Botswana is a haven for birds of various colors and sizes. It’s positively gushing with wonderful feathery species, and will turn anybody into a instant ornithologist. Here are 20 beautiful birds of Botswana that you’ll find all over this verdant nation.

1. Woodland Kingfisher

These smurf-colored birds with red bills are a pleasant sight to see (but not so pleasant for the fish).

2. Blue Waxbill

These colorful birds are known for calling out “seeeee seeeee” all day like an obnoxious brat that came to gloat.

3. Yellow-billed Oxpecker

Whether he spends the days secretly pecking oxes or not, we cannot tell you.

4. White-backed Vulture

These large birds will perch themselves on top of tall trees and watch you like a….well…a vulture.

5. Crimson-breasted Shrike

If he yells, does he say “shrike!”?

6. Groundscraper Thrush

Forget dalmatians, it’s all about 101 Groundscraper Thrushes.

7. Greater Kestral

This bird has unusually human-like eyes.

8. Speckled Pigeon

Who knew that a pigeon can be fabulous? This plume-colored pigeon suspiciously looks like its donning a fur shawl like Auntie Mame.

9. Pearl-spotted Owlet

Hoo goes there? Why it’s just the owlet with melons for eyes.

10. Pied Crow

Tweet! This referee-looking crow will keep all the other birds in line and send the unruly ones to time-out.

11. Little Bee-eater

When a bee buzzes around you — have no fear, for Little Bee-eater is here! He’ll snatch them up like candies and isn’t bad to look at either.

12. Crested Francolin

Is this bird made out of newspapers or what?

13. Bradfield’s Hornbill

His eyes and bills say “keep away”, but his body language says “hug me!”

14.  White-backed Mousebird

Mousebird was punk rock before it was cool.

15.  Lilac-breasted Roller

This rainbow-colored bird will make you want to burst into a song and dance like a Disney character.

16. Greater Blue-eared Starlings

Their blue ears are great for listening to the latest gossip. “Did you hear about that thrusher that has been thrusting its tushy at the hippos? What a loon!”

17. Kittlitz’s Plover

You’ll find these friendly-looking birds near the water and can be seen outrunning crocodiles.

18. Bronzed-winged Courser

Wonder if he had to take any aviation courses?

19.  Golden-tailed Woodpecker

If Billy Idol was a bird, he’d be the golden-tailed woodpecker rebel yelling the day away.

20. Yellow-billed Stork

Is…is…he smiling for the camera? What a natural!

Want to discover the finer side of Africa? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.