Birds – Serengeti 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.

The Serengeti has more than 500 bird species recorded, and the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is one of Africa’s Endemic Bird Areas (land important for habitat-based bird conservation containing restricted-range bird species), hosting five bird species found nowhere else.

These specials are easy to locate within their restricted range. The grey-breasted spurfowl is common in the Seronera area. In woodland areas, parties of Fischer’s lovebird draw attention to themselves and the rufous-tailed weaver is a fascinating bird placed in its own genus. The other two endemics are the Usambiro barbet and the grey-crested helmet-shrike. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Serengeti NP
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Fischer's lovebird
Locally common, endemic to Tanzania
Grey-breasted spurfowl
Locally common, endemic to Tanzania
Kori bustard
Common
Rufous-tailed weaver
Locally common, endemic to Tanzania
Secretary bird
Common

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 Serengeti NP
Bird Species
500+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Bird watching in the Serengeti is good year-round, but at its very best during November through April. Not only is this when European and north African migratory birds are present, but it is also nesting time for resident species. This makes it easy to spot birds in their breeding plumage. The Dry season occurs in June through October, making it the best time for watching wildlife.

Want to Visit Serengeti NP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Serengeti NP
Bird Species
500+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr