Introduction
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Sahel Paradise-Whydah
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In comparison with some of its neighbours, the avifauna of Benin has been poorly studied. Until 1993 only 425 species had been recorded. This was in comparison with 625 for Togo, its neighbour in the Dahomey Gap. The literature was made up of no more than a handful of papers going back to the 19th century, whereas Togo had been well served by Reichnow's studies dating back to the German colonial period. Political instability after indepedence, followed by 17 years of Marxist government did little to encourage visitors. There was only one published paper for the whole of this period, a list of the birds of the Pendjari and Arli National Parks (1979). The travel writer Bruce Chatwin left a famous account of an unfortunate visit in 1977. While researching his novel The Viceroy of Ouidah, Chatwin found himself, along with members of a Belgian ornithological expedition, being accused of involvement in a military coup, as mercenaries led by the infamous Bob Denard landed in Cotonou. The Belgians, according to Chatwin (not averse to the odd exaggeration) were detained in possession of a Leica camera "with a lens the size and shape of a mortar". He took an instant dislike to the birders.
Much has changed in the country in the meantime. A National Conference in 1990 brought about democratic change, the country has remained stable, open and very friendly. The people are very welcoming and, in terms of history and culture, there is plenty to see. For the more adventurous traveller, it is, in fact, a very attractive African destination. Although lacking in tourist infrastructure, there is still plenty of suitable accommodation for birders on tight budgets.
The state of birding in Benin
The paucity of records indicates that the country had been very poorly studied in the past, and particularly in comparison with both of its neighbours, the giant Nigeria and the tiny Togo. Nigeria has a list of over 800 species, albeit from a much wider variety of habitats. Togo, with quite detailed studies going back to the German colonial period (1882-1916), and an important remnant area of forest in the mountainous west of the country, habitat largely lacking in Benin, has a list of 624. However, following additional research and field work over the past fifteen years by a small number of resident birders, as well as occasional visitors, and a wetlands census, the Benin list has now stretched to 572 species for which there is credible evidence. However there is breeding evidence for less than 20% of these (114 species) while more than 70% seem likely to breed here.
All the most attractive West African families occur here: this includes over 50 raptor species, owls, hornbills, rollers and bee-eaters as well as several species of kingfisher and barbets. Particularly attractive species include the elegant African Swallow-tailed Kite Chelictinia riocourrii which occurs in the dry season in the Pendjari National Park. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus is not uncommon in the savanna woodland while there are also records for both Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus and Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus. Pel's Fishing-owl Scotopelia peli is probably not infrequent on the Ouémé River. A single record for Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis is indicative of the kind of surprises that may occur in a country that has been poorly covered. Recent records of White-browed Forest-Flycatcher Fraseria cinerascens and Bioko Batis Batis poensis are the only ones for the Dahomey Gap. Sahel Paradise-Whydah Vidua orientalis occurs in the north.
The purpose of this document is to provide a summary of Benin and its birds for birders interested in the country and potentially planning a visit. It is intended to add new information as it becomes available. As such, readers are welcome to submit contributions by e-mail to info@africanbirdclub.org and to the ABC Benin reporter pmclaffeysvd@yahoo.co.uk. You should note that the names of birds used in this document are those of the African Bird Club checklist which can be found at ABC checklist.
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