Among the many bird species found in Nigeria are the West African black crowned crane, Ibadan malimbe and Ibadan heron.
Learn about these birds in this article and see for yourself what they look like in their natural habitats.
Also, discover how to spot each species so that you will be able to tell which one is the most striking and how to identify it in the wild. There is something for everyone in this article!
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Ibadan malimbe
The Ibadan malimbe is a rare bird species. It is a member of the Ploceidae family. In the past, the malimbe was found in the Ibadan area, but it is now protected.
It is now protected from hunting, and conservation efforts are underway. Listed below are some facts about the Ibadan malimbe. Let’s learn about its habitat, diet, and habits!
This species is very poorly known, with the population estimated at 2,500 individuals. It was last recorded in the Ifon Forest Reserve and Osse River Park in 2008.
Conservation efforts have begun, and the Ibadan Malimbe project will help to assess the current status of the species. Volunteer monitoring will be set up in nearby communities. The project is expected to last for five years. During that time, it will have collected important survey data.
The Ibadan malimbe is a rare species of forest bird. Its black and red coloration is strikingly different from other species. Its head, neck, and breast band are red.
The Ibadan Malimbe is a rare resident of the southwest region of Nigeria, and is believed to be endemic to the region. It prefers the middle levels of lowland forest, where it finds openings and edges.
It has a distinctive wheezing call that is accompanied by a raspy, chup-ee-wurr sound.
Jos plateau indigobird
The Jos Plateau indigobird is a species of bird endemic to northern Nigeria. This species is able to reproduce by nesting in the rock firefinch’s nest.
It does not incubate its own eggs but exhibits dominance over the hatchlings of its host bird. It breeds during the cold Harmattan period. Its scientific name is Vidua maryae.
The Rock Fire-finch is a new species, but its distinctive song is what set it apart. It lives on bushy rocky outcrops on the Jos Plateau and in the inselbergs to the north.
Its colouring is blue-grey, but its bill is reddish brown, similar to the Mali Fire-finch, which is a close relative of the Chad Firefinch Lagonosticta umbrinodorsalis. The male of the indigobird mimics the song of its host species.
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West African black-crowned crane
The conservation of the West African black-crowned crane has several goals. It will provide more information on the species’ distribution and habitat usage, and help to create plans for its reintroduction.
The project will engage local communities and raise public awareness. Wetlands International and Chester Zoo have conducted preliminary surveys in the region, and are supporting community education and other partners in the project. It will help to promote sustainable development.
The national bird of Nigeria is the endangered black-crowned crane. This bird lives in dry savannahs south of the Sahara Desert.
The bird is often considered a symbol of peace in Senegal and Kenya. Its presence on national coats of arms is symbolic. Its conservation and preservation is vitally important. It is listed as an endangered species in the IUCN Red List.
The black-crowned crane is also considered an omen of rain in its native habitat. They migrate to temporary wetlands when the rainy season begins.
These birds nest in thick vegetation to protect their eggs and chicks from predators. Because of their high height, they can see well above the tall grasses.
Their crown feathers serve as camouflage. Unlike other cranes, they are not active at night, so you should not expect to see them during the day.
The black-crowned crane, whose scientific name is Balearica pavonina (Linn 1758), is one of the endangered species in Africa.
Several threats to its existence include pollution, fadama farming, and large irrigation projects. In addition, the species faces extinction due to its high demand for parts of its range.
Regardless of the causes of the decline, there are ways to protect and study the bird in order to increase its population in the western part of its range.
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Ibadan heron
The Ibadan heron, or ibadan malimbe, is a small songbird that is found only in southern Nigeria. It is also a natural pest deterrent.
Males are distinguished by bright red feathers on the crown, and the female’s breast is covered in a scarlet band. The Ibadan malimbe has a very distinctive call – a chup-ee-wurr sound.
The University of Ibadan campus offers excellent bird watching opportunities. There are two prime sites and it is open to the public.
Birdwatchers are welcome, and there are local volunteers to assist them. The Ibadan bird club is an example of a citizen science initiative that is vital for conservation. There are currently 111 species of bird families in the city’s urban Important Bird Area.
This number may increase, but the Ibadan area is also home to the largest concentration of migratory birds in Nigeria.
Other bird species that are common in the city include Cattle Egrets, African Openbill, and White-throated bee-eater. The Ibadan lagoons are surrounded by the city’s airport.
Visitors sometimes gather in crowds to observe the different species. They also flock to the local wildlife park and watch the many native birds. The Ibadan heron is the king of Lagos.
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Ibadan bittern
The Ibadan malimbe is a rare songbird found in the southwest of Nigeria. Its black plumage with bright red feathers is an effective deterrent for pests.
The male is marked with a scarlet pattern on his chest. These birds have a unique social structure and social behaviour. The group meets at least four times a year and has a goal to educate local people about the local birds.
The Ibadan bittern belongs to the Ploceidae family, which also includes the weavers, bishops, and widowbirds. Its three toes point forward and one toe points backward.
These perching birds are noted for their high whistling notes. They can be found in lowland forests, farm bush, and neighborhoods. Their song is a common source of entertainment for locals.
This Ibadan-based university campus has an Important Bird Area. It includes a secondary dry semi-deciduous forest reserve. The reserve is protected and expanded through the planting of indigenous trees on degraded farmlands.
In addition, enrichment plantings are being done in areas of degraded forest. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded at the Ibadan campus alone. A recent study also noted that the species found here include a black-bellied ibis, the African stork, and the Ibadan bittern.
Here is the Video About: Birds of Nigeria
Ibadan egret
Known for its variety of avian species, Nigeria is home to over 900 species of birds, four of which are endemic to the country and thirty-one of which are critically endangered.
Listed below are the species of birds that inhabit Nigeria, organized according to the Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2021 edition. The family accounts and species counts reflect the list. Certain species are designated as endemic, but they may be common natives.
The Ibadan malimbe, a bird native to the southwest part of the country, is the flagship species of the Ogbomosho Ecoregion in south-western Nigeria.
Its bright red head feathers and black plumage serve as natural deterrents to pests, allowing it to survive in the region. It also produces a whistling song and can be found in lowland forests, farm bush, and residential areas.
The Cattle egret lives in colonies near bodies of water. They nest on a platform of sticks in trees and shrubs. During the dry season, cattle egrets migrate away from the city and disperse to search for food.
During the wet season, cattle egrets are frequently seen near water, roosting on riverbanks. They feed on insects and small vertebrate prey that are disturbed by large mammals.
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