This is a list of the bird species recorded in Lesotho. The avifauna of Lesotho included a total of 361 species, as of October 2022, according to Avibase. Four species have been introduced by humans, and the statuses of six are under review.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (English and scientific names) are those of The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World, 2022 edition.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories of occurrence
(A) Accidental - a species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Lesotho
(I) Introduced - a species introduced to Lesotho as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions (Ex) Extirpated - a species that no longer occurs in Lesotho although populations exist elsewhere (S) Status - a species whose status is under review
Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
White-faced whistling-duck, Dendrocygna viduata
Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (A) White-backed duck, Thalassornis leuconotus Knob-billed duck, Sarkidiornis melanotos Egyptian goose, Alopochen aegyptiacus South African shelduck, Tadorna cana Spur-winged goose, Plectropterus gambensis African pygmy-goose, Nettapus auritus Blue-billed teal, Spatula hottentota (A) Cape shoveler, Spatula smithii African black duck, Anas sparsa Yellow-billed duck, Anas undulata Cape teal, Anas capensis (A) Red-billed duck, Anas erythrorhyncha Southern pochard, Netta erythrophthalma (A) Maccoa duck, Oxyura maccoa
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.
Helmeted guineafowl, Numida meleagris
Pheasants, grouse, and allies
Order: GalliformesFamily: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowl, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowl, and jungle fowl. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.
Red-winged francolin, Scleroptila levaillantii
Gray-winged francolin, Scleroptila africanus
Orange River francolin, Scleroptila gutturalis
Common quail, Coturnix coturnix
Harlequin quail, Coturnix delegorguei (A) Swainson's francolin, Pternistis swainsonii
Flamingos
Order: PhoenicopteriformesFamily: Phoenicopteridae
Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually tall, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. 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, uniquely, are used upside-down.
Greater flamingo, Phoenicopterus roseus
Lesser flamingo, Phoeniconaias minor
Grebes
Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large 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.
Little grebe, Tachybaptus ruficollis
Great crested grebe, Podiceps cristatus (A) Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
Pigeons and doves
Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere.
Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I) Speckled pigeon, Columba guinea Rameron pigeon, Columba arquatrix Red-eyed dove, Streptopelia semitorquata Ring-necked dove, Streptopelia capicola Laughing dove, Streptopelia senegalensis Namaqua dove, Oena capensis
Sandgrouse
Order: PterocliformesFamily: Pteroclidae
Sandgrouse have small, pigeon-like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes.
Namaqua sandgrouse, Pterocles namaqua (A)