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Birds of Tanzania
Birds of Tanzania are among the most diverse and captivating in Africa, with over 1,100 species recorded across the country’s varied ecosystems. These birds of Tanzania range from the vibrant lilac-breasted roller to the graceful grey crowned crane, adding life and color to the country’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the vast savannahs of the Serengeti, the wetlands of Lake Manyara, or the shores of Lake Victoria, Tanzania offers bird enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to witness some of the most iconic and unique bird species in the world.
Below are some of the most common and iconic birds of Tanzania
Eastern Black Headed Orioles
The Eastern Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus), often referred to simply as the Eastern Headed Oriole, is a striking bird found in the woodlands and forest edges of Tanzania. Recognizable by its bright yellow body, contrasting black head, and red bill, this oriole is both visually stunning and melodious, known for its flute-like calls. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including miombo woodlands, riverine forests, and gardens. Often spotted foraging in the treetops, it feeds on fruit, nectar, and insects, playing an important role in seed dispersal and pollination within its ecosystem. The Eastern Black-headed Oriole is a delightful sight for bird enthusiasts exploring Tanzania’s diverse landscapes.
African paradise flycatcher
The African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis) is one of the most enchanting birds found in Tanzania and across sub-Saharan Africa. Renowned for its elegant appearance, the male is particularly striking, with a long, flowing tail and vibrant plumage that varies from chestnut to white, depending on the region. Females and juveniles are less dramatic but equally beautiful, with shorter tails and warm chestnut tones.
These birds thrive in diverse habitats, including forests, woodland edges, and gardens. Known for their active and agile flight, they often hunt insects mid-air or pick them off leaves with remarkable precision. Their soft, melodious calls make them a joy to observe for bird enthusiasts. The African Paradise Flycatcher is a symbol of grace and a testament to the rich avian diversity found in Tanzania.
Crowned Hornbill
The Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus) is a medium-sized hornbill commonly found in Tanzania’s forests, woodland edges, and savannahs. It is easily recognized by its long, curved bill, reddish-brown crown, and contrasting black and white plumage.
These social and active birds are often seen in pairs or small groups, foraging for fruits, insects, and small animals in the treetops. Their loud, nasal calls echo through their habitats, making them a prominent presence in the ecosystem. The Crowned Hornbill plays an essential role in seed dispersal, contributing to the health of Tanzania’s forests and woodlands. For birdwatchers, spotting this charismatic species is always a highlight of exploring the country’s avian diversity.
best time for bird watching in tanzania
The best time for bird watching in Tanzania is typically during the wet season, which runs from November to April. This period offers the most diverse bird activity, as many species are either migrating through or nesting, and the lush greenery makes it easier to spot birds. Here’s a breakdown of why this time is ideal
November to April (Wet Season)
- Migratory Birds: Many migratory species from Europe and North Africa arrive in Tanzania during this time, adding to the already diverse local birdlife. Species like the European Rollers and Lesser Kestrels are among those migrating.
- Breeding Season: Many resident birds, such as hornbills and weavers, begin their breeding season during these months, making it easier to observe courtship displays, nest-building activities, and young birds.
- Lush Vegetation: The rains bring lush vegetation, which provides an abundance of food and water, attracting both resident and migratory species, making birdwatching more productive.
June to October (Dry Season)
- While the wet season is the peak for bird diversity, the dry season (June to October) also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, particularly for spotting resident species that remain in Tanzania year-round.
- During the dry months, birds tend to congregate around water sources like lakes, rivers, and waterholes, making it easier to observe them.
- Nesting and juvenile birds are still visible, although many migratory species will have already left.
Commom Waxbill
The Common Waxbill (Estrilda astrild) is a small, colorful finch that is widely found across Tanzania in grasslands, open woodlands, and bushy areas. It is easily recognizable by its bright red bill, which gives it its “waxbill” name, and its streaked brownish-gray body with a distinctive white belly. The Common Waxbill is typically seen in small flocks, often foraging on the ground for seeds, especially from grasses and other plants.
Despite its small size, the Common Waxbill is a lively and social bird, frequently seen in mixed-species flocks with other finches and weavers. Its cheerful, high-pitched calls add to the charm of Tanzania’s avian community. The bird’s adaptability and colorful appearance make it a favorite among birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
Lilac Breasted roller
The Lilac-Breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus) is one of Tanzania’s most iconic and striking birds, often regarded as a symbol of the country’s vibrant avian life. Known for its stunning plumage, it boasts a mix of bright blues, purples, pinks, and greens, with a prominent lilac-colored chest that gives it its name. This bird is typically seen in open savannahs, woodlands, and the edges of forests, where it perches on trees or power lines, scanning the ground for insects, small reptiles, and amphibians to prey on.
The Lilac-Breasted Roller is famous for its acrobatic flight displays, often performing spectacular aerial maneuvers while calling out its distinctive, rolling “r-r-r-ral.” These birds are often seen during the dry season, and they are a popular sight for birdwatchers due to their vivid colors and graceful flight. With its beautiful plumage and energetic behavior, the Lilac-Breasted Roller is a true gem of Tanzania’s birdlife.
Kori Bustard
The Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori) is one of the largest and heaviest flying birds in the world, native to the savannahs and grasslands of Tanzania. Characterized by its imposing size, the Kori Bustard can weigh up to 19 kilograms (42 pounds) and stand over a meter tall. Its plumage is predominantly gray with a white underbelly, complemented by black markings on its wings and back. Males are notably larger and more striking, often displaying a ruff of feathers around their neck during the mating season.
Despite their size, Kori Bustards are skilled fliers and are often seen walking gracefully across open grasslands, feeding on seeds, insects, and small vertebrates. Their behavior is often calm and deliberate, and they are known for their impressive courtship displays, where males puff out their chest and inflate their neck to attract females.
The Kori Bustard is a fascinating bird for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers, symbolizing the unique and majestic wildlife that thrives in Tanzania’s grasslands.
Secretary Bird
The Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) is a striking and unique bird of prey native to the savannahs and open grasslands of Tanzania. Known for its long, slender legs and distinctive appearance, the Secretary Bird stands out with its sharp, angular head, and a crest of feathers resembling a quill pen tucked behind its ears — a feature that inspired its name. Its body is long and graceful, with a predominantly gray and white plumage and a black tail.
Though not a strong flier, the Secretary Bird is highly adapted to life on the ground, where it dominates its territory. It is a symbol of Tanzania’s dynamic wildlife and is often a highlight for birdwatchers in open landscapes like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Grey-Headed Kingfisher
The Grey-Headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala) is a small but striking bird commonly found in the woodlands, forests, and savannahs of Tanzania. This kingfisher has a distinctive appearance, with a bright blue body, a contrasting white head, and a sharp, orange-red bill. Its vibrant colors and relatively small size make it a beautiful sight for birdwatchers.
Often seen near rivers, streams, and wetlands, the Grey-Headed Kingfisher is known for its excellent hunting skills. It typically perches on a tree branch or a rock, scanning the water below for fish, amphibians, or insects. When it spots its prey, it dives with precision and speed, making it a highly effective predator.
Red-Billed Buffalo Weaver
The Red-Billed Buffalo Weaver (Bubalornis niger) is a striking and sociable bird found across Tanzania, particularly in savannahs, open woodlands, and grassy plains. It is easily recognizable by its bold black body, contrasting white wings, and bright red bill, which is particularly vivid in males. This bird is part of the weaver family and is often seen in large, noisy flocks, usually foraging for seeds and insects on the ground.
Red-Billed Buffalo Weavers are known for their distinctive call, a loud and harsh “chattering” sound that adds to their presence in their habitats. They are highly social birds and build large, communal nests in trees, often in the same areas where other weaver species might also reside.
These birds are important to the ecosystem, as they help in controlling insect populations and dispersing seeds. Their colorful plumage and vibrant behavior make them a favorite among birdwatchers, and their large, conspicuous nests are often found in trees along Tanzania’s game reserves and national parks, such as the Serengeti and Tarangire.
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