Birds of Masai Mara - Kenya

Year-Round Birdwatching Delight

When you look up at the sky in the Masai Mara, you’ll often spot bateleurs soaring gracefully above the plains. If you scan the savannah below, you might catch sight of one of the six species of vultures scavenging animal carcasses. No matter the time of year, you’ll always find a variety of remarkable birds here. 

However, the best period for birdwatching is between November and April, when migratory birds from Europe and Northern Africa arrive. This happens during the rainy season, when many birds sport their striking breeding plumage.

Big on Birds – The Grasslands

The vast grasslands are home to impressive birds like the turkey-sized Ground Hornbills, the regal Secretary Birds, and the towering Kori Bustards. You might also spot the charming Crowned Plovers, as well as flocks of White Storks. The swamps offer their own spectacle, where you can see Crowned Cranes, Saddle-Billed Storks, and groups of Yellow-Billed Storks and Sacred Ibis. 

The area is also great for spotting large wading birds such as the Goliath Heron, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, and Great White Egret. Masai Mara’s Musiara Marsh is a must-visit for birdwatching, as it’s the only place in Kenya where the Rufous-bellied Heron breeds. Between October and May, you may even encounter the endangered Madagascar Squacco Heron.

River Birds

The Mara River is a prime spot to observe various kingfisher species, from the impressive Giant Kingfisher to the delicate Pygmy Kingfisher. The lush forests along the river are home to the vivid Ross’s Turaco and the striking Schalow’s Turaco. Among the most awe-inspiring birds you’ll see in the Mara are the birds of prey, like the formidable Martial Eagle and the tiny Pygmy Falcon. 

The Martial Eagle’s strength allows it to hunt larger animals, including young impalas and dik-diks. Yet, the most iconic of these predators is the Bateleur, known for its graceful flight across the brilliant African sky—a sight you’ll surely remember.

Near Endemic Bird Species List

Here is a list of all the known endemic bird species (E) and near-endemic bird species (NE) found in Kenya and the surrounding region. Each bird has unique characteristics that make them a significant part of Kenya’s rich avian diversity. Below is a description of each bird, highlighting their features and habitats.

• Abdim’s Stork – A striking black-and-white stork, known for its distinctive yellow facial skin and found in East Africa.

• African Finfoot – A rare, secretive water bird with a distinctive fin-like foot, typically seen in the freshwater rivers and swamps of Kenya.

• African Wood Owl – A nocturnal owl with a distinctive face, primarily found in the dense forests of Central and Eastern Africa, including Kenya.

• Ayres’s Hawk Eagle – A medium-sized eagle known for its sharp talons and exceptional hunting skills, typically seen in woodlands and forests.

• Cinnamon-breasted Bunting – A small, colorful bird with a striking cinnamon-colored breast, commonly found in the savannahs of East Africa.

• Denham’s Bustard – A large bird with long legs and a distinctive display, often found in the savannahs and open grasslands of Kenya.

• Giant Kingfisher – This large kingfisher is noted for its powerful beak and striking black-and-white plumage, commonly found near rivers and lakes.

• Grey-crested Helmet-shrike (NE) – A medium-sized bird with a distinctive grey crest, often found in the dry forests and scrublands of East Africa.

• Grey Penduline Tit – A small, acrobatic bird known for its unique penduline nests, commonly found in the dense reeds of East African wetlands.

• Hildebrandt’s Starling – A beautiful, iridescent starling known for its vibrant colors and is typically found in the savannahs and forests of East Africa.

• Jackson’s Widowbird – A striking bird with long, flowing tail feathers, often found in the savannahs and grasslands of Kenya.

• Lazy Cisticola – A small, secretive bird with a distinctive song, typically found in grasslands and bushy areas.

• Ostrich – The world’s largest bird, notable for its size and long legs, native to the savannahs and open country of Kenya.

• Purple Grenadier – A brightly colored finch with vibrant purple plumage, typically found in savannah and grassland habitats.

• Red-throated Tit – A small, agile bird with a distinctive red throat, commonly found in forested areas and woodland edges.

• Ross’s Turaco – A striking green bird with a red wing patch, often seen in the forests and woodlands of Kenya.

• Rosy-throated Longclaw – A small, brightly colored bird with a rosy throat, commonly found in the grassy savannahs of East Africa.

• Rufous-bellied Heron – A small heron with a rufous-colored belly, typically found in the wetlands and riverbanks of Kenya.

• Rufous-throated Wryneck – A unique, camouflaged bird known for its ability to twist its head and body, typically found in wooded areas.

• Saddle-billed Stork – A striking stork with a bright yellow and black saddle-shaped mark on its bill, commonly found near wetlands and rivers.

• Schalow’s Turaco – A vibrant green and blue bird with a distinctive turaco crest, found in the forests and woodlands of Kenya.

• Secretary Bird – A tall, long-legged bird of prey with a unique appearance, known for its ability to hunt snakes and other prey on the ground.

• Silverbird – A small, metallic-blue bird often seen in open savannahs and grasslands of Kenya, known for its distinctive plumage.

• Southern Ground Hornbill – A large, striking hornbill with a deep red throat patch, commonly found in the savannah and grasslands.

• Swahili Sparrow – A small, drab-colored sparrow with a slightly longer tail, typically found in coastal regions and grasslands.

• Tabora Cisticola – A small, elusive songbird found in the grassy areas of East Africa, often hidden in thick vegetation.

• Temminck’s Courser – A small, ground-dwelling bird found in the dry savannahs, known for its long legs and quick running speed.

• Trilling Cisticola – A small songbird with a trilling call, commonly found in grassy habitats across East Africa.

• Usambiro Barbet (NE) – A brightly colored barbet found in the dry forests and woodlands of Kenya and neighboring Tanzania.

• White-bellied Go-away Bird – A medium-sized bird known for its distinctive call and long tail, commonly seen in savannah and woodland areas.

• Woolly-necked Stork – A large stork with a distinctive woolly feathered neck, often found near wetlands and riverbanks in East Africa.

• Yellow-mantled Widowbird – A small, striking bird with a yellow mantle and long tail, often seen in the grasslands of Kenya.

• Yellow-throated Sandgrouse – A unique bird with a yellow throat and sand-colored plumage, typically found in dry savannahs and arid regions.