Ethiopian Birds & Bird photography

The African Dusky Flycatcher (Muscicapa adusta) a small, plain brown insect‑eating bird, common across Ethiopia’s highland forests, riverine woodlands, and gardens. Measuring about 13 cm, it has brown upperparts, a pale grey chin, and grey‑brown underparts with faint streaking, while juveniles show buff spotting. Males and females look alike, both with a short, straight black bill and a narrow eye‑ring. This species is usually seen singly or in pairs, perching openly and sallying out to catch insects in short flights. It builds neat cup‑shaped nests in tree cavities a few meters above the ground, laying 2–3 green eggs, and pairs are monogamous, often reusing the same nest in subsequent seasons. Its voice is soft and high‑pitched, with calls described as “tzeeet” and “tsirit”. Widespread across sub‑Saharan Africa, the African Dusky Flycatcher is a common resident in Ethiopia, adaptable to both natural and suburban habitats, and is classified as Least Concern, making it a familiar and understated presence

Selam Everyone ‎ ‎I wanted to forward this call to contribute your recording of bird songs, bird photos, nest or feather photos which you found interesting and wanted to share. ‎ ‎Read about this unique artistic project in the two documents below and submit by July 31 on this email submissions@spiritus.art ‎ ‎Thanks and look forward to seeing your work being acknowledged globally 🙂🐦

The Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a medium‑sized wader, about 55–65 cm long, instantly recognizable by its slender, down‑curved bill and shimmering plumage. In good light, its feathers reveal a stunning mix of bronze, purple, and green iridescence, though at a distance it often appears dark brown. Both sexes look alike, while juveniles are duller with less gloss and paler streaking. This ibis is widespread across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas, making it one of the most cosmopolitan waterbirds. In Ethiopia, it is found in wetlands, marshes, floodplains, and lakeshores, often feeding in flocks. Its diet consists mainly of insects, crustaceans, mollusks, and small amphibians, which it probes from mud and shallow water with its long bill. The Glossy Ibis is highly social, often seen in large mixed flocks with herons, storks, and other ibises. In flight, it shows broad wings and a graceful silhouette, with a steady flapping style. Its call is a low, croaking grunt, though it is generally quiet co

White‑bellied Go‑away‑bird (Male) Corythaixoides leucogaster is a large, long‑tailed turaco of East Africa, including Ethiopia, easily recognized by its upright crest, grey upperparts, and contrasting white belly and vent. Males are slightly larger with a more pronounced crest and sharper grey tones, while females are smaller with softer plumage and a shorter crest; juveniles resemble females but are duller overall with shorter tails. Highly vocal, it is named after its loud nasal “go‑away” call, often heard across savannas and bushlands. Usually seen in pairs or small groups, it feeds mainly on fruits, buds, and flowers, occasionally browsing leaves, and plays an important role in seed dispersal. In Ethiopia it is a fairly common resident of dry acacia woodlands, riverine bush, and semi‑arid savannas, classified as Least Concern thanks to its adaptability, making it one of the most familiar and conspicuous birds of East Africa’s open landscapes. Photo by Henupotography OMO National Park Ethiopia July 2023

The African Goshawk (subspecies unduliventer), endemic to the Ethiopian highlands, is a highly maneuverable bird of prey. The female is distinctly larger than the male, cryptically colored, and highly adapted for hunting in dense woodlands and riverine forests.Physical CharacteristicsSize & Weight: Females weigh roughly 260 - 510 g with wingspans measuring 540 - 700 mm. Males are significantly smaller (145 - 340 g).Plumage: The upperparts are a dark slate-gray, while the underparts feature a cryptically barred or undulating pattern (which gives the unduliventer subspecies its name).Eyes & Wings: Adults possess striking red to orange-tinged eyes, with short, broad wings and long tails for darting through trees.Habitat and BehaviorLocation: They are frequently sighted in the woodlands and forests of Ethiopia, such as the areas around Entoto.Diet: As apex woodland raptors, females prey on small birds, reptiles, and small mammals, frequently bringing food back to nests. Photo by :HenuPhotography June 14 2026

The African Harrier‑Hawk (Polyboroides typus) a distinctive raptor found across sub‑Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, where it inhabits woodlands, savannas, and forest edges. Measuring 60–66 cm in length, it is recognized by its grey plumage, bare yellow facial skin (which can flush red when excited), and broad wings with a striking black‑and‑white barred tail. Juveniles are browner, with streaked underparts. This hawk is famous for its double‑jointed legs, allowing it to reach into tree holes and crevices to extract nestlings, eggs, or insects — a rare adaptation among raptors. It feeds on a wide range of prey, from small mammals and birds to reptiles and invertebrates. Often seen soaring or gliding with slow wingbeats, it also perches conspicuously in tall trees. Photo by :HenuPhotography Addis Ababa Ethiopia June 3/2026

The Black‑bellied Bustard (Lissotis melanogaster) is a medium‑sized bird of Africa’s grasslands and savannas, including Ethiopia, where it is most often seen after rains. Males are distinctive with bold black underparts and patterned brown‑and‑buff upperparts, while females are more cryptic, blending into tall grasses with mottled buff plumage. About 58–65 cm long, it feeds on insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and ants, as well as seeds, fruits, and green shoots. Usually found singly or in pairs, it inhabits wetter grasslands, cultivated fields, and open savannas. The male’s courtship display is dramatic, combining whistles, popping “quock” notes, and gurgling calls, sometimes with aerial movements. Though widespread, it is only locally common in Ethiopia, but plays an important ecological role as both insect controller and seed disperser. Photo by :HenuPhotography Abijjata shalla Ethiopia May 17 2026

The Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) is a small falcon widely seen across Ethiopia’s highlands and open country, recognized by its hovering flight as it hunts rodents, birds, and insects. About 32–35 cm long with a wingspan of 58–74 cm, males show a grey head, reddish‑brown back with dark spots, and a grey tail tipped black, while females are larger and more heavily streaked with a barred tail. Both sexes have dark eyes and a hooked bill. This species is a resident and migrant, with local populations joined by Eurasian winter visitors, making it one of the most familiar raptors in Ethiopia. Its hovering “windhover” style and shrill calls make it easy to identify, and ecologically it plays an important role in controlling small animal populations. Photo by :HenuPhotography Langano Ethiopia May 18 2026

Red‑throated Wryneck (Jynx ruficollis) also called Red‑breasted Wryneck is a small, cryptic woodpecker relative found in Ethiopia’s highlands. Adults have finely mottled upperparts in shades of brown, grey, and black, with darker streaks along the nape and back. The throat and breast are washed in rufous red, while the rest of the underparts are buffy‑white with fine brown streaks and bars, and a cinnamon tint near the vent. Immatures are darker, with heavier barring above and less extensive rufous on the throat and breast. This species is a resident bird, widespread but only locally common in Ethiopia, inhabiting open woodland, forest edges, and highland grasslands with scattered trees between 1500–3300 m. Often seen singly or in pairs, it is known for its distinctive voice, a mix of quiet chatters and muffled screeches, making it easier to detect than to spot among the branches. Photo by :HenuPhotography Langano Ethiopia May 18 2026

Cape Teal Anas capensis Elegant mottled pale grey duck with pink bill. Closer views reveal finely speckled head and more boldly mottled underparts. Sexes similar. Immature duller and less clearly spotted. In flight, shows two white bars on secondaries separated by broad dark green bar.Pairs, family groups and occasionally flocks are typical of shallower Rift Valley soda lakes, occurring more rarely on nearby freshwater, below 2400m. Photo by :HenuPhotography Abijjata shalla Ethiopia May 17 2026

Abyssinian Thrush (Turdus abyssinicus, also called African Mountain Thrush) is Ethiopia’s most widespread highland thrush, about 22 cm long. Adults are dark grey‑brown above with an orange bill and narrow orange eye‑ring, while the throat is faintly streaked with black. The breast is grey‑brown, but the belly and flanks glow rich rufous‑orange, extending across the lower breast, with the lower belly white. Immatures are darker, with buffy wing spots and heavy dark brown spotting on the breast. This species is common from 1650–2500 m in Eritrea and Ethiopia, inhabiting forest edges, gardens, and cultivated areas. It is a resident bird, often seen foraging on the ground for insects, worms, and berries, and is well known for its rich, melodious song that fills the highland woodlands at dawn and dusk. Ecologically, it plays an important role in seed dispersal, while culturally it is cherished as one of Ethiopia’s most musical and characteristic highland birds.

Did you know that birds have 3 eyelids??? Upper and Lower Eyelids Birds do have both, but unlike humans, the lower eyelid is usually more mobile. It moves upward to close the eye, while the upper eyelid is relatively fixed. Nictitating Membrane (Third Eyelid) This is a thin, translucent membrane that sweeps horizontally across the eye. It acts like a built-in "goggles system," protecting the eye from dust, wind, or water while still allowing some vision. Raptors use it when diving at prey, and aquatic birds like ducks use it underwater. Protection – Shields against debris, bright light, and injury. Moisture – Helps spread tears across the eye surface, keeping it clean and hydrated. Special Adaptations Owls have a prominent nictitating membrane to protect their large eyes. Diving birds (e.g., cormorants, penguins) use it like a contact lens underwater. Falcons close it mid-flight to protect against high-speed air currents.

Black-billed Barbet Lybius guifsobalito Stocky black barbet with bright red face, throat and upper breast, black bill, flight feathers edged pale yellow and upperwing-coverts edged whitish.Pairs and small parties are common and widespread in Er and Et (except E and SE) in wide range of bush and woodland with fruiting trees, at 400–2400m. Photo by :HenuPhotography Salayish Lodge & Park | Debre Zeyit Ethiopia April 4 2026

Garganey (Anas querquedula) a small, elegant migratory duck, easily recognized by the male’s bold white stripe running from the eye to the back of the head, contrasting with mottled brown plumage. Females are more subtly patterned, but both sexes share a compact shape and swift flight. Breeding across Europe and western Asia, Garganeys undertake remarkable long‑distance migrations, flying south to winter in Africa—including Ethiopia, where they gather on lakes, floodplains, and shallow wetlands. Their seasonal arrival adds a splash of beauty and movement to Ethiopia’s birdlife, making them one of the continent’s most graceful migratory visitors. Photo by :HenuPhotography Lake chalakelaka /Debre Zeit Ethiopia April 4 2026

Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta) is one of Europe’s most elegant waders, instantly recognizable by its bold black‑and‑white plumage and long, slender, upturned bill. This unique bill, curving gracefully upward, is used to sweep side‑to‑side through shallow water to catch tiny invertebrates, giving the bird a refined feeding style unlike any other. Its plumage looks almost painted, with sharp black patches against pure white, and in flight the striking contrast is especially eye‑catching. Beyond its beauty, the Pied Avocet is also a long‑distance migrant: breeding in Europe and Central Asia, then flying south to winter in Africa, with Ethiopia’s lakes and wetlands serving as important stopovers. Once extinct in Britain, it has returned thanks to wetland protection, becoming both a symbol of habitat restoration and one of the most beautiful migratory visitors to the Horn of Africa. Photo by :HenuPhotography Lake chalakelaka /Debre Zeit Ethiopia March 21 2026

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath) is the world’s largest heron, standing up to 1.5 meters tall with a wingspan that can reach 2.3 meters. Found across sub‑Saharan Africa and parts of Asia, it inhabits lakes, rivers, and wetlands where it patiently stalks fish—the mainstay of its diet. Its plumage is a mix of slate‑gray, chestnut, and white, with a massive dagger‑like bill perfectly adapted for spearing large prey. Despite its size, the Goliath Heron is a solitary bird, often seen alone at the water’s edge, moving slowly and deliberately before striking with lightning speed. Its deep booming call carries across wetlands, making it an unmistakable presence in Africa’s aquatic landscapes. Photo by :HenuPhotography Lake chalakelaka /Debre Zeit Ethiopia March 21 2026

Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara [Alt: Long-tailed Wagtail] Elegant and proportionately longer-tailed than other wagtails. Adult is largely clear grey above and white below with neat narrow black breast-band.Pairs of nominate Clara are widespread residents in Et, at 900–2700m, along rocky, fast-flowing rivers and at forest edges. Recently recorded in Er. Photo by :HenuPhotography Addis Ababa Ethiopia April 1 2026