BIRDS IN KENYA – ENDEMIC KENYA BIRDS
Find out more about the beautiful birds in Kenya, including the endemic birds of Kenya worth seeing during Kenya birding tours.
Kenya is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 1,164 bird species, one of the highest diversities in Africa.
Some of the unique Kenyan birds include the ostriches (the world’s largest birds), the tiny sunbirds, massive flocks of flamingos, the southern ground hornbills, superb starling, and unique raptors.
Most of the Kenyan birds are found in unique birding hotspots such as savannas, rift valley lakes, coastal forests, highland woodlands, and national parks like Masai Mara National Reserve, among other places.
Birds of Kenya can be seen in abundance all year round, though the wet seasons provide better conditions for seeing them firsthand in their majestic colors and habitats.
Essential Insights About the Birds in Kenya
- Kenya has over 1,164 bird species, with around 11 endemics and 4 newly introduced species, with the most popular ones being the lilac-breasted roller, grey-crowned crane, superb starling, red-billed hornbill, blue-capped cordon bleu, red-cheeked cordon bleu, southern ground hornbill, blue-breasted cordon bleu, and African fish eagle.
- Some of the endemic birds of Kenya include the Taita Apalis, Jackson’s Francolin, and Taita Thrush, among many others, often seen during birding safaris in Kenya.
- More information you need to understand about the birds for example, what their diet consists of, i.e., seeds, insects, and other prey.
RELATED KENYA SAFARI PARKS
Below is a detailed breakdown of the birds in Kenya worth seeing by any keen birder or ornithologist.
Endemic Birds of Kenya
Kenya is home to several endemic bird species found nowhere else on the planet, restricted in key birding hotspots in the coastal forests, central highlands, Taita Hills, etc., and they include
Critically Endangered Taita Thrush
The critically endangered Taita Thrush is one of the endemic birds in Kenya, worth seeing on a birdwatching safari.
The Taita Thrush is endemic to small montane forests in Kenya’s Taita Hills, mainly in the understories of Mbololo, Ngangao, and Chawia.
It has a dark grey, brown to black head and upperparts, a grey breast, white underparts with rufous flanks, a bright orange bill, a narrow orange eye ring, and orange legs.
Taita Apalis
The Taita Apalis is one of the endemic birds in Kenya, worth seeing on a birding tour in Kenya.
It is a critically endangered species and is found only in small forests in Kenya’s Taita Hills in the Dabida & Mbololo massifs.
It is a small and slim warbler with dark grey upper parts, blackish head and throat, off-white underparts, silvery eyes, and a long tail, often seen foraging actively in dense undergrowth and forest edges for insects.
Sokoke Scops Owl
The Sokoke scops owl is one of the endemic birds in Kenya, worth seeing on a bird spotting adventure.
The Sokoke scops owl is one of the smallest owls in the world, mostly found in woodlands, low dense thickets, and coastal lowland forests in Kenya, in habitats like Arabuko Sokoke Forest and Dakatcha, etc.
It has bright yellow eyes, small ear tufts, and variable grey to rufous brown camouflage plumage.
OTHER ENDEMIC BIRDS
| Taita White Eye | Clarke’s Weaver |
| Sharpe’s Longclaw | Hinde’s Pied Babbler |
| Tana River Cisticola | Jackson’s Francolin |
| Aberdare Cisticola | William’s Lark |
Visit Kenya today and see all these endemic bird species firsthand for lasting memories!
Most Sought-After Birds of Kenya
Beyond the endemic bird species in Kenya, the nation has several other avifauna often sought after by keen birders, and some of these include
Lilac-Breasted Roller (National Bird of Kenya)
The lilac-breasted roller (national bird of Kenya) is one of the most sought-after birds in Kenya, worth seeing on a bird-spotting adventure.
The beautiful lilac-breasted roller is often called the unofficial national bird of Kenya, and it is distributed in good numbers across sub-Saharan Africa.
This bird ,the lilac-breasted roller, has stunning multicolored bird features with lilac, turquoise, blue, green, and magenta plumage and is often seen scooping up prey like crabs, lizards, amphibians, and rodents.
The lilac-breasted roller is popular for its acrobatic flight displays and is a common sight often seen on branches or wires in open woodlands, savannas, and national parks.
Greater And Lesser Flamingos
Greater and lesser flamingos are some of the most sought-after birds in Kenya, worth seeing on a bird observation tour.
These birds are stunning pink flocks, often numbering in the hundreds of thousands, turning Kenya’s soda lakes into a vibrant spectacle.
Lesser flamingos are smaller and more numerous, while the greater ones are larger with deeper pink hues.
Grey Crowned Crane
The grey-crowned crane is one of the most sought-after birds in Kenya, worth seeing on a birding safari.
Famously also called the African crowned crane or the golden crested crane, the grey crowned crane is a non-migratory bird that is found in Kenya and in other countries like the DRC, Uganda, and South Africa.
The grey crowned cranes are known for their crown of upright golden feathers, black and white feathers, and unique displays of mating dances.
The grey crowned cranes have impressive wingspans of approximately two meters, or 6.5 feet; weigh in at about 3.5 kg or 7.7 lbs; and stand up to 100 cm or more than three feet, tall.
They are found in several birding hot spots in Kenya, such as grasslands, wetlands, and parks, often seen feeding on snakes, plants, insects, and seeds, among other things.
Secretary Bird
The secretary bird is one of the most sought-after birds of Kenya, worth seeing on a birdwatching tour.
The secretary bird is a unique long-legged raptor that hunts snakes on foot.
It has a distinctive crest of black feathers on its head, a grey, black & white feathered body, and long scaly legs often seen when on guided walks in savannahs and open grasslands in safari parks like Nairobi NP, Tsavo West NP, Masai Mara National Reserve, etc.
It feeds on rodents, lizards, and other birds’ eggs, hence plays a vital role in controlling rodent and snake populations.
African Fish Eagle
The African fish eagle is one of the most sought-after birds of Kenya, worth seeing on a birding tour.
The African fish eagle found in most parts of sub-Saharan Africa is a majestic, large raptor with a white head, brown body, and powerful yellow beak.
Its loud, distinctive call is often called the ‘voice of Africa,’ and it is often seen near aquatic habitats, near lakes & rivers, diving for fish, and in safari parks like Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru NP, Tsavo West NP, etc.
Ostriches
Ostriches (Common and Masai Ostrich) are one of the most sought-after birds of Kenya, worth seeing on a bird spotting adventure.
The world’s largest living, flightless bird often stands on open plains with its long legs.
Males have striking black and white plumage with pinkish legs and necks during the breeding season.
Marabou Stork
The marabou stork is considered to be one of the ugliest birds in the nation. Kenya is one of the popular avifauna species.
This huge, prehistoric-looking scavenger stands up to over five feet tall with a massive bill, a bare pinkish head and neck, white underparts, and dark wings.
Often called the “undertaker bird,” it’s commonly found around lakes, rivers, and open plains, especially in the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru, and near human settlements, where it scavenges for food along with vultures and hyenas.
The Marabou stork’s diet consists of carcasses and anything from termites to flamingos to small birds and mammals.
Black-Headed Oriole
The black-headed Oriole is another of the unique avians in the nation of Kenya.
This lively bird has a bright yellow body and a contrasting black head. Its flute-like calls often ring through the trees.
You’ll commonly find it in wooded areas, gardens, and places like Giraffe Manor near Nairobi.
Red-Rumped Swallow
The red-rumped swallow is another of the stunning avians of the nation Kenya.
The red-rumped swallow is a graceful flyer with sleek blue-black upperparts, a reddish rump, and pale underparts.
These red-rumped swallows dart through the skies, catching insects. They are widespread across Kenya, often seen flying around open country, cliffs, and lodges.
Yellow-Billed Stork
The yellow-billed stork is another of the stunning avians worth seeing when bird spotting in Kenya, Africa.
The yellow-billed stork is a tall, large wading bird with white plumage, black wings and tail, and a long, yellow, curved bill.
It stalks shallow waters for small fish and amphibians.
The yellow-billed stork is found in excellent places like Lake Nakuru and other Rift Valley lakes.
Lappet-Faced Vulture
The lappet-faced vulture is another incredible bird species found in Kenya, Africa, often seen during bird observations.
The lappet-faced vulture is one of Africa’s largest vultures, with a massive wingspan, dark brown-black feathers, a bare pinkish head, and a heavy bill.
These powerful scavengers soar high above the ground over the plains. They are regularly spotted in the Masai Mara and other savanna reserves.
Kori Bustard
The Kori bustard is another outstanding bird species recorded in Kenya, worth seeing during bird spotting excursions.
Africa’s heaviest flying bird, it has a big body, a long neck, long legs, and cryptic brown-grey plumage with black and white markings on the wings.
Males puff up dramatically during displays. Look for them striding through open grasslands in the Masai Mara and Samburu.
Red-Cheeked Cordon-Bleu
The red-cheeked cordon bleu is another of the breathtaking bird species in the nation of Kenya, Africa.
The red-cheeked cordon bleu is a tiny, charming finch with bright blue plumage and a distinctive red cheek patch.
It hops around searching for seeds and insects, which act as its food.
You’ll often see these pretty birds, the red-cheeked cordon bleu in dry bushes and gardens in southern and central Kenya.
White-Bellied Bustard
The white-bellied bustard is another of the breathtaking bird species in the nation of Kenya.
The white-bellied bustard is a medium-sized bird with a white belly, brown back, and long legs. It prefers walking over flying.
Common in open grasslands and savannas, especially in areas like the Masai Mara and other dry plains.
Superb Starling
Superb starling is another of the beautiful birds of Kenya, Africa seen on safaris.
The superb starling is one of Kenya’s most vibrant birds, with a glossy blue-green head and back, a bright orange belly, and a white breastband.
The superb starling is bold and noisy and it is found everywhere around lodges and open areas, especially in the Masai Mara and Samburu, often seen searching for food.
Red-Billed Hornbill
The red-billed hornbill is another of the beautiful birds of Kenya seen on safaris.
This bird the red-billed hornbill, is small and lively, with a curved red bill, black and white plumage, and a long tail.
The red-billed hornbill flies in rollercoaster patterns and often visits camps looking for food.
The red-billed hornbill is very common in the Masai Mara, Samburu, and other savanna regions.
Southern Ground Hornbill
The southern ground hornbill is another of the rare avifauna species found in this nation, worth seeing during bird spotting adventures.
The southern ground hornbill is known to be the largest of the two species of ground hornbills found mainly in Africa
This bird, the southern ground hornbill, is huge and impressive, with jet-black plumage, red facial skin, and a throat pouch, and their diet consists of snakes, frogs, insects, rodents, lizards, bird eggs, nestling birds, and insects.
The southern ground hornbills stride across the ground in family groups hunting snakes, insects, and small reptiles as prey in places like the Masai Mara grasslands.
Von der Decken’s Hornbill
The Von der Decken’s hornbill is one of the fascinating birds of Kenya seen during bird-spotting excursions.
The Von der Decken’s hornbill is a handsome black-and-white hornbill with a long, curved red-and-cream bill.
It bounces through the air and often visits lodges. It is mainly found in drier northern areas like Samburu National Reserve.
Red-Billed Buffalo Weaver
The red-billed buffalo weaver is also another fascinating bird species in Kenya, Africa.
The red-billed buffalo weavers are noisy, social birds with dark plumage and bright red bills.
They build large, messy nests in tree trunks and feed on insects, fruits, among other prey. The red-billed buffalo weavers are common around buffalo and other large mammals in savanna areas.
White-Headed Buffalo Weaver
The white-headed buffalo weaver is another avian species found in Kenya, East Africa.
The white-headed buffalo weaver is quite striking with a white head, black body, and red rump.
These bold weavers are often seen near large animals in dry bush and open woodlands, especially in Samburu and similar arid zones feeding on seeds and insects.
Other Iconic Bird Species Recorded in Kenya, East Africa
| · African Harrier Hawk | · Yellow-Billed Oxpecker |
| · Southern Ground Hornbill | · African Hoopoe |
| · Saddle-Billed Stork | · Common Bulbul |
| · Speckled Pigeon | · Yellow-Billed Hornbill |
| · Red-Billed Hornbill | · Pied Crow |
| · Superb Starling | · Marabou Stork |
| · Masked Weaver | · Paradise Flycatcher |
| · Vulturine Guinea Fowl | · Long-Crested Eagle |
| · Broad-Winged White Eye | · Green Pigeon |
| · Meyers Parrot | · Violet Backed Starling |
| · Ansorge’s Greenbul | · Blue-Headed Bee-Eater |
| · Yellow Bellied Wattle Eye | · Blue breasted cordon bleu |
| · Speckled mousebird | · Powerful Talons |
| . Rueppell’s long-tailed starling | . Barred long-tailed cuckoo |
| . Long-tailed nightjar | . Blue capped cordon bleu |
| . White rumped swift | . Spotted thick knee |
| . Purple grenadier waxbill | . Verreaux’s eagle owl |
Bird Families in Kenya Africa (e.g., Ground Hornbills, Billed Storks, etc.)
| Pelicans | Parrots |
| African Spoonbills | Nightjars |
| Babblers | Wagtails |
| Starlings | Oxpeckers |
| Waxbills | Weavers |
| Sunbirds | Flycatchers |
| Thrushes | Warblers |
| Woodpeckers (they tap noisily at tree trunks) | Honeyguides |
| Bulbuls | Pittas |
| Bee-eaters | Kingfishers |
Top Kenya Birding Destinations Hosting Beautiful Birds (e.g., Masai Mara National Reserve, etc.)
Keen birders can see most of Kenya’s birds by visiting key birding destinations and hotspots below.
| · Taita Hills wildlife sanctuary | · Lake Baringo |
| · Lake Bogoria National Reserve | · Masai Mara National Reserve |
| · Mida Creek | · Mount Kenya Forest Reserve |
| · Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve | · Central Highlands |
| · Aberdare NP | · Amboseli National Park |
| · Buffalo Springs National Reserve | · Kakamega Forest National Reserve |
| · Lake Magadi | · Lake Nakuru National Park |
| · Nairobi National Park | · Lake Naivasha |
| · Saiwa Swamp National Park | · Samburu National Reserve |
| · Shaba NP | · Tsavo Parks (Tsavo East and West National Parks), etc. |
Kenya Birding Experience | How Best to See the Birds of Kenya?
Tourists visiting Kenya can see most of the birds in the country by choosing to join in the birding experience.
The Kenya birding experience is where keen birders join guided walks in the early mornings and late afternoons in search of the stunning birds, including endemic avifauna, waterbirds, birds of prey, etc.
The birds are often seen flying around, some searching for food such as seeds, insects, or other prey.
Best Time to Visit Kenya to See the Beautiful Birds
Kenya’s avifauna can be seen all year round; however, the best time to go see them in their natural environments is during the wet season from November to April, when the migratory species come by from Europe and Asia to settle along the Indian Ocean coastline and in the rift valley areas to feed on the abundant food and seeds. READ MORE!
Threats Facing Kenya’s Avifauna in East Africa
Kenya’s avifauna faces so many threats that threaten the populations, and some of these include
- Habitat loss, degradation, and land fragmentation
- Climate change
- Poisoning from dangerous seeds
- Electrocution
- Invasive species
- Pollution
- Human wildlife conflicts
Conservation Initiatives Aimed at Conserving Kenya’s Avifauna
The Kenyan government, together with organizations like Nature Kenya, Kenya Bird of Prey Trust, among others, is working hand in hand to minimize the threats and challenges, and some of the ongoing conservation initiatives include
- Designation of birding hot spots as Important Bird Areas
- Local community involvement
- Habitat restoration, etc.
Kenya Birding Safari Costs
Kenya birding safari costs often range from USD 100-500+ daily for each person, depending on the duration, group size, accommodation, transport, among other factors.
How To Get to Kenya to See the Birds of Paradise?
Keen bird watchers seeking to see the beautiful birds of paradise in the country need to first get to the country by air, land, or water and then take domestic flights or 4×4 road transfers to the desired birding destinations, such as Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Masai Mara National Reserve, etc. READ MORE!
World-Class Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels to Stay at During Birding Tours
Tourists visiting Kenya to see the stunning avifauna in the country can stay at several safari lodges and hotels that range from budget to midrange to luxury.
Some of the top lodges include Kilima Camp, Entim Camp, The Ark Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sagala Lodge, and Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, among others.
Kenya Safari Packing List for Bird Spotting Excursions
Tourists visiting Kenya to see its stunning birds are strongly encouraged to bring essential birding gear and clothing, such as neutral-colored clothing, birding binoculars, a camera with a good zoom lens, a good bird book/guide, insect repellent, sunscreen, etc. READ MORE!
Kenya Tour Operators Offering the Best Birdwatching Safari Packages
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Wild Gorilla Safaris
- Kenya safari Tours
- Africa Safari Tours
- Tanzania Safaris and Tours
- Uganda Birding Safaris Tour
- Kenya National Parks
Kenya Birds FAQS
-
Where Do Birds Sleep When It Rains?
When there are rain showers, the birds find shelter in dense evergreens, tree cavities, shrubs, or under eaves to stay dry.
-
What Kind of Birds Are in Kenya?
Kenya is home to over 1,000 bird species that range from bustards, cranes, hornbills, cordon bleus, owls, thrushes, raptors, flying birds, large wading birds, and sunbirds to terrestrial birds, among many other small birds.
-
Do Birds Remember People Who Feed Them?
Yes, birds actually remember and recognize people who feed them, especially if it is continuous.
-
Does Kenya Have a National Bird? | Which Is the National Bird of Kenya?
The Lilac-Breasted Roller, also known as Kambu in Swahili, is often called the national bird of Kenya.
-
What Is the Most Beautiful Bird in Kenya?
The lilac-breasted roller is widely recognized in Kenya as the most beautiful bird because it has over eight vibrant colors that range from lilac, turquoise, and blue, which are very beautiful to see.
-
What Are the Giant Birds in Kenya?
The giant birds of Kenya include the Marabou stork, the common/Somali ostrich, the kori bustard, and the great white pelican.
The birdlife in Kenya is quite fascinating and often add color and unique soundtracks to any wildlife or birding safari. Call or email us today and let us plan the best Kenya safari for you to see all the stunning birds of Kenya firsthand!
GET IN TOUCH WITH ONE OF OUR LOCAL TRAVEL EXPERTS
Book our Safaris with Confidence Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or embarking on your first safari, this essential resource equips you with the knowledge and tools to plan and book your dream wildlife expedition with the absolute assurance
we provide expert advice, insider tips, and practical recommendations to ensure a seamless and unforgettable safari experience. Unleash your wanderlust and dive into the captivating world of safari travel, knowing that you have all the tools to embark on your journey with confidence.”
We’re here to assist you with your needs. If you have any questions about our packages or services, feel free to reach out to us
Chat to an African Safari Expert
Speak to East African tour expert for safari advice and suggestions