Ruaha National Park has an impressive checklist of over 450 birds. This great diversity of species is a function of Ruaha’s location, which is transitional to the acacia savannah of East Africa and the belt of southern Africa. Crested barbet, whose persistent trilling is a characteristic sound of the southern bush, occurs in Ruaha, alongside central Tanzanian endemics such as yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in Tanzania- African fish eagle
- Ashy starling (E)
- Black-bellied bustard
- Buff-crested bustard
- Collared palm-thrush
- Crested barbet
- Eleonora’s falcon
- Emerald-spotted wood dove
- Goliath heron
- Long-crested eagle
- Meyer’s parrot
- Namaqua dove
- Sooty falcon
- Southern ground hornbill
- Tanzanian red-billed hornbill (E)
- White-bellied go-away-bird
- Yellow-collared lovebird (E)
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Ruaha is good year-round but at its best from November to April when Palearctic and intra-African migrants are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. For wildlife viewing, June to October (the middle and end of the Dry season), is best for visiting the park.