Birding in Kenya
Kenya is the world’s number one birding destination. You do not have to ask why it ranks so high in birds with nature’s gift of the vast Rift Valley lakes that camouflage with a mass of pink flamingoes and the ostrich that is found in some parts of Kenya. You actually have to be there to enjoy such birding sights!
The parks, cities and reserves all over Kenya are recorded to have more than 1085 bird species which is particularly eleven percent of the world’s birds! A short birding trip in Kenya will include sights for more than 300 species and nearly 110 for any one birding site of your choice. These incredible bird statistics are attributed to the diverse bird habitats, good weather and the distinct geographic features that attract several migrants from all over Europe and Asia.
Birding in Nairobi City
If say you are visiting the capital of Kenya Nairobi, expect to take sights of more than 500 birds nesting in the trees and streets of this vibrant business hub. Nairobi is said to be best capital in the world with a variety of birds than seen where else.
No matter where you are in Nairobi, you are guaranteed sight of strange migrant birds and the usual Nairobi birds. Some of the best places to find birds in Nairobi include the National Museum gardens and Nairobi National Park. Even from the comfort of your hotel balcony or verandah, you’ll be able to see a few birds in the gardens chirping to the morning sun. Popular sights include the secretary bird, long tailed mouse birds, bustards, Banglafecht bright yellow & black weavers and the tiny iridescent sun birds.
The Marabou stork is a regular sight in many East African cities as it is in Nairobi. This giant bird finds the city’s acacia lined streets the best place to have it nests and once in a while will visit the damping points around the city. For the best trips, be apart of the weekly birding trips organized by Nature Kenya to different birding sites within Nairobi city and the surrounding areas.
Bird watching in Kenya is great all through the year but the best time to visit on birding trips is during the months of April to November. This time of the year marks the annual rainy season that attracts Euro-Asia migrant birds which the highest birding totals for any day tours!
According to statistics, just 10% of Kenya’s birds are migrant species that fly in from countries in Europe and Asia. Notable grassland endemics found in Kenya include the lilac breasted roller, guinea fowl, bustards, Lark and barbets among others. A visit to Tsavo National Park or the dry savannah of Samburu reserve or Masai Mara will give sights of more birds. Nevertheless, the rift valley lakes such as Lake Naivasha and the forested highlands of Aberdare also have a long list of birds to watch. There are a wide range of bird habitats in Kenya that offer excellent sightings on day trips within Nairobi and beyond.
Kenya is home to several endemic species, the rare and the endangered birds as well. More than 23 species of Kenya’s birds are classified as globally threatened while several are endemic and others rarely sighted except for a few distinct birding habitats. The Arabuko-Sokoke forest near the coastal town of Malindi is home to more than 6 endangered species including Sokoke pipit, Amani sunbird, spotted ground thrush, Clarke’s weaver Sokoke Scoop owl and East coast Akalat.
The forests on the Taita Hills have some rare forest endemic species such as the endangered Taita Apalis, Taita white eye and the critically endangered Taita thrush among other forest birds.
From the Aberdare mountains ranges is Sharpe’s Longclaw and the Aberdare cisticola that are native to the highlands and forests on the foothills.
Kakamega forest in western Kenya maintains lush tropical rain forests which are home to the endangered tiny turner’s Eremomela, Turaco and the Hornbill among others rain forest species. To the shore and papyrus beds on Lake Victoria, you’ll find the papyrus endemic gonolek, papyrus canary, white winged warbler and the endangered papyrus yellow warbler that is rarely seen across the world.
Birding tips
Like for every Kenya safari game drive, it is important to have a local guide and this is no exception bird watching safaris in Kenya. There are several guides to guide bird enthusiasts or naturalist on birding trips all over the country. These guides are familiar with the different birding sites and can thus help identify the birds-giving both the scientific names and local names for the different birds. They are formally trained by the Kenya birding association and international scientists that often visit Kenya.
Before getting a guide for your birding trip, it is very important to seek help from the local association of Professional bird guide and Kenya Tour operators. Local guides no only increase chances for seeing Kenya’s birds in the most remote regions, they are part of the community based bird conservation drive. Booking a local guide for you birding trip is equated to activity participating in bird conservation!