Around 280 bird species have been recorded in Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. The area is a stronghold for several globally threatened species, including the endemic Clarke’s weaver and near-endemic Sokoke scops owl. Other notable birds include Sokoke pipit, Amani sunbird, spotted ground thrush, east coast akalat and chestnut-fronted helmet-shrike. These specials need to be actively looked for with a specialist guide (available at the entrance gate). Other more noticeable forest birds include Fischer’s turaco, trumpeter hornbill and silvery-cheeked hornbill.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in Kenya(NE) near-endemic = lives in Kenya and neighboring countries
- African broadbill
- African pitta
- Amani sunbird (NE)
- Black-bellied starling
- Blue-mantled crested flycatcher
- Chestnut-fronted helmet-shrike
- Clarke’s weaver (E)
- Crested guineafowl
- East coast akalat
- Fischer’s turaco
- Forest batis
- Green barbet
- Little yellow flycatcher
- Narina trogon
- Peter’s twinspot
- Red-tailed ant thrush
- Scaly babbler
- Silvery-cheeked hornbill
- Sokoke pipit (NE)
- Sokoke scops owl (NE)
- Spotted ground thrush
- Trumpeter hornbill
Best Time for Bird Watching
Arabuko Sokoke is a bird-watcher’s paradise throughout the year. A lot of the more unusual forest species are resident and can be spotted at any time. Migratory birds are added to the mix from November to April. Heavy rain, which is most likely in November (the peak of the short rains) or April and May (the long rains), can interfere with bird-watching activities.