​Birds – Kenya

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.

With more than 1,100 recorded species, Kenya is one of Africa’s best birding destinations. In Africa, only the much larger and difficult-to-access Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Tanzania have more. Numerous endemic and near-endemic species, which are especially sought-after as they only occur within the country or marginally beyond, can be seen on any birding trip. European and northern African migrants are present in Kenya from November to April.

Notable Birds in Kenya
› ‹
Crowned hornbill
Common
Hartlaub’s bustard
Common
Scarlet-chested sunbird
Common
Southern ground hornbill
Common
White-bellied go-away bird
Common

Birding Rating

Endemic & Near-endemic Birds

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

Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Kenya
Bird Species
1,100+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Kenya is good year-round, but at its prime from November 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 (June to October) is better. January and February can be good months for both.

Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating

The best wildlife-viewing parks, such as Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, also happen to be outstanding birding destinations. The Rift Valley lakes, including Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria, are good for waterbirds (including flamingos, which you can also see in Amboseli). The arid north, including Samburu National Reserve, offers many dry-country specials, while Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve and Kakamega Forest National Reserve are birding hot spots for forest species.

Recommended Birding Books

  • Birds of Kenya & Northern Tanzania
    The most detailed and definitive field guide for Kenya.
    Dale A. Zimmerman, Donald A. Turner and David J. Pearson
  • Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
    Superb field guide; complete coverage of each country.
    Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe
  • eGuide to Birds of East Africa (app)
    The app version of the above book is comprehensive for Kenya.
    Terry Stevenson and John Fanshawe
  • East Africa Birds – A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda
    Aimed firmly at beginners with only 140 species described.
    James Kavanagh
  • Pocket Guide: Birds of East Africa
    Another beginner’s guide that covers fewer than 300 species.
    Dave Richards

Want To Visit Kenya?

2,260 Kenya Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Kenya
Bird Species
1,100+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr