By Anthony Ham
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
With over 1,100 recorded species, Kenya is one of Africa’s best birding destinations. In Africa, this number of species is only exceeded by the much larger and inaccessible Democratic Republic of Congo. A fair number of endemic and near-endemic species can easily be seen on any birding trip. These birds are especially sought-after as they only occur within the country or marginally beyond. The European migrants are present from September to April.
Notable Birds in Kenya
Common
Birding Rating
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Endemic & Near-Endemic Birds
(E) endemic = only lives in Kenya(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries
- Abbott's starling (NE)
- Aberdare cisticola (E)
- Amani sunbird (NE)
- Clarke's weaver (E)
- Grey-crested helmet-shrike (NE)
- Hinde's pied babbler (E)
- Jackson's hornbill (NE)
- Jackson's francolin (NE)
- Montane white-eye (E)
- Sharpe's longclaw (NE)
- Sokoke pipit (NE)
- Sokoke scops owl (NE)
- Taita thrush (E)
- Tana River cisticola (E)
- Taveta golden weaver (NE)
- Williams's lark (E)
Other Birding Specials– Treats for Avid Birders
Facts & Figures
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Kenya is good year-round, but at its prime from September to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. For wildlife viewing, however, the Dry season is better.
Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating
The best wildlife viewing parks, such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli, offer a solid introduction to East Africa’s common birds. The Rift Valley Lakes including Lake Nakuru and Bogoria are the places to go to mark off many waterbirds, while the arid north, such as Samburu, offers many dry-country specials. Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega Forest are birding hotspots as well.
- Amboseli NP 4.3/5 119 Birding Ratings
- Arabuko Sokoke 4.3/5 8 Birding Ratings
- Buffalo Springs NR 3.9/5 18 Birding Ratings
- Kakamega Forest NR 4.4/5 18 Birding Ratings
- Lake Nakuru NP 4.2/5 150 Birding Ratings
- Masai Mara NR 4.3/5 218 Birding Ratings
- Saiwa Swamp NP 3.7/5 7 Birding Ratings
- Samburu NR 4.3/5 65 Birding Ratings
Recommended Birding Books
- Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania
Dale A. Zimmerman - The Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
Terry Stevenson and John Fanshaw - East Africa Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
James Kavanagh - Pocket Guide: Birds of East Africa
Dave Richards
Want to Visit Kenya?
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Facts & Figures
