​Birds – Ruaha NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Ruaha's great diversity of birds is a function of its location, which is transitional to the acacia savannah of East Africa and the miombo woodland belt of southern Africa. The park has a checklist of 450 birds. The crested barbet – whose persistent trilling is a characteristic sound of the southern bush – occurs in Ruaha, alongside central Tanzanian endemics (restricted to Central Tanzania) such as the yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Ruaha NP
› ‹
Bateleur
Common
Collared palm-thrush
Occasional
Giant kingfisher
Common
Spur-winged goose
Common
Tanzanian red-billed hornbill
Common, Endemic

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

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

Facts & Figures

Birds in Ruaha NP
Bird Species
450+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Ruaha is good year-round, but at its best 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, the middle and end of the Dry season, from June to October, is best for visitors to the park.

Want To Visit Ruaha NP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Ruaha NP
Bird Species
450+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr