​Birds – Nairobi 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.

With nearly 500 bird species recorded, Nairobi National Park gives Kenya’s capital one of the longest bird lists of any city in the world. The park’s substantial area of undisturbed grassland is of great importance for species such as the restricted-range Jackson’s widowbird, which breeds here regularly after good rains. Other grassland birds include ostriches, secretary birds and bustards. Waterbirds also gather around Hyena Dam and Nagolomon Dam. Nairobi NP is a popular birding destination and it’s easy to book a full- or half-day guided birding trip at short notice.

Notable Birds in Nairobi NP
› ‹
Black-headed heron
Common
Blacksmith lapwing
Common
Common moorhen
Common
Long-tailed fiscal
Common
Ostrich
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

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

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nairobi NP
Bird Species
500
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Nairobi NP offers good bird watching throughout the year, but the best time is November to April when the migrants from Europe and North Africa are present. Many species are nesting at this time as it coincides with breeding season. The spectacular Jackson’s widowbird displays from March to May. Although April is a good month for birding, it may be difficult to get around because it can be very wet.

Want To Visit Nairobi NP?

50 Nairobi NP Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Nairobi NP
Bird Species
500
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr