Looking Back at the Birds of East Africa

 

The Malachite Kingfisher is high up on most birder's list when they come on safari in Africa. Sometimes the smallest birds are the most gorgeous!

Bird watching in East Africa is an unparalleled experience, offering some of the most vibrant and diverse birdlife on the planet. With over 1,100 species spread across habitats ranging from lush rainforests and savannas to coastal wetlands and arid landscapes, East Africa is a treasure trove for both novice and seasoned bird watchers. Iconic spots like Kenya's West Tsavo and Masai Mara, Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, and Tanzania's Serengeti National Park offer incredible viewing opportunities. The region’s migratory corridors make it a prime destination to spot unique species, including multiple eagle species, tiny kingfishers, colorful rollers, and countless migratory birds from Europe and Asia.

The diversity of East African bird species, including colorful weavers, majestic raptors, and rare endemic species, draws enthusiasts year-round. Whether it's the thrill of spotting a rare species or simply enjoying the beautiful calls that fill the air, birdwatching here offers a serene yet exciting connection to nature. In addition, local guides and conservation groups enrich the experience, sharing insights into bird behaviors and the environmental importance of each species. For those who love nature and wildlife, East Africa's bird-watching opportunities are unmatched, blending breathtaking landscapes with the rich tapestry of avian life.

Over the years I have found that getting excited about birds is one of the big surprises for people's first safari experience. They come in knowing about elephants and lions and zebra, but leave with a much better appreciation for the diversity of birds and the uncountable patterns and colors that a good pair of binoculars can produce when trained on a new bird species here in East Africa. If you aren't already a birder, there is a good chance you will leave East Africa as one.

A Bateleur Eagle strikes a pose as it surveys the plains for food.

A buffalo weaver. This bird builds hanging nest in tall trees with dozens of other weavers. They are quite noisy and active around sunset.

Here in East Africa, the little bee eater is the most common of the bee eater family to come across. They are all quite beautiful making it another hot item for birders and photograpers.

This is a Go-Away bird, part of the turaco family. They are pretty conspicuous flapping around the tree tops, especially with their loud 'go away' calls.

If you are lucky you might find half a dozen kingfisher species while on Safari in East Africa... or maybe all in one afternoon. From the Giant Kingfisher, all the way down to the beautiful, but tiny Malachite Kingfisher, they are all winners for any birding enthusiast.

Most of the East African starling species sport a beautiful glossy sheen, but the golden breasted starling might be the most beautiful.

And it wouldn't be a complete safari in East Africa without a long list of eagle species. This is the long crested eagle...for obvious reasons.

The bateleur eagle is one of my favorites to find, with its uniquely orange beak.

Extra large birds, stomping their way across the savannas, often delight and surprise safari goers as well. Birds like Ostrich, kori bustards, ground hornbill, and this secretary bird, are just some of the large birds you might come across.

The roller species you might come across can be absolutely stunning. This is an immature one, just wait for the adult version to come!

This is a blue-naped mouse bird. Check out the light blue patch on the neck and the extremely long tail. There are just so many varieties, colors, and patterns of birds here in East Africa!

I probably check as many tree limbs for owls as I do for leopards while on safari. This was the only owl I was able to find this go around, and it wasn't even while we were driving. I spotted this pearl spotted owlet on the grounds of our lodge. It always pays to explore, especially when your lodge in deep in the middle of the national park.

Changing environments leads to a change in bird species. In the flooded marshes of Amboseli we find birds like white pelicans, and....

Falmingos!

After an evening storm, we find great egrets and open billed storks on the plains of the Masai Mara.

All small dog owners beware.... the martial eagle likes to prey on small animals, from rabbits to small antelopes like dik dik!

If you are patient and lucky, you might get to see the lilac-breasted roller in all of its glory, with wings outstretched and colors ablaze!

Another iconic waterbird here in East Africa is the spoonbill.

The spur wing plover are common in pairs, right along the roadside.

Anyone who has watched the Lion King, knows about hornbills thanks to the wonderful character of Zazu. Here is one in real life, cast aglow by the early morning light.

A pair of Egyptian geese are a common sight in and around water holes.

This superb starling frequented the grassy area outside my room in Tsavo West National Park.

This gorgeous bird is the black bellied bustard. I think it looks like a faberge egg.

Another medium size bird that spends most of its time on the ground is the guinea fowl. It is very usual to spot big flocks out helmeted guinea fowl, loudly moving through the forest floor, but in West Tsavo we got very lucky and saw these guys, the Vulturine Guinea Fowl. Their striking white stripes with deep blue feathers is one of my favorite patterns.

This strange looking bird is called the hammerkop. It builds massive nest up in trees, usually near water sources that are very conspicuous.

Sometimes when driving through places with pretty thick bush, it can be hard to find the big safari animals. But for bird enthusiast there is always something to look at. These fork-tailed drongos are very prevalent in thick, bushy environments, like you will find in West Tsavo.