Mali is the home of many bird species. From Kingfishers to Trogons, you can enjoy an array of birdwatching activities. Here are a few of the most notable species you can see in the country.
Keep reading to learn more about these fascinating creatures. Located in northern Mali, the country is a popular tourist destination for wildlife lovers. Listed below are some of the most common bird species found in Mali.
Woodpeckers
The avifauna of Mali includes six hundred and seventeen species, one of which is endemic. The species of birds in Mali are described in the 2021 Clements Checklist of Birds of the World.
Their family accounts and species counts reflect their classification. Some birds in Mali are accidental species. The bird list includes a few tags, and the list also contains some commonly occurring native species.
The bird life in Mali is varied and unique, and it includes many species of birds. Some of the country’s birds are residents and spend part of the growing season there, while others migrate north to avoid colder temperatures in the winter.
Besides woodpeckers, the country also contains a large number of game birds, swifts, nighthawks, and raptors. Many of the native species of birds are common, while others are very rare.
The woodpeckers of Mali are diverse, with several subspecies found in the region. The African grey woodpecker is the least endangered of the woodpecker species and is native to western, central, and equatorial Africa.
It has a long tongue, and it often taps on tree trunks for insects. Its range is extensive, and its conservation status is classified as ‘least concern’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
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Kingfishers
The bird checklist for Mali includes the African pygmy kingfisher, an unobtrusive, blue-back species. Although it is not native to the country, it is widely distributed throughout the country.
Its diet consists of insects and smaller animals, such as lizards and geckos. This is a great bird to observe during your visit to Mali. The list is categorized by abundance, migration, wintering, and endemic species.
Male and female kingfishers are monogamous and mate during the breeding season, which varies from region to region. Their breeding season coincides with periods of high fish density.
Male kingfishers engage in aerial displays and chasing, and he feeds the female once the nest is almost complete. Both male and female dig their nesting burrows, usually in an earthen bank. When the water level falls, the female lays eggs.
Other kingfishers found in Mali include the white-bellied kingfisher, which is found throughout Sub-Saharan Africa and Madagascar. The striped kingfisher, which is found in Indonesia, is also found in these regions.
In France, the white-rumped kingfisher is the only species of kingfisher that breeds in the islands of Niau, the Central African Republic, and Papua New Guinea.
Pelicans
Pelicans of Mali are among the largest water birds in the world. They are known for their large bill and distinct pouch under their beaks.
These birds have four toes and webbed feet. Among the many species of pelicans, the shoebill is perhaps the most well known. Its bill is massive, resembling a shoe. Pelicans of Mali breed in coastal areas of northern Africa.
Diallo is fluent in four languages, including French and English, but struggles to learn to speak English in the United States. His path to the NBA is unique.
The Pelicans view him as a mature player in comparison to other players his age. He talks to his family back in Mali frequently and must learn the culture of the United States quickly.
However, the Pelicans are happy to have him in their team.
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Trogons
The Trogons of Mali are the only species of trogon to occur in both the African and European continents.
Although their fossil remains are rare, recent discoveries in Europe and the New World indicate that the species originated in Africa and spread rapidly to the southern hemisphere during a change in climate.
In Mali, the Trogons of Mali are particularly unusual and interesting, and deserve further study. Here are some fun facts about these elusive apes.
Unlike most birds, the Trogons are solitary and territorial. They nest in cavities dug into rotting wood, or termite or paper-wasp nests. Nests are deep tubes, or shallow open niches, and are built using the male’s beak and claws.
Males are responsible for digging the nests, which contain two to four pale-colored eggs. The eggs are fed by the parents, which regurgitate them. The males share parental care of their young.
Trogons of Mali have short legs and long tails. Their bodies range from nine to fourteen inches long. The resplendent trogon, is larger than the others. Its tail is square-tipped and closed, while its wings are short and weak.
The foot is weak and fixed rearward. Its bill is short and curved, with bristles at the base and serrated in many species. The eye is ringed with colourful bare skin.
Quetzals
The majestic and beautiful Quetzals of Mali are a wonderful addition to any eco-tour. These birds live in forests, such as those in the cloud forests of Mali and Guatemala.
Their long tail plumes extend about 17 inches above their bodies. Male Quetzals can reach up to 90 cm long! The beautiful and exotic birds are a symbol of Mali and their habitat, and ecotourists and local residents alike can enjoy the beauty of these birds in their natural environment.
There are five species of the Quetzals in Mali, and each has its own distinctive color scheme. The golden-headed and respendent quetzals are a striking sight. These beautiful birds can also be found in Central America.
In addition to the golden-headed and respendent quetzal, there are also three subspecies: the white-tipped quetzal and the pavonine quetzal.
Birds of Mali include a wide range of species. These include migrant and breeding birds that spend part of their growing season in Mali and wintering birds that spend part of the winter in the area to escape the colder climates up north.
The country has an impressive number of species of birds, many of them common, and some of which are rare. These birds play an integral role in the ecosystems of Mali, including the endangered Quetzals of Mali.
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African Pitta
The bold plumage of the African Pitta makes it a striking bird. Its bold red crown and mustard-yellow breast contrast with the turquoise coloration on its tail and wing feathers.
The black back and wing covers are also turquoise. The face of the bird is marked with thick black bands that cover its eye and ear coverts. Juveniles are much duller than adults.
The African Pitta prefer dense, undergrowth habitats and often remain motionless for long periods of time. It forages for invertebrates in short bursts. Its explosive calls are also aggressive.
The African Pitta builds its nest in a tree thorny area, often in the upper branches. The nest has an open side and a platform-like projection on the side for landing.
The African Pitta has several different calls, including a loud croaking call during breeding season. It also produces a whiny’skeeow’ call and wing clap. These birds are residents in Africa, but migrate to southern Africa for winter.
The population in southern Africa is less threatened by agriculture, but deforestation continues to threaten the eastern populations.
To help protect these endangered birds, the African Pitta has been designated as an official species of Mali. The TFCG is currently creating 10 bird reserves in the Lindi District.
Besides the African Pitta, the country is also home to several other species of bird. The most popular are the shoebill stork, green-breasted pitta, and the colobus monkey.
Afep pigeon, white napped pigeon, and black-capped thrush are all native to Mali. The country’s national parks are home to more than 375 species of birds, including the elusive African Pitta.
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