Guide to Birds of Masai Mara

For bird enthusiasts, the Masai Mara National Reserve is nothing short of paradise, boasting an incredible diversity with over 470 bird species waiting to be discovered. Birdwatching here is an enthralling adventure, offering nearly 500 bird species, including a remarkable 47 species of birds of prey. The skies, treetops, and shrubs of the Masai Mara present a breathtaking spectacle for birdwatchers. These savannah birds come in all sizes, from the gigantic ostrich, the world’s largest bird, to the elusive and diminutive sunbirds that are a challenge to spot with the naked eye.

Send Your Enquiry for a Masai Mara National Reserve Safari

We hope this information will inspire you to consider the Masai Mara as your ultimate adventure destination. If you have any questions or require further details, feel free to reach out to us. You can contact us via email at [email protected] or [email protected]. Additionally, we’re available on WhatsApp or by phone at +254 748 258880.

Year-Round Birdwatching Extravaganza

Look to the skies to see bateleurs gliding gracefully over the expansive grassy plains and keep an eye out for the six vulture species scavenging for carrion. No matter when you explore the Masai Mara, you’re bound to encounter some extraordinary avian friends. The peak birdwatching season spans from November to April, coinciding with the influx of migratory birds from Europe and Northern Africa. This period matches the rainy season, when many birds showcase their ‘breeding’ plumage.

Grassland Birds of the Masai Mara

The grasslands are home to the turkey-sized Southern Ground Hornbills, majestic Secretary Birds, Kori Bustards, animated Crowned Plovers, diminutive sunbirds, and flocks of White Storks. The wetlands host magnificent flocks of Crowned Cranes, Saddle-Billed Storks, Yellow-Billed Storks, the tiny pygmy kingfisher, and Sacred Ibis. This area is perfect for spotting the Goliath Heron, Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, and Great White Egret. Musiara Marsh in the Masai Mara is a top birdwatching location, renowned as the sole spot in Kenya where the Rufous-bellied Heron breeds and where the endangered Madagascar Squacco Heron can be observed from October to May.

Riverine Birds of the Masai Mara

Journey to the Mara River to discover any of the seven species of kingfishers, from the impressive Giant Kingfisher to the tiny Pygmy Kingfisher. The riverbank forests are home to the colorful Ross’s Turaco and Schalow’s Turaco. Among the Mara’s most awe-inspiring avians are the birds of prey, ranging from the powerful Martial Eagle, which hunts young impala and dikdik, to the small Pygmy Falcon. However, the most iconic raptor is the Bateleur, whose elegant flight across the clear African skies is truly unforgettable.

Near Endemic Bird Species List

Below is a comprehensive bird list featuring all known endemic bird species (E) exclusive to Kenya, along with near-endemic bird species (NE) commonly found in the region.

• Abdim’s Stork

• African Finfoot

• African Wood Owl

• Ayres’s Hawk Eagle

• Cinnamon-breasted Bunting

• Denham’s Bustard

• Giant Kingfisher

• Grey-crested Helmet-shrike (NE)

• Grey Penduline Tit

• Hildebrandt’s Starling

• Jackson’s Widowbird

• Lazy Cisticola

• Ostrich

• Purple Grenadier

• Red-throated Tit

• Ross’s Turaco

• Rosy-throated Longclaw

• Rufous-bellied Heron

• Rufous-throated Wryneck

• Saddle-billed Stork

• Schalow’s Turaco

• Secretary Bird

• Silverbird

• Southern Ground Hornbill

• Swahili Sparrow

• Tabora Cisticola

• Temminck’s Courser

• Trilling Cisticola

• Usambiro Barbet (NE)

• White-bellied Go-away Bird

• Woolly-necked Stork

• Yellow-mantled Widowbird

• Yellow-throated Sandgrouse