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Africa - Cape Verde

The Republic of Cape Verde is situated in the eastern Atlantic about 500 km west of Senegal. There are 10 main islands (of which 9 are inhabited) and several uninhabited islets. The eastern islands are generally flat with peaks reaching only a few hundred metres and the western islands are mountainous reaching over 1,500 metres. The climate is warm and dry and the main rainy season extends from August to October.

With a number of endemic land birds and large seabird colonies with species which are difficult to see elsewhere in the area, the Cape Verde Islands offer much of interest. Raso Lark, which is entirely confined to a single island with a total population of 45 pairs, is one of the world's rarest birds. Cape Verde Swift, Cape Verde Warbler and Iago Sparrow are the other endemic species.

Also of interest to birders are an additional seven land birds and two seabirds recognised by various authorities as being endemic including sought after Cape Verde Purple Heron and Cape Verde Little Shearwater.

Text supplied by the African Bird Club

Raso Lark

Raso Lark © Leo Boon

Trip Reports

Cape Verde Islands - 24th February - 7th March 2005, author Chris Batty (added November 8, 2005)
(sightings and photos of almost all the endemics)

Cape Verde Islands with Birdfinders - 20th - 27th March 2009, author Martin Tribe (added November 22, 2009)
(Cape Verde Islands, Cape Verde Swamp-warbler, Iago Sparrow , Raso Lark, Cape Verde Shearwater)

Cape Verde Islands - Boa Vista - February 20th - 27th 2009, author Christine Booth (added March 8, 2009)
(Boa Vista, White-faced Storm-petrel, Hoopoe Lark, Rabil Lagoon, Magnificent Frigatebird, Ilheu dos Passaros)


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Recent Sightings

Cape Verde Islands, Cape Verde - 3 New species for CV List. Santiago: author Tim Collins (added February 12, 2008)

Cape Verde Islands, Some interesting sightings during my trip to Cape author Yves Bas (added January 5, 2008)


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Local Birders

View Local Birders from Cape Verde