(MALAKAL, SOUTH SUDAN) – Aerial control operations have been launched against Quelea bird outbreaks that are threatening cereal crops in Upper Nile State.
The Quelea bird, also known as the Red-billed Quelea, is a small weaver bird that weighs about 20 grammes.
It is described as the most destructive bird pest of small grain cereal crops in Africa.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, Quelea birds move in flocks that can number from 20 to 100,000.
Crops attacked by Quelea birds include wheat, rice, millet, sorghum and teff.
The Food and Agriculture Organization stated in April 2025 that the birds do not feed on maize or sunflower.
An individual Quelea can eat 3 to 5 grammes of grain per day and waste more on the ground through its feeding activity.
Total damage by a single bird can reach 7 to 10 grammes of grain in a day.
The Food and Agriculture Organization reported in April 2025 that one million birds, a relatively small number in a single roost, can destroy up to 10 tonnes of grain a day.
According to BioS Reports in January 2026, crop losses from Quelea birds across Africa are estimated to cost around $79.4 million annually.
The Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa reported in November 2025 that Quelea infestations were reported in Upper Nile State and an aircraft was deployed for a control operation.
The Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa recommended close monitoring in December 2025 at the Thyara Scheme, Renk scheme, Kal Agang Kodok, Wal canal and Therthor forestry.
In September 2024, the Desert Locust Control Organization for Eastern Africa reported that 8.8 million birds were controlled with aerial spraying in Upper Nile State.
The current operation in Upper Nile State is led by the national Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with support from the Food and Agriculture Organization and partners.
The aim is to prevent further crop losses as dry conditions continue to affect agricultural production in South Sudan.
The Food and Agriculture Organization’s Global Information and Early Warning System reported in September 2026 that about 7.8 million people, or 55% of the total population, were estimated to face crisis or worse levels of acute food insecurity during the lean season between April and July 2026.
The highest prevalence of severe acute food insecurity, estimated at about 65% of the population, was reported in Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile states.
The Global Information and Early Warning System identified a risk of famine under plausible worst case conditions in Luakpiny/Nasir and Ulang counties in Upper Nile State and in Nyirol and Akobo counties in Jonglei State.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, the operation is part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural pest surveillance, early warning and rapid response.
The Food and Agriculture Organization said the operation is also meant to help farmers protect their remaining crops and safeguard food production.
It reported that local authorities and community leaders are working with field teams to raise awareness.
It added that they are also working to ensure communities follow safety guidance throughout the operation.
