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Northwest Wildlife Online
by John M. Regan
Afghanistan Birds
Reptiles Amphibians Invertebrates Birds Mammals
The avian population of Afghanistan is surprising is several respects. They have their own unique species: unexpectedly large birds of prey like the Steppe Eagle, flashes of color provided by the Bee Eaters, and a touch of exoticism courtesy of the odd looking Hoopoe. Flocks of ducks provide a surprise by turning up in the most unlikely desert locations. But what I did not expect to see was the number of very familiar looking species common to the US. Doves and sparrows, of course. The soft cooing of doves is a lovely sound from Egypt through Central Asia and elsewhere. The tough little sparrow could survive on the moon, and they are here in force. But grebes, mallards, and coots? The sight of those guys was a delightful surprise. Pictured below are the more common birds I've managed to get on digits.
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The three most common bird species in Afghanistan, and probably the Middle East and Central Asia are the dove, the common mynah, and the sparrow. Doves and sparrows are primarily urban dwellers and are attracted by human settlements, although the doves fare quite well in the desert. The common mynah simply loves human dwellings. I cannot even recall ever seeing one outside of one of our Forward Operating Bases or in a town or city. The robin sized bird on the far right, however, is a nearly exclusive desert dweller and easily the most common bird seen out there. I call them Desert Cardinals due to their appearance.
From the big and bold to the small and flashy. On the left is a Steppe Eagle, probably the largest predator in the region. Pictured on the right are a couple of the most colorful birds in the region, the striking Bee Eaters. One of the little guys has a freshly caught dragonfly in its beak. Males have been known to offer such delicacies to females during courtship, although I am not sure if that is what is taking place here.
There are ravens here, but as in most of their ranges around the world this species is found in fairly remote places. I have seen them only in mountainous regions in one part of the country. But a part of the raven family that is common around the country is the Magpie. Considered a pest in many countries of the world I find them fascinatingly intelligent and beautiful. As you can see the magpie nest is not something you'd call a thing of beauty, but the birds must find in comfortable because they return or stay near the same nest year round.
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Not the kinds of birds you expect to see in the desert region of southern Afghanistan. Pictured above are some of the surprises I referred to before. From left to right: A coot, a grebe, a stilt, and a flock of mallards. All of these species were found around a reservoir pond in Kandahar; one of the driest, hottest places in the country.
Some random examples of avian species I've come across. On the far left is a Banded Bee Eater, and on the far right is, I believe, a Yellow Warbler. The little fellows in the middle are species I have yet to identify.
Random sightings. One day I passed tiny bush in the desert; hidden in its depths were a pair of ping pong ball sized, glistening eggs. I returned a few days later and found a couple of dove chicks. Their ability to survive the furnace of the Kandahar desert is remarkable. Now, I have no idea if the large duck on the right is a wild bird or just a domestic escapee. But it certainly surprised me when I found him waddling around a Forward Operating Base in Helmand Province.
Since these photos were taken I have purchased a powerful telephoto lens. So there is more to follow!
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