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Field Guides Tour Report
East Africa Highlights: Kenya & Tanzania 2016
Jan 16, 2016 to Feb 5, 2016
Terry Stevenson


Speke's Weaver, widespread in East Africa, keeps its handsome plumage year-round. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

Our January-February 2016 East Africa Highlights tour benefitted from exceptional rains across most of the region from early December onwards. This unexpected, prolonged period of rain meant that many birds were still breeding, and one of the tour highlights was seeing a displaying African Broadbill at Kakamega. Additionally, a good variety of sunbirds, weavers, widowbirds, and bishops were in full breeding plumage -- with Northern Red Bishop at Bogoria being simply stunning!

After a slight itinerary change in 2015, this was the second tour where we flew between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro airports -- a move that saved us about 5 hours of driving in each direction. It was a decision appreciated by all, and we'll continue to take these flights on future tours. As none of this group had ever been on a tour to East Africa before, all were eager to see every bird and mammal, so we allowed plenty time to enjoy the wildlife we saw, and often spent time getting second and better looks.

As usual, we began in Nairobi National Park, where one of our many highlights was stopping by a pool with several exceptionally extroverted Black Crakes which walked along the road right beside our vehicle. We also saw the recently split African Swamphen, African Darter, Saddle-billed Stork, Hamerkop, Sacred and Hadada ibises, African Fish-Eagle and African Jacana. On the more open plains, Helmeted Guineafowl, White-browed Coucal, Northern Pied-Babbler (an East African endemic), Rosy-throated Longclaw, and Pin-tailed Whydah were the birds we most enjoyed. But Common Giraffe, African Buffalo, Warthog, Hartebeest, Impala, and Grant's Gazelle were major features of this, our very first game drive.

We then flew to Kilimanjaro Airport and began the Tanzania part of our tour with a night at Gibb's Farm and a walk in the nearby forest the following morning. Speckled Mousebirds, African Paradise-Flycatchers, and Arrow-marked Babblers were three of the most active birds in the garden, while the forest walk provided very close views of Long-crested Eagle, some attractive Cinnamon-chested Bee-eaters, duetting Tropical Boubous, White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher, Gray-capped Warbler, and singing Eastern Double-collared Sunbirds.

Continuing on to Ngorongoro, we then spent two nights at our lodge on the rim, with spectacular views across the crater right before us. Our day in the crater was one of the most memorable of the tour, with not just the pleasure of driving across this fabulous landscape, but our first Lions (at least 20 of them, including three huge males), Spotted Hyaena, Common Jackal, African Elephants, Burchell's Zebra, African Buffalo, and thousands of Blue Wildebeest and Thomson's Gazelles. Birds on the plains varied from 'large' (Common Ostrich, Abdim's Stork, Kori Bustard, and Gray Crowned-Crane) to 'small' (Rufous-naped and Red-capped larks, Capped Wheatear, and African Pipit). The endemic Rufous-tailed Weaver favored the more bushy areas, while a variety of herons, ibis, ducks, and shorebirds dotted the lake and its edges, and Bateleur as well as Tawny and Steppe eagles crossed the skies.

From the Crater Highlands, we dropped to the west, where almost 20 species were seen in what became known as "the magic tree". We then made visits to a Maasai manyatta (homestead) and Oldupai (formerly Olduvai) Gorge before moving on to spend three nights in the Serengeti itself. Here, on the open plains and amongst the more wooded areas, we added many species to our list. Perhaps most memorable were several hundred thousand wildebeest on the eastern plains, a Cheetah (right next to our vehicle), a Leopard resting in a tree, our first Black-backed Jackals, and (of course) the many thousands of zebra, antelopes and gazelle that the Serengeti is justly famous for. New birds included the endemic Gray-breasted Francolin, Secretary-bird, Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Spotted Thick-knee, Chestnut-bellied and Yellow-throated sandgrouse, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Von der Decken's and Tanzanian Red-billed hornbills, Lilac-breasted Roller, Red-fronted Barbet, Pygmy Falcon, Fischer's Lovebird, Magpie Shrike, Red-throated Tit, Black-lored Babbler, Hildebrandt's Starling, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Golden-breasted Bunting, Blue-capped Cordonbleu and Green-winged Pytilia.

The last area we visited in Tanzania was the wonderful Tarangire National Park -- a beautiful area of rolling hills, woodland and a river, scattered throughout with giant baobab trees. Here, two more endemics (Yellow-collared Lovebird and Ashy Starling) were found right at the entrance gate, while other exciting birds included Red-necked Francolin, African Crake, Black-faced Sandgrouse, African Cuckoo, Mottled Spinetail, Green Woodhoopoe, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Woodland Kingfisher, and Meyer's Parrot. A total of about 400 elephant were a real treat for everyone.

After the short flight back to Kenya and a night in Nairobi, we were soon on our way to Lake Nakuru, but first, we made a stop at a pond near Limuru, picking up Southern Pochard, and White-backed and Moccoa ducks. Nakuru itself was great for yet more waterfowl and shorebirds, plus Greater Flamingo, both Great White and Pink-backed pelicans, the African form of Eurasian Hoopoe, White-fronted Bee-eater, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and yet another endemic -- Jackson's Widowbird.

Heading west, a short stop at Kisumu provided us with looks at Black-billed Barbet, Northern Puffback and Black-headed Gonolek, and then it was on to Kakamega Forest and a three night stay. In habitat so totally different from anywhere else we'd been so far, our walks along the trails produced many wonderful new birds, including Crowned Hawk-Eagle (nesting right in the grounds of our guesthouse), White-spotted Flufftail (both male and female -- probably our best tour views ever), the massive Black-and-white Casqued-Hornbill, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Yellow-billed Barbet, Golden-crowned Woodpecker, African Broadbill, Jameson's Wattle-eye, African Shrike-Flycatcher, Luehder's Bushshrike, Western Black-headed Oriole, 8 species of greenbul, Uganda Woodland-Warbler, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Gray-winged and Snowy-crowned robin-chats, Equatorial Akalat, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Vieillot's Weaver, and Red-headed Bluebill.

Leaving Kakamega behind, we then drove east to the area around Lake Baringo and Bogoria, finding the gorgeous White-crested Turaco along the way. And then, right in one of the most picturesque areas of the Great Rift Valley, we worked with our expert local guide to find Goliath Heron, Verreaux's Eagle, Three-banded Courser, African Scops-Owl, Northern White-faced Owl, Grayish and Verreaux's eagle-owls, Jackson's Hornbill, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Pygmy Batis, Mouse-colored Penduline-Tit, Brown-tailed Chat, Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird, White-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Northern Masked and Golden-backed weavers, and Northern Red Bishop.

We finished our tour to the east of the Rift Valley, on the southwestern flank of Mount Kenya. Although we were only there for one night, we added some marvelous birds and mammals; Sykes's Monkey was the first to be seen, and then two Large-spotted Genets came to a feeder that night. Bushbuck, Waterbuck, and African Buffalo were not new, but it was great to watch them again as they moved back and forth from the waterhole to the salt lick. The pigeons were particularly impressive, with Rameron and Delegorgue's being joined on the ground by Tambourine Dove, Dusky Turtle-Dove, and African Green-Pigeon. Other new birds here included African Cuckoo-Hawk, Hartlaub's Turaco, African Emerald Cuckoo, Red-fronted Parrot, Mountain Yellow-Warbler, Gray Apalis, Hunter's Cisticola, and Yellow-crowned Canary. Perhaps most surprising though, was what we spotted on the road below the lodge as we headed back to Nairobi. In full sun -- and seemingly without a care in the world as it ambled along, sat, and turned to watch us -- was a gorgeous adult female Leopard.

Thanks for joining me for this East African adventure!

-- Terry


KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant


BIRDS
Struthionidae (Ostrich)


Gray Crowned-Cranes -- some 40 in all -- numbered among the "large" birds we saw on the African plains. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

COMMON OSTRICH (Struthio camelus massaicus) – We saw a total of about 100 between Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Tarangire, and then 4 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Six at Limuru Pond and Nakuru.
WHITE-BACKED DUCK (Thalassornis leuconotus) – Rather uncommon in Kenya, so we were lucky to see 10 at Limuru Pond.
COMB DUCK (OLD WORLD) (Sarkidiornis melanotos melanotos) – We saw a male in flight at Tarangire.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca) – Common and widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis) – Two at Ngorongoro, and 4 in the Serengeti.
YELLOW-BILLED DUCK (Anas undulata) – We saw a total of 10 at Limuru Pond and Nakuru.
NORTHERN SHOVELER (Anas clypeata) – Thirty in Ngorongoro Crater, and 20 at Limuru Pond.
RED-BILLED DUCK (Anas erythrorhyncha) – About 20 at Ngorongoro Crater and 30 at Limuru Pond and Nakuru.
HOTTENTOT TEAL (Anas hottentota) – Ten at Ngorongoro, and 6 at Nakuru.
GARGANEY (Anas querquedula) – Four at Nakuru.
CAPE TEAL (Anas capensis) – Two at Ngorongoro, 30 in the Serengeti, and 12 at Nakuru.
SOUTHERN POCHARD (Netta erythrophthalma) – Three males at Limuru Pond.
MACCOA DUCK (Oxyura maccoa) – We saw a single male at Limuru Pond.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris) – Common and widespread in a variety of open and wooded country.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
SCALY FRANCOLIN (Pternistis squamatus) – Great close looks at 1 at Mountain Lodge.


The Secretary-bird hunts its varied prey on foot. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

HILDEBRANDT'S FRANCOLIN (Pternistis hildebrandti) – Two adults and 3 juveniles at Ngorongoro.
YELLOW-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis leucoscepus) – One at Nairobi NP, and 4 at Tarangire.
GRAY-BREASTED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis rufopictus) – Great looks at this Tanzanian endemic in the Serengeti; in all we saw about 50. [E]
RED-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis afer) – Common at Tarangire.
CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus sephaena) – Two in the Serengeti, and 4 at Tarangire.
COQUI FRANCOLIN (Peliperdix coqui) – Two at Tarangire.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – About 30 at Limuru Pond and Nakuru.
EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis) – Three in the Serengeti.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus) – About 200 on the lake in Ngorongoro Crater, 6 near Ndutu, and 80 at Nakuru.
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoeniconaias minor) – Seen as a distant line of pink in Ngorongoro Crater.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus) – One in the Serengeti, and 8 at Kisumu.
BLACK STORK (Ciconia nigra) – One at Nakuru.
ABDIM'S STORK (Ciconia abdimii) – Several thousand in open grassy areas from Ngorongoro and the Serengeti to Tarangire.
WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia) – Widespread in open areas with the most being in the Crater Highlands (100+), and near Nakuru (250).
SADDLE-BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) – Singles at Nairobi NP and Nakuru.
MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer) – Very common and widespread; in all we saw about 350.


There's nothing like a stinky carcass for facilitating good comparisons between vulture species! Here, a White-backed Vulture (left) stands beside a Rueppell's Griffon. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

YELLOW-BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis) – One at Nairobi NP, and 6 at Baringo.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – About 100 at Nakuru, and 20 at Baringo.
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax africanus) – Singles at Limuru Pond and Nakuru, and 10 at Baringo.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa rufa) – One at Nairobi NP, and 6 at Baringo.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – Six at Manyara, and 80+ at Nakuru.
PINK-BACKED PELICAN (Pelecanus rufescens) – Four near Lake Manyara, and 8 at Nakuru (together with Great White Pelicans).
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta) – Widespread in small numbers; in total we saw about 15.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala) – Widespread (and preferring drier areas to Gray Heron).
GOLIATH HERON (Ardea goliath) – Nice looks at the world's largest heron at Baringo.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – One near Kapsabet, and 1 at Baringo.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – We saw about a dozen at a variety of widespread wetlands.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – One at Nakuru.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Three in the Baringo-Bogoria area.


It was a successful hunt for this African Spoonbill. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Very common and widespread.
SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides) – Two at Nairobi NP, and 4 at Baringo.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Three along the shore at Baringo.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Sixty in Ngorongoro Crater, and 1 at Nakuru.
SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus) – Very common in the Nairobi area, and then small numbers at Ngorongoro and Nakuru.
HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash) – We saw a total of about 40 at a variety of widespread sites.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba) – Eight in Ngorongoro Crater, and about 20 at Nakuru.
Sagittariidae (Secretary-bird)
SECRETARY-BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius) – Great looks in the Serengeti and at Tarangire.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Seen mainly in the Serengeti, but also a few others elsewhere.
AFRICAN CUCKOO-HAWK (Aviceda cuculoides) – Three together over Mountain Lodge.
LAPPET-FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotos) – Nice looks at these huge vultures in the Serengeti.
HOODED VULTURE (Necrosyrtes monachus) – One near Ndutu.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus) – Most common near Ndutu (70) and Tarangire (30), and a few others elsewhere.
RUEPPELL'S GRIFFON (Gyps rueppelli) – Two near Ndutu.
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus) – Singles at Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, and then 6 at Tarangire.
BLACK-BREASTED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus pectoralis) – Three in the Serengeti.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus) – One near Tarangire.
CROWNED HAWK-EAGLE (Stephanoaetus coronatus) – Fabulous looks at a pair with an almost fully grown immature at Kakamega, and then another adult at Mountain Lodge.
MARTIAL EAGLE (Polemaetus bellicosus) – Four in the Serengeti, and 1 at Tarangire.
LONG-CRESTED EAGLE (Lophaetus occipitalis) – Two in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax) – At least 35 in the Serengeti, 6 at Tarangire, and a few scattered singles elsewhere.
STEPPE EAGLE (Aquila nipalensis) – One at Ngorongoro, and about 10 in the Serengeti.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE (Aquila verreauxii) – Great looks at 2 hunting hyrax at Baringo.
AFRICAN HAWK-EAGLE (Aquila spilogaster) – Two at Ngorongoro.
DARK CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax metabates) – Seven in the Serengeti.
EURASIAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus) – Fairly widespread over open country; in all we saw about 9.
PALLID HARRIER (Circus macrourus) – One at Ngorongoro, and about 30 in the Serengeti.
MONTAGU'S HARRIER (Circus pygargus) – About 140 in the Serengeti.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – Common and widespread throughout the tour.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) – One at Nairobi NP, and 2 at Baringo.
COMMON BUZZARD (STEPPE) (Buteo buteo vulpinus) – Widespread in small numbers; in total we saw about 18.
AUGUR BUZZARD (Buteo augur) – Small numbers in the Crater Highlands, and at Nakuru.
Otididae (Bustards)
KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori) – No less than 14 in Ngorongoro Crater, and 4 in the Serengeti.
WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD (Eupodotis senegalensis) – Two in the Serengeti.
BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD (Lissotis melanogaster) – One at Ngorongoro, and 5 in the Serengeti.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)


The "King of Beasts" is surely the quintessential animal of the East African plains. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

AFRICAN CRAKE (Crecopsis egregia) – Great looks at 1 along a track at Tarangire.
BLACK CRAKE (Amaurornis flavirostra) – About 20 at Nairobi NP (included some very tame ones), 1 in the Serengeti, and 4 at Limuru Pond.
AFRICAN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio madagascariensis) – Recently split from Purple Swamphen, we saw 1 at Nairobi NP.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Two at Nairobi NP, 1 at Ngorongoro, and 6 at Limuru Pond.
RED-KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata) – At least 200 at Limuru Pond.
Sarothruridae (Flufftails)
WHITE-SPOTTED FLUFFTAIL (Sarothrura pulchra) – Unbelievable wonderful looks at a pair at Kakamega - normally a real skulker!
Gruidae (Cranes)
GRAY CROWNED-CRANE (Balearica regulorum) – Fairly common and widespread; in total we saw about 40.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
SPOTTED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus capensis) – Singles in the Serengeti and Tarangire.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – Fairly common on alkaline pools at Ngorongoro, in the Serengeti, and at Nakuru.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACKSMITH LAPWING (Vanellus armatus) – Common and widespread.
SPUR-WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus spinosus) – Pairs at Nairobi NP, and near Bogoria.
BLACK-WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus melanopterus) – Two in Ngorongoro Crater.
CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus) – Common at Ngorongoro, in the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus) – One near Ndutu.
KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius) – Two near Ndutu.


The requisite equator shot... Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula) – Two near Ndutu, and 6 at Nakuru.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris) – Three along small streams in the Serengeti.
CHESTNUT-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius pallidus) – Good looks at this rather localized plover near Ndutu.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus) – Two at Nairobi NP, 1 at Ngorongoro, and 4 at Nakuru.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Four singles in the Serengeti, Tarangire, and at Nakuru.
GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus) – Two at Nairobi NP, and 4 at Nakuru.
SPOTTED REDSHANK (Tringa erythropus) – One at Nakuru.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – One at Nakuru.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis) – Nine at wetlands in the Serengeti, and 6 at Nakuru.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – The most common and widespread sandpiper; with a total of about 40.
RUFF (Calidris pugnax) – Twenty in the Serengeti, and 50+ at Nakuru.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea) – About 50 at Nakuru.
LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta) – About 35 at wetlands in the Serengeti, and 300+ at Nakuru.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
DOUBLE-BANDED COURSER (Smutsornis africanus) – Two in the Serengeti, and 5 at Tarangire.
THREE-BANDED COURSER (Rhinoptilus cinctus) – Thanks to our local guide we saw 2 of these gorgeous coursers at Baringo.
COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola) – About 20 in Ngorongoro Crater.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)


The gorgeously-patterned Three-banded Courser is largely nocturnal, so we were particularly lucky to get such nice views -- and pictures! Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – About 20 at Nakuru.
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica) – One at Ngorongoro, 8 over the Serengeti grasslands, and 6 at Nakuru.
WHITE-WINGED TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus) – About a dozen at Nakuru.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – About 30 in Ngorongoro Crater, and 6 at Limuru Pond (included several in full breeding plumage).
Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles exustus) – Ten in the Serengeti.
YELLOW-THROATED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles gutturalis) – About 30 in the Serengeti.
BLACK-FACED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles decoratus) – We saw about a dozen (mainly along the tracks) at Tarangire.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Small numbers in several scattered villages.
SPECKLED PIGEON (Columba guinea) – Fairly common and widespread.
RAMERON PIGEON (Columba arquatrix) – Good scope views of 1 at Mountain Lodge.
DELEGORGUE'S PIGEON (Columba delegorguei) – About 8 came to the salt lick at Mountain Lodge.
DUSKY TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia lugens) – Two at Nairobi, and 2 at Mountain Lodge.
MOURNING COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decipiens) – Six in the Serengeti, and about 40 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata) – Fairly common and widespread; in all we saw about 50.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola) – Very common and widespread.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Very common and widespread.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos) – One at Baringo.
TAMBOURINE DOVE (Turtur tympanistria) – Nice looks at a male at Mountain Lodge.
NAMAQUA DOVE (Oena capensis) – Three at Tarangire, and 10 at Baringo.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus) – Eight at Kakamega Forest, and 1 at Mountain Lodge.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
GREAT BLUE TURACO (Corythaeola cristata) – Heard at Kakamega.
SCHALOW'S TURACO (Tauraco schalowi) – Heard in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
WHITE-CRESTED TURACO (Tauraco leucolophus) – Fabulous views of 2 of these gorgeous turacos in the Kerio Valley.
HARTLAUB'S TURACO (Tauraco hartlaubi) – Two were feeding in a fruiting tree at Mountain Lodge; an East African endemic. [E]
BARE-FACED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides personatus) – Common in the Serengeti and at Tarangire.
WHITE-BELLIED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides leucogaster) – One on the way to Tarangire (briefly), and then about a dozen at Baringo.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LEVAILLANT'S CUCKOO (Clamator levaillantii) – Two in the Kerio Valley.
RED-CHESTED CUCKOO (Cuculus solitarius) – Heard at Gibb's Farm and Kakamega.


A Kori Bustard in "full display mode" is definitely a sight to behold. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

AFRICAN CUCKOO (Cuculus gularis) – We saw a single perched bird at Tarangire.
KLAAS'S CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx klaas) – One in the Serengeti.
AFRICAN EMERALD CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx cupreus) – After several 'heards' we all finally got great looks at this stunning bird at Mountain Lodge.
DIDERIC CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx caprius) – Two at Ndutu, and 1 at Nakuru.
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (Centropus superciliosus) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw 12.
Strigidae (Owls)
AFRICAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus senegalensis) – Thanks to our local guide this was 1 of 4 species of owls which we saw at Baringo.
NORTHERN WHITE-FACED OWL (Ptilopsis leucotis) – Great looks at a pair at Baringo.
GRAYISH EAGLE-OWL (Bubo cinerascens) – One in a rocky gully at Baringo.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (Bubo lacteus) – One at Baringo, and then 2 at Mountain Lodge.
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET (Glaucidium perlatum) – We saw a total of 3 at Tarangire.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SLENDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus clarus) – We saw a single bird on its day roost at Baringo.
Apodidae (Swifts)
MOTTLED SPINETAIL (Telacanthura ussheri) – Five flying around the baobab trees at Tarangire.
NYANZA SWIFT (Apus niansae) – About 50 near Karatu on the way to Gibb's Farm.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – By far the most common and widespread swift.
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT (Apus caffer) – Six (together with Little Swifts) at the Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi.
AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus) – About 10 at Nairobi, and 2 at Nakuru.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)


Courtship feeding is a regular part of the pair-bonding between Eurasian (African) Hoopoes. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD (Colius striatus) – Very common and widespread.
BLUE-NAPED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius macrourus) – Four in the Kerio Valley, and about 20 at Baringo.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (AFRICAN) (Upupa epops africana) – One at Tarangire, and 4 at Nakuru.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitar-bills)
GREEN WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus) – Small numbers at Tarangire, Nakuru, and in the Kerio Valley.
WHITE-HEADED WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus bollei) – Five were seen well at Kakamega, and 3 in flight at Mountain Lodge.
ABYSSINIAN SCIMITAR-BILL (Rhinopomastus minor) – One near Ndutu.
Bucorvidae (Ground-Hornbills)
SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri) – We saw 3 and then 5 at Tarangire - wonderful birds.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
AFRICAN GRAY HORNBILL (Lophoceros nasutus) – Fairly common and widespread with a total of about 36.
JACKSON'S HORNBILL (Tockus jacksoni) – Good looks at 2 pairs at Baringo.
VON DER DECKEN'S HORNBILL (Tockus deckeni) – We saw a total of about 20 in the Serengeti.
TANZANIAN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus ruahae) – Three in the Serena area of the Serengeti. [E]
NORTHERN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus erythrorhynchus) – About 30 at Tarangire, and 10 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
BLACK-AND-WHITE-CASQUED HORNBILL (Bycanistes subcylindricus) – We saw about 25 of these huge hornbills at Kakamega.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Corythornis cristatus) – Singles at Nairobi NP, Ngorongoro, and Baringo.
GRAY-HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala) – Two at Tarangire.
WOODLAND KINGFISHER (Halcyon senegalensis) – Eight at Tarangire, 1 at Lake Victoria, and 3 at Baringo.


White Rhinos dot the wide Rift Valley floor in this shot by participant Alice Whitmore. This species is the most social of all the rhinoceroses.

STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti) – We saw a pair at Nakuru.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – Small numbers at wetlands from Tarangire to Nakuru, and Baringo.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
BLUE-HEADED BEE-EATER (Merops muelleri) – We saw 3 of these attractive and uncommon bee-eaters in the forest at Kakamega.
WHITE-FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides) – About 50 at Nakuru.
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus) – Small numbers were widespread in open bush country.
CINNAMON-CHESTED BEE-EATER (Merops oreobates) – Common in the highlands; with a total of about 80.
WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER (Merops albicollis) – About 25 along the shore at Lake Victoria.
NORTHERN CARMINE BEE-EATER (Merops nubicus) – Six in the dead trees near the old lodge at Baringo.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
EUROPEAN ROLLER (Coracias garrulus) – Two in the Serengeti, and about 10 at Tarangire.
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) – Common and widespread; with a total of about 120.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ROLLER (Coracias naevius) – One near Bogoria.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
YELLOW-BILLED BARBET (Trachyphonus purpuratus) – Several heard and 1 seen nicely at Kakamega.
RED-AND-YELLOW BARBET (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) – We saw these gorgeous barbets at Tarangire and in the Kerio Valley.
D'ARNAUD'S BARBET (Trachyphonus darnaudii) – Eight in the Kerio Valley.
D'ARNAUD'S BARBET (USAMBIRO) (Trachyphonus darnaudii usambiro) – Seven in the Serengeti.
GRAY-THROATED BARBET (Gymnobucco bonapartei) – We saw a total of about 30 at Kakamega.


The widespread Lilac-breasted Roller is a real stunner. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus bilineatus bilineatus) – After several 'heards' we finally caught up with this species at Mountain Lodge - very nice looks too!
RED-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus pusillus) – Two in a dry river bed at the bottom of the Crater Highlands - the magic tree!
YELLOW-SPOTTED BARBET (Buccanodon duchaillui) – Some of the group saw 1 at Kakamega.
RED-FRONTED BARBET (Tricholaema diademata) – Two at the bottom of the Crater Highlands.
SPOT-FLANKED BARBET (Tricholaema lacrymosa) – One at Baringo.
BLACK-BILLED BARBET (Lybius guifsobalito) – Two along the shore of Lake Victoria.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)
GREEN-BACKED HONEYGUIDE (Prodotiscus zambesiae) – One in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
LESSER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator minor) – One at Tarangire.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
NUBIAN WOODPECKER (Campethera nubica) – Singles at Nairobi, Ndutu, Tarangire, and Baringo.
CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Dendropicos fuscescens) – Singles at Tarangire and Baringo.
GOLDEN-CROWNED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos xantholophus) – Good looks at a pair and then a single bird at Kakamega.
AFRICAN GRAY WOODPECKER (Dendropicos goertae) – Two at Tarangire.
MOUNTAIN GRAY WOODPECKER (Dendropicos spodocephalus rhodeogaster) – Singles in the Crater Highlands and the Serengeti.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
PYGMY FALCON (Polihierax semitorquatus) – Two in the Serengeti.
EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) – Very common in the Serengeti (about 140), and a few at open country scattered sites elsewhere.
GREATER KESTREL (Falco rupicoloides) – Good looks at 1 along the roadside in the Serengeti.
GRAY KESTREL (Falco ardosiaceus) – One in the Serengeti.


A Greater Kestrel along the roadside in the Serengeti gave us great looks. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – We scoped a distant bird at Gibb's Farm.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
FISCHER'S LOVEBIRD (Agapornis fischeri) – We saw a total of about 100 in the Serengeti. [E]
YELLOW-COLLARED LOVEBIRD (Agapornis personatus) – About 140 at Tarangire. [E]
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-FRONTED PARROT (Poicephalus gulielmi) – One perched and about 20 in flight at Mountain Lodge.
MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri) – One in the Serengeti, and 4 at Tarangire.
Calyptomenidae (African and Green Broadbills)
AFRICAN BROADBILL (Smithornis capensis) – Good looks at a displaying bird in Kakamega Forest.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
BROWN-THROATED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira cyanea) – One along the forest edge at Kakamega.
JAMESON'S WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira jamesoni) – Good looks at this undergrowth species at Kakamega.
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor) – One at Gibb's Farm, and 4 at Nakuru.
PYGMY BATIS (Batis perkeo) – One at Baringo.
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
AFRICAN SHRIKE-FLYCATCHER (Megabyas flammulatus) – Very uncommon these days, so we were lucky to see a pair at Kakamega.
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)
BRUBRU (Nilaus afer) – Two at the Seronera HQ in the Serengeti.
NORTHERN PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus gambensis) – One at Kisumu, and 1 in the Kerio Valley.
BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus cubla) – Two at Gibb's Farm.
BLACK-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra senegalus) – One in the coffee bushes at Gibb's Farm.
BROWN-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra australis) – One in the Serengeti.
THREE-STREAKED TCHAGRA (Tchagra jamesi) – One near the cliffs at Baringo.
LUEHDER'S BUSHSHRIKE (Laniarius luehderi) – Three singles in the tangled vines at Kakamega.
TROPICAL BOUBOU (Laniarius major) – About 6 at Gibb's Farm, 1 at Nakuru, and 2 at Mountain Lodge.
BLACK-HEADED GONOLEK (Laniarius erythrogaster) – One at Kisumu.
SLATE-COLORED BOUBOU (Laniarius funebris) – Three singles in the Serengeti bush country.
GRAY-GREEN BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus bocagei) – Several heard and 1 seen at Kakamega.
BLACK-FRONTED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus nigrifrons) – Heard in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
GRAY CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina caesia) – One at Gibb's Farm, and 1 at Mountain Lodge.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
RED-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio) – We saw a single male on the way to Gibb's Farm.
GRAY-BACKED FISCAL (Lanius excubitorius) – About 80 in the Serengeti, and 1 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
LONG-TAILED FISCAL (Lanius cabanisi) – Sixteen at Tarangire.
MACKINNON'S SHRIKE (Lanius mackinnoni) – Two singles at Kakamega.
NORTHERN FISCAL (Lanius humeralis) – Common and widespread in the highlands.
MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca) – Common from the Serengeti to Tarangire; with a total of about 90.
WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus rueppelli) – Also known as Northern White-crowned Shrike, they were common in the Serengeti and at Baringo.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
WESTERN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus brachyrhynchus) – One in the canopy at Kakamega.


Common Giraffes float on mirage legs above the hot savanna of the Rift Valley. There's something slightly surreal about an animal that would have to bend down to look in a second floor window! Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

AFRICAN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus larvatus) – Two in the Kerio Valley, and 2 at Bogoria.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus ludwigii) – About 14 at Kakamega.
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis) – Common and widespread in open woodland and bush country.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
AFRICAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone viridis) – Ten around Gibb's Farm, 4 at Kakamega, and 6 in the Kerio Valley (which included some white morph birds).
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAPE CROW (Corvus capensis) – Fairly common in the highlands; in all we saw about 120.
PIED CROW (Corvus albus) – Very common and widespread.
FAN-TAILED RAVEN (Corvus rhipidurus) – Three at Iten, and 4 along the cliffs at Baringo.
WHITE-NECKED RAVEN (Corvus albicollis) – Four in Ngorongoro Crater, and 1 along the rim there.
Alaudidae (Larks)
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana) – Common in open grasslands like at Nairobi NP and in the Serengeti.
PINK-BREASTED LARK (Calendulauda poecilosterna) – One at Baringo.
FISCHER'S SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix leucopareia) – One near Oldupai Gorge, and then about 30 in the Serengeti.
RED-CAPPED LARK (Calandrella cinerea) – About 20 in Ngorongoro Crater, and 4 in the Serengeti.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
BANDED MARTIN (Riparia cincta) – Four in Ngorongoro Crater.
ROCK MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) – Small numbers were near a variety of cliffs and buildings.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Common and widespread throughout the tour.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – Pairs at Ndutu and Mountain Lodge.


As their name suggests, Southern Ground-Hornbills are largely terrestrial. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – Small numbers in the Serengeti, at Tarangire, and at Nakuru.
LESSER STRIPED-SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica) – Eight at Ole Sereni, and 4 near Ndutu.
WHITE-HEADED SAWWING (Psalidoprocne albiceps) – About 30 at Kakamega.
BLACK SAWWING (Psalidoprocne pristoptera) – Forty in the Crater Highlands, and about 20 around Mountain Lodge.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
AFRICAN BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Elminia longicauda) – Six along the forest edge at Kakamega.
WHITE-TAILED BLUE-FLYCATCHER (Elminia albicauda) – Two at Gibb's Farm.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
DUSKY TIT (Melaniparus funereus) – Three at Kakamega.
RED-THROATED TIT (Melaniparus fringillinus) – Two at the bottom of the Crater highlands - the magic tree, and then 1 at the Seronera HQ, Serengeti. [E]
Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)
MOUSE-COLORED PENDULINE-TIT (Anthoscopus musculus) – Good looks at 2 along the cliffs at Baringo.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
SLENDER-BILLED GREENBUL (Stelgidillas gracilirostris) – One in the canopy at Kakamega.
SHELLEY'S GREENBUL (KAKAMEGA) (Arizelocichla masukuensis kakamegae) – Two at Kakamega - creeping along branches like nuthatches.
EASTERN MOUNTAIN-GREENBUL (MOUNTAIN) (Arizelocichla nigriceps nigriceps) – Singles in the forest at Gibb's Farm and Ngorongoro.
JOYFUL GREENBUL (Chlorocichla laetissima) – These really were joyful birds of Kakamega Forest, where we saw about 20.
PLAIN GREENBUL (Eurillas curvirostris) – Two in a fruiting shrub at Kakamega.
YELLOW-WHISKERED GREENBUL (Eurillas latirostris) – Very common at Kakamega.
LITTLE GREENBUL (Eurillas virens) – Three in the secondary growth at Kakamega.
CABANIS'S GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) – A Kakamega undergrowth species; we saw 3.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor) – Very common and widespread.
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)


The magical Serengeti stretches to the horizon. Photo by participant Alice Whitmore.

NORTHERN CROMBEC (Sylvietta brachyura) – One at Baringo.
RED-FACED CROMBEC (Sylvietta whytii) – Two in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf Warblers)
UGANDA WOODLAND-WARBLER (Phylloscopus budongoensis) – One seen and several heard at Kakamega.
BROWN WOODLAND-WARBLER (Phylloscopus umbrovirens) – One in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
WILLOW WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochilus) – Two at Gibb's Farm.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
EASTERN OLIVACEOUS WARBLER (Iduna pallida) – One was mobbing a Pearl-spotted Owlet at the entrance to Tarangire.
AFRICAN YELLOW-WARBLER (Iduna natalensis) – One on the way to Gibb's Farm.
MOUNTAIN YELLOW-WARBLER (Iduna similis) – One at Mountain Lodge.
AFRICAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus baeticatus) – One in a reed bed near Kapsabet.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
BLACK-COLLARED APALIS (Apalis pulchra) – We saw about 6 of these attractive apalises in the undergrowth at Kakamega.
BAR-THROATED APALIS (BAR-THROATED) (Apalis thoracica griseiceps) – Two in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida) – One near Ndutu, and 2 at Tarangire.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (BROWN-TAILED) (Apalis flavida viridiceps) – Two at Baringo.
CHESTNUT-THROATED APALIS (Apalis porphyrolaema) – Heard at Mountain Lodge.
GRAY APALIS (Apalis cinerea) – Four at Mountain Lodge.
BROWN-HEADED APALIS (Apalis alticola) – Two in the forest by the gate to Ngorongoro.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata) – Widespread in small numbers.
OLIVE-GREEN CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera chloronota) – Two at Kakamega.
RED-FRONTED WARBLER (Urorhipis rufifrons) – Six in the low dry scrub along the cliffs at Baringo.


A pair of Lesser Striped Swallows, with the paler-headed, bolder-streaked female on the right. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

GRAY WREN-WARBLER (Calamonastes simplex) – Two along the cliffs at Baringo.
WHITE-CHINNED PRINIA (Schistolais leucopogon) – About half a dozen were seen along the forest edge at Kakamega.
RED-FACED CISTICOLA (Cisticola erythrops) – One near Gibb's Farm.
SINGING CISTICOLA (Cisticola cantans) – One in Nairobi NP.
CHUBB'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola chubbi) – We watched a pair duetting at the edge of Kakamega Forest.
HUNTER'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola hunteri) – We watched 4 all singing together in the Mountain Lodge undergrowth. [E]
RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana) – Common in acacia bush country.
WINDING CISTICOLA (Cisticola galactotes) – Four in Nairobi NP.
LEVAILLANT'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola tinniens) – One in a reed bed near Kapsabet.
STOUT CISTICOLA (Cisticola robustus) – About 60 in Nairobi NP.
SIFFLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola brachypterus) – One in Nairobi NP.
PECTORAL-PATCH CISTICOLA (Cisticola brunnescens) – One in the Tarangire grassland.
GRAY-CAPPED WARBLER (Eminia lepida) – We saw this attractive warbler at Gibb's Farm.
BLACK-FACED RUFOUS-WARBLER (Bathmocercus rufus) – Can be a real super skulker, but eventually we all got pretty good views at Kakamega.
BUFF-BELLIED WARBLER (Phyllolais pulchella) – Three at the bottom of the Crater Highlands, and 1 at Nakuru.
Sylviidae (Sylviid Warblers)
EURASIAN BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) – Nice looks at a male along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
AFRICAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops senegalensis) – Two at Thomson's Falls.
BROAD-RINGED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops poliogastrus) – Two at Ngorongoro, and 2 at Mountain Lodge.


Verreaux's Eagle-Owl is Africa's largest owl -- and one of the largest owls in the world. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

WHITE-BREASTED WHITE-EYE (Zosterops abyssinicus) – The in 'the magic tree' at the bottom of the Crater Highlands.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
BLACK-LORED BABBLER (Turdoides sharpei) – Three in the Serengeti.
NORTHERN PIED-BABBLER (Turdoides hypoleuca) – Ten in Nairobi NP. [E]
BROWN BABBLER (Turdoides plebejus) – Two in the Kerio Valley, and then 6 at Baringo.
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii) – Small flocks at Gibb's Farm, the Serengeti, and at Ndutu.
Promeropidae (Sugarbirds)
GRAY-CHESTED ILLADOPSIS (Kakamega poliothorax) – Heard in the Kakamega undergrowth.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
SILVERBIRD (Empidornis semipartitus) – We saw an immature bird at Tarangire.
GRAYISH FLYCATCHER (Bradornis microrhynchus) – About a dozen in the Serengeti acacia woodland.
WHITE-EYED SLATY-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis fischeri) – Small numbers in the Crater Highlands, the Western Highlands, and around Mt. Kenya; in all we saw about 20.
NORTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis edolioides) – Two at Kakamega.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata) – One at Tarangire.
DUSKY-BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa adusta) – Two at Gibb's Farm, and 4 at Mountain Lodge.
RED-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys) – Two at the bottom of the Crater Highlands, and 1 in the Serengeti.
CAPE ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha caffra) – About 15 were seen in the Crater Highlands.
BLUE-SHOULDERED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha cyanocampter) – One flew right in front of us as we tried to see a White-spotted Flufftail at Rondo Retreat.
GRAY-WINGED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha polioptera) – One at Rondo Retreat.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heuglini) – Four at Gibb's Farm, and 2 at Nakuru.
SNOWY-CROWNED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha niveicapilla) – At least four around Rondo Retreat.
SPOTTED MORNING-THRUSH (Cichladusa guttata) – About 6 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
BROWN-CHESTED ALETHE (Pseudalethe poliocephala) – One along a muddy trail at Kakamega.
EQUATORIAL AKALAT (Sheppardia aequatorialis) – Nice looks at 2 singles at Kakamega.
WHITE-THROATED ROBIN (Irania gutturalis) – Also known as Irania, we saw 1 at the bottom of the Crater Highlands.
WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra) – One in Nairobi NP.
AFRICAN STONECHAT (Saxicola torquatus) – Two in the tea estate at Kakamega.
NORTHERN ANTEATER-CHAT (Myrmecocichla aethiops) – Common in Ngorongoro Crater area (50+), and at Nakuru (30+).
MOCKING CLIFF-CHAT (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris) – A male and 2 females at Nakuru.
BROWN-TAILED CHAT (Cercomela scotocerca) – Four along the bottom of the cliffs at Baringo.
NORTHERN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe oenanthe) – Small numbers in the Serengeti and at Baringo.
ABYSSINIAN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe lugubris schalowi) – Five in the Ngorongoro area.
CAPPED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pileata) – Two in Ngorongoro Crater, and 4 in the Serengeti.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
WHITE-TAILED ANT-THRUSH (Neocossyphus poensis) – Often very shy, but we were lucky this tour and saw 3 or 4 at Kakamega.
ABYSSINIAN THRUSH (ABYSSINIAN) (Turdus abyssinicus abyssinicus) – Also known as Olive Thrush, we saw 4 at Mountain Lodge, and a few other singles in highlands areas elsewhere.
AFRICAN THRUSH (Turdus pelios) – Four at Kakamega.
Sturnidae (Starlings)


A male Black-faced Sandgrouse "sneaks" across the road in front of us, confident of his camouflage. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

WATTLED STARLING (Creatophora cinerea) – About 20 on the way to Ndutu.
RED-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus morio) – Twenty at Ngorongoro, 10 at Tarangire, and 2 at Baringo.
BRISTLE-CROWNED STARLING (Onychognathus salvadorii) – Good looks at this uncommon 'northern species' at Baringo.
STUHLMANN'S STARLING (Poeoptera stuhlmanni) – Two at Kakamega.
HILDEBRANDT'S STARLING (Lamprotornis hildebrandti) – About 30 in the Serengeti, 2 at Tarangire, and 2 at Baringo. [E]
RUEPPELL'S STARLING (Lamprotornis purpuroptera) – Fairly common in acacia country; in all we saw about 80.
ASHY STARLING (Lamprotornis unicolor) – This Tanzanian endemic was extremely common at Tarangire. [E]
SUPERB STARLING (Lamprotornis superbus) – Very common and widespread.
GREATER BLUE-EARED STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) – Two in Nairobi, 1 at Tarangire, and 8 at Nakuru.
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
RED-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) – Widespread in areas with big game; in all we saw about 120.
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus africanus) – Surprisingly we only saw 2 (both in the Serengeti).
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
KENYA VIOLET-BACKED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes orientalis) – Four at Baringo.
COLLARED SUNBIRD (Hedydipna collaris) – Two at Ngorongoro, and 4 at Nakuru.
GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra verticalis) – First seen at Gibb's Farm, and then we had about 10 at Nakuru and the Western highlands.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis) – We saw a female in the Serengeti, and then 4 (including some fabulous males in breeding plumage) at Nakuru, and finally 1 at Mountain Lodge.
BRONZE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia kilimensis) – Small numbers in various high altitude areas (including Nairobi) throughout the tour.
NORTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris reichenowi) – About 6 at Kakamega.


We saw hundreds of Burchell's Zebras at Ngorongoro and Nakuru, and thousands upon thousands in the Serengeti. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

EASTERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mediocris) – Ten in the Ngorongoro area, and 6 at Mountain Lodge.
BEAUTIFUL SUNBIRD (Cinnyris pulchellus) – And what a beautiful sunbird this is - we saw 3 at the bottom of the Crater Highlands, and then about 10 in the Baringo area.
MARIQUA SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mariquensis) – One at Oldupai, and 3 at Tarangire.
RED-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris erythrocercus) – Three along the shore of Lake Victoria.
VARIABLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris venustus) – Two at Nairobi, 8 in the Gibb's Farm area, and 4 in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava) – Ten at Ngorongoro, and 4 at Nakuru.
CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis) – One at Kericho.
GRAY WAGTAIL (Motacilla cinerea) – Two along a stream at Kakamega.
MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (Motacilla clara) – Two at Kakamega.
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp) – Widespread in small numbers; in total we saw about 30.
AFRICAN PIPIT (Anthus cinnamomeus) – About 50 at Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
PLAIN-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus leucophrys) – Two in the Nakuru grasslands.
TREE PIPIT (Anthus trivialis) – Two at Kericho, and 2 at Nakuru.
YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx croceus) – Singles at Nairobi NP and Nakuru.
ROSY-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx ameliae) – One at Nairobi NP.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza flaviventris) – Nice looks at 1 in 'the magic tree' - on the way to Oldupai.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
YELLOW-CROWNED CANARY (Serinus flavivertex) – Eight at Mountain Lodge.
YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY (Serinus mozambicus) – One on the way to Kakamega.
AFRICAN CITRIL (Serinus citrinelloides kikuyensis) – One at Nairobi.


The White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher has rather eclectic tastes -- today a caterpilar, tomorrow a frog or a cricket or a honeybee or a berry... Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

REICHENOW'S SEEDEATER (Serinus reichenowi) – Four at the Ole Sereni Hotel, 2 at Tarangire, and 4 at Kisumu.
WHITE-BELLIED CANARY (Serinus dorsostriatus) – Ten around 'the magic tree' at the bottom of the Crater Highlands.
SOUTHERN GROSBEAK-CANARY (Serinus buchanani) – We saw this uncommon species in 'the magic tree' at the bottom of the Crater Highlands.
STREAKY SEEDEATER (Serinus striolatus) – Small numbers at scattered sites in the high country; in all we saw about 25.
THICK-BILLED SEEDEATER (Serinus burtoni) – One in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Not really numerous in East Africa, but we did see small numbers in several widely scattered towns and villages.
KENYA RUFOUS SPARROW (Passer rufocinctus) – About 40 between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Now split from Shelley's Rufous Sparrow so has become an endemic species. [E]
NORTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer griseus) – Six at Ngorongoro, 2 at Nakuru, and 5 at Kakamega.
PARROT-BILLED SPARROW (Passer gongonensis) – About a dozen at Baringo.
SWAHILI SPARROW (Passer suahelicus) – Eight in the Serengeti.
YELLOW-SPOTTED PETRONIA (Petronia pyrgita) – Three at the bottom of the Crater Highlands.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
WHITE-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis albirostris) – Six in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis niger) – About 50 in the Serengeti and Tarangire.
WHITE-HEADED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Dinemellia dinemelli) – Common from Serengeti to Tarangire, and then 4 at Baringo; in all we saw about 100.


Ruppell's Starlings were common in acacia country. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

SPECKLE-FRONTED WEAVER (Sporopipes frontalis) – About 50 in the Serengeti.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali) – Twelve at Ole Sereni, 10 at Naabi Hill, and 30+ at Baringo.
CHESTNUT-CROWNED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser superciliosus) – We saw 2 of these very localized birds in the Kerio Valley.
RUFOUS-TAILED WEAVER (Histurgops ruficauda) – Endemic to Tanzania and just in to Masai Mara; they were common from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti and on to Tarangire. [E]
GRAY-HEADED SOCIAL-WEAVER (Pseudonigrita arnaudi) – About 40 in the Serengeti, especially around the Seronera HQ.
RED-HEADED WEAVER (Anaplectes rubriceps) – Some of the group saw a male in breeding plumage in the Serengeti.
BAGLAFECHT WEAVER (Ploceus baglafecht) – Fairly common at Nairobi, the Crater Highlands, Kakamega, and at Mt. Kenya.
LITTLE WEAVER (Ploceus luteolus) – We saw a single male along the cliffs at Baringo.
SPECTACLED WEAVER (Ploceus ocularis) – Four at Gibb's Farm, and 2 at Mountain Lodge.
BLACK-BILLED WEAVER (Ploceus melanogaster) – One in the undergrowth at Kakamega.
HOLUB'S GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus xanthops) – Two at Ole Sereni Hotel, Nairobi.
NORTHERN BROWN-THROATED WEAVER (Ploceus castanops) – A single female was along the shore near Kisumu.
NORTHERN MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus taeniopterus) – We saw about 6 of these extremely localized weavers at Baringo (all in breeding plumage).
LESSER MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus intermedius) – Six at Serengeti Serena Lodge, and 1 at Baringo.
VITELLINE MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus vitellinus) – Three on the way to Oldupai.
SPEKE'S WEAVER (Ploceus spekei) – Very common around Nairobi and in Ngorongoro Crater.
VIEILLOT'S WEAVER (Ploceus nigerrimus) – About 20 at Rondo Retreat.
VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus) – Thirty at Ndutu, and about a dozen at Baringo.


A male Eastern Double-collared Sunbird glitters in the sunshine. Recent mitochondrial DNA studies suggest that the two subspecies found on our tour route -- mediocris and usambaricus -- may represent separate species. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER (Ploceus jacksoni) – We saw 4 of these attractive weavers at Baringo.
FOREST WEAVER (Ploceus bicolor) – We saw about 15 at Kakamega.
BROWN-CAPPED WEAVER (Ploceus insignis) – Two at Kakamega.
NORTHERN RED BISHOP (Euplectes franciscanus) – Four or five in a maize field near Bogoria.
YELLOW BISHOP (Euplectes capensis) – Two at Ngorongoro.
WHITE-WINGED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes albonotatus) – About 60 at Tarangire.
RED-COLLARED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes ardens) – Six along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes axillaris) – We saw a total of about 35 between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
JACKSON'S WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes jacksoni) – Fifteen in the grasslands at Nakuru. [E]
GROSBEAK WEAVER (Amblyospiza albifrons) – About 15 (all females) at Ole Sereni Hotel, and 3 males for some of the group at Gibb's Farm.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – Two at Nairobi NP, and about 10 at Limuru Pond.
BLACK-FACED WAXBILL (Estrilda erythronotos) – One at the Seronera HQ, Serengeti.
RED-HEADED BLUEBILL (Spermophaga ruficapilla) – Good looks at these attractive waxbills along the road at Kakamega.
RED-CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus bengalus) – Small numbers at Tarangire, Nakuru, and in the Kerio Valley.
BLUE-CAPPED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) – Eight in the Serengeti, and about 10 at Tarangire.
PURPLE GRENADIER (Granatina ianthinogaster) – We saw these beautiful waxbills at Nairobi NP (2), and in the Serengeti (8).
GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA (Pytilia melba) – Another beautiful waxbill; we saw 1 in the Serengeti, and 2 at Baringo.
RED-BILLED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta senegala) – One at Nairobi, 12 at Nakuru, and 8 in the Kerio Valley.
BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullata) – Six at Ole Sereni Hotel, 4 at Nakuru, and 3 at Kisumu.
Viduidae (Indigobirds)
PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura) – We saw males in breeding plumage at Nairobi NP and Limuru Pond.
STEEL-BLUE WHYDAH (Vidua hypocherina) – We saw 2 males in breeding plumage in the Serengeti.

MAMMALS
YELLOW-WINGED BAT (Lavia frons) – One at Baringo.
BROWN GREATER GALAGO (Otolemur crassicaudatus) – Some of the group saw 2 at Gibb's Farm.
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis) – Ten in the forest above Gibb's Farm, and about 120 at Kakamega.
SYKES MONKEY (Cercopithecus albogularis) – About a dozen at Mountain Lodge.
BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops) – Common and widespread, especially in acacia country.
OLIVE BABOON (Papio anubis) – Common in Kenya in Nairobi NP and Nakuru; while in Tanzania they were very common in the Crater Highlands and the Serengeti; in all we saw about 750.
MANTLED GUEREZA (Colobus guereza) – We saw these attractive monkeys at Kakamega (40), and Mountain Lodge (8).
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) – One at Baringo.
UNSTRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL (Xerus rutilus) – One at Tarangire.
OCHRE BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus ochraceus) – Widespread in wooded areas throughout the tour; in total we saw about 40.
RED-LEGGED SUN SQUIRREL (Heliosciurus rufobrachium) – One at Kakamega.
BLACK-BACKED JACKAL (Canis mesomelas) – Small numbers in the Serengeti and Tarangire; with a total of 13.


The White-headed Buffalo-Weaver was common from the Serengeti to Tarangire. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

COMMON JACKAL (Canis aureus) – Four in Ngorongoro Crater, and 2 in the Serengeti.
COMMON (SMALL-SPOTTED) GENET (Genetta genetta) – Two in the roof at Ndutu Lodge.
LARGE-SPOTTED GENET (Genetta tigrina) – Two came to the feeder at Mountain Lodge.
BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo) – Seven near Ndutu.
EASTERN DWARF MONGOOSE (Helogale hirtula) – Small numbers in the Serengeti.
SPOTTED HYAENA (Crocuta crocuta) – Twenty in Ngorongoro Crater, about 50 in the Serengeti, and then singles at Tarangire and Mountain Lodge.
LEOPARD (Panthera pardus) – One in the Serengeti (first seen in a tree), and then 1 walking along the road near Mountain Lodge.
LION (Panthera leo) – About 20 in Ngorongoro Crater (including 3 really huge males), 40+ in the Serengeti, and 1 at Nakuru.
CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus) – Great close looks at 1 near Ndutu.
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana) – Many great encounters of numerous herds from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti and at Tarangire; in all we saw about 800.
BUSH (YELLOW-SPOTTED) HYRAX (Heterohyrax brucei) – Small numbers in the Serengeti, at Tarangire, and at Baringo.
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli) – Many thousands in the Serengeti, and many hundreds at Ngorongoro and Nakuru.
BLACK RHINOCEROS (Diceros bicornis) – Two in Ngorongoro Crater.
WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum) – We saw 7 of these introduced rhino at Nakuru. [I]
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) – Common and widespread in a variety of mostly open country; in all we saw about 200.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius) – Two at Nairobi NP, 50 in Ngorongoro Crater, and 5 at Baringo.
COMMON GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis) – Common at Nairobi NP (30), Ngorongoro Conservation Area (40), the Serengeti (100), and Tarangire (45).
ROTHSCHILD'S GIRAFFE (Giraffa rothschildi) – About a dozen at Nakuru.
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus) – One at Nairobi NP, and 40 at Mountain Lodge.


We saw an impressive number of African Elephants during the tour -- some 800, including this family. Photo by participant Jody Gillespie.

COMMON ELAND (Taurotragus oryx) – Two in Ngorongoro Crater, 1 in the Serengeti, and about 60 at Tarangire.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer) – Very common in parks and reserves with open grassland; in all we saw about 1250.
COMMON WATERBUCK (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) – One at Tarangire.
DEFASSA WATERBUCK (Kobus defassa) – Twenty in the Crater Highlands, 20 at Nakuru, and 12 at Mountain Lodge.
BOHOR REEDBUCK (Redunca redunca) – Four at Nairobi NP, and 1 in the Serengeti.
TOPI (Damaliscus lunatus) – About 55 in the Serengeti.
HARTEBEEST (KONGONI) (Alcelaphus buselaphus) – Forty at Nairobi NP, and 30 in the Serengeti.
BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus) – Two thousand in Ngorongoro Crater, and many hundreds of thousands in the Serengeti - truly a magnificent sight!
STEENBOK (Raphicerus campestris) – Singles at Nairobi NP, and near Ndutu.
KIRK'S DIK-DIK (Modoqua kirki) – Small numbers in dry acacia bush country; in total we saw about 35.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus) – Common and widespread away from forested areas; in all we saw about 1500.
THOMSON'S GAZELLE (Gazella thomsoni) – Many thousands between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti, and about 150 at Nakuru.
GRANT'S GAZELLE (Gazella granti) – Widespread away from forests; with a total of about 800.
Herps
MWANZA ROCK AGAMA (Agama mwanzae) – 4 in the Serengeti.
RED-HEADED ROCK AGAMA (Agama agama) – About 6 at Baringo.
TROPICAL HOUSE GECKO (Hemidactylus mabouia) – Small numbers at Kakamega and Bogoria.
NILE CROCODILE (Crocodylus niloticus) – 1 in Nairobi NP, and 2 at Lake Baringo.
WATER MONITOR (Varanus salvator) – 1 in Nairobi NP.


ADDITIONAL COMMENTS


Totals for the tour: 430 bird taxa and 44 mammal taxa