Egypt is not only famous for its pyramids and ancient history but also for its diverse birdlife. Lying at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, the country is a vital passage for migratory birds and a haven for resident species. Some birds are so common that they become part of everyday life. Here are ten of the most common birds of Egypt:
1. House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Perhaps the most familiar bird in Egyptian towns and villages, the House Sparrow thrives around people. Its chirping fills markets, gardens, and streets. Adaptable and social, it builds nests in walls, roofs, and even streetlights, living comfortably alongside humans.
2. Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)
Known for its soft, cooing calls, the Laughing Dove is a gentle presence in gardens, parks, and village rooftops. Its warm, pinkish-brown plumage and peaceful nature make it one of the most beloved doves in Egypt.
3. Hooded Crow (Corvus cornix)
The Hooded Crow is highly intelligent and opportunistic. Recognizable by its grey body and black head, wings, and tail, it is common in cities, farmland, and even desert edges. These birds are scavengers, often seen near garbage dumps and busy urban areas.
4. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)
This elegant white bird is often spotted in agricultural fields and near livestock. The Cattle Egret follows cows and buffalo, feeding on insects stirred up by their movement. In breeding season, its plumage turns golden, adding a touch of beauty to Egypt’s rural landscapes.
5. Rock Dove (Columba livia)
The ancestor of the domestic pigeon, the Rock Dove is widespread across Egypt. Found on cliffs, city buildings, and archaeological sites, it has adapted seamlessly to urban life. Flocks of pigeons circling above mosques and temples are a familiar Egyptian sight.
6. Spur-winged Lapwing (Vanellus spinosus)
One of Egypt’s most characteristic wetland birds, the Spur-winged Lapwing is noisy and bold. Found near rivers, lakes, and irrigation canals, it fiercely defends its nesting territory. Its sharp alarm calls are a familiar sound in cultivated areas.
7. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
The Barn Swallow is a graceful migrant that breeds in Egypt and passes through during migration seasons. With its long tail streamers and agile flight, it is often seen swooping over fields, villages, and lakes in search of insects.
8. Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus)
Found in the Nile’s backwaters, irrigation canals, and lakes, the Common Moorhen is a striking wetland bird with black plumage, a red bill tipped with yellow, and long greenish legs. It feeds on plants and insects, often seen swimming gracefully or darting into reeds when disturbed.
9. Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
Seen hovering over the Nile or perched on reeds, the Pied Kingfisher is a striking black-and-white bird. It dives dramatically into the water to catch fish, offering a spectacular sight for birdwatchers along Egypt’s waterways.
10. Eurasian Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
Few birds are as instantly recognizable as the Eurasian Hoopoe, with its cinnamon-colored body, zebra-striped wings, and elegant crest that fans open like a crown. Widely admired across Egyptian folklore, it is often spotted probing the ground for insects in fields, gardens, and even archaeological sites.
