Birds of Kenya

There are over 1000 bird species regularly observed in Kenya which must make it one of the most prolific "birding" countries in the world. I have only scratched the surface during my two visits there, with just over 100 new species being added to my personal list. Perhaps if I am lucky enough to return some time in the future I will add a few more, in one of the most colourful, exciting and friendly places I have ever been to. 

House Crow (Corvus splendens)
This species was apprently introduced to Kenya and is now flourishing
along the coast in close proximity to man. Photographed on the
overhead power cables at Turtle Bay Villas, Watamu.

European Roller (Coracias garrulus)
A common winter visitor and passage migrant to Kenya.
 This one was photographed at Galana Ranch.

Vulturine Guinea Fowl (Acryllium vulturinum)
A very localised resident of dry thornbush areas of Kenya.
These birds were photographed at Galana Ranch.

White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis  senegalensis)
Local resident of open bush. Photographed at Galana Ranch.

Helmeted Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris)
Locally common in thornbush areas and open country.
Photographed at Galana Ranch.

White-throated Bee Eater (Merops albicollis)
Possible local breeding bird but mainly a passage migrant in Kenya.
This one was pictured on the C103 road close to Tsavo East National Park.

Senegal Plover (Vanellus lugubris)
Local and nomadic in open or bushed grassland. Pictured at Galana Ranch.

Von der Decken's Hornbill (Tockus deckeni)
Small hornbill, common on the coastal lowlands, south of Malindi. Pictured
on C103 road near Tsavo East National Park.

Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii)
Rare Kenyan breeding bird, being mainly a visitor from North East Africa and Arabia.
These birds were pictured off Watamu where I observed them on every occasion I was at sea.
Despite this, they are apparently regarded as scarce south of Malindi!

White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus)
Widespread in bush and moist thickets. Most common near water.
Photographed at Turtle Bay, Watamu.

Streaky Seedeater (Serinus striolatus)
Common Kenyan finch. Pictured on an overhead power line in Nairobi.

Superb Starling (Lamprtornis superbus)
Fairly widespread in bush and grassland. Pictured at Galana Ranch.

Speckled Mousebird (Colius striatus)
The familiar mousebird of Kenya's gardens and cultivated areas.
 Pictured sitting on an overhead power cable, outside the hotel window in Nairobi. 

Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis orientalis)
Palearctic migrant, to north eastern Kenya. Pictured at Galana Ranch,
not far from the southern bank of the river.

Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk (Merierax poliopterus)
Fairly common in dry country. This individual was pictured at Galana Ranch.

Golden Palm Weaver (Ploceus bojeri)
Found in coastal areas. This one was pictured close to the beach at Turtle Bay.

Black-headed Plover (Vanellus tectus)
Locally common in dry bush. This one was pictured at Galana Ranch.

Black-faced Sandgrouse (Pterocles decoratus)
Locally common on grassland. Pictured on C103 road west of Malindi.

African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp vidua)
The common black and white wagtail of town and countryside in Kenya.
Pictured beside the swimming pool at Turtle Bay Villas, Watamu

Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudata)Fairly common and widespread in
open bush, woodland and cultivation. Pictured at Galana Ranch.

Black Kite (Milvus migrans)
Widespread in Kenya. I photographed this one
through the window of our hotel in Nairobi.

Spur-winged Plover (Vanellus spinosus)
Common south of the Galana and Sabaki Rivers,
This one was photographed at Galana Ranch

Dimorphic Egret (Egretta garzetta dimorpha)
Apparently rare away from the coast.
This one was pictured on a mud bank on the Galana River.

Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
Widespread throughout Kenya, Photographed at Galana Ranch.

Sooty Tern (Sterna fuscata nubilosa)
Frequently seen at sea beyond the inshore reefs over deeper water.
Photographed early in the day off  Watamu.