More than 500 bird species have been recorded in Serengeti National Park. The park is a significant part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, which is one of Africa’s Endemic Bird Areas (EBAs) and hosts five bird species found nowhere else. Of these, grey-breasted spurfowl is common around Seronera, while Fischer’s lovebird and rufous-tailed weaver (a fascinating bird placed in its own genus) are conspicuous in woodland, but Usambiro barbet and grey-crested helmet-shrike are less easily seen. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in Tanzania(NE) near-endemic = lives in Tanzania and neighboring countries
- Black-headed gonolek
- Fischer’s lovebird (E)
- Green-backed woodpecker
- Grey-backed fiscal
- Grey-breasted spurfowl (E)
- Grey-crested helmet-shrike (NE)
- Hildebrandt’s starling (NE)
- Red-capped robin-chat
- Rufous-tailed weaver (E)
- Rüppell’s vulture
- Schalow’s turaco
- Silverbird
- Southern ground hornbill
- Usambiro barbet (NE)
- Verreaux’s eagle
- Yellow-throated sandgrouse
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in the Serengeti is good year-round but at its very best from November to April when Palearctic and intra-African migratory birds are present. This is also nesting time for resident species and some birds can be spotted in their breeding plumage. The best time for wildlife viewing is January to February and June to October, depending on the area in the park.