​Birds – Amboseli NP

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Amboseli National Park is a good birding destination and more than 420 species have been recorded here. The swamps are great for waterbirds such as egrets, herons, pelicans and crowned cranes. Large numbers of flamingos may be present in the two rainy seasons (March to May and November to December). Grassland areas offer some interesting ground birds such as Hartlaub’s bustard and the localized Pangani longclaw. The park’s acacia woodland holds some dry-country specials such as steel-blue whydah, white-bellied go-away bird and Von der Decken’s hornbill.

Notable Birds in Amboseli NP
African jacana
Common
Goliath heron
Common
Grey crowned crane
Common
Hartlaub’s bustard
Common
Rufous chatterer
Locally common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Amboseli NP
Bird Species
420+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Amboseli is a bird-watcher’s paradise throughout the year, but the best months are generally from December to March. Residents include unusual species that are spotted at any time. The migratory bird population fills the park from November to April. The months when rainfall is most likely to disrupt your bird-watching plans are November and April.

Want To Visit Amboseli NP?

789 Amboseli Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Amboseli NP
Bird Species
420+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr