Beautiful Birds in Algeria
Algeria has over 406 different bird species or 53 families of birds inhabiting the country. Of those species, there is one endemic bird species in Algeria, which means that there is only one species that inhabits Algeria and is found nowhere else in the world. There are eight specialty birds, which means that they are distinguished in some way in comparison to other birds. Algeria also has nine endangered species, which could become extinct in the near future.
The Algerian Nuthatch (Sitta Ledanti) is the only endemic bird species in Algeria. Djebel Babor, a mountain situated in the east of Algiers, is the best spot to visit if you are keen to catch a look at the Algerian Nuthatch. The best time of the year to spot them is between the months of May and September. You can also catch sight of the Nuthatch at the coastal lagoons situated nearby El Kala, an Algerian National Park located at Lac Tonga. There are two birds in Algeria that are considered near endemic species, which means that they are found in three or less countries in Africa. These are the Levaillant’s Woodpecker (Picus vaillantii) and the Moussier’s Redstart (Phoenicurus moussieri).
The Adalbert’s Eagle, the Lesser Kestrel, the Marbled Teal, the White-headed Duck, the Algerian Nuthatch, the Audouin’s Gull and the Northern Bald Ibis are examples of endangered breeding birds in Algeria. The Corn Crake and the Ferruginous Pochard are examples of non-breeding birds that are endangered and which reside in Algeria for some of the year. Other threatened species of birds are the Balearic Shearwater, the Great Bustard, the Houbara Bustard and the Slender-billed Curlew. There has been no record of the Slender-billed Curlew since 1980 in Algeria and it is thought that the bird may inhabit another country other then Algeria.
Specialty or spectacular birds in Algeria include the Houbara Bustard, the Levaillant’s Woodpecker, the Moussier’s Redstart, the Mamora’s Warbler, the Red-billed Firefinch and the Tristram’s Warbler. There are no organized birding tours or birding guides currently operating in Algeria, but if you are keen to catch sight of the many species of birds found in the country then the best suggestion would be to try roadside birding. The best stretch for roadside birding is through the desert of Algeria heading south to Niger, via Tamanrasset. Tamanrasset is an oasis city that is situated in Tamanghasset, the largest province in Algeria. During this journey you are certain to enjoy some delightful bird watching, so don’t forget your binoculars at home.
