billed stork, and pied avocet.
The Gambia is home to some of the world’s best bird watching. There are approximately 600 species of birds in the Gambia and the distances between the country’s best places to spot them are relatively short. This country is also a great destination for beginners and experienced birdwatchers. During the peak season, you may be lucky enough to see some of these birds in a hotel garden. If you’re looking for a more exotic destination, contact Blue Sky Wildlife, as they can connect you with local tour operators who will offer you birdwatching tours.
Threats
The government of The Gambia has been under fire for allowing human settlements to take over wildlife sanctuaries and breeding grounds. Thousands of birds are left abandoned every year, and wetlands and breeding grounds are being destroyed. Developers are also encroaching on wildlife sanctuaries and creating new threats. Birds in particular are suffering. Environmentalists in the country say that a lack of protection is the biggest threat to this fragile ecosystem.
The Gambian coastal area supports a large number of birds that feed on fish. However, this habitat is deteriorating as Real Estate companies continue to demolish the habitats. To counteract the situation, the KBO established a small team to regularly survey bird populations and their distributions. This study also monitors the timing of migrations. This research is necessary to guide conservation measures in the Gambia and across the migration route.
Deforestation, dam construction, and pollution are the main threats to mangroves in The Gambia. Water levels are rising, which is bad news for mangroves. Mangroves are particularly sensitive to climate change, so they are being severely affected. In The Gambia, larger tide volumes have resulted in deteriorating swamps. The tourist industry has also been responsible for the widespread dieback of wetlands in Kotu Creek.
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