White-cheeked Turaco - Eritrea

Tauraco leucotis - White-cheeked turacos are native to Eritrea, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. They can be found in the podocarpus and juniper forests of those countries. Turaco chicks have a small claw attached to their wing. This feature is lost when the chicks fledge. The claws are probably used as a means of keeping the flightless chick in the nest. Turacos have a adjustable toe made to face either forwards or backwards to enable a secure grip on whatever surface the bird is perching on.

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In 100 AD, the Kingdom of Aksum was established in Eritrea and Northern Ethiopia. It was situated on both banks of the lower Red Sea. Aksum became an important trading center between the Roman Empire and India. Reaching its peak between 325 and 360 AD, while under the rule of Ezana, the Aksum Kingdom covered 1.25 million square kilometers. The eventual rise of more powerful Arab states brought about the decline and eventual displacement of the Aksum Kingdom in 940 AD.

Kori Bustard - Limpopo

The source of the Limpopo River are the Crocodile and Marico Rivers. With a length of 1,750 kilometers, the Limpopo is the second longest African river to drain into the Indian Ocean; the Zambezi is first. The Limpopo’s drainage basin is 415,000 square kilometers and draws from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. 

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Ardeotis kori - The kori bustard is one of the heaviest birds capable of flight. A male stands 71 to 120 centimeters in height, has a wingspan ranging from 230 to 275 centimeters, and can weigh between 7 and 18 kilograms. When a kori bustard senses danger, it will lower its head and evade the situation by silently walking away. Being a heavy bird, it will avoid having to fly. When it does take to the air, the initial attempt will be awkward and the flight will be low level and cover a short distance. When landing, the wings stay outstretched until the bird reaches a walking speed.