There are many interesting facts about Nigeria. But do you know there are animals named after towns in Nigeria? I expect you to be surprised that is why this article is being made.
We will be looking at 3 popular birds names after popular towns in Nigeria.
Make sure to read to the end for detailed information.
Ibadan Malimbe

The Ibadan malimbe (Malimbus ibadanensis) is a rare bird in the Ploceidae family. It is a lovely creature with black as its main color and crimson from the top of its head to the neck area. It is famous in western Nigeria, particularly in Ibadan.
- Where can you find them?
The bird is around 20 cm (8 in) long and may be found in the lowland woods, agricultural bush, and neighborhoods in the region. They are frequently observed perched in holes and along edges, making them a popular sight among locals..?
Foraging with the red-headed malimbe (Malimbus rubricollis) in couples or small groups.
- What do they eat?
The Ibadan Malimbe’s food consists mostly of fruits, nectar, and seeds. It vigorously forages in the forest canopy, frequently migrating in small groups or mixed-species flocks in search of food sources.
- What are the major threats to their existence?
The Ibadan Malimbe is threatened by some factors, including habitat loss owing to deforestation and agricultural development. The surviving populations are tiny and dispersed, making them more vulnerable. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classifies it as Endangered.
Conservation efforts are being conducted to protect Ibadan Malimbe and its environment. These include the creation and administration of protected areas, raising knowledge about the state of the bird’s conservation, and supporting sustainable land use practices in the region.
Anambra Waxbill

The Anambra Waxbill, technically known as Estrilda poliopareia, is a tiny bird species in the Estrildidae family. The Anambra waxbill is around 12 cm long.
This finch is dun-colored with a reddish-brown beak and rump. When examined attentively, it exhibits very fine barring on its upper parts, sides of the breast, and flanks, as well as very pale eyes. I
t makes a waxbill-like tzzzt call. The species was named after the Anambra state of Nigeria, where it was found, in 1931.
- Where can you find them?
This species is mostly found in grasslands and savannahs, frequently near water sources like marshes, streams, and wetlands. For breeding and foraging, it loves areas with tall grasses and reeds.
The Anambra waxbill congregates in small groups of up to 20 birds. It appears to be located in southern Nigeria, and just five confirmed sightings have been reported.
Long grass along rivers, lagoon sandbanks, marshes, swamps, and woodland are common habitats. It mostly feeds on grass seeds extracted from seedheads.
- What do they eat?
Anambra Waxbills eat mostly grass seeds, although they may also eat tiny insects and plant debris. They graze on the ground, jumping between grass stalks and extracting seeds with their pointed bills.
- What are the major threats to their existence?
The species is also threatened by capturing the pet trade. The Anambra Waxbill is listed as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Because of habitat degradation caused by agricultural development, urbanization, and deforestation, its population is falling. The Anambra Waxbill and its environment are being protected.
These include the creation of protected areas and the promotion of public awareness about the need of protecting this species and its ecology.
Jos Indigo

The Jos Plateau Indigobird (Vidua maryae), sometimes known as the Jos Indigobird, is a tiny passerine bird species in the Viduidae family. The male Jos Plateau Indigobird has rich blue plumage and blackish wings. It has a long tail, a slim body, and a slightly curved beak.
In contrast, the female has brownish plumage with streaks and lacks a vivid blue color.
- Where can you find them?
The Jos Plateau Indigobird inhabits grasslands and savannas in the Jos Plateau region. Highland meadows, rocky outcrops, and pockets of woods characterize this region.
- What do they eat?
The Jos Plateau Indigobird feeds mostly on seeds and insects. It feeds on grass seeds and small invertebrates when foraging on the ground or in low vegetation.
- What are the major threats to their existence?
Threats to the species include habitat loss owing to agricultural growth, overgrazing, and human encroachment. The Jos Plateau Indigobird’s conservation status is now rated as “Vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.