Africa is a continent of unparalleled natural beauty, boasting an incredibly diverse and vibrant avian population. Its extensive and varied ecosystems provide a home to an array of bird species, many of which are not only fascinating for their behaviors but also captivating for their stunning aesthetics.
From the lush rainforests of central Africa to the arid deserts of the Sahara, and the coastal wetlands to the soaring mountains, Africa is a treasure trove of some of the world's most beautiful and striking birds.
Narrowing down a selection of the top 10 most beautiful birds in Africa is no simple task, as beauty, in the avian realm, often rests in the eye of the beholder. Each species has its own compelling story to tell. Some employ resplendent plumage to court potential mates, while others adopt a camouflage strategy to blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
Here are 10 of Africa’s most amazing avians, in no particular order. See whether your favorite beautiful African birds made the cut.
Grey crowned crane
The grey crowned crane is one of the most elegant birds in Africa. It has a golden crown of feathers on its head, a red throat pouch, and a blue eye. It also has a grey body, a white cheek patch, and a black and white neck. The grey crowned crane can roost in trees, thanks to its long hind toe that helps it grip branches. It also performs a graceful courtship dance, where it bows, jumps, and flaps its wings. The grey crowned crane is the national bird of Uganda and can be found in eastern and southern Africa, in wetlands, grasslands, and cultivated fields. It feeds on seeds, insects, frogs, snakes, and small mammals.
Rosy-Faced Lovebird
The Rosy-Faced Lovebird is a small parrot native to arid regions of southwestern Africa. Renowned for its vibrant appearance, this species features predominantly green plumage with a striking rosy-pink face and throat. These social and affectionate birds are often found in small flocks, forming strong pair bonds with their mates.
In their natural habitat of semi-deserts, dry savannas, and open woodlands, they forage for seeds and fruits. They are cavity nesters and excellent parents, with both parents participating in incubating eggs and caring for the chicks. Unfortunately, their populations are decreasing due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade, leading to a "Near Threatened" status according to the IUCN. In captivity, they make delightful pets when provided with proper care and attention.
Lilac-breasted roller
The lilac-breasted roller is one of the most colourful birds in Africa. It has a lilac breast, a green head, a blue belly, and a brown back. It also has long tail feathers that stream behind it when it flies. The lilac-breasted roller likes to perch on high branches and swoop down to catch insects, lizards, and small rodents. It also chases away larger birds that enter its territory, such as eagles and hawks. The lilac-breasted roller is the national bird of Botswana and Kenya and can be found in savannas and woodlands across sub-Saharan Africa.
Knysna turaco
The Knysna turaco is one of the most unique birds in Africa. It has true green pigment in its feathers, unlike most other birds that appear green due to light reflection. It also has a red crest and eye ring, and a long tail. The Knysna turaco lives in evergreen forests in South Africa and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), where it feeds on fruits and flowers. It is also known as the Knysna lourie or loerie.
Long-tailed paradise whydah
The long-tailed paradise whydah is one of the most dramatic birds in Africa. It undergoes a remarkable transformation during the breeding season. The male grows a long black tail that can be over three times longer than its body. It also changes its plumage to black, orange-brown, yellow, and white. It performs an acrobatic display flight to attract females, flying high in the air and then diving down with its tail trailing behind. The long-tailed paradise whydah is a brood parasite that lays its eggs in other birds’ nests, especially those of waxbills. It can be found in grasslands and savannas across sub-Saharan Africa.
Malachite kingfisher
The malachite kingfisher is one of the smallest birds in Africa. It is only 13 cm long, but it has a dazzling array of colours. It has a turquoise back, wings, and tail, a rufous chest and belly, a black bill, and a blue crest. It also has white spots on its throat and underparts. The malachite kingfisher lives near water bodies, where it dives to catch fish, crustaceans, and insects. It can be found in most parts of Africa south of the Sahara.
Variable Sunbird
Variable Sunbird is a small and striking bird species found in various regions of sub-Saharan Africa. As its name suggests, this sunbird exhibits remarkable sexual dimorphism, with males and females displaying distinct plumage. Male Variable Sunbirds are a visual marvel, with iridescent, metallic plumage that can shift from deep blues and purples to fiery oranges depending on the angle of light.
In contrast, females are more subtly colored, usually sporting olive-green or brownish feathers. They are nectar feeders and play a vital role in pollinating various flowering plants. These birds are often found in gardens, woodlands, and savannas, where they flit among blossoms, sipping nectar with their specialized, slender bills.
African fish eagle
The African fish eagle is one of the most powerful predators in Africa. It can catch fish up to 2 kg with its talons. It has brown body feathers, a white head and tail, and a yellow bill and legs. It also has a distinctive black, white, and chestnut wing pattern that is visible when it flies. The African fish eagle lives near lakes, rivers, and coasts across sub-Saharan Africa, where it often perches on high trees or cliffs. It has a loud and haunting call that is considered the sound of Africa.
Flamingo
The flamingo is one of the most iconic birds in Africa. It is famous for its pink colour, long legs, curved neck, and large bill. The pink colour comes from the carotenoids in the algae and crustaceans that it eats. The flamingo lives in large flocks in shallow lakes, lagoons, and salt pans across Africa, where it filters water with its bill to extract food. It can also fly long distances to find suitable habitats. There are six species of flamingos in the world, four of which are found in Africa.
European Bee-Eater
The European Bee-Eater is a stunning and charismatic bird species widely distributed throughout Europe and parts of Asia and Africa. This bird's most prominent feature is its vibrant plumage, adorned with a brilliant combination of blue, green, yellow, and chestnut hues.
European Bee-Eaters are renowned for their acrobatic and social nature, often seen in small colonies during the breeding season. They feed primarily on flying insects, particularly bees and wasps, which they catch mid-air with impressive precision.
These birds are known for their remarkable migrations, traveling between Europe and their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.
These are just some of the many amazing birds that you can see in Africa. Additonally, you can looking the spectacular birds of East Africa in the following video.