: Explore bird watching safaris, where over 1,000 species thrive in national parks and landscapes. An ideal destination for birders and nature lovers.

BIRD WATCHING IN TANZANIA: A PARADISE FOR BIRDERS
Beyond wildlife viewing, Tanzania offers thrilling bird-watching experiences in East Africa. Its national parks and reserves are home to a large population of birds. Birds also dominate the shoreline of lake vistas like Lake Natron, Lake Victoria, and Lake Eyasi. This article will cover all you need to know about birding in Tanzania.
Best birding destinations
Tarangire National Park
It is an off-the-beaten-path site for enjoying the beautiful views and songs of colorful birds. It hosts over 550 bird species, the highest concentration of birds.
Various endangered species of birds are available in Tarangire. Some of them include yellow-collared lovebirds and rufous-tailed weavers. Endemic species are available in Tanzania. They include the ashy starling, the Tanzanian red-billed hornbill, and the endangered Rufous-tailed weaver.
Lake Manyara National Park
Lake Manyara, which takes about two-thirds of the whole park, boasts a thousand pink flamingos on its shallow shores, bringing a pink appearance at a far look. This splendid park is home to over 440 bird species. There are also water birds like white and pink-backed pelicans on the shore of Lake Manyara.
Some birds available in Lake Manyara include the Crowned Eagle, African spoonbill, Great White Pelicans, Yellow-billed stork, yellow-throated sandgrouse, Saddle-billed stork, Sacred Ibis, and Silvery-cheeked Hornbill.
Sacred ibis has a significant history in Egyptian culture. In ancient times, Egyptians worshipped it as their god Thoth, and it was responsible for protecting the country from plagues and serpents. So, it was considered one of the sacred things and was buried with the Pharaohs.
Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti boasts over 500 bird species across its diverse landscapes, including endless plains, acacia woodlands, riverine forests, and grasslands.
Some common birds in Serengeti include the Fisher’s lovebird, bright-hued small parrot, lilac-breasted roller, Kori bustard, Marabou stork, Grey-crowned crane, and many others.
In Serengeti, you will also encounter specialties, including Schalow’s turaco, African fish eagle, red-throated tit, secretary bird, Fisher’s lovebird, grey-crested helmet shrike, and Rufous-tailed weaver.
Ngorongoro Crater
Over 500 bird species reside in this intact caldera. Some include the common ostrich, the sacred ibis, and flamingos on the shores of Lake Magadi.
Others include Hartlaub’s turaco, Cape teal, Egyptian goose, Guinea fowl, yellow-necked spurfowl, tawny eagle, white-backed vulture, Augur buzzard, and white-faced whistling duck.
Usambara Mountains
The Usambara Mountains are the best birding spots in Tanzania. This mountain range is home to endemic birds, including Usambara akalat, Usambara thrush, and Usambara weaver.
Other bird-watching spots in Tanzania include Selous Game Reserve, which hosts over 440 bird species; Arusha National Park, which hosts over 400 species of birds; Ruaha National Park, with more than 570 bird species; Saadani National Park (over 400 bird species); and Zanzibar (268 bird species).
How are bird species in Tanzania?
Tanzania is home to about 1075 bird species. 900 species are land birds, while 172 are waterbirds. There are also 33 endemic bird species and 29 seabird species. This number makes Tanzania an exceptional site for seeing birds.
Best Time to Go
Bird watching is great during the wet season (November to April). Migratory birds are present in the country.
Resident birds are also breeding during this time. They can be seen at their nests close to their plumage. Bird watching is also exceptional year-round.
Endemic bird species in Tanzania
Endemic birds are birds whose distribution is limited to certain locations. In Tanzania, about 33 species of birds are endemic. Some include Usambara eagle-owl, Usambara akalat, Usambara thrush, and Usambara weaver. These are endemic to the Usambara Mountains.
Other birds include Kilimanjaro white eye, Kipengere seedeater, grey-breasted spurfowl, Udzungwa forest partridge, and Uluguru bush shrike. Rufous-tailed weaver, ashy starling, Kilombero weaver, Pemba sunbird, Uluguru greenbul, and a yellow-collared lovebird.
There are near-endemic birds that live in Tanzania and a few nearby countries. Some include the Amani Sunbird, Abbott’s Starling, Fischer’s Starling, Hartlaubs Turaco, Pangani Longclaw, and Swahili Sparrow.
Common birds in Tanzania
Grey-crowned crane
This African bird is on the IUCN Red List of endangered bird species. It is the national bird of Uganda and Tanzania.
This crane is predominant in grasslands close to water bodies. Their nests are made close to water bodies. They feed in open savannas and grasslands.
Secretary bird
This bird is a must-see in Tanzania. Its name, secretary, comes from its resemblance with the 1800s official secretaries. It is also called the killer bird of Africa. It hunts for life and can run up to 18 miles daily to hunt its prey.
Ground hornbill
Many African cultures believed that ground hornbills were harbingers of rain. This belief caused many deaths; until then, the belief became outdated.
Ground hornbills can fly but prefer to spend much time on the ground. They are predatory. They hunt insects, small animals, and even snakes.
Flamingos
Tanzania is home to both greater and lesser flamingos. The height is what differentiates these two species. The greater flamingo is taller with a maximum height of 150 cm, while the lesser flamingo is short with a maximum height of 90 cm.
These beautiful birds prefer wetlands and shallow lakes. Lake Natron and Lake Momella are the best sites for watching the flamingos.
Lilac-breasted roller
It is another beautiful bird of the roller family. Its acrobatic display allows it to roll from side to side. These feed on insects like beetles and grasshoppers.
The list of birds in Tanzania is long. A birding tour is the best way to explore the rich birdlife of Tanzania. If you are ready for an unforgettable adventure in Tanzania, contact us. Your Bob Geor Adventures and Safaris expert will assist you.