List of birds of Lesotho

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Lesotho is home to about 361 bird species (as of October 2022). Four species have been introduced by people, and the status of six species is still under review. The names and classification follow the 2022 edition of the Clements Checklist.

Birds in Lesotho cover many groups across wetlands, grasslands, mountains, forests, and farmlands. They range from small, colorful nectar-feeders to long-legged waders and strong raptors. Here are some of the main groups you’ll find:

- Water birds and wetland birds: ducks, geese, swans; flamingos; grebes; herons and egrets; ibises and spoonbills; rails, coots, and gallinules.
- Ground and open-country birds: guineafowl; quails, partridges, and francolins; sandgrouse; bustards; cranes.
- Birds of prey: secretarybird; osprey; hawks, eagles, kites, and vultures; owls.
- Other land and forest birds: kingfishers; bee-eaters; rollers; hoopoes and woodhoopoes; barbets; honeyguides; woodpeckers.
- Passerines (songbirds and allies): flycatchers and relatives; kingfishers and flirtatious nectar feeders like sunbirds; weavers and waxbills; estrildid finches; indigobirds; sparrows; wagtails; larks; warblers; thrushes; finches; and related groups.

Many of these species live in lakes and marshes, grasslands, mountain moorlands, forests, and farmlands. Some stay all year, while others migrate or move around with the seasons.

For the full, detailed list of species and their scientific names, you can consult a field guide or wildlife database.