The Most Likely Locations to See Ten Unique Tanzania Birds on Safari 

Birds of Tanzania may not be one of the country’s Big Five, but they are still a significant part of the Serengeti’s flora and fauna. Up to 500 of the 1,100 recorded Tanzania bird list of species can be found in the Serengeti. 

Bird Watching in Tanzania

Listed here are ten of the birds found in Tanzania that are also most easily spotted avian species; if you go on a bird watching safari Tanzania has to offer, you will see many of them, and binoculars are not required. 

Travel agencies such as the Tanzania birding and beyond safaris would be the operator to consider if opting to go to this kind of holidays in Tanzania. You can also find more details about these species in any of the birds of Tanzania book.

Species’ List of Birds of Tanzania Africa

1. Ostrich:

The ostrich, one of the easily recognizable birds in Tanzania, can be seen on most birding safari Tanzania travel agencies provide. Without the ability to fly, these birds have the fastest ground speed of any bird in the world, clocking at almost 69 kilometers per hour during their fastest sprints. While the male ostrich’s nocturnal camouflage feathers are black, the female ostriches are gray-brown. 

Ostriches make snorts, whistles, and deep booming noises when threatened by predators. So it is common to hear them sooner before seeing them. 

2. The Tawny Eagles:

They are whitish, heavily feathered, short-legged, grey-brown, to reddish-brown birds. The Tawny Eagle can be found across many of the birding tour Tanzania options available.

They are fearsome predators that can pounce from their perches and grab their victims with their sharp talons. They have even been seen chewing on insects when given a chance, proving that they are not discriminating eaters.

3. The Marabou Stork:

The marabou stork, common in the Serengeti, is distinguished by its sunburned-looking pink head and enormous, dagger-like bill. In addition, they are capable of great flight heights due to their wings’ size. They are commonly seen picking through the garbage for scraps left by larger predators. It can consume messy foods without worrying about soiling its feathers because it lacks a neck and head ruff.

Intimidating and resourceful, the Marabou stork is not to be trifled with. When a marabou inflates its neck sac, it signals to another marabou that it should get out of the way. It is common for storks to advance on grass fires in front of the flames in pursuit of their escaping prey.

Birding Trip Tanzania – Species of Moderate Size You May See

4. The Grey Crowned Crane

The beautiful grey-crowned crane spends most of its time feeding in the open habitats and flooded grasslands at the heart of the Serengeti. The males are noted for their elaborate courtship rituals, which involve flapping their colorful wings and hopping around in pursuit of potential partners. Their “crown” is typically a golden yellow color despite their name.

5. The Kori Bustard

The open grasslands and somewhat vegetated savannas are the preferred habitats of the kori bustard, which is buff and gray with only three front toes. Insects, berries, seeds, and small mammals comprise the bulk of these birds’ diets.

To attract a mate, they will expand their esophagus to four times their regular size and flick their tail feathers. The male utilizes a peculiar low-pitched, booming call to attract females, which is as distinctive as its looks.

If you get a chance to experience this courtship visually, it will definitely be one of the memorable birding Tanzania events you will always remember.

6. The Lesser Flamingo

Despite its large, tall body and distinctive “? -shaped neck, the lesser flamingo is the smallest species of flamingo. This tall, pink bird lives in flocks near Tanzania’s Lake Natron. Small aquatic invertebrates and microscopic blue-green algae make up the bulk of its diet, although it will also devour other lake-dwelling organisms.

Species of Common Birds in Tanzania That are Small in Size

7. The Masked Vitelline Weaver:

The small red-eyed vitelline masked weaver lives throughout the Serengeti. The male is easily identified by his brilliant yellow plumage, chestnut-colored chest, and sharp bill and head. The females are much more subdued in color than the males, although both sexes have a characteristic pattern of yellow stripes across their backs. It sounds like “chek,” and a warped, fuzzy tune reminiscent of radio static makes up their vocalizations.

Pictured above is a masked male weaver building a nest, hoping to lure a female. The females, however, are picky and will not accept most nests.

8. The Superb Starling:

This starling is one of a kind, and its iridescent feathers prove it. The little groups of this species can be found all over northern Tanzania. They look like other starlings but can be told apart by the white band that runs from their blue breast to their blazing orange belly.

9. The Lilac-Breasted Roller

The Roller with a purple chest can be seen all over Tanzania, drawing attention with its rusty-colored cheeks, lavender breast, green crown, and blue body. Aerial acrobatics, such as fast-rolling from side to side, frequent diving and swooping, and harsh, loud calls, are all part of this bird’s courtship display, earning it the nickname “roller.”

10. The Hornbill of Von Der Decken’s

You could think of Zazu from “The Lion King” when you see a Von der Decken hornbill. The deserts of Tanzania are the natural habitat of this bird. Both sexes have red beaks; however, males are more clunky and have red bills, while females’ beaks are black. Females use tiny tree cavities as nests to lay eggs and raise their young. This is when the male brings food to the female and the babies through the nest entrance.

Zazu is a must see if you have decided to embark on a bird watching Tanzania trip.

Tanzania Bird Guide

The Birds of East Africa Kenya Tanzania Uganda Rwanda Burundi

Download Options and Links to Birds of Kenya and Tanzania

• Birds of Kenya and northern Tanzania helm field guides
• Birds of Kenya and northern Tanzania pdf
• Birds of Tanzania field guide pdf
• Birds of Tanzania pdf

What Other Things Can You Expect to See on Your Tanzania Birding Tours?

• National bird of Tanzania – the Grey crowned crane is the official Tanzania national bird.
• Tanzania birds of prey
• Big bird pelican Tanzania (or just “big bird Tanzania”)
• Love birds Tanzania
• Tanzania birds by common name

For more articles related to Tourist Attractions in Tanzania click here!