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 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
› ‹
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
1100+
Migratory Birds
Sep to Apr

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.

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?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Kenya
Bird Species
1100+
Migratory Birds
Sep to Apr