Common Birds Of Tsavo National Park

Common Birds Of Tsavo National Park

The Tsavo National Park is a large and old national park situated in the southeast part of Kenya. Tsavo is divided into Tsavo East and Tsavo West, and with a total of 22000 square kilometres of varied habitats, including savannahs, woodlands, riverine areas, volcanic highlands, and wetlands. Although the park is world-famous as the place where large herds of elephants, lions, and other mammals can be found, it is also happens to be a birder’s heaven as more than 500 species of birds have been recorded in the park.

The birdwatching in Tsavo can provide an experience to all-comers- the casual Kenya safari enthusiast who might be interested in spots of colour, to the serious ornithologist after some elusive species. The following are some of the most popular and recognisable species of birds found all over Tsavo National Park.

Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus)

One of the most beautiful birds of the Tsavo is the Superb Starling, which is distinguished by its blue and green feathers and its distinct burnt-orange belly and white chest band. These are not only very sociable birds, but also frequently seen in flocks, which forage on insects and fruit. They are also frequent near lodges and campsites, where they have become used to human activity.

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)

The Lilac-breasted Roller has long been labelled as the most beautiful bird of Africa, and it surely delivers. It has a kaleidoscope of feathers: turquoise on the belly, lilac on the breast, and electric blue on the wings. It is not uncommon to find this bird standing on trees or poles searching the ground to see insects and other small animals as prey. It spends more time in the air, when it flies, it engages in acrobatic manoeuvres, rolling over and diving, which especially happens during courtship.

African Grey Hornbill (Lophoceros nasutus)

A common bird in forested regions of Tsavo is this thin hornbill. The African Grey Hornbill has a curved, long, thin bill with a short digostromappers funzles village pack casque, and it is mostly grey with a white underside. It is primarily carnivorous and can subsist solely on fruit, insects, and small reptiles as food. It’s a typical call, however, as in the early morning and late toward night, is a clucking sound.

White-browed Coucal (Superciliosus centropus)

This creeping fowl can be often heard, rather than seen, more frequently, its habitat is dense undergrowth and bushy areas where it makes its carriage slowly and without sound. It is rufous on its back and white below it, with the most distinguished characteristic called the eyebrow. A roaring of the water causes its bubbling call; that is why it is sometimes known as a rainbird.

Ostrich (Struthio camelus massaicus)

The Masai Ostrich is a subspecies of the common ostrich, which is the largest bird in Tsavo and the world in general. Males are black with white plumes, and the females are brownish-grey. Not being capable of flight, ostriches are nonetheless strong runners that can achieve speeds of 70 km/hr (43 mph). They are habitually sighted in the grasslands and open savannahs of Tsavo East.

Helmeted Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris)

Common everywhere in grass and scrubby habitats in Tsavo, these chicken-sized birds are found everywhere in the area. There is no mistaking the Helmeted Guineafowl with its spotted white and black feathering and its blue head, which is adorned by a bony helmet. They tend to migrate in large groups and diet on insects, seeds and invertebrates.

Secretary bird (Sagittarius serpentarius)

It can be called one of the most unusual birds in the park and resembles a raptor on stilts. It has long legs, a long eagle-like head and beautiful tail plumes, and wanders the savannah in pursuit of snakes, insects, and small mammals. It is depicted walking around open terrains and either on its own or in groups of two. Its killing method of stomping on a snake is efficient as well as amazing to watch.

White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus)

These vultures are birds of the clean-up crew of Tsavo. The impact of the White-backed Vulture is ill because of the declining populations throughout Africa as a result of poisoning and habitat loss, however, the species remains relatively abundant in Tsavo. They are recurring visitors to carcasses and play an important ecological role in cleaning up after predators. They have wide wings and bald heads, converting them into savannah scavengers.

Golden-brested Starling (Lamprotornis regius)

The flamboyant golden green blue-adorned bird is found mostly in Tsavo East. The Golden-breasted Starling can be found moving along in small family units and can freely be seen foraging on the ground or in bushes. Not quite as tame as the Superb Starling, it is a great pleasure to the patient observer.

The African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)

The African Fish Eagle has become the signature call of parks like Tsavo, specifically in the Mzima Springs, the Galana River and around water in general. Its voice is a mention of wild Africa. This large bird of prey, with its white head, the broad chestnut colour, with the black wings, will prey as well on fish as will take birds and reptiles of small size.

Northern White crowned Shrike (Eurocephalus ruppelli)

This is a very sociable bird, and occurs in small family groups on bushes or trees. The Northern White-crowned Shrike is both pretty and conspicuous with a white head, dark eye-mask and brown flight feathers. Their diet is insectivorous, and insects are either seized in flight or collected over a kill.

Birding in Tsavo

What is even more spectacular about birding in Tsavo is the range in the habitats across the park, such as arid uplands and red-earthed plains, lush springs and riverine thickets. From October to April, there is a season of migrants, the Palaearctic migrants, which come into the area bringing more diversity.

Some of the areas which are very rich in birds are:

Mzima Springs is a perfect habitat for water birds such as herons, kingfishers, and cormorants.

Ngulia Hills- a hot spot during migration, particularly of the raptors and the passerines.

Aruba Dam (Tsavo East) has the attraction of many species, like the African jacanas and plovers.

Yatta Plateau – a good eagle raptor place.

Conservation Note

Whereas compared to other parts of the world, most bird species are common in Tsavo, there are some which are facing pressure due to climate change, land conversion, and poisoning, mostly the raptors and scavengers. Vultures, especially, have suffered troubling population decreases in East Africa. Stewardship programs are critical to safeguarding this avifauna, and community engagement leads the way to inform sustainable ecotourism.

Conclusion

Tsavo National Park is a heaven on earth to bird watchers with its treasure of items covering tiny sunbirds and jewel-colored starlings to huge ostriches and large eagles. You don’t even have to be on a birding trip to enjoy spectacular sightings every turn in the park.