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This Gray Crowned-Crane perched atop a tree, giving us a wonderful view of this impressive bird. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
Our March 2019 East Africa Highlights tour was one of total contrasts, with Tanzania being lush, wet, and green, while Kenya was dry to the extreme. All this made for some unusual and interesting bird and mammals sightings, as we traveled from Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti, to Tarangire, Lake Nakuru, Kakamega Forest, Baringo and Mt. Kenya.
Beginning in Nairobi, we made an afternoon visit to the nearby national park where our first lions were lying right beside the road. Giraffe, Burchell's Zebra, African Buffalo, Warthog, and a variety of the more common gazelles were all part of a truly African scene as we meandered across the plains and through the acacia scrub. The birding also got off to a great start with everyone enjoying Common Ostrich (our first of many), Helmeted Guineafowl, White-bellied Go-away-bird, Black Crake, Long-toed Lapwing, Saddle-billed Stork, African Darter, Hamerkop, Goliath Heron, Black-winged Kite, Speckled Mousebird, African Gray Hornbill, Long-tailed Shrike, Northern Pied-Babbler, Red-billed Oxpecker, and Variable Sunbird.
We then flew to Kilimanjaro airport and began our journey west to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. Highlights began with a walk in the forest above Gibb's Farm where we found Schalow's Turaco, African Emerald Cuckoo, Crowned Eagle, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, African Broadbill, Black-throated Wattle-eye, White-tailed Blue-Flycatcher, Brown-headed Apalis, Gray-capped Warbler, and Thick-billed Seedeater.
We then made a short drive to our next lodge, perched on the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater, with stunning views of this natural wonder and the herds of animals below. A full day in the crater, was as always, full of fabulous sights as we zigzagged across the crater floor watching and photographing thousands of both Greater and Lesser flamingos, no less than 30 Kori Bustards, Gray Crowned-Crane, flocks of Abdim's and White storks, Secretarybird, Gray Kestrel, Fisher's Sparrow-Lark, Red-capped Lark, Pectoral-patch Cisticola, Abyssinian and Capped wheatears, Hildebrandt's Starling, Rosy-throated Longclaw, and the endemic Rufous-tailed Weaver. Mammal viewing was also great, with thousands of Burchell's Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, and Thomson's Gazelles, together with less (but still significant numbers) of Elephant, Hippo, Buffalo, Warthog, Eland, and four endangered Black Rhino. The predators were also much in evidence, with at least 15 Spotted Hyaena, 7 Lions (including 2 magnificent big-maned males), about 20 Common Jackal, and super close looks at the rarely seen Caracal (or African Lynx).
Heading to the Serengeti we first made stops at a Maasai Village, and then at the Leakey's famous archaeological site - Oldupai Gorge. Both were very much enjoyed by our group, but we were soon on our way, as so much wildlife was ahead of us on the vast Serengeti plains. During three days there (in two different lodges to cover more ground) we added many new birds to our list; just a few highlights being Gray-breasted Francolin, Chestnut-bellied, Yellow-throated and Black-faced sandgrouse, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Tanzanian Red-billed Hornbill, Fischer's Lovebird, Double-banded Courser, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, 21 species of raptors, including White-headed, Lappet-faced, Hooded, White-backed and Rueppell's Griffon vultures (all now endangered) and often seen feeding together on the numerous carcasses which remained from the previous nights kills. Of course Serengeti immediately makes one think of big mammals and we saw it at it's best; perhaps over a million wildebeest were in the Naabi Hill area, together with many thousands of zebra, buffalo numbers were also impressive, with several herds in the hundreds, at least 50 hyaena were seen, plus 2 Leopards, 2 Cheetahs, and almost 30 lion. But it's not all about the 'big' game and we all enjoyed Bat-eared Fox, Banded Mongoose, Rock Hyrax, and the charming Kirk's Dikdik.
Our final stay in Tanzania was at Tarangire, a fabulous area of marshes, a river, grassland, and open country with palm trees and giant baobabs. Highlights here included Yellow-necked, Red-necked and Coqui francolins, Black Coucal, African Cuckoo, Mottled Spinetail, Small Buttonquail (right in the open), Bronze-winged Courser (rarely seen on tours), African Openbill (200 +), Rufous-bellied Heron, African Fish-Eagle, Green Woodhoopoe, Southern Ground-hornbill (12), Woodland Kingfisher, Pygmy Falcon, Yellow-collared Lovebird, Red-bellied Parrot, and White Helmetshrike.
We then returned to Kenya and after a night in Nairobi headed north to the Great Rift Valley and a night at Lake Nakuru. Although exceptionally dry in the grasslands, the lake itself was amazing, with a spectacular collection of both migrant and resident waterbirds; Hottentot Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, Pied Avocet, Ruff, Little Stint, Gray-hooded Gull, White-winged Tern, Long-tailed and Great cormorants, Great White and Pink-backed pelicans, herons, egrets, ibis, and African Spoonbill, while in the wooded areas we picked up White-fronted Bee-eater, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, White-headed Barbet, White-bellied Tit, Little Rock-Thrush, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Abyssinian Thrush, and Mariqua Sunbird. Introduced White Rhino and the rare Rothschild's Giraffe were both new mammals.
Continuing north-west we then spent three nights at Kakamega Forest - a totally new habitat, with totally new birds; just a few of the highlights here were Great Blue Turaco (difficult this year), White-spotted Flufftail (for one of our group), massive Black-and-white-casqued Hornbills, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Yellow-billed, Yellow-spotted and Hairy-breasted barbets, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Jameson's Wattle-eye, Luedher's Bushshrike, Dusky Tit, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Shelley's, Joyful, Yellow-throated, Plain and Cabanis's greenbuls, Banded Prinia, Black-faced Rufous-Warbler, Scaly-breasted and Mountain illadopsis, Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat, White-tailed Ant-Thrush, Green-throated Sunbird, Red-headed Malimbe, Brown-capped Weaver, and Red-headed Bluebill.
Returning east to the Great Rift Valley we then spent two nights in the Baringo-Bogoria area, with a short stop in the Kerio Valley on the way. Once again new birds came thick and fast, including (thanks to our local guide) several owls on day roosts. Favorites in this area were White-crested Turaco, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Spotted Thick-knee, Three-banded Courser, Verreaux's Eagle, Northern White-faced Owl, Grayish and Verreaux's eagle-owls, Blue-naped Mousebird, Jackson's Hornbill, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Pygmy Batis, Somali Tit, Mouse-colored Penduline-tit, Bristle-crowned and Magpie starlings, Beautiful Sunbird and Gray-headed Silverbill.
We then finished our tour with a night at Mountain Lodge on the south-west flanks of Mt. Kenya. Again a totally new habitat, where we enjoyed the rooftop viewing platform and the surrounding forest; endemic Hartlaub's Turacos were a major find here, but we also enjoyed Scaly Francolin (usually very shy), Delegorgue's Pigeon, Moustached Tinkerbird, Red-fronted Parrot, Black-tailed Oriole, Mountain Yellow-Warbler, Hunter's Cisticola, and Rueppell's Robin-Chat. While mammals included Skyes's Monkey and Mantled Guereza, African Buffalo and Bushbuck, and for those who dare look out the window, a noisy night time with hyaena's killing a full grown male Waterbuck!
Terry's next East Africa Highlights tour runs; 7-27 March 2020.
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 (Ostriches)
COMMON OSTRICH (Struthio camelus massaicus) – Common and widespread in open areas of national parks throughout Tanzania, and at Nairobi NP, Nakuru and Baringo in Kenya; in all we saw about 110.
At Ngorongoro, we were very lucky to get such a great look at the shy Caracal, also known as the African Lynx. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
WHITE-FACED WHISTLING-DUCK (Dendrocygna viduata) – Eight at Limuru Pond.
WHITE-BACKED DUCK (Thalassornis leuconotus) – About 30 at Limuru Pond.
EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca) – Common and widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis) – One in Ngorongoro Crater.
HOTTENTOT TEAL (Spatula hottentota) – Seven in Ngorongoro Crater, and 10 at Limuru Pond.
YELLOW-BILLED DUCK (Anas undulata) – About 30 at Limuru Pond.
CAPE TEAL (Anas capensis) – About 60 in Ngorongoro Crater, 4 in the Serengeti, and 20 at Nakuru.
RED-BILLED DUCK (Anas erythrorhyncha) – Six in Ngorongoro Crater, and 4 at Limuru Pond.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris) – Common and widespread in grasslands and bush country throughout the tour; in all we saw about 500.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
HARLEQUIN QUAIL (Coturnix delegorguei) – We flushed a single bird from long grass at Tarangire.
SCALY FRANCOLIN (Pternistis squamatus) – Great looks at 1 right in the open at Mountain Lodge.
HILDEBRANDT'S FRANCOLIN (Pternistis hildebrandti) – A pair in the Seronera area of Serengeti.
YELLOW-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis leucoscepus) – Six at Nairobi NP, and about 50 at Tarangire.
GRAY-BREASTED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis rufopictus) – We saw 9 of these attractive endemic francolins in the Serengeti. [E]
RED-NECKED FRANCOLIN (Pternistis afer) – About 30 at Tarangire.
CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Dendroperdix sephaena) – Two in the Serengeti, and about a dozen at Tarangire.
COQUI FRANCOLIN (Peliperdix coqui) – Nice looks at a male at Tarangire.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus) – About 200 on the lake in Ngorongoro Crater, 50+ near Ndutu, and 750+ at Nakuru.
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoeniconaias minor) – Perhaps 10,000 on the lake in Ngorongoro Crater, and 3000 at Nakuru.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – Thirty at Limuru Pond, and about 150 at Nakuru.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – Small numbers in a few scattered towns and villages throughout the tour.
SPECKLED PIGEON (Columba guinea) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 90.
RAMERON PIGEON (Columba arquatrix) – About 30 (mostly flying) along the rim at Ngorongoro Crater.
DELEGORGUE'S PIGEON (Columba delegorguei) – Good looks at a pair in the scope at the Mountain Lodge saltlick.
DUSKY TURTLE-DOVE (Streptopelia lugens) – Two in Ngorongoro Crater.
MOURNING COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decipiens) – Small numbers in dry acacia country like Naabi Hill, Kerio Valley, and Baringo; in all we saw about 70.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata) – Widespread in small numbers with a total of about 50; occurs in wetter areas than Mourning Collared-Dove.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola) – Common and widespread.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Common and widespread.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos) – About 20 at Nairobi NP and Baringo, and a few others elsewhere in dry country.
BLUE-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur afer) – One at the Rondo Retreat, Kakamega.
NAMAQUA DOVE (Oena capensis) – Four at Baringo were the most for one area, but we had a further 3 in scattered dry country sites.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus) – Six at Nakuru, 5 in the Kerio Valley, and 4 at Mountain Lodge.
The beautiful Hildebrandt's Starling was common in the Tanzania part of the tour. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)
CHESTNUT-BELLIED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles exustus) – We saw a pair together with Yellow-throated Sandgrouse in the Ndutu area.
YELLOW-THROATED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles gutturalis) – About 40 in the Ndutu area.
BLACK-FACED SANDGROUSE (Pterocles decoratus) – Five in the Serengeti, and about 80 at Tarangire.
Otididae (Bustards)
KORI BUSTARD (Ardeotis kori) – Common in Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti; in all we saw about 45.
WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD (Eupodotis senegalensis) – Three in the Seronera area.
BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD (Lissotis melanogaster) – A male and 2 females in Ngorongoro Crater, and a flying male at Tarangire.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
GREAT BLUE TURACO (Corythaeola cristata) – Very difficult this tour, but eventually we all got scope views of a distant bird at Kakamega.
SCHALOW'S TURACO (Tauraco schalowi) – Great looks at 1 at Gibb's Farm.
WHITE-CRESTED TURACO (Tauraco leucolophus) – Fabulous looks at 2 of these gorgeous (and not very common) turacos in the Kerio Valley.
HARTLAUB'S TURACO (Tauraco hartlaubi) – It took a while, but eventually we all saw at least 1 of 3 at Mountain Lodge. [E]
BARE-FACED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides personatus) – Two near our lodge in the Serengeti, and 4 at Tarangire.
WHITE-BELLIED GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides leucogaster) – Small numbers in a variety of acacia bush and woodland.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (Centropus superciliosus) – We saw a total of 9 in several widespread bushy areas.
BLACK COUCAL (Centropus grillii) – Some of the group saw 1 at Tarangire.
DIDERIC CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx caprius) – Singles at Nairobi NP, Ndutu, and Tarangire.
AFRICAN EMERALD CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx cupreus) – Great scope views of a calling male at Gibb's Farm, and several heard at Kakamega.
BLACK CUCKOO (Cuculus clamosus) – One at Kakamega.
RED-CHESTED CUCKOO (Cuculus solitarius) – Singles at Gibb's Farm and Kakamega, and several others heard at many widespread sites.
AFRICAN CUCKOO (Cuculus gularis) – One at Tarangire.
COMMON CUCKOO (Cuculus canorus) – About a dozen at Tarangire.
Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Allies)
SLENDER-TAILED NIGHTJAR (Caprimulgus clarus) – Great looks at a bird on a day roost at Baringo.
Apodidae (Swifts)
MOTTLED SPINETAIL (Telacanthura ussheri) – Nice looks at 4 at Tarangire.
ALPINE SWIFT (Apus melba) – About 6 at Mountain Lodge.
NYANZA SWIFT (Apus niansae) – About a dozen at Ngorongoro Crater.
AFRICAN SWIFT (Apus barbatus) – One at Nakuru.
Unlike many crakes, Black Crake often forages in the open. This was just one of about 15 that we saw. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – Widespread in small numbers, especially around buildings and bridges.
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT (Apus caffer) – We saw a total of about 45 between Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Tarangire.
AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus) – Most common at Tarangire (20+), but we also saw another 20 in the Serengeti, and a few others elsewhere.
Sarothruridae (Flufftails)
WHITE-SPOTTED FLUFFTAIL (Sarothrura pulchra) – This super skulker was heard by all, and seen by one of the group at Kakamega.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Six in Ngorongoro Crater.
LESSER MOORHEN (Gallinula angulata) – One at Lake Baringo.
RED-KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata) – About 140 at Limuru Pond, and 200 at Nakuru.
AFRICAN SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio madagascariensis) – Four at Limuru Pond.
BLACK CRAKE (Zapornia flavirostra) – Small numbers were widespread at wetlands throughout the tour; in all we saw about 15.
Gruidae (Cranes)
GRAY CROWNED-CRANE (Balearica regulorum) – Eight in Ngorongoro Crater, 4 near Eldoret, and 2 near Iten.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
WATER THICK-KNEE (Burhinus vermiculatus) – One in the Serengeti.
SPOTTED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus capensis) – One calling and seen as a silhouette at Ndutu, and then great looks at 1 mid-morning at Baringo.
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – Widespread at a variety of open-shore wetlands; in all we saw about 120.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta) – About 150 at the lake in Ngorongoro Crater, and 30 at Nakuru.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
LONG-TOED LAPWING (Vanellus crassirostris) – Two at Nairobi NP, 2 in Ngorongoro Crater, and about 10 at Tarangire.
BLACKSMITH LAPWING (Vanellus armatus) – Common around wetlands throughout the tour with a total of 350+.
SPUR-WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus spinosus) – We saw a total of 20 in Nairobi NP, the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
BLACK-WINGED LAPWING (Vanellus melanopterus) – Two at Ngorongoro, about a dozen in the Serengeti, and 3 near Eldoret.
CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus) – Common and widespread in grasslands; in all we saw about 130.
KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius) – Two near Ndutu.
COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula) – One at Nakuru.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris) – Fairly common at wetlands in the Serengeti (20+), and 6 at Nairobi NP.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus) – About a dozen at Tarangire, and 10 at Limuru Pond.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
RUFF (Calidris pugnax) – One hundred in Ngorongoro Crater and 200 at Nakuru were the largest numbers, but we also had a few others at scattered wetlands elsewhere.
LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta) – Widespread, with a total of about 70.
COMMON SNIPE (Gallinago gallinago) – Two at Nairobi NP, and 1 in the Serengeti.
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Widespread in small numbers (mostly singles); with a total of 11.
GREEN SANDPIPER (Tringa ochropus) – Three at Nairobi NP, and 2 near Eldoret.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – Singles at Nairobi, Nakuru, and Baringo.
MARSH SANDPIPER (Tringa stagnatilis) – One in the Serengeti, and 2 at Nakuru.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – Common and widespread, with a total of about 90.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
SMALL BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix sylvaticus) – Brief, but good looks at 1 right in the open at Tarangire.
Glareolidae (Pratincoles and Coursers)
DOUBLE-BANDED COURSER (Smutsornis africanus) – More numerous than usual this tour, with at least 70 in the Serengeti, and about a dozen at Tarangire.
THREE-BANDED COURSER (Rhinoptilus cinctus) – Two were seen briefly in flight on the way to Gibb's Farm, and then we all had great looks at 1 at Baringo.
This noble-looking Bateleur is one of 14 that we saw. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
BRONZE-WINGED COURSER (Rhinoptilus chalcopterus) – Six at Tarangire were totally unexpected - great bird, and great views!
COLLARED PRATINCOLE (Glareola pratincola) – About 30 along the shore of a flooded area in the Serengeti.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – About 250 at Lake Nakuru.
GULL-BILLED TERN (Gelochelidon nilotica) – Three in Ngorongoro Crater, 1 in the Serengeti, and 8 at Nakuru.
WHITE-WINGED TERN (Chlidonias leucopterus) – About 80 (all in non-breeding plumage) at Lake Nakuru, and 10 at Baringo.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – Two at Tarangire.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus) – At least 200 were at Silali Swamp, Tarangire.
ABDIM'S STORK (Ciconia abdimii) – We saw about 400 in the Ngorongoro to Serengeti area, and 30 at Tarangire.
WHITE STORK (Ciconia ciconia) – Widespread in grasslands; in all we saw about 600.
SADDLE-BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) – One at Nairobi NP, and 2 in Ngorongoro Crater.
MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer) – Very common and widespread; in all we saw about 350.
YELLOW-BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis) – Perhaps 2000 were at their breeding colony at Manyara, and then we saw about another 30 at wetlands elsewhere.
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa rufa) – Two in Nairobi NP, 6 at Nakuru, and 3 at Baringo.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Microcarbo africanus) – Two in Nairobi NP, 50+ at Nakuru, and 1 at Baringo.
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – About 500 at Nakuru, although many were distant.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – Two near Lake Manyara for some of the group, and then 100+ at Nakuru for everyone.
PINK-BACKED PELICAN (Pelecanus rufescens) – About a dozen (with some on nests) near Lake Manyara, and 1 at Nakuru.
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta) – Widespread around wetlands; in all we saw about 16.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Most common at Nakuru (12) and about 10 others at widespread sites.
BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala) – Very common and widespread, with a total of about 140.
GOLIATH HERON (Ardea goliath) – An immature at Nairobi NP, and an adult at Baringo.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Fifty at Nakuru, and 2 at Baringo.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Ardea intermedia) – Singles at Limuru Pond and Tarangire, and 4 at Nakuru.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – About 10 at Nakuru, and 1 at Baringo.
CATTLE EGRET (Bubulcus ibis) – Very common and widespread.
Emerald-spotted Wood-Doves were seen in several places. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
RUFOUS-BELLIED HERON (Ardeola rufiventris) – Two at Tarangire.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – Two at Baringo.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Eight in Ngorongoro Crater, and 4 at Nakuru.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – Six in Ngorongoro Crater, 1 at Limuru Pond, and about 50 at Nakuru.
SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus) – Common and widespread; in all we saw about 200.
HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash) – Widespread in a variety of grassland, farmland, and marshy areas; in all we saw about 60.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba) – One in Ngorongoro Crater, 10 at Limuru Pond, and about 35 at Nakuru.
Sagittariidae (Secretarybird)
SECRETARYBIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius) – Small numbers were widespread in open grassland, including Nairobi NP, the Serengeti, and at Tarangire; in total we saw 8.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-WINGED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Widespread in open country; in all we saw about 35.
AFRICAN HARRIER-HAWK (Polyboroides typus) – Singles in the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
WHITE-HEADED VULTURE (Trigonoceps occipitalis) – One near Ndutu.
LAPPET-FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotos) – Great to see at least 20 of these endangered vultures in the Serengeti, plus a further 8 at Ngorongoro and Tarangire.
HOODED VULTURE (Necrosyrtes monachus) – One in the Serengeti.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus) – By far the most common vulture, with a total of about 250.
RUEPPELL'S GRIFFON (Gyps rueppelli) – About 60 in the Serengeti.
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus) – Ten in the Serengeti, and 4 at Tarangire.
BLACK-BREASTED SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus pectoralis) – Singles at Ngorongoro, Serengeti, and Tarangire.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus) – One near Gibb's Farm, and 1 (with a rather strange pale head) at Tarangire.
CROWNED EAGLE (Stephanoaetus coronatus) – A single bird was circling over the forest above Gibb's Farm.
MARTIAL EAGLE (Polemaetus bellicosus) – Good looks at 5 in the Serengeti.
LONG-CRESTED EAGLE (Lophaetus occipitalis) – Two singles near Ndutu, and 1 at Nakuru.
WAHLBERG'S EAGLE (Hieraaetus wahlbergi) – One circling over the Kerio Valley.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax) – We saw a total of 18 between Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and Tarangire.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE (Aquila verreauxii) – Great looks at a low flying bird along the cliffs at Baringo.
DARK CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax metabates) – Seven (all singles) in the Serengeti.
EASTERN CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax poliopterus) – One at Tarangire.
GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar) – Singles near Ndutu, and at Tarangire.
EURASIAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus aeruginosus) – Four (all females) at Ndutu, Tarangire, Limuru, and Nakuru.
PALLID HARRIER (Circus macrourus) – Nice looks in several open grassland areas; in total we saw 17.
MONTAGU'S HARRIER (Circus pygargus) – Seven (all singles) in the Serengeti.
SHIKRA (Accipiter badius) – One over the cliffs at Baringo.
BLACK KITE (Milvus migrans) – Most common at Nairobi and Ngorongoro Crater, and a few others elsewhere; in all we saw about 140.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) – Two at Tarangire, 1 at Nakuru, and 2 at Baringo.
COMMON BUZZARD (STEPPE) (Buteo buteo vulpinus) – Three at Lake Nakuru.
Participant Ken Havard got a good shot of one of the Holub's Golden-Weavers that we saw.
AUGUR BUZZARD (Buteo augur) – Widespread in small numbers, with a total of about 25.
Strigidae (Owls)
NORTHERN WHITE-FACED OWL (Ptilopsis leucotis) – Thanks to our local guide we had great close views of a bird on a day roost at Baringo.
CAPE EAGLE-OWL (NORTHERN) (Bubo capensis mackinderi) – Great looks at this localized distinctive race 'mackinderi' near Kiawara.
GRAYISH EAGLE-OWL (Bubo cinerascens) – And again, thanks to our local guide, we saw 1 in a rocky gully at Baringo.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (Bubo lacteus) – Two at Baringo, and 1 at Mountain Lodge.
PEARL-SPOTTED OWLET (Glaucidium perlatum) – Two at Ndutu.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)
SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD (Colius striatus) – Common and widespread.
BLUE-NAPED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius macrourus) – Common in the arid country at Baringo where we saw about 80.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (AFRICAN) (Upupa epops africana) – Two at Ngorongoro, 4 at Tarangire, and 3 at Nakuru.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitarbills)
GREEN WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus) – Eight at Tarangire, and 6 at Nakuru.
WHITE-HEADED WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus bollei) – Strangely, we saw just 1 of this normally flocking species at Kakamega.
ABYSSINIAN SCIMITARBILL (Rhinopomastus minor) – One at Tarangire.
Bucorvidae (Ground-Hornbills)
SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri) – Fantastic this tour, with a total of 12 at Tarangire.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
AFRICAN GRAY HORNBILL (Lophoceros nasutus) – Widespread in small numbers (especially in acacia country); we had a total of about 22.
JACKSON'S HORNBILL (Tockus jacksoni) – Six at Baringo.
VON DER DECKEN'S HORNBILL (Tockus deckeni) – We saw a total of about 30 in the Serengeti and Tarangire.
TANZANIAN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus ruahae) – Nice looks at 2 near our lodge in the Serengeti. [E]
NORTHERN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus erythrorhynchus) – About 40 at Tarangire, and 2 at Baringo.
BLACK-AND-WHITE-CASQUED HORNBILL (Bycanistes subcylindricus) – We saw about 20 of these massive hornbills at Kakamega.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
MALACHITE KINGFISHER (Corythornis cristatus) – One at Nairobi NP, and 3 at Baringo.
AFRICAN PYGMY-KINGFISHER (Ispidina picta) – One at the edge of Kakamega Forest.
GRAY-HEADED KINGFISHER (Halcyon leucocephala) – One at Tarangire, 1 at Nakuru, and 2 at Baringo.
WOODLAND KINGFISHER (Halcyon senegalensis) – One at Tarangire.
STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti) – Singles in the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – About 15 at Nakuru, and 10 at Baringo.
Black-faced Sandgrouse were found when we visited the Serengeti, and we saw many at Tarangire. This one is a male. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
WHITE-FRONTED BEE-EATER (Merops bullockoides) – Six at Nakuru, and 8 in the Kerio Valley.
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus) – Four at Nairobi NP, and 3 at Tarangire.
CINNAMON-CHESTED BEE-EATER (Merops oreobates) – Small numbers in areas of highland forest, like Gibb's Farm, Kakamega, and Mountain Lodge; in all we saw about 40.
WHITE-THROATED BEE-EATER (Merops albicollis) – Three near Bogoria.
BLUE-CHEEKED BEE-EATER (Merops persicus) – Twenty along the shore of Silali Swamp, and 15 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
EUROPEAN ROLLER (Coracias garrulus) – About 50 in the Serengeti, 30+ at Tarangire, and a few others elsewhere.
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) – This gorgeous colorful bird was common in open country throughout the tour.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ROLLER (Coracias naevius) – One near Ngorongoro.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
YELLOW-BILLED BARBET (Trachyphonus purpuratus) – At least 3 seen and several more heard at Kakamega.
RED-AND-YELLOW BARBET (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus) – We saw 2 of these gorgeous birds in the Kerio Valley.
D'ARNAUD'S BARBET (USAMBIRO) (Trachyphonus darnaudii usambiro) – Considered specifically distinct by some authorities; we saw 8 in the Serengeti.
GRAY-THROATED BARBET (Gymnobucco bonapartei) – Fairly common at Kakamega; in total we saw about 20.
MOUSTACHED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus leucomystax) – Heard in the forest above Gibb's Farm, and then seen nicely at Mountain Lodge.
YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (YELLOW-RUMPED) (Pogoniulus bilineatus bilineatus) – Nice looks at 3 at Kakamega, and heard at Mountain Lodge.
RED-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus pusillus) – One at Nakuru.
YELLOW-SPOTTED BARBET (Buccanodon duchaillui) – A canopy species; we saw about 6 at Kakamega.
HAIRY-BREASTED BARBET (Tricholaema hirsuta) – We saw 2 of these rather uncommon barbets at Kakamega.
RED-FRONTED BARBET (Tricholaema diademata) – One at Baringo.
SPOT-FLANKED BARBET (Tricholaema lacrymosa) – Three along the cliffs at Baringo.
BLACK-THROATED BARBET (Tricholaema melanocephala) – Several heard, and 1 seen at Baringo.
WHITE-HEADED BARBET (Lybius leucocephalus) – Two singles at Nakuru.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)
THICK-BILLED HONEYGUIDE (Indicator conirostris) – Two singles at Kakamega.
LESSER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator minor) – One at Baringo.
SCALY-THROATED HONEYGUIDE (Indicator variegatus) – Good looks at one at the edge of the forest above Gibb's Farm.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Chloropicus fuscescens) – Singles at Gibb's Farm, Serengeti, and Nakuru.
AFRICAN GRAY WOODPECKER (Chloropicus goertae) – One at Baringo.
MOUNTAIN GRAY WOODPECKER (Chloropicus spodocephalus rhodeogaster) – Seen in the highlands at Gibb's Farm, the Serengeti area, and Nakuru.
BROWN-EARED WOODPECKER (Campethera caroli) – Three at Kakamega.
NUBIAN WOODPECKER (Campethera nubica) – Singles at Ndutu, Tarangire, and Baringo.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
PYGMY FALCON (Polihierax semitorquatus) – Great looks at these tiny falcons in the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
EURASIAN KESTREL (Falco tinnunculus) – About 30 in the Serengeti.
GREATER KESTREL (Falco rupicoloides) – Nice looks at 2 in the Serengeti.
GRAY KESTREL (Falco ardosiaceus) – One in Ngorongoro Crater, and 2 in the Serengeti.
One of the great sights of Africa is a lake covered with Greater and Lesser Flamingos. These were at the lake in Ngorongoro Crater. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
LANNER FALCON (Falco biarmicus) – One along the cliffs at Baringo.
Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
FISCHER'S LOVEBIRD (Agapornis fischeri) – We saw at least 150 of these striking colorful endemic lovebirds in the Serengeti. [E]
YELLOW-COLLARED LOVEBIRD (Agapornis personatus) – Another gorgeous endemic lovebird; we saw at least 200 at Tarangire. [E]
Psittacidae (New World and African Parrots)
RED-FRONTED PARROT (Poicephalus gulielmi) – About 20 (all in flight) over Mountain Lodge.
MEYER'S PARROT (Poicephalus meyeri) – Small numbers in the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
RED-BELLIED PARROT (Poicephalus rufiventris) – More commonly known as African Orange-bellied Parrot, we saw 3 singles at Tarangire.
Calyptomenidae (African and Green Broadbills)
AFRICAN BROADBILL (Smithornis capensis) – Fantastic looks at a close displaying bird in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
BROWN-THROATED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira cyanea) – About 6 at Kakamega.
BLACK-THROATED WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira peltata) – We saw a pair in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
JAMESON'S WATTLE-EYE (Platysteira jamesoni) – Nice looks at this gorgeous wattle-eye at Kakamega.
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 12.
PYGMY BATIS (Batis perkeo) – We saw a pair in the acacia scrub at Baringo.
Vangidae (Vangas, Helmetshrikes, and Allies)
WHITE HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops plumatus) – Seven at Tarangire, and 20+ at Baringo.
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)
BRUBRU (Nilaus afer) – One near Oldupai Gorge.
PINK-FOOTED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus angolensis) – A male at Kakamega.
BLACK-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra senegalus) – One at Tarangire.
BROWN-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra australis) – One on the way to Gibb's Farm, and 3 at Tarangire.
THREE-STREAKED TCHAGRA (Tchagra jamesi) – One at Baringo.
LUEHDER'S BUSHSHRIKE (Laniarius luehderi) – Two in the undergrowth at Kakamega.
TROPICAL BOUBOU (Laniarius major) – About 20 in the Gibb's Farm to Ngorongoro area, 4 at Nakuru, and 4 at Mountain Lodge.
BLACK-HEADED GONOLEK (Laniarius erythrogaster) – We saw 3 of these striking bushshrikes in the Kerio Valley.
SLATE-COLORED BOUBOU (Laniarius funebris) – Five in the Serengeti, and heard at Baringo.
ROSY-PATCHED BUSHSHRIKE (Rhodophoneus cruentus) – Two in the low dry country on the way to Gibb's Farm.
GRAY-GREEN BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus bocagei) – Two at Kakamega.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
BLACK CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga flava) – We saw a single female in the Kerio Valley.
This male Coqui Francolin posed nicely for us at Tarangire. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
ISABELLINE SHRIKE (Lanius isabellinus) – Singles at Nairobi NP, and Tarangire.
GRAY-BACKED FISCAL (Lanius excubitoroides) – About 30 in the Serengeti, 2 at Nakuru, and 1 near Bogoria.
LONG-TAILED FISCAL (Lanius cabanisi) – Four at Nairobi NP, 1 near Arusha, and about 20 at Tarangire.
TAITA FISCAL (Lanius dorsalis) – Two near Oldupai Gorge, and 1 in the Serengeti.
MACKINNON'S SHRIKE (Lanius mackinnoni) – Three in the grounds of our lodge at Kakamega, and another 3 along the forest edge.
NORTHERN FISCAL (Lanius humeralis) – Common and widespread.
MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca) – Common in the Serengeti (40+), and at Tarangire (30+).
WHITE-RUMPED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus ruppelli) – About 120 in the Serengeti, and 10 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus oriolus) – One at Bogoria.
WESTERN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus brachyrynchus) – Heard by all, and a single was seen by one of our group at Kakamega.
AFRICAN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus larvatus) – We saw a total of about 8 between the Kerio Valley and Baringo.
BLACK-TAILED ORIOLE (Oriolus percivali) – Nice looks at 1 at Mountain Lodge.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus ludwigii) – About 10 at Kakamega.
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis) – Common and widespread.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
AFRICAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone viridis) – About 10 in the Gibb's Farm area, and then another 8 at Nakuru, Kakamega, and Baringo.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAPE CROW (Corvus capensis) – Small numbers in the high country; in all we saw about 50.
PIED CROW (Corvus albus) – Common and widespread.
FAN-TAILED RAVEN (Corvus rhipidurus) – Three along the Rift Valley wall at Iten, and 4 at Baringo.
Alaudidae (Larks)
FISCHER'S SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix leucopareia) – Very common in the Serengeti where we saw about 1000.
FOXY LARK (Calendulauda alopex intercedens) – One at Tarangire.
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana) – Two in Nairobi NP, and about 200 between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
FLAPPET LARK (Mirafra rufocinnamomea) – Two singles in the Serengeti.
RED-CAPPED LARK (Calandrella cinerea) – Ten in Ngorongoro Crater, and about 100 in the Serengeti.
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
PLAIN MARTIN (Riparia paludicola) – Twenty at Limuru Pond, and 6 near Mt. Kenya.
ROCK MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) – Widespread around buildings and cliffs; in all we saw about 60.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Very common and widespread.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – One near Eldoret, and 2 at Baringo.
RED-RUMPED SWALLOW (Cecropis daurica) – Widespread in small numbers.
LESSER STRIPED SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica) – These attractive swallows were widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 40.
RUFOUS-CHESTED SWALLOW (Cecropis semirufa) – Two in the Serengeti.
MOSQUE SWALLOW (Cecropis senegalensis) – Two at Mountain Lodge.
WHITE-HEADED SAWWING (Psalidoprocne albiceps) – About 10 at Kakamega.
BLACK SAWWING (Psalidoprocne pristoptera) – About a dozen in the Gibb's Farm area, and another dozen at Mountain Lodge.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
AFRICAN BLUE FLYCATCHER (Elminia longicauda) – Eight at Kakamega.
At Ngorongoro Crater, we saw the race of Abyssinian Wheatear that is sometimes split as "Schalow's Wheatear". Photo by participant Ken Havard.
WHITE-TAILED BLUE FLYCATCHER (Elminia albicauda) – Nice looks at this rather localized bird at Gibb's Farm.
Paridae (Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice)
WHITE-BELLIED TIT (Melaniparus albiventris) – Two in the acacia trees at Nakuru.
DUSKY TIT (Melaniparus funereus) – Four at Kakamega.
SOMALI TIT (Melaniparus thruppi) – Two along the cliffs at Baringo.
RED-THROATED TIT (Melaniparus fringillinus) – One in the Seronera area. [E]
Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)
MOUSE-COLORED PENDULINE-TIT (Anthoscopus musculus) – Nice looks at 2 at Baringo.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
RED-TAILED BRISTLEBILL (Bleda syndactylus) – Two singles along the quiet tracks within Kakamega Forest.
SHELLEY'S GREENBUL (KAKAMEGA) (Arizelocichla masukuensis kakamegae) – Five at Kakamega.
EASTERN MOUNTAIN-GREENBUL (MOUNTAIN) (Arizelocichla nigriceps nigriceps) – Singles at Gibb's Farm, and along the rim at Ngorongoro Crater.
JOYFUL GREENBUL (Chlorocichla laetissima) – We saw about 30 of these joyful songsters at Kakamega.
YELLOW-THROATED GREENBUL (Atimastillas flavicollis) – Two at the Rondo Retreat.
ANSORGE'S GREENBUL (Eurillas ansorgei) – Heard at Kakamega, and seen briefly by some of the group.
PLAIN GREENBUL (Eurillas curvirostris) – One in the mid-levels at Kakamega.
YELLOW-WHISKERED GREENBUL (Eurillas latirostris) – Heard throughout the day, and 4 seen at Kakamega.
CABANIS'S GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus cabanisi) – Three in the undergrowth at Kakamega.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor) – Common and widespread throughout the tour.
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)
NORTHERN CROMBEC (Sylvietta brachyura) – Three at Baringo.
RED-FACED CROMBEC (Sylvietta whytii) – One at Nairobi NP, and 1 at Nakuru.
Phylloscopidae (Leaf Warblers)
WILLOW WARBLER (Phylloscopus trochilus) – Two at Ndutu, and about 30 at Kakamega.
BROWN WOODLAND-WARBLER (Phylloscopus umbrovirens) – One in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
UGANDA WOODLAND-WARBLER (Phylloscopus budongoensis) – Many heard and 2 seen at Kakamega.
Acrocephalidae (Reed Warblers and Allies)
MOUNTAIN YELLOW-WARBLER (Iduna similis) – One at Mountain Lodge.
UPCHER'S WARBLER (Hippolais languida) – One at Baringo.
ICTERINE WARBLER (Hippolais icterina) – One at Ndutu.
LESSER SWAMP WARBLER (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) – One at the hippo pool in Ngorongroro Crater.
A male Yellow-throated Sandgrouse posed well for participant Ken Havard.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
WHITE-CHINNED PRINIA (Schistolais leucopogon) – Two at the edge of Kakamega Forest.
BLACK-COLLARED APALIS (Oreolais pulchra) – Four in the Kakamega undergrowth.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata) – We saw the gray-backed race at Gibb's Farm and Nakuru.
OLIVE-GREEN CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera chloronota) – Great looks at 1 in Kakamega Forest.
BUFF-BELLIED WARBLER (Phyllolais pulchella) – Singles and pairs in dry acacia country near Gibb's Farm, Ngorongoro, and Nakuru.
BAR-THROATED APALIS (BAR-THROATED) (Apalis thoracica griseiceps) – Nice looks at 4 above Gibb's Farm.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida) – Four in the Serengeti, and 2 at Nakuru.
GRAY APALIS (Apalis cinerea) – Two at Mountain Lodge.
BROWN-HEADED APALIS (Apalis alticola) – About 6 in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava) – Singles and pairs near Gibb's Farm, Ngorongoro, and at Nakuru.
BANDED PRINIA (BLACK-FACED) (Prinia bairdii melanops) – Four in the undergrowth at Kakamega Forest.
RED-FRONTED PRINIA (Prinia rufifrons) – Two in the low scrub at Baringo.
BLACK-FACED RUFOUS-WARBLER (Bathmocercus rufus) – We saw 3 of these gorgeous skulking warblers at Kakamega.
GRAY-CAPPED WARBLER (Eminia lepida) – Two above Gibb's Farm.
RED-FACED CISTICOLA (Cisticola erythrops) – One in a clearing above Gibb's Farm.
SINGING CISTICOLA (Cisticola cantans) – One at Ngorongoro.
CHUBB'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola chubbi) – Two in the forest edge vegetation at Kakamega.
HUNTER'S CISTICOLA (Cisticola hunteri) – We saw 4 of these duetting cisticolas at Mountain Lodge. [E]
RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana) – Common in acacia country throughout the tour; in all we saw about 120.
WINDING CISTICOLA (Cisticola galactotes) – Small numbers in damp long grass areas of Nairobi NP, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti.
CROAKING CISTICOLA (Cisticola natalensis) – One in the Serengeti.
PECTORAL-PATCH CISTICOLA (Cisticola brunnescens) – Fairly common in the grasslands of Ngorongoro and Serengeti.
Sylviidae (Sylviid Warblers)
AFRICAN HILL BABBLER (Sylvia abyssinica) – One in the undergrowth above Gibb's Farm.
EURASIAN BLACKCAP (Sylvia atricapilla) – One along the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
BANDED PARISOMA (Sylvia boehmi) – Four on the way to Oldupai Gorge, and 1 in the Ndutu area.
BROWN PARISOMA (Sylvia lugens) – Two at Gibb's Farm, and 2 at Nakuru.
Zosteropidae (White-eyes, Yuhinas, and Allies)
AFRICAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops senegalensis) – Five in the Kerio Valley.
BROAD-RINGED WHITE-EYE (KIKUYU) (Zosterops poliogastrus kikuyuensis) – Most recent authorities consider this 'race' specifically distinct from the birds in the northern Tanzanian highlands; we saw 4 at Mountain Lodge.
BROAD-RINGED WHITE-EYE (MBULU) (Zosterops poliogastrus mbuluensis) – Most recent authorities consider this 'race' specifically distinct from the birds around Mt. Kenya; we saw 4 at Gibb's Farm.
Pellorneidae (Ground Babblers and Allies)
MOUNTAIN ILLADOPSIS (Illadopsis pyrrhoptera) – Great looks at this real super skulker in the Kakamega undergrowth.
SCALY-BREASTED ILLADOPSIS (Illadopsis albipectus) – Another illadopsis which we saw well at Kakamega.
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes and Allies)
RUFOUS CHATTERER (Turdoides rubiginosa) – Three at Ndutu, and 1 at Baringo.
BLACK-LORED BABBLER (Turdoides sharpei) – One, and then 2, in the Serengeti.
NORTHERN PIED-BABBLER (Turdoides hypoleuca) – One in Nairobi NP. [E]
BROWN BABBLER (Turdoides plebejus) – Three in the Kerio Valley.
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii) – Ten at Gibb's Farm, and 5 at Tarangire.
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
DUSKY-BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa adusta) – Small numbers in the forest at Gibb's Farm, Kakamega, and Mountain Lodge.
SPOTTED FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa striata) – We saw about a dozen between Gibb's Farm, the Serengeti, and at Tarangire.
GRAYISH FLYCATCHER (Bradornis microrhynchus) – About 20 in the Serengeti, and 1 at Baringo.
These two Yellow-billed Oxpeckers were working on a Giraffe. We saw a good number of them in the Serengeti. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
SILVERBIRD (Melaenornis semipartitus) – One in the Seronera area of Serengeti.
NORTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis edolioides) – One at Kakamega.
WHITE-EYED SLATY-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis fischeri) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 30.
RED-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys) – Small numbers (mainly in dry acacia scrub); in all we saw about a dozen.
CAPE ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha caffra) – One in the open bush country on the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
GRAY-WINGED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha polioptera) – Great looks at this normally shy robin-chat at Kakamega.
RUEPPELL'S ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha semirufa) – One at Mountain Lodge.
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heuglini) – Four at Gibb's Farm, and 6 at Nakuru.
SNOWY-CROWNED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha niveicapilla) – Another robin-chat we saw well; with 2 of these at Kakamega.
SPOTTED MORNING-THRUSH (Cichladusa guttata) – Two in the Kerio Valley.
WHITE-STARRED ROBIN (Pogonocichla stellata) – One our our group saw 1 at Mountain Lodge.
BROWN-CHESTED ALETHE (Chamaetylas poliocephala) – Four singles at Kakamega.
EQUATORIAL AKALAT (Sheppardia aequatorialis) – One in the Kakamega undergrowth.
LITTLE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola rufocinereus) – Some of the group saw a single male at our lodge at Nakuru,
WHINCHAT (Saxicola rubetra) – One in Nairobi NP.
AFRICAN STONECHAT (Saxicola torquatus) – We saw a single male at the Ngorongoro Park HQ.
NORTHERN ANTEATER-CHAT (Myrmecocichla aethiops) – Eight at Ngorongoro, 6 in the Serengeti, and about 20 at Nakuru.
MOCKING CLIFF-CHAT (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris) – We saw a pair at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
BROWN-TAILED CHAT (Cercomela scotocerca) – Two along the cliffs at Baringo.
ABYSSINIAN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe lugubris schalowi) – We saw about 10 of the race 'schalowi' at Ngorongoro Crater; often split as Schalow's Wheatear.
CAPPED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pileata) – We saw a total of about 50 between Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
ISABELLINE WHEATEAR (Oenanthe isabellina) – Two singles in Nairobi NP.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
WHITE-TAILED ANT-THRUSH (Neocossyphus poensis) – Can be very shy, but we were lucky and had great looks at 2 at Kakamega.
ABYSSINIAN THRUSH (ABYSSINIAN) (Turdus abyssinicus abyssinicus) – Two at Nakuru, and 2 at Mountain Lodge.
AFRICAN THRUSH (Turdus pelios) – Three at Nakuru, 1 at Kakamega, and 4 in the Kerio Valley.
This beautiful Dark Chanting-Goshawk was seen in the Serengeti. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
Sturnidae (Starlings)
WATTLED STARLING (Creatophora cinerea) – Widespread; in all we saw about 600.
RED-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus morio) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 40.
BRISTLE-CROWNED STARLING (Onychognathus salvadorii) – Two along the cliffs at Baringo.
MAGPIE STARLING (Speculipastor bicolor) – Nice looks at this northern desert species at Baringo.
STUHLMANN'S STARLING (Poeoptera stuhlmanni) – About 40 at Kakamega.
HILDEBRANDT'S STARLING (Lamprotornis hildebrandti) – Fairly common from Ngorongoro to the Serengeti, and at Tarangire; in all we saw about 120. [E]
RUEPPELL'S STARLING (Lamprotornis purpuroptera) – About 50 in the Serengeti, 6 at Nakuru, and 30 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
ASHY STARLING (Lamprotornis unicolor) – We saw about 80 of these endemic starlings at Tarangire. [E]
SUPERB STARLING (Lamprotornis superbus) – Very common and widespread throughout the tour.
GREATER BLUE-EARED STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) – One at Tarangire, and about 20 at Nakuru.
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
RED-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) – Widespread wherever big game occurs; in total we saw about 60.
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus africanus) – About 40 in the Serengeti (especially on giraffe and buffalo), and 1 at Tarangire.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
EASTERN VIOLET-BACKED SUNBIRD (Anthreptes orientalis) – Very nice looks at a male at Baringo.
GREEN SUNBIRD (Anthreptes rectirostris) – One at Kakamega.
COLLARED SUNBIRD (Hedydipna collaris) – Four at Gibb's Farm, 4 at Kakamega, and 1 at Mountain Lodge.
GREEN-HEADED SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra verticalis) – One at Kakamega.
OLIVE SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra olivacea) – Two at Mountain Lodge.
GREEN-THROATED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra rubescens) – One of our group saw 1 at Kakamega.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 16.
HUNTER'S SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra hunteri) – Three at Baringo.
TACAZZE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia tacazze) – We saw a pair at Thomson's Falls.
BRONZE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia kilimensis) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 50.
GOLDEN-WINGED SUNBIRD (Drepanorhynchus reichenowi) – We saw single males at Limuru and Iten.
NORTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris reichenowi) – Nice looks at a singing male at Kakamega.
EASTERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mediocris) – About 30 in the Gibb's Farm to Ngorongoro area, and then 10 at Mountain Lodge. [E]
BEAUTIFUL SUNBIRD (Cinnyris pulchellus) – We saw small numbers of these truly beautiful sunbirds at Oldupai, Ndutu, and Baringo.
MARIQUA SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mariquensis) – Two at Nakuru.
VARIABLE SUNBIRD (Cinnyris venustus) – Widespread in small numbers; in total we saw about 20.
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis) – Two near Eldoret, and 2 at Mountain Lodge.
MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (Motacilla clara) – Two immatures on a rocky river near Mt. Kenya.
WESTERN YELLOW WAGTAIL (Motacilla flava) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 30.
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp) – Common and widespread.
AFRICAN PIPIT (Anthus cinnamomeus) – Fairly common in open grasslands like Nairobi NP, Ngorongoro and the Serengeti.
PLAIN-BACKED PIPIT (Anthus leucophrys) – Three in the Serengeti.
STRIPED PIPIT (Anthus lineiventris) – Way out of its known Kenyan range, we saw 1 near Kiawara.
Hadada Ibis were widespread in a variety of habitats. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx croceus) – One in Nairobi NP.
ROSY-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx ameliae) – Good looks at 2 in Ngorongoro Crater.
Fringillidae (Finches, Euphonias, and Allies)
ORIOLE FINCH (Linurgus olivaceus) – We saw a single close female feeding in a fruiting shrub at Kakamega.
AFRICAN CITRIL (Crithagra citrinelloides kikuyensis) – Two near Eldoret.
SOUTHERN CITRIL (Crithagra hyposticta) – Two at Gibb's Farm, and 2 at Kakamega.
REICHENOW'S SEEDEATER (Crithagra reichenowi) – About 20 in Nairobi NP.
WHITE-BELLIED CANARY (Crithagra dorsostriata) – Six near Oldupai Gorge, and 3 at Baringo.
SOUTHERN GROSBEAK-CANARY (Crithagra buchanani) – Good looks at a single at Oldupai Gorge.
STREAKY SEEDEATER (Crithagra striolata) – About 20 at Nairobi, 1 at Gibb's Farm, and 6 at Nakuru.
THICK-BILLED SEEDEATER (Crithagra burtoni) – Two singles in the forest above Gibb's Farm.
YELLOW-CROWNED CANARY (Serinus flavivertex) – Three at Ngorongoro, and about 20 at Mountain Lodge.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Small numbers in a variety of scattered towns, villages, and gas stations.
KENYA RUFOUS SPARROW (Passer rufocinctus) – Common in acacia country; in all we saw about 120.
NORTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer griseus) – Four at Kakamega.
PARROT-BILLED SPARROW (Passer gongonensis) – Two in the low country on the way to Gibb's Farm, and 6 at Baringo.
SWAHILI SPARROW (Passer suahelicus) – Common in the Serengeti and at Tarangire, with a total of about 100.
CHESTNUT SPARROW (Passer eminibey) – About 40, with many males in breeding plumage in the Serengeti.
YELLOW-SPOTTED PETRONIA (Gymnornis pyrgita) – Four on the way to Oldupai Gorge.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
WHITE-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis albirostris) – Thirty at a colony at Bogoria.
RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis niger) – About 40 in the Serengeti, and 30 at Tarangire.
WHITE-HEADED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Dinemellia dinemelli) – Widespread in dry country, with a total of about 80.
SPECKLE-FRONTED WEAVER (Sporopipes frontalis) – About 60 in the Serengeti, and 4 at Baringo.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali) – Twelve at Nairobi NP, and about 40 in the Baringo-Bogoria area.
RUFOUS-TAILED WEAVER (Histurgops ruficauda) – Common at Ngorongoro, the Serengeti, and at Tarangire; in all we saw about 300. [E]
GRAY-HEADED SOCIAL-WEAVER (Pseudonigrita arnaudi) – We saw a total of about 120 in the Ngorongoro-Serengeti area.
We saw seven species of francolin, including this Crested Francolin. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
RED-HEADED MALIMBE (Malimbus rubricollis) – We saw this striking bird in the canopy at Kakamega.
RED-HEADED WEAVER (Anaplectes rubriceps) – Single males at Naabi Hill, and at Tarangire.
BAGLAFECHT WEAVER (Ploceus baglafecht) – Common and widespread.
LITTLE WEAVER (Ploceus luteolus) – We saw a single male at Baringo.
BLACK-NECKED WEAVER (Ploceus nigricollis) – Two at Kakamega.
SPECTACLED WEAVER (Ploceus ocularis) – Singles at Nairobi, and near Gibb's Farm.
HOLUB'S GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus xanthops) – One in Ngorongoro Crater, and 1 near Eldoret.
NORTHERN MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus taeniopterus) – We saw 6 of these very localized weavers at Baringo (all in breeding plumage too).
LESSER MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus intermedius) – About 60 in the Serengeti, and 1 at Baringo.
VITELLINE MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus vitellinus) – Small numbers in the Serengeti (8), and at Baringo (10).
SPEKE'S WEAVER (Ploceus spekei) – Widespread in the highlands, with a total of about 200.
VIEILLOT'S WEAVER (Ploceus nigerrimus) – Forty at Kakamega, included breeding birds at Rondo Retreat.
VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus) – One in the Serengeti, and 50+ at Baringo.
GOLDEN-BACKED WEAVER (Ploceus jacksoni) – We saw a molting male at Baringo.
CHESTNUT WEAVER (Ploceus rubiginosus) – About 20 at Baringo.
FOREST WEAVER (Ploceus bicolor) – Ten at Kakamega.
BROWN-CAPPED WEAVER (Ploceus insignis) – We saw 4 of these gorgeous weavers at Kakamega.
RED-BILLED QUELEA (Quelea quelea) – We saw a total of about 250 at a variety of scattered dry bush country sites.
WHITE-WINGED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes albonotatus) – A male in breeding plumage in the Serengeti was our only sighting.
FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes axillaris) – Six in breeding plumage in the marshes at the bottom of Ngorongoro Crater.
GROSBEAK WEAVER (Amblyospiza albifrons) – Six at Gibb's Farm, and a single female at Kakamega.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
GRAY-HEADED NIGRITA (Nigrita canicapillus) – One at Rondo Retreat.
WHITE-BREASTED NIGRITA (Nigrita fusconotus) – One at Kakamega.
CRIMSON-RUMPED WAXBILL (Estrilda rhodopyga) – One at Ngorongoro, and 25 at Bogoria.
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – Seven at Limuru Pond.
BLACK-FACED WAXBILL (Estrilda erythronotos) – About 10 in the Serengeti.
RED-HEADED BLUEBILL (Spermophaga ruficapilla) – Nice looks at 4 of these striking waxbills in the Kakamega undergrowth.
RED-CHEEKED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus bengalus) – Small numbers at Tarangire and Nakuru, and about 30 at Baringo.
BLUE-CAPPED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) – We saw about 10 of these beautiful birds in the Oldupai area.
PURPLE GRENADIER (Granatina ianthinogaster) – Another gorgeous waxbill; we saw about 20 in the Serengeti, and 2 at Tarangire.
GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA (Pytilia melba) – A female in the Serengeti, and a pair at Baringo.
RED-BILLED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta senegala) – Widespread in small numbers.
GRAY-HEADED SILVERBILL (Odontospiza griseicapilla) – And yet another gorgeous waxbill, we saw 8 at Baringo.
BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullata) – Seven at Kakamega, and about a dozen at Bogoria.
BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN (BLACK-AND-WHITE) (Spermestes bicolor poensis) – Twelve at Kakamega.
Viduidae (Indigobirds)
PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 12 (mainly in the Serengeti).
STEEL-BLUE WHYDAH (Vidua hypocherina) – We saw a male in full breeding plumage near our lodge in the Serengeti.
Gray-headed Social-weavers were common in the Ngorongoro vicinity. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
VILLAGE INDIGOBIRD (Vidua chalybeata) – Three at Baringo.
MAMMALS
YELLOW-WINGED BAT (Lavia frons) – One at Tarangire.
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis) – Four at Gibb's Farm, and about 60 at Kakamega.
SYKES MONKEY (Cercopithecus albogularis) – About 20 at Mountain Lodge.
BLACK-CHEEKED WHITE-NOSED MONKEY (Cercopithecus ascanius) – Also known as Copper-tailed Monkey, we saw 2 at Kakamega.
BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops) – Very common and widespread.
OLIVE BABOON (Papio anubis) – Very common and widespread.
MANTLED GUEREZA (Colobus guereza) – Thirty at Kakamega, and 5 at Mountain Lodge.
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) – One on the way to Gibb's Farm.
UNSTRIPED GROUND SQUIRREL (Xerus rutilus) – Four at Tarangire.
OCHRE BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus ochraceus) – About 20 at Tarangire, 10 in the Kerio Valley, and 6 at Mountain Lodge.
RED-LEGGED SUN SQUIRREL (Heliosciurus rufobrachium) – Two singles at Kakamega.
BLACK-BACKED JACKAL (Canis mesomelas) – Five in the Serengeti.
COMMON JACKAL (Canis aureus) – About 20 in Ngorongoro Crater.
BAT-EARED FOX (Otocyon megalotis) – Nice looks at 2 in the Serengeti.
SLENDER MONGOOSE (Herpestes sanguineus) – Some of the group saw 1 at Mountain Lodge.
BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo) – About 30 in the Serengeti, and 40 at Tarangire.
EASTERN DWARF MONGOOSE (Helogale hirtula) – Twenty-five in the Serengeti, and 20 at Tarangire.
MARSH MONGOOSE (Atilax paludinosus) – One at Ngorongoro.
SPOTTED HYAENA (Crocuta crocuta) – Great viewing (and action) this tour, with 15 in Ngorongoro Crater, about 60 in the Serengeti, and 7 at Mountain Lodge - which included them killing a full grown Waterbuck!
CARACAL (Felis caracal) – Amazing to get such good looks at this usually very shy cat.
LEOPARD (Panthera pardus) – Two singles in the Serengeti.
LION (Panthera leo) – Three at Nairobi NP, 7 in Ngorongoro Crater, and 22 in the Serengeti; fabulous encounters with big maned males, females, and cubs! Terrific!
CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus) – Two singles in the Serengeti.
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana) – Many great sightings, with about 150 at Tarangire, 40 at Ngorongoro, and 35 in the Serengeti.
This female Yellow-throated Sandgrouse was seen in the Ndutu area. Photo by participant Ken Havard.
ROCK HYRAX (Procavia capensis) – Common in rocky areas of Serengeti, Nakuru, and at Baringo.
BUSH (YELLOW-SPOTTED) HYRAX (Heterohyrax brucei) – Ten in the Serengeti, and about 50 at Tarangire.
TREE HYRAX (Dendrohyrax arboreus) – Two singles in Ngorongoro Crater.
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli) – Wonderful sightings this tour, with many many thousands in the Serengeti, and hundreds at Nairobi NP, Tarangire, and Nakuru.
BLACK RHINOCEROS (Diceros bicornis) – One at Nairobi NP, and 4 in Ngorongoro Crater.
WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum) – Two at Lake Nakuru. [I]
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) – Common and widespread in open country.
GIANT FOREST HOG (Hylochoerus meinertzhageni) – We saw an adult and a young one at Mountain Lodge.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius) – We saw a total of about 200 in Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti.
COMMON GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis) – About 200 in the Serengeti, 30 at Tarangire, and 10 at Nairobi NP.
ROTHSCHILD'S GIRAFFE (Giraffa rothschildi) – About a dozen at Nakuru.
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus) – One at Ngorongoro, and a dozen at Mountain Lodge.
COMMON ELAND (Taurotragus oryx) – Widespread in open grasslands; in all we saw about 60.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer) – Common and widespread, with 1000+ in the Serengeti being the most for any single area.
COMMON WATERBUCK (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) – Twenty at Tarangire.
DEFASSA WATERBUCK (Kobus defassa) – Two at Nairobi NP, 1 at Ngorongoro, and 50 at Nakuru.
BOHOR REEDBUCK (Redunca redunca) – Four at Nairobi NP, and 3 in the Serengeti.
TOPI (Damaliscus lunatus) – Nine in the Serengeti.
HARTEBEEST (KONGONI) (Alcelaphus buselaphus) – One hundred and twenty in Nairobi NP were the most for one area, but we also saw them in the Serengeti 40+, and Tarangire 5.
BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus) – Amazing sightings of the migration this year, with over one million on the plains near Naabi Hill, plus many others at Ngorongoro, Nairobi NP, and Tarangire.
SUNI (Neotragus moschatus) – Normally shy, but we had 4 super tame ones at Mountain Lodge.
KIRK'S DIK-DIK (Modoqua kirki) – About 60 in the Serengeti, and 6 at Tarangire.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus) – Very common and widespread; in all we saw about 1600.
THOMSON'S GAZELLE (Gazella thomsoni) – Many many thousands in the Ngorongoro and Serengeti area, and several others at widely scattered sites elsewhere.
GRANT'S GAZELLE (Gazella granti) – Another common and widespread antelope; in all we saw about 600.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Reptiles seen on the tour included;
Red-headed Rock Agama; about 30 at Oldupai Gorge, 20 at Tarangire, and 4 at Baringo.
Mwanza Rock Agama; 6 in the Serengeti.
Tropical House Gecko; several at Kakamega and Bogoria.
Water Monitor; 1 at Baringo.
Flap-necked Chameleon; 1 near Karatu.
Nile Crocodile; 1 in the Serengeti.
Leopard tortoise; 1 in the Serengeti.
Totals for the tour: 456 bird taxa and 49 mammal taxa