1. Greater Hoopoe-Lark (Alaemon alaudipes)

The acrobat of the desert, known for its spectacular display flight. This large lark performs striking courtship displays, climbing high into the sky before plummeting back to earth with spread wings. Its long, curved bill and bold black-and-white wing pattern make it unmistakable among desert birds.

2. Desert Sparrow (Passer simplex)

Unlike its urban cousin, the Desert Sparrow thrives in the Sahara’s most remote areas. Males display striking black-and-white plumage, while females blend perfectly with the desert sand. These sparrows often nest near desert camps and oases, showing remarkable adaptability to extreme conditions.

3. Cream-colored Courser (Cursorius cursor)

A swift runner across the desert plains, this elegant bird embodies desert adaptation. Its sand-colored plumage provides perfect camouflage, while its long legs enable rapid movement across hot sand. Distinguished by its curved bill and distinctive face pattern, it’s often seen in pairs or small groups.

4. Egyptian Nightjar (Caprimulgus aegyptius)

A master of desert camouflage, this nocturnal bird remains motionless during daylight hours, virtually invisible against the desert floor. Its cryptic plumage mirrors the patterns of desert stones and sand. At dusk, it becomes active, hunting flying insects with silent, moth-like flight.

5. Brown-necked Raven (Corvus ruficollis)

The desert’s intelligent opportunist, this raven has adapted perfectly to Saharan life. Smaller than the common raven, it shows remarkable problem-solving abilities and often follows nomadic groups. Its distinctive calls echo across the dunes, while its soaring flight takes advantage of desert thermals.

6. Desert Lark (Ammomanes deserti)

A true desert specialist, perfectly camouflaged against the rocky and sandy terrain. Its behavior of walking rather than hopping across the ground distinguishes it from other desert birds. The Desert Lark’s song, often delivered in flight, is a characteristic sound of dawn in Merzouga.

7. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)

An occasional but spectacular visitor to Merzouga’s seasonal lakes, these magnificent birds create unforgettable scenes when they appear against the desert backdrop. During wet periods, particularly in winter and early spring, small groups may arrive at temporary lakes like Dayet Srji, their pink plumage creating a striking contrast against the golden dunes. While not a permanent resident, their rare appearances make them one of the most celebrated sights in the region.

8. Spotted Sandgrouse (Pterocles senegallus)

A desert survivor that makes daily journeys to water sources. These birds are perfectly adapted to desert life, with specialized breast feathers that can absorb water to carry back to their chicks. Their morning flights to drinking spots create one of the desert’s most memorable wildlife spectacles.

9. African Desert Warbler (Sylvia deserti)

A tiny but hardy bird that navigates through desert scrub with remarkable agility. Despite its small size, it survives year-round in the Sahara, feeding on insects and berries found among sparse vegetation. Its continuous activity and distinctive call animate seemingly lifeless desert areas.

10. Trumpeter Finch (Bucanetes githagineus)

This charming desert finch adds touches of pink to the desert landscape. Males develop brighter coloring during breeding season, their pale pink plumage standing out against the sand. These social birds often gather in small flocks around desert water sources and vegetation.

Each of these birds represents unique adaptations to desert life, from specialized feeding behaviors to remarkable survival strategies. Their presence in Merzouga tells the story of life’s resilience in one of Earth’s most challenging environments.