Ghana birds species are beautiful and colorful and their unique ability to fly makes them a conspicuous part of our environment. Most birds feed on insects that visit plants and help in controlling insect pests that may cause harm to humans.

The green environment created in the garden at Greenviews attracts a variety of birds that contribute to the serene and peaceful environment you are able to enjoy. If you pay close attention, you will likely see different birds at different times of the day, month and year.

For this read, we will focus on four resident bird species that you are likely to see at all times on the compound or relaxing on the balcony.

Ghana Bird species at Green Views

Some feed on nectar and help in pollinating flowers as they move from plant to plant in search of nectar. As pollinators, they are valuable contributors to the production of some of our fruit crops. Other birds feed on fruits and help in the dispersal of seeds of these plants.

The important role that birds play in our environment, alongside their colorful aesthetics, has attracted attention by creating new ludic activities such as bird watching in Ghana. It has become a popular activity for many bird lovers, bringing a moment of pleasure and relaxation.

Hooded Vulture

The common name “hooded vulture” stems from the fact that the vulture has a small patch of downy feathers that runs along the back of its neck to the crown of its head, making it look like it is wearing a fluffy, cream-coloured hood.

The scientific name can be broken down into 3 sections: “necro” since it feeds on carrion; “syrtes” which means “quicksand” or “bog” and “monachus” which is Latin for “monk” and relates to the hood of the vulture. Mostly associated with human settlements and moist lowland forests. Hooded Vultures are distributed throughout Ghana

Hooded Vultures serve as disease reservoirs and act as nature’s garbage collectors by cleaning up carcasses and other organic waste found in the environment. Without them, we are more likely to face an outbreak of diseases like cholera, rabies, botulism etc. Culturally, vultures are sacred to the Asakyiri clan of Ghana.

Splendid Starling

Adults are large (i.e., 27-30 cm), highly glossed, noisy forest starlings. Usually has a broad blackish band on wings and tail and creamy-white eye.

Mostly in flocks of two or more associated with forest canopy or canopy of trees and are distributed within the southern part of Ghana. They feed mainly on fruits and help in the dispersal of the seeds of plants. Without them, the seeds of several plants would not be dispersed. This bird can be seen all year round in Ghana

Piapiac

Are slender and black with a very long (46-50 cm), stiff, steeply graduated tail and drab brown wing feather with the black bill in adult, pinkish with black tip in immature.

In-flight, they are greyish webs to flight feathers that give an ashy appearance to underwings. Usually in small flocks with Shrill, squeaking and scolding calls. Mostly in flocks of four or often common in or near villages. Frequently associates with domestic stock, occasionally perching on their backs and capturing insects disturbed by them.

They feed mainly on insects and other invertebrates but will take a degree of carrion, possibly attracted as much by the associated insects this attracts as much as the meat itself and help in controlling the population of insect pests.

Double-toothed Barbet

A large black-and-red barbet with a heavy, whitish bill and bare yellow skin around its eyes. The double-toothed barbet is black on the top side of its body with a patch of white feathers on its back (conspicuous in flight). Its breast is red, with a white patch on its side.

The legs are dark. Usually lonely but sometimes in small flocks of four making loud KEK! or KZEK! sound. Generally, lives in the understory of dense woodland. They forage fruit from gardens and aid in the dispersal of seeds. This bird can also be seen all year round in Ghana

At Greenviews you can enjoy unique and different forms of life in the area, these birds are an example of some of the beauty you can witness by watching a little closer.