List of birds of Rwanda

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Rwanda. The avifauna of Rwanda includes a total of 728 species, of which 2 are rare or accidental. 2 species listed are extirpated in Rwanda and are not included in the species count.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of Clements's 5th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Accidental species are included in the total species counts for Rwanda.

The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.

* (A) Accidental A species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Rwanda.
* (Ex) Extirpated A species that no longer occurs in Rwanda although populations exist elsewhere.

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Grebes

Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large sized 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 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Little Grebe "Tachybaptus ruficollis"
*Great Crested Grebe "Podiceps cristatus"

Pelicans

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Great White Pelican "Pelecanus onocrotalus"
*Pink-backed Pelican "Pelecanus rufescens"

Cormorants

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae

The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Great Cormorant "Phalacrocorax carbo"
*Long-tailed Cormorant "Phalacrocorax africanus"

Darters

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Anhingidae

Darters are frequently referred to as "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 a 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. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*Darter "Anhinga melanogaster"

Bitterns, Herons and Egrets

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Gray 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"
*Madagascar Pond-Heron "Ardeola idae"
*Rufous-bellied Heron "Ardeola rufiventris"
*Cattle Egret "Bubulcus ibis"
*Striated Heron "Butorides striata"
*Black-crowned Night-Heron "Nycticorax nycticorax"
*White-backed Night-Heron "Gorsachius leuconotus"
*Dwarf Bittern "Ixobrychus sturmii"

Hammerkop

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: 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 a drab brown all over.

*Hamerkop "Scopus umbretta"

torks

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Yellow-billed Stork "Mycteria ibis"
*African Openbill "Anastomus lamelligerus"
*Black Stork "Ciconia nigra"
*Abdim's Stork "Ciconia abdimii"
*Woolly-necked Stork "Ciconia episcopus"
*White Stork "Ciconia ciconia"
*Saddle-billed Stork "Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis"
*Marabou Stork "Leptoptilos crumeniferus"

hoebill

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Balaenicipididae

The Shoebill is a large bird related to the storks. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.

*Shoebill "Balaeniceps rex"

Ibises and Spoonbills

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Threskiornithidae

The 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. There are 36 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Sacred Ibis "Threskiornis aethiopicus"
*Spot-breasted Ibis "Bostrychia rara"
*Hadada Ibis "Bostrychia hagedash"
*Glossy Ibis "Plegadis falcinellus"
*African Spoonbill "Platalea alba"

Flamingos

Order: PhoenicopteriformesFamily: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. 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 are uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*Lesser Flamingo "Phoenicopterus minor"

Ducks, Geese and Swans

Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Fulvous Whistling-Duck "Dendrocygna bicolor"
*White-faced Whistling-Duck "Dendrocygna viduata"
*White-backed Duck "Thalassornis leuconotus"
*Egyptian Goose "Alopochen aegyptiacus"
*Spur-winged Goose "Plectropterus gambensis"
*Comb Duck "Sarkidiornis melanotos"
*Hartlaub's Duck "Pteronetta hartlaubii"
*African Pygmy-goose "Nettapus auritus"
*African Black Duck "Anas sparsa"
*Eurasian Teal "Anas crecca"
*Cape Teal "Anas capensis"
*Yellow-billed Duck "Anas undulata"
*Northern Pintail "Anas acuta"
*Red-billed Duck "Anas erythrorhyncha"
*Hottentot Teal "Anas hottentota"
*Garganey "Anas querquedula"
*Northern Shoveler "Anas clypeata"
*Southern Pochard "Netta erythrophthalma"
*Common Pochard "Aythya ferina"
*Maccoa Duck "Oxyura maccoa"

Osprey

Order: FalconiformesFamily: 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: FalconiformesFamily: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include 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. There are 233 species worldwide and 51 species which occur in Rwanda.

*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"
*African Fish-Eagle "Haliaeetus vocifer"
*Palm-nut Vulture "Gypohierax angolensis"
*Hooded Vulture "Necrosyrtes monachus"
*Egyptian Vulture "Neophron percnopterus"
*White-backed Vulture "Gyps africanus"
*Rueppell's Griffon "Gyps rueppellii"
*Lappet-faced Vulture "Torgos tracheliotus"
*White-headed Vulture "Trigonoceps occipitalis"
*Beaudouin's Snake-Eagle "Circaetus beaudouini"
*Black-breasted Snake-Eagle "Circaetus pectoralis"
*Brown Snake-Eagle "Circaetus cinereus"
*Banded Snake-Eagle "Circaetus cinerascens"
*Bateleur "Terathopius ecaudatus"
*Western Marsh-Harrier "Circus aeruginosus"
*African Marsh-Harrier "Circus ranivorus"
*Pallid Harrier "Circus macrourus"
*Montagu's Harrier "Circus pygargus"
*African Harrier-Hawk "Polyboroides typus"
*Lizard Buzzard "Kaupifalco monogrammicus"
*Dark Chanting-Goshawk "Melierax metabates"
*Gabar Goshawk "Micronisus gabar"
*Chestnut-flanked Sparrowhawk "Accipiter castanilius"
*Shikra "Accipiter badius"
*Little Sparrowhawk "Accipiter minullus"
*Ovampo Sparrowhawk "Accipiter ovampensis"
*Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk "Accipiter rufiventris"
*Black Goshawk "Accipiter melanoleucus"
*Long-tailed Hawk "Urotriorchis macrourus"
*Grasshopper Buzzard "Butastur rufipennis"
*Eurasian Buzzard "Buteo buteo"
*Mountain Buzzard "Buteo oreophilus"
*Red-necked Buzzard "Buteo auguralis"
*Augur Buzzard "Buteo augur"
*Lesser Spotted Eagle "Aquila pomarina"
*Tawny Eagle "Aquila rapax"
*Steppe Eagle "Aquila nipalensis"
*Wahlberg's Eagle "Aquila wahlbergi"
*Verreaux's Eagle "Aquila verreauxii"
*African Hawk-Eagle "Aquila spilogaster"
*Booted Eagle "Aquila pennatus"
*Ayres's Hawk-Eagle "Aquila ayresii"
*Martial Eagle "Polemaetus bellicosus"
*Long-crested Eagle "Lophaetus occipitalis"
*Cassin's Hawk-Eagle "Spizaetus africanus"
*Crowned Hawk-Eagle "Stephanoaetus coronatus"

ecretary-bird

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Sagittariidae

The Secretary-bird is a bird of prey in the order Falconiformes but is easily distinguished from other raptors by it long crane-like legs.

*Secretary-bird "Sagittarius serpentarius"

Caracaras and Falcons

Order: FalconiformesFamily: 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 feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Pygmy Falcon "Polihierax semitorquatus"
*Lesser Kestrel "Falco naumanni"
*Eurasian Kestrel "Falco tinnunculus"
*Gray Kestrel "Falco ardosiaceus"
*Red-necked Falcon "Falco chicquera"
*Red-footed Falcon "Falco vespertinus"
*Amur Falcon "Falco amurensis"
*Eleonora's Falcon "Falco eleonorae"
*Sooty Falcon "Falco concolor"
*Eurasian Hobby "Falco subbuteo"
*African Hobby "Falco cuvierii"
*Lanner Falcon "Falco biarmicus"
*Peregrine Falcon "Falco peregrinus"

Pheasants and Partridges

Order: GalliformesFamily: 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 may vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Coqui Francolin "Francolinus coqui"
*Ring-necked Francolin "Francolinus streptophorus"
*Red-winged Francolin "Francolinus levaillantii"
*Shelley's Francolin "Francolinus shelleyi"
*Scaly Francolin "Francolinus squamatus"
*Hildebrandt's Francolin "Francolinus hildebrandti"
*Red-necked Francolin "Francolinus afer"
*Handsome Francolin "Francolinus nobilis"
*Common Quail "Coturnix coturnix"
*Harlequin Quail "Coturnix delegorguei"
*Blue Quail "Coturnix adansonii"

Guineafowl

Order: GalliformesFamily: Numididae

Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Helmeted Guineafowl "Numida meleagris"
*Crested Guineafowl "Guttera pucherani"

Buttonquails

Order: GruiformesFamily: 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. There are 16 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Small Buttonquail "Turnix sylvatica"
*Hottentot Buttonquail "Turnix hottentotta"

Cranes

Order: GruiformesFamily: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*Gray Crowned-Crane "Balearica regulorum"

Rails, Crakes, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: GruiformesFamily: 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, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in Rwanda.

*White-spotted Flufftail "Sarothrura pulchra"
*Buff-spotted Flufftail "Sarothrura elegans"
*Red-chested Flufftail "Sarothrura rufa"
*Chestnut-headed Flufftail "Sarothrura lugens"
*Streaky-breasted Flufftail "Sarothrura boehmi"
*White-winged Flufftail "Sarothrura ayresi"
*African Rail "Rallus caerulescens"
*African Crake "Crecopsis egregia"
*Corn Crake "Crex crex"
*Black Crake "Amaurornis flavirostris"
*Little Crake "Porzana parva"
*Baillon's Crake "Porzana pusilla"
*Spotted Crake "Porzana porzana"
*Striped Crake "Aenigmatolimnas marginalis"
*Purple Swamphen "Porphyrio porphyrio"
*Allen's Gallinule "Porphyrio alleni"
*Common Moorhen "Gallinula chloropus"
*Lesser Moorhen "Gallinula angulata"
*Red-knobbed Coot "Fulica cristata"

ungrebe and Finfoots

Order: GruiformesFamily: Heliornithidae

The Heliornithidae are small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*African Finfoot "Podica senegalensis"

Bustards

Order: GruiformesFamily: 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. There are 26 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Stanley Bustard "Neotis denhami"
*Black-bellied Bustard "Lissotis melanogaster"

Jacanas

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide in 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 Rwanda.

*Lesser Jacana "Microparra capensis"
*African Jacana "Actophilornis africanus"

Painted snipe

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Rostratulidae

Painted snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*Greater Painted-snipe "Rostratula benghalensis"

Avocets and Stilts

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the 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 Rwanda.

*Black-winged Stilt "Himantopus himantopus"
*Pied Avocet "Recurvirostra avosetta"

Thick-knees

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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 Rwanda.

*Water Thick-knee "Burhinus vermiculatus"
*Spotted Thick-knee "Burhinus capensis"

Pratincoles and Coursers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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 6 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Temminck's Courser "Cursorius temminckii"
*Three-banded Courser "Rhinoptilus cinctus"
*Bronze-winged Courser "Rhinoptilus chalcopterus"
*Collared Pratincole "Glareola pratincola"
*Black-winged Pratincole "Glareola nordmanni"
*Rock Pratincole "Glareola nuchalis"

Plovers and Lapwings

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Long-toed Lapwing "Vanellus crassirostris"
*Spur-winged Plover "Vanellus spinosus"
*White-headed Lapwing "Vanellus albiceps"
*Senegal Lapwing "Vanellus lugubris"
*Crowned Lapwing "Vanellus coronatus"
*Wattled Lapwing "Vanellus senegallus"
*Brown-chested Lapwing "Vanellus superciliosus"
*Black-bellied Plover "Pluvialis squatarola"
*Common Ringed Plover "Charadrius hiaticula"
*Little Ringed Plover "Charadrius dubius"
*Kittlitz's Plover "Charadrius pecuarius"
*Three-banded Plover "Charadrius tricollaris"
*Forbes's Plover "Charadrius forbesi"
*White-fronted Plover "Charadrius marginatus"
*Lesser Sandplover "Charadrius mongolus"
*Greater Sandplover "Charadrius leschenaultii"
*Caspian Plover "Charadrius asiaticus"

andpipers and allies

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Scolopacidae

The Scolopacidae are 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 species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Rwanda.

*African Snipe "Gallinago nigripennis"
*Great Snipe "Gallinago media"
*Common Snipe "Gallinago gallinago"
*Black-tailed Godwit "Limosa limosa"
*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"
*Terek Sandpiper "Xenus cinereus"
*Common Sandpiper "Actitis hypoleucos"
*Ruddy Turnstone "Arenaria interpres"
*Sanderling "Calidris alba"
*Little Stint "Calidris minuta"
*Temminck's Stint "Calidris temminckii"
*Curlew Sandpiper "Calidris ferruginea"
*Broad-billed Sandpiper "Limicola falcinellus"
*Ruff "Philomachus pugnax"

Gulls

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Lesser Black-backed Gull "Larus fuscus"
*Gray-headed Gull "Larus cirrocephalus"
*Black-headed Gull "Larus ridibundus"

Terns

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Sternidae

Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds typically with grey 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 now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Gull-billed Tern "Sterna nilotica"
*Caspian Tern "Sterna caspia"
*Whiskered Tern "Chlidonias hybridus"
*White-winged Tern "Chlidonias leucopterus"
*Black Tern "Chlidonias niger"

kimmers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: 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 Rwanda.

*African Skimmer "Rynchops flavirostris"

Pigeons and Doves

Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Speckled Pigeon "Columba guinea"
*Afep Pigeon "Columba unicincta"
*Rameron Pigeon "Columba arquatrix"
*White-naped Pigeon "Columba albinucha"
*Bronze-naped Pigeon "Columba iriditorques"
*Lemon Dove "Columba larvata"
*Dusky Turtle Dove "Streptopelia lugens"
*African Mourning Dove "Streptopelia decipiens"
*Red-eyed Dove "Streptopelia semitorquata"
*Ring-necked Dove "Streptopelia capicola"
*Laughing Dove "Streptopelia senegalensis"
*Emerald-spotted Wood Dove "Turtur chalcospilos"
*Blue-spotted Wood Dove "Turtur afer"
*Tambourine Dove "Turtur tympanistria"
*Namaqua Dove "Oena capensis"
*African Green Pigeon "Treron calva"

Parrots, Macaws and allies

Order: PsittaciformesFamily: Psittacidae

Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and the have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Red-headed Lovebird "Agapornis pullarius"
*Fischer's Lovebird "Agapornis fischeri"
*Gray Parrot "Psittacus erithacus"
*Brown-necked Parrot "Poicephalus robustus"
*Red-fronted Parrot "Poicephalus gulielmi"
*Meyer's Parrot "Poicephalus meyeri"

Turacos

Order: CuculiformesFamily: Musophagidae

The turacos, plantain eaters and go-away birds make up the bird family Musophagidae. They are meduim-sized arboreal birds. The turacos and plantain eaters are brightly coloured birds, usually blue, green or purple. The go-away birds are mostly grey and white. There are 23 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Great Blue Turaco "Corythaeola cristata"
*Black-billed Turaco "Tauraco schuettii"
*Purple-crested Turaco "Tauraco porphyreolophus"
*Ruwenzori Turaco "Ruwenzorornis johnstoni"
*Ross's Turaco "Musophaga rossae"
*Bare-faced Go-away-bird "Corythaixoides personatus"
*Eastern Plantain-eater "Crinifer zonurus"

Cuckoos and Anis

Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 20 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Pied Cuckoo "Clamator jacobinus"
*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"
*Madagascar Cuckoo "Cuculus rochii"
*Dusky Long-tailed Cuckoo "Cercococcyx mechowi"
*Olive Long-tailed Cuckoo "Cercococcyx olivinus"
*Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo "Cercococcyx montanus"
*Klaas's Cuckoo "Chrysococcyx klaas"
*African Emerald Cuckoo "Chrysococcyx cupreus"
*Dideric Cuckoo "Chrysococcyx caprius"
*Yellowbill "Ceuthmochares aereus"
*Black Coucal "Centropus grillii"
*Blue-headed Coucal "Centropus monachus"
*Senegal Coucal "Centropus senegalensis"
*White-browed Coucal "Centropus superciliosus"

Barn owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae

Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*African Grass-Owl "Tyto capensis"
*Barn Owl "Tyto alba"

Typical owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae

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. There are 195 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Rwanda.

*African Scops-Owl "Otus senegalensis"
*Southern White-faced Owl "Ptilopsis granti"
*Spotted Eagle-Owl "Bubo africanus"
*Fraser's Eagle-Owl "Bubo poensis"
*Verreaux's Eagle-Owl "Bubo lacteus"
*Pel's Fishing-Owl "Scotopelia peli"
*African Wood-Owl "Strix woodfordii"
*Pearl-spotted Owlet "Glaucidium perlatum"
*Red-chested Owlet "Glaucidium tephronotum"
*African Barred Owlet "Glaucidium capense"
*Albertine Owlet "Glaucidium albertinum"
*African Long-eared Owl "Asio abyssinicus"
*Marsh Owl "Asio capensis"

Nightjars

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. 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 86 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Eurasian Nightjar "Caprimulgus europaeus"
*Sombre Nightjar "Caprimulgus fraenatus"
*Black-shouldered Nightjar "Caprimulgus nigriscapularis"
*Fiery-necked Nightjar "Caprimulgus pectoralis"
*Abyssinian Nightjar "Caprimulgus poliocephalus"
*Montane Nightjar "Caprimulgus ruwenzorii"
*Swamp Nightjar "Caprimulgus natalensis"
*Star-spotted Nightjar "Caprimulgus stellatus"
*Freckled Nightjar "Caprimulgus tristigma"
*Square-tailed Nightjar "Caprimulgus fossii"
*Pennant-winged Nightjar "Macrodipteryx vexillarius"

wifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae

Swifts are small aerial birds, spending 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 that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Scarce Swift "Schoutedenapus myoptilus"
*African Palm-Swift "Cypsiurus parvus"
*Alpine Swift "Tachymarptis melba"
*Mottled Swift "Tachymarptis aequatorialis"
*Common Swift "Apus apus"
*African Swift "Apus barbatus"
*Little Swift "Apus affinis"
*Horus Swift "Apus horus"
*White-rumped Swift "Apus caffer"

Mousebirds

Order: ColiiformesFamily: Coliidae

The mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers and very long thin tails. They are arboreal and scurry through the leaves like rodents in search of berries, fruit and buds. They are acrobatic, and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes. They also have crests and stubby bills. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Speckled Mousebird "Colius striatus"
*Blue-naped Mousebird "Urocolius macrourus"

Trogons and Quetzals

Order: TrogoniformesFamily: 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 colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Narina Trogon "Apaloderma narina"
*Bar-tailed Trogon "Apaloderma vittatum"

Kingfishers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Shining-blue Kingfisher "Alcedo quadribrachys"
*Malachite Kingfisher "Alcedo cristata"
*African Pygmy-Kingfisher "Ispidina picta"
*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: CoraciiformesFamily: 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 are characterised by richly coloured 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 26 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Rwanda.

*White-fronted Bee-eater "Merops bullockoides"
*Little Bee-eater "Merops pusillus"
*Blue-breasted Bee-eater "Merops variegatus"
*Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater "Merops oreobates"
*Swallow-tailed Bee-eater "Merops hirundineus"
*White-throated Bee-eater "Merops albicollis"
*Blue-cheeked Bee-eater "Merops persicus"
*Madagascar Bee-eater "Merops superciliosus"
*European Bee-eater "Merops apiaster"
*Southern Carmine Bee-eater "Merops nubicoides"

Typical Rollers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful 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 5 species which occur in Rwanda.

*European Roller "Coracias garrulus"
*Lilac-breasted Roller "Coracias caudata"
*Rufous-crowned Roller "Coracias naevia"
*Broad-billed Roller "Eurystomus glaucurus"
*Blue-throated Roller "Eurystomus gularis"

Hoopoes

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*Hoopoe "Upupa epops"

Woodhoopoes

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Phoeniculidae

The woodhoopoes are related to the kingfishers, rollers and hoopoe. They most resemble the last species with their long curved bills, used for probing 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 4 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Green Woodhoopoe "Phoeniculus purpureus"
*White-headed Woodhoopoe "Phoeniculus bollei"
*Forest Woodhoopoe "Phoeniculus castaneiceps"
*Common Scimitar-bill "Rhinopomastus cyanomelas"

Hornbills

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: 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 coloured. There are 57 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill "Tockus camurus"
*Crowned Hornbill "Tockus alboterminatus"
*African Gray Hornbill "Tockus nasutus"
*Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill "Ceratogymna subcylindricus"
*Southern Ground-Hornbill "Bucorvus leadbeateri"

Barbets

Order: PiciformesFamily: Capitonidae

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 coloured. There are 84 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Gray-throated Barbet "Gymnobucco bonapartei"
*Western Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus coryphaeus"
*Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus bilineatus"
*Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus chrysoconus"
*Red-fronted Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus pusillus"
*Yellow-spotted Barbet "Buccanodon duchaillui"
*Hairy-breasted Barbet "Tricholaema hirsuta"
*Spot-flanked Barbet "Tricholaema lachrymosa"
*Red-faced Barbet "Lybius rubrifacies"
*Black-collared Barbet "Lybius torquatus"
*Double-toothed Barbet "Lybius bidentatus"
*Yellow-billed Barbet "Trachyphonus purpuratus"
*Crested Barbet "Trachyphonus vaillantii"

Honeyguides

Order: PiciformesFamily: Indicatoridae

Honeyguides are among the few birds that feed on wax. They are named for the behaviour of the Greater Honeyguide which leads large animals to bees' nests and then feeds on the wax once the animal has broken the nest open to get at the honey. There are 17 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Scaly-throated Honeyguide "Indicator variegatus"
*Greater Honeyguide "Indicator indicator"
*Lesser Honeyguide "Indicator minor"
*Thick-billed Honeyguide "Indicator conirostris"
*Willcock's Honeyguide "Indicator willcocksi" (A)
*Least Honeyguide "Indicator exilis"
*Dwarf Honeyguide "Indicator pumilio"
*Green-backed Honeyguide "Prodotiscus zambesiae"
*Wahlberg's Honeyguide "Prodotiscus regulus"

Woodpeckers and allies

Order: PiciformesFamily: 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. There are 218 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Rufous-necked Wryneck "Jynx ruficollis"
*Bennett's Woodpecker "Campethera bennettii"
*Golden-tailed Woodpecker "Campethera abingoni"
*Green-backed Woodpecker "Campethera cailliautii"
*Tullberg's Woodpecker "Campethera tullbergi"
*Buff-spotted Woodpecker "Campethera nivosa"
*Speckle-breasted Woodpecker "Dendropicos poecilolaemus"
*Cardinal Woodpecker "Dendropicos fuscescens"
*Bearded Woodpecker "Dendropicos namaquus"
*Elliot's Woodpecker "Dendropicos elliotii"
*Gray Woodpecker "Dendropicos goertae"
*Olive Woodpecker "Dendropicos griseocephalus"

Pittas

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Pittidae

Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards, and stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many, but not all, are brightly coloured. They are spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrate prey which they find there. There are 32 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*African Pitta "Pitta angolensis"

Larks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 Rwanda.

*Rufous-naped Lark "Mirafra africana"
*Flappet Lark "Mirafra rufocinnamomea"
*Fischer's Sparrow-Lark "Eremopterix leucopareia"
*Red-capped Lark "Calandrella cinerea"

wallows and Martins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae

The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Bank Swallow "Riparia riparia"
*Plain Martin "Riparia paludicola"
*Banded Martin "Riparia cincta"
*Gray-rumped Swallow "Pseudhirundo griseopyga"
*Rock Martin "Ptyonoprogne fuligula"
*Barn Swallow "Hirundo rustica"
*Angola Swallow "Hirundo angolensis"
*Wire-tailed Swallow "Hirundo smithii"
*Blue Swallow "Hirundo atrocaerulea"
*Lesser Striped-Swallow "Cecropis abyssinica"
*Rufous-chested Swallow "Cecropis semirufa"
*Mosque Swallow "Cecropis senegalensis"
*Red-rumped Swallow "Cecropis daurica"
*Common House-Martin "Delichon urbica"
*White-headed Sawwing "Psalidoprocne albiceps"
*Blue Sawwing "Psalidoprocne pristoptera"

Wagtails and Pipits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Motacillidae

The Motacillidae are 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 14 species which occur in Rwanda.

*White Wagtail "Motacilla alba"
*African Pied Wagtail "Motacilla aguimp"
*Cape Wagtail "Motacilla capensis"
*Yellow Wagtail "Motacilla flava"
*Gray Wagtail "Motacilla cinerea"
*Mountain Wagtail "Motacilla clara"
*Yellow-throated Longclaw "Macronyx croceus"
*Striped Pipit "Anthus lineiventris"
*Plain-backed Pipit "Anthus leucophrys"
*African Pipit "Anthus cinnamomeus"
*Long-billed Pipit "Anthus similis"
*Short-tailed Pipit "Anthus brachyurus"
*Tree Pipit "Anthus trivialis"
*Red-throated Pipit "Anthus cervinus"

Cuckoo-shrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Campephagidae

The cuckoo-shrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured. There are 82 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Rwanda.

*White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike "Coracina pectoralis" (A)
*Gray Cuckoo-shrike "Coracina caesia"
*Petit's Cuckoo-shrike "Campephaga petiti"
*Black Cuckoo-shrike "Campephaga flava"
*Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike "Campephaga phoenicea"
*Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike "Campephaga quiscalina"

Bulbuls

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Pycnonotidae

Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throat or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.There are 130 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Common Bulbul "Pycnonotus barbatus"
*Shelley's Greenbul "Andropadus masukuensis"
*Little Greenbul "Andropadus virens"
*Plain Greenbul "Andropadus curvirostris"
*Slender-billed Greenbul "Andropadus gracilirostris"
*Yellow-whiskered Bulbul "Andropadus latirostris"
*Eastern Mountain-Greenbul "Andropadus nigriceps"
*Yellow-throated Greenbul "Chlorocichla flavicollis"
*Leaf-love "Phyllastrephus scandens"
*Cabanis's Greenbul "Phyllastrephus cabanisi"
*Yellow-streaked Bulbul "Phyllastrephus flavostriatus"
*Black-collared Bulbul "Neolestes torquatus"

Thrushes and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are 335 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Rufous Flycatcher-Thrush "Neocossyphus fraseri"
*White-tailed Ant-Thrush "Neocossyphus poensis"
*Miombo Rock-Thrush "Monticola angolensis"
*Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush "Monticola saxatilis"
*Abyssinian Ground-Thrush "Zoothera piaggiae"
*Kivu Ground-Thrush "Zoothera tanganjicae"
*Olive Thrush "Turdus olivaceus"
*African Thrush "Turdus pelios"
*Brown-chested Alethe "Alethe poliocephala"
*Red-throated Alethe "Alethe poliophrys"

Cisticolas and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 32 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Red-faced Cisticola "Cisticola erythrops"
*Singing Cisticola "Cisticola cantans"
*Trilling Cisticola "Cisticola woosnami"
*Chubb's Cisticola "Cisticola chubbi"
*Rock-loving Cisticola "Cisticola aberrans"
*Rattling Cisticola "Cisticola chiniana"
*Winding Cisticola "Cisticola galactotes"
*Carruthers's Cisticola "Cisticola carruthersi"
*Tinkling Cisticola "Cisticola tinniens"
*Stout Cisticola "Cisticola robustus"
*Croaking Cisticola "Cisticola natalensis"
*Piping Cisticola "Cisticola fulvicapillus"
*Tabora Cisticola "Cisticola angusticaudus"
*Siffling Cisticola "Cisticola brachypterus"
*Zitting Cisticola "Cisticola juncidis"
*Wing-snapping Cisticola "Cisticola ayresii"
*Tawny-flanked Prinia "Prinia subflava"
*White-chinned Prinia "Prinia leucopogon"
*Banded Prinia "Prinia bairdii"
*Black-collared Apalis "Apalis pulchra"
*Ruwenzori Apalis "Apalis ruwenzori"
*Black-throated Apalis "Apalis jacksoni"
*Black-faced Apalis "Apalis personata"
*Yellow-breasted Apalis "Apalis flavida"
*Buff-throated Apalis "Apalis rufogularis"
*Chestnut-throated Apalis "Apalis porphyrolaema"
*Gray Apalis "Apalis cinerea"
*Gray-capped Warbler "Eminia lepida"
*Green-backed Camaroptera "Camaroptera brachyura"
*Olive-green Camaroptera "Camaroptera chloronota"
*Miombo Camaroptera "Calamonastes undosus"
*Gray Wren-Warbler "Calamonastes simplex"

Old World warblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sylviidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae 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. There are 291 species worldwide and 38 species which occur in Rwanda.

*African Bush-Warbler "Bradypterus baboecala"
*White-winged Scrub-Warbler "Bradypterus carpalis"
*Grauer's Scrub-Warbler "Bradypterus graueri"
*Cameroon Scrub-Warbler "Bradypterus lopezi"
*Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler "Bradypterus cinnamomeus"
*Black-faced Rufous-Warbler "Bathmocercus rufus"
*Moustached Grass-Warbler "Melocichla mentalis"
*Sedge Warbler "Acrocephalus schoenobaenus"
*Eurasian Reed-Warbler "Acrocephalus scirpaceus"
*African Reed-Warbler "Acrocephalus baeticatus"
*Marsh Warbler "Acrocephalus palustris"
*Great Reed-Warbler "Acrocephalus arundinaceus"
*Greater Swamp-Warbler "Acrocephalus rufescens"
*Lesser Swamp-Warbler "Acrocephalus gracilirostris"
*Eastern Olivaceous Warbler "Hippolais pallida"
*Icterine Warbler "Hippolais icterina"
*African Yellow Warbler "Chloropeta natalensis"
*Mountain Yellow Warbler "Chloropeta similis"
*Papyrus Yellow Warbler "Chloropeta gracilirostris"
*Buff-bellied Warbler "Phyllolais pulchella"
*Grauer's Warbler "Graueria vittata"
*Yellow-bellied Eremomela "Eremomela icteropygialis"
*Greencap Eremomela "Eremomela scotops"
*White-browed Crombec "Sylvietta leucophrys"
*Red-faced Crombec "Sylvietta whytii"
*Neumann's Warbler "Hemitesia neumanni"
*Green Hylia "Hylia prasina"
*Red-faced Woodland-Warbler "Phylloscopus laetus"
*Brown Woodland-Warbler "Phylloscopus umbrovirens"
*Willow Warbler "Phylloscopus trochilus"
*Common Chiffchaff "Phylloscopus collybita"
*Wood Warbler "Phylloscopus sibilatrix"
*Yellow-bellied Hyliota "Hyliota flavigaster"
*Violet-backed Hyliota "Hyliota violacea"
*Fan-tailed Grassbird "Schoenicola brevirostris"
*Blackcap "Sylvia atricapilla"
*Garden Warbler "Sylvia borin"
*Greater Whitethroat "Sylvia communis"

Old World flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There 274 species worldwide and 34 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Pale Flycatcher "Bradornis pallidus"
*White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher "Melaenornis fischeri"
*Southern Black-Flycatcher "Melaenornis pammelaina"
*Yellow-eyed Black-Flycatcher "Melaenornis ardesiacus"
*Spotted Flycatcher "Muscicapa striata"
*Swamp Flycatcher "Muscicapa aquatica"
*African Dusky Flycatcher "Muscicapa adusta"
*Ashy Flycatcher "Muscicapa caerulescens"
*Gray Tit-Flycatcher "Myioparus plumbeus"
*Collared Flycatcher "Ficedula albicollis"
*Semicollared Flycatcher "Ficedula semitorquata"
*White-starred Robin "Pogonocichla stellata"
*Forest Robin "Stiphrornis erythrothorax"
*Equatorial Akalat "Sheppardia aequatorialis"
*White-bellied Robin-Chat "Cossyphicula roberti"
*Archer's Robin-Chat "Cossypha archeri"
*Cape Robin-Chat "Cossypha caffra"
*Gray-winged Robin-Chat "Cossypha polioptera"
*White-browed Robin-Chat "Cossypha heuglini"
*Red-capped Robin-Chat "Cossypha natalensis"
*Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat "Cossypha niveicapilla"
*Collared Palm-Thrush "Cichladusa arquata"
*Brown-backed Scrub-Robin "Cercotrichas hartlaubi"
*Red-backed Scrub-Robin "Cercotrichas leucophrys"
*Common Redstart "Phoenicurus phoenicurus"
*Whinchat "Saxicola rubetra"
*African Stonechat "Saxicola torquata"
*Northern Wheatear "Oenanthe oenanthe"
*Isabelline Wheatear "Oenanthe isabellina"
*Familiar Chat "Cercomela familiaris"
*Sooty Chat "Myrmecocichla nigra"
*White-fronted Black-Chat "Myrmecocichla albifrons"
*White-headed Black-Chat "Myrmecocichla arnotti"
*Mocking Cliff-Chat "Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris"

Wattle-eyes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Platysteiridae

The wattle-eyes or puffback flycatchers are small stout passerine birds of the African tropics. They get their name from the brightly coloured fleshy eye decorations found in most species in this group. There are 31 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher "Bias musicus"
*Brown-throated Wattle-eye "Platysteira cyanea"
*Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye "Platysteira concreta"
*Ruwenzori Batis "Batis diops"
*Chinspot Batis "Batis molitor"
*Black-headed Batis "Batis minor"

Monarch flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Monarchidae

The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines, which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Rwanda.

*African Blue-Flycatcher "Elminia longicauda"
*White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher "Elminia albicauda"
*White-bellied Crested-Flycatcher "Elminia albiventris"
*White-tailed Crested-Flycatcher "Elminia albonotata"
*African Crested-Flycatcher "Trochocercus cyanomelas"
*African Paradise-Flycatcher "Terpsiphone viridis"

Babblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Timaliidae

The babblers or timaliids are somewhat diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. There are 270 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Scaly-breasted Illadopsis "Illadopsis albipectus"
*Pale-breasted Illadopsis "Illadopsis rufipennis"
*Brown Illadopsis "Illadopsis fulvescens"
*Mountain Illadopsis "Illadopsis pyrrhoptera"
*African Hill Babbler "Illadopsis abyssinica"
*Gray-chested Illadopsis "Kakamega poliothorax"
*Black-lored Babbler "Turdoides sharpei"
*Hartlaub's Babbler "Turdoides hartlaubii"
*Arrow-marked Babbler "Turdoides jardineii"
*Red-collared Mountain-Babbler "Kupeornis rufocinctus"

Chickadees and Titmice

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 species 59 worldwide and 3 species which occur in Rwanda.

*White-winged Black-Tit "Melaniparus leucomelas"
*Dusky Tit "Melaniparus funereus"
*Stripe-breasted Tit "Melaniparus fasciiventer"

Penduline tits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*African Penduline-Tit "Anthoscopus caroli"

unbirds and Spiderhunters

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 26 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Western Violet-backed Sunbird "Anthreptes longuemarei"
*Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird "Anthreptes orientalis"
*Little Green Sunbird "Anthreptes seimundi"
*Collared Sunbird "Hedydipna collaris"
*Green-headed Sunbird "Cyanomitra verticalis"
*Blue-throated Brown Sunbird "Cyanomitra cyanolaema"
*Blue-headed Sunbird "Cyanomitra alinae"
*Cameroon Sunbird "Cyanomitra oritis"
*Eastern Olive-Sunbird "Cyanomitra olivacea"
*Green-throated Sunbird "Chalcomitra rubescens"
*Scarlet-chested Sunbird "Chalcomitra senegalensis"
*Purple-breasted Sunbird "Nectarinia purpureiventris"
*Bronze Sunbird "Nectarinia kilimensis"
*Red-tufted Sunbird "Nectarinia johnstoni"
*Malachite Sunbird "Nectarinia famosa"
*Olive-bellied Sunbird "Cinnyris chloropygius"
*Stuhlmann's Sunbird "Cinnyris stuhlmanni"
*Northern Double-collared Sunbird "Cinnyris preussi"
*Greater Double-collared Sunbird "Cinnyris afer"
*Regal Sunbird "Cinnyris regius"
*Beautiful Sunbird "Cinnyris pulchellus"
*Mariqua Sunbird "Cinnyris mariquensis"
*Red-chested Sunbird "Cinnyris erythrocerca"
*Purple-banded Sunbird "Cinnyris bifasciatus"
*Variable Sunbird "Cinnyris venustus"
*Copper Sunbird "Cinnyris cupreus"

White-eyes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Zosteropidae

The white-eyes are small and are mostly of undistinguished appearance, the plumage above being generally either 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 the eyes. There are 96 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*African Yellow White-eye "Zosterops senegalensis"

Old World Orioles

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Oriolidae

The Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Eurasian Golden Oriole "Oriolus oriolus"
*African Golden Oriole "Oriolus auratus"
*African Black-headed Oriole "Oriolus larvatus"
*Black-tailed Oriole "Oriolus percivali"

hrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 31 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Red-backed Shrike "Lanius collurio"
*Rufous-tailed Shrike "Lanius isabellinus"
*Souza's Shrike "Lanius souzae"
*Lesser Gray Shrike "Lanius minor"
*Gray-backed Fiscal "Lanius excubitoroides"
*Mackinnon's Shrike "Lanius mackinnoni"
*Common Fiscal "Lanius collaris"

Bushshrikes and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 colourful species or largely black; some species are quite secretive. There are 46 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Brubru "Nilaus afer"
*Northern Puffback "Dryoscopus gambensis"
*Black-backed Puffback "Dryoscopus cubla"
*Red-eyed Puffback "Dryoscopus senegalensis"
*Pink-footed Puffback "Dryoscopus angolensis"
*Marsh Tchagra "Tchagra minuta"
*Black-crowned Tchagra "Tchagra senegala"
*Brown-crowned Tchagra "Tchagra australis"
*Luehder's Bushshrike "Laniarius luehderi"
*Tropical Boubou "Laniarius aethiopicus"
*Black-headed Gonolek "Laniarius erythrogaster"
*Papyrus Gonolek "Laniarius mufumbiri"
*Slate-colored Boubou "Laniarius funebris"
*Fuelleborn's Boubou "Laniarius fuelleborni"
*Mountain Sooty Boubou "Laniarius poensis"
*Gray-green Bushshrike "Telophorus bocagei" (Ex)
*Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike "Telophorus sulfureopectus"
*Many-colored Bushshrike "Telophorus multicolor"
*Doherty's Bushshrike "Telophorus dohertyi"
*Lagden's Bushshrike "Malaconotus lagdeni"
*Gray-headed Bushshrike "Malaconotus blanchoti"

Helmetshrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Prionopidae

The helmetshrikes are similar in build to the shrikes, but tend to be colourful species with distinctive crests or other head ornaments, such as wattles, from which they get their name. There are 12 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Rwanda.

*White Helmetshrike "Prionops plumatus"
*Yellow-crested Helmetshrike "Prionops alberti"
*Rufous-bellied Helmetshrike "Prionops rufiventris" (Ex)

Drongos

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Dicruridae

The drongos are mostly are black or dark grey in colour, 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 whilst perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*Fork-tailed Drongo "Dicrurus adsimilis"

Crows, Jays, Ravens and Magpies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. There are 120 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Pied Crow "Corvus albus"
*White-necked Raven "Corvus albicollis"

tarlings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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. There are 125 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Wattled Starling "Creatophora cinerea"
*Greater Blue-eared Glossy-Starling "Lamprotornis chalybaeus"
*Splendid Glossy-Starling "Lamprotornis splendidus"
*Rueppell's Glossy-Starling "Lamprotornis purpuropterus"
*Purple-headed Glossy-Starling "Lamprotornis purpureiceps"
*Violet-backed Starling "Cinnyricinclus leucogaster"
*Slender-billed Starling "Onychognathus tenuirostris"
*Chestnut-winged Starling "Onychognathus fulgidus"
*Waller's Starling "Onychognathus walleri"
*Stuhlmann's Starling "Poeoptera stuhlmanni"
*Sharpe's Starling "Pholia sharpii"
*Red-billed Oxpecker "Buphagus erythrorhynchus"
*Yellow-billed Oxpecker "Buphagus africanus"

Weavers and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 28 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver "Bubalornis niger"
*Baglafecht Weaver "Ploceus baglafecht"
*Slender-billed Weaver "Ploceus pelzelni"
*Little Weaver "Ploceus luteolus"
*Lesser Masked-Weaver "Ploceus intermedius"
*Spectacled Weaver "Ploceus ocularis"
*Black-necked Weaver "Ploceus nigricollis"
*Black-billed Weaver "Ploceus melanogaster"
*Strange Weaver "Ploceus alienus"
*Holub's Golden-Weaver "Ploceus xanthops"
*Northern Brown-throated Weaver "Ploceus castanops"
*Village Weaver "Ploceus cucullatus"
*Vieillot's Weaver "Ploceus nigerrimus"
*Black-headed Weaver "Ploceus melanocephalus"
*Forest Weaver "Ploceus bicolor"
*Brown-capped Weaver "Ploceus insignis"
*Compact Weaver "Pachyphantes superciliosus"
*Red-headed Weaver "Anaplectes rubriceps"
*Cardinal Quelea "Quelea cardinalis"
*Red-headed Quelea "Quelea erythrops"
*Red-billed Quelea "Quelea quelea"
*Black-winged Bishop "Euplectes hordeaceus"
*Red Bishop "Euplectes orix"
*Yellow Bishop "Euplectes capensis"
*Fan-tailed Widowbird "Euplectes axillaris"
*White-winged Widowbird "Euplectes albonotatus"
*Red-collared Widowbird "Euplectes ardens"
*Grosbeak Weaver "Amblyospiza albifrons"

Waxbills and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 a wide variation in plumage colours and pattern. There are 141 species worldwide and 31 species which occur in Rwanda.

*White-breasted Negrofinch "Nigrita fusconota"
*Gray-headed Negrofinch "Nigrita canicapilla"
*White-collared Oliveback "Nesocharis ansorgei"
*Orange-winged Pytilia "Pytilia afra"
*Green-winged Pytilia "Pytilia melba"
*Green-backed Twinspot "Mandingoa nitidula"
*Red-faced Crimson-wing "Cryptospiza reichenovii"
*Abyssinian Crimson-wing "Cryptospiza salvadorii"
*Dusky Crimson-wing "Cryptospiza jacksoni"
*Shelley's Crimson-wing "Cryptospiza shelleyi"
*Red-headed Bluebill "Spermophaga ruficapilla"
*Peters's Twinspot "Hypargos niveoguttatus"
*Dusky Twinspot "Euschistospiza cinereovinacea"
*Bar-breasted Firefinch "Lagonosticta rufopicta"
*Red-billed Firefinch "Lagonosticta senegala"
*African Firefinch "Lagonosticta rubricata"
*Red-cheeked Cordonbleu "Uraeginthus bengalus"
*Yellow-bellied Waxbill "Estrilda quartinia"
*Fawn-breasted Waxbill "Estrilda paludicola"
*Orange-cheeked Waxbill "Estrilda melpoda"
*Crimson-rumped Waxbill "Estrilda rhodopyga"
*Common Waxbill "Estrilda astrild"
*Black-crowned Waxbill "Estrilda nonnula"
*Black-headed Waxbill "Estrilda atricapilla"
*Kandt's Waxbill "Estrilda kandti"
*Black-cheeked Waxbill "Estrilda erythronotos"
*Zebra Waxbill "Sporaeginthus subflavus"
*Red-billed Quailfinch "Ortygospiza gabonensis"
*Bronze Mannikin "Spermestes cucullatus"
*Black-and-white Mannikin "Spermestes bicolor"
*Magpie Mannikin "Spermestes fringilloides"

Indigobirds

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 finch species. There are 20 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Village Indigobird "Vidua chalybeata"
*Variable Indigobird "Vidua funerea"
*Pin-tailed Whydah "Vidua macroura"
*Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah "Vidua obtusa"

Weavers and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*Parasitic Weaver "Anomalospiza imberbis"

Buntings, Sparrows, Seedeaters and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named as 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 species 275 worldwide and 3 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Cinnamon-breasted Bunting "Emberiza tahapisi"
*Golden-breasted Bunting "Emberiza flaviventris"
*Cabanis's Bunting "Emberiza cabanisi"

iskins, Crossbills and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: 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 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 137 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Rwanda.

*Oriole Finch "Linurgus olivaceus"
*Cape Canary "Serinus canicollis"
*Western Citril "Serinus frontalis"
*Papyrus Canary "Serinus koliensis"
*Black-throated Canary "Serinus atrogularis"
*Yellow-fronted Canary "Serinus mozambicus"
*Brimstone Canary "Serinus sulphuratus"
*Streaky Seedeater "Serinus striolatus"
*Thick-billed Seedeater "Serinus burtoni"

parrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Rwanda.

*Gray-headed Sparrow "Passer griseus"

ee also

*List of birds
*Lists of birds by region

References

*cite web
last = Lepage
first = Denis
authorlink =
coauthors =
year =
url = http://www.bsc-eoc.org/avibase/avibase.jsp?region=rw&pg=checklist&list=clements
title = Checklist of birds of Rwanda
format =
work = Bird Checklists of the World
publisher = Avibase
accessdate = 27 April
accessyear = 2007
*cite book
title=Birds of the World: a Checklist
first= James F.
last = Clements
publisher = Cornell University Press
date = 2000
id = ISBN 0934797161
pages = 880