With a staggering population ranging from 1.5 billion to 2 billion birds, the red-billed quelea holds the title of the most populous wild bird species on Earth.

The red-billed quelea, scientifically known as Quelea quelea aethiopica, is predominantly found in various regions of the African continent. These small and resilient birds have a relatively short lifespan and exhibit a preference for forming immense flocks, sometimes consisting of millions of individuals. Their diet primarily consists of grains such as millet, rice, and wheat. Unlike strict migratory birds, they are more nomadic in nature, constantly seeking areas with ample food and grass for sustenance rather than following specific migration patterns.

Due to their characteristics, it comes as no surprise that red-billed queleas are often considered a significant agricultural nuisance and a source of distress for African farmers. Their impact extends beyond mere annoyance, greatly affecting food production and the economy in Sub-Saharan Africa. The escalating quelea populations have been associated with human famine and poverty in several countries within the region. Control operations are regularly conducted to combat this issue, with an average of 170 operations taking place annually in South Africa alone. These operations aim to curb food shortages and economic crises and result in the eradication of approximately 50 million birds.

An individual red-billed quelea consumes around 18 grams of grain per day, which is more than half of its body weight. Considering the vast size of their flocks, numbering in the millions, a flock of 2 million birds can consume up to 50 tonnes of grain in a single day or a staggering 1500 tonnes within 30 days. This translates to an estimated value of approximately $600,000 USD. East African countries, including Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Sudan, experience an annual grain loss worth 15 million USD due to the impact of red-billed queleas (Pimentel, 2002).

To control the population growth of these “avian locusts,” the most common method employed is large-scale spraying of the pesticide Fenthion, also known as quelea-tox. However, desperate measures have been observed in some areas, where individuals resort to firebombs and dynamite to keep the birds away from their fields. In more impoverished regions, red-billed queleas are often consumed as a source of meat or included in stews. Despite these control efforts, the population of red-billed queleas continues to grow at an alarming rate, with annual bird culling worldwide reaching only around 50 million.