Birds

Kenya is known as one of the best places in the world for bird watching. With a favorable climate, most species remain year round. Perhaps most impressive is the vast number and variety of birds in Kenya. Over 1000 species have been identified. Birds come in all shapes and sizes, including the ostrich. This huge member of the bird family is frequently spotted in the plains in pairs or flocks of up to 50. Ostriches are the largest and heaviest of all birds, standing up to 9 feet tall and weighing 300 pounds.

The ostrich cannot fly, but they can run over 30 miles per hour. The secretary bird gets its name from the resemblance of its plummage to the hats worn by secretaries at one time. It searches through the tall grasses for small mammals and reptiles to feed on. Ground hornbills stand out against the yellow grasses with their black feathers and a red face and throat on males. In contrast, numerous swallows and swifts can be seen flying overhead. Other birds living in the savannah and open woodlands include warblers, pigeons, and woodpeckers.

Flocks of blue and black glossy starlings congregate around the lodges, often sneaking scraps of food from the open air dining areas. Barbets, hornbills, sunbirds and thrushes can all be seen around the hotels and campgrounds. These sociable birds are contrasted by the scavenging vultures.

Animal carcasses are a prime source of food for these raptors. A solitary tree in the savannah can be covered with these carrion eaters perching on its branches. Other birds of prey seen in Kenya include eagles and hawks.

The lakes of the Rift Valley are home to the greatest concentrations of birds. Thousands of pink flamingos cover the shallow beds of Lake Nakuru. Lake Baringo is home to herons, storks, and cranes along with a variety of kingfishers. Lake Naivasha and its Crescent Island are also considered excellent for bird watching. During the northern winter, many migratory shore birds migrate to the coastal areas of Kenya.

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