Tsavo Birds - Tsavo Parks

Tsavo East National Park is home to an impressive 462 bird species, including 19 globally threatened species and 2 introduced species. The park’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from savannah plains to riverine forests, support a variety of birdlife, making it a premier birdwatching destination in Kenya. Endangered species such as the Taita Thrush and vulnerable raptors like the Martial Eagle highlight the park’s critical role in bird conservation.

In comparison, Tsavo West National Park hosts an even richer avian diversity, with 519 bird species, including 2 introduced species. The park’s more varied landscapes, including wetlands, woodlands, and rocky areas, create habitats for a wider range of species. Tsavo West is particularly renowned for its migratory birds, such as the Amur Falcon, and waterbirds like the Goliath Heron found around Lake Jipe and Mzima Springs.

Both parks offer unique opportunities for birdwatchers, with Tsavo East focusing on open plains species and riverine habitats, while Tsavo West’s wetlands and rocky terrains provide habitats for rare and migratory birds.

Tsavo

1. Vulturine Guineafowl

Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Overview: A striking bird with vivid blue and black plumage and a bare head, Vulturine Guineafowl are gregarious and often seen in large flocks. These birds forage for seeds, insects, and small reptiles in the dry, scrubby areas of Tsavo.
Where to Spot: Common in dry bushland areas in Tsavo East, particularly around the Galana River.

2. African Fish Eagle

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Known for its unmistakable call, the African Fish Eagle is one of the most iconic raptors in Africa. It hunts primarily fish, using its powerful talons to snatch prey from lakes and rivers.
Where to Spot: Frequent around water bodies in Tsavo West, especially at Mzima Springs and Lake Jipe.

3. Ostrich

Status: Least Concern
Overview: The world’s largest bird, ostriches thrive in the open plains of Tsavo. They are flightless but extremely fast runners, often spotted in pairs or small groups.
Where to Spot: Found across both parks, especially in the open plains near Aruba Dam in Tsavo East and in Tsavo West’s savannah areas.

4. Martial Eagle

Status: Vulnerable
Overview: One of Africa’s largest and most powerful eagles, the Martial Eagle is a formidable predator, capable of hunting small antelopes, birds, and reptiles.
Where to Spot: Commonly seen soaring over the Yatta Plateau in Tsavo East and the Ngulia Hills in Tsavo West.

5. Secretary Bird

Status: Vulnerable
Overview: With long legs and distinctive black and white plumage, the Secretary Bird is a ground-dwelling raptor known for its hunting prowess, particularly for snakes and small mammals.
Where to Spot: Best spotted in the open plains of Tsavo East and West, particularly around Aruba Dam and Mzima Springs.

6. Lilac-breasted Roller

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Famous for its brilliant multi-colored plumage, the Lilac-breasted Roller is often seen perched on trees or power lines, swooping down to catch insects and small prey.
Where to Spot: Found throughout both parks, especially in wooded areas near rivers.

7. Kori Bustard

Status: Near Threatened
Overview: The Kori Bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, often seen walking through the savannah searching for insects, small mammals, and seeds.
Where to Spot: Frequently seen in the grasslands of Tsavo East and West.

8. African Skimmer

Status: Near Threatened
Overview: Recognized for its unique feeding style, the African Skimmer flies low over water, using its elongated lower mandible to catch fish from the surface.
Where to Spot: Often found along the Galana River in Tsavo East and at Lake Jipe in Tsavo West.

9. Taita Thrush

Status: Critically Endangered
Overview: Endemic to the Taita Hills region near Tsavo, the Taita Thrush is a small, dark-colored bird with limited distribution. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its shrinking forest habitat.
Where to Spot: Primarily found in the Taita Hills Forest, which borders Tsavo West.

10. White-headed Vulture

Status: Critically Endangered
Overview: A large vulture species that is increasingly rare due to habitat loss and poisoning, often seen scavenging in open plains.
Where to Spot: Spotted around carcasses in Tsavo West, particularly in the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

11. Black-faced Sandgrouse

Status: Least Concern
Overview: These small ground birds are characterized by their cryptic plumage, which allows them to blend into the arid savannah. They are usually spotted in pairs or small groups, taking off with a rapid fluttering flight.
Where to Spot: Seen in the open dry plains of Tsavo East, especially in the early mornings or late afternoons near waterholes.

12. Common Ostrich

Status: Least Concern
Overview: The largest bird in the world, the Common Ostrich is flightless but fast, and it can be seen roaming the open plains of Tsavo. Its large size and long neck make it easy to spot from a distance.
Where to Spot: Common in the savannah plains across both Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

13. African Crowned Eagle

Status: Near Threatened
Overview: Known as one of the most powerful eagles in Africa, the African Crowned Eagle primarily hunts monkeys and other small mammals. Its shrill call is often heard echoing through forests.
Where to Spot: Found in Tsavo West near Ngulia Hills, especially in forested areas.

14. Grey-headed Kingfisher

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This colorful bird is often seen perched near rivers, streams, and lakes. It catches insects and small fish, which it dives to catch with precision.
Where to Spot: Found near water sources like the Galana River in Tsavo East and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West.

15. Lesser Kestrel

Status: Vulnerable
Overview: A small falcon species, the Lesser Kestrel is a migratory bird that breeds in Europe and Asia and winters in Africa. It is usually seen hunting insects and small mammals.
Where to Spot: Commonly seen in the open plains of Tsavo West, particularly near Lake Jipe during the migratory season.

16. Amur Falcon

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A migratory raptor, the Amur Falcon travels from Asia to Africa, making a spectacular appearance in Kenya during the migration period. It is usually seen in large flocks.
Where to Spot: Seen in Tsavo West during its migration, especially in the open areas near Ngulia Hills.

17. Black Heron

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Famous for its unique “umbrella” hunting technique, the Black Heron creates shade with its wings to lure fish. It is commonly found in wetland areas.
Where to Spot: Found near Mzima Springs and Lake Jipe in Tsavo West.

18. Northern Carmine Bee-eater

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This vibrantly colored bird is a seasonal migrant that feeds on bees and other insects, catching them in flight. It is often seen perched on branches in open woodlands and along riverbanks.
Where to Spot: Spotted along the Galana River in Tsavo East and in wooded areas of Tsavo West.

19. Saddle-billed Stork

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This large, striking wading bird has a vivid black and white plumage with a long red and black bill. It is often found in wetlands, hunting for fish, amphibians, and small reptiles.
Where to Spot: Commonly seen near water sources like Lake Jipe and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West.

20. Grey-headed Bushshrike

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Known for its harsh call, the Grey-headed Bushshrike is a colorful bird found in dense vegetation. Its strong bill allows it to catch and feed on insects and small animals.
Where to Spot: Seen in the scrubland and wooded areas of both Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

Conclusion

The birdlife of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks is truly diverse and spectacular. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or a casual visitor, the parks offer unparalleled opportunities to spot a wide variety of species, from large raptors to colorful songbirds, and from ground-dwelling species to water-loving waders. A birding safari in Tsavo will not only provide you with an impressive bird list but will also immerse you in the unique landscapes and wildlife that these parks are famous for.

21. Rosy-patched Bushshrike

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This vividly colored bird, with its striking rosy chest and black and white head markings, is one of Tsavo’s more colorful residents. It is often heard before it is seen, as it has a loud, ringing call.
Where to Spot: Found in the dry scrublands and thorny acacia bushes of Tsavo East and West.

22. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A medium-sized bird with a distinctive yellow throat and striking facial markings, the Yellow-throated Sandgrouse is commonly seen flying to waterholes at dawn and dusk to drink.
Where to Spot: Frequently seen in the open savannahs of Tsavo East, especially near Aruba Dam and waterholes.

23. Bateleur Eagle

Status: Near Threatened
Overview: Known for its acrobatic flight and short tail, the Bateleur is a medium-sized eagle that soars effortlessly over the plains. It feeds on carrion and small animals, and is a common sight in Tsavo.
Where to Spot: Often seen in Tsavo West, soaring above the Ngulia Hills or near Mzima Springs.

24. Southern Ground Hornbill

Status: Vulnerable
Overview: A large and imposing bird, the Southern Ground Hornbill is mostly terrestrial, often walking through open grasslands in search of insects, snakes, and small mammals. It has a distinctive red facial patch.
Where to Spot: Spotted in both Tsavo East and West, particularly in the more open areas like the Yatta Plateau and near Aruba Dam.

25. Black-bellied Bustard

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This elegant bird is often seen strutting through the savannah, emitting a distinctive “coughing” sound during its display flights. The males perform elaborate courtship displays in the breeding season.
Where to Spot: Commonly found in the open plains of both parks, especially in Tsavo East near the Galana River.

26. Von der Decken’s Hornbill

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Recognized by its long, curved bill and striking black and white plumage, Von der Decken’s Hornbill is a social bird often seen foraging on the ground for insects, seeds, and fruit.
Where to Spot: Frequently spotted in the woodlands and riverine forests of both Tsavo East and West.

27. African Hoopoe

Status: Least Concern
Overview: The African Hoopoe is a distinctive bird with its orange-brown body, black and white wings, and a fan-shaped crest. Its unique foraging behavior involves probing the ground for insects.
Where to Spot: Found throughout Tsavo East and West, particularly in open woodlands and grasslands.

28. African Grey Hornbill

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A large bird with a pale grey body and a prominent, curved bill, the African Grey Hornbill is often seen flying across the savannah or foraging in the trees. It has a loud, harsh call.
Where to Spot: Common in the dry woodlands and bushland of both parks, especially around Galana River in Tsavo East.

29. Red-and-Yellow Barbet

Status: Least Concern
Overview: With its colorful red, yellow, and black plumage, the Red-and-Yellow Barbet is one of Tsavo’s most colorful birds. It feeds on insects, seeds, and fruits, and can often be seen foraging on the ground.
Where to Spot: Seen in rocky areas and dry savannahs, especially in Tsavo East near the Yatta Plateau.

30. Black-winged Stilt

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A wader with long, thin legs and a straight bill, the Black-winged Stilt is often seen near water, where it feeds on small aquatic creatures. Its elegant, slender appearance makes it a striking sight.
Where to Spot: Frequently seen in wetlands and waterholes such as Aruba Dam in Tsavo East and Lake Jipe in Tsavo West.

31. Malachite Kingfisher

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A small but vibrant bird, the Malachite Kingfisher has bright blue and orange plumage. It can often be seen perched on reeds near water, waiting to dive for small fish.
Where to Spot: Found along the Galana River and Mzima Springs, where there are plenty of fish for it to hunt.

32. African Pied Wagtail

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This small, black and white bird is often seen wagging its tail while walking or hopping near water. It feeds on insects and is a common sight near rivers and waterholes.
Where to Spot: Common near water sources like Lake Jipe and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West, as well as around Aruba Dam in Tsavo East.

33. Crowned Lapwing

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Known for its black crown and striking red legs, the Crowned Lapwing is often seen in open grasslands and savannahs, where it feeds on insects and small invertebrates.
Where to Spot: Seen throughout Tsavo East and West, particularly in the open plains near Aruba Dam and Yatta Plateau.

34. Speckled Mousebird

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This small, sociable bird is often seen in groups, foraging for fruit and leaves in the bush. It has a long tail and soft, brownish plumage, making it easy to identify.
Where to Spot: Found in wooded areas and scrublands across both Tsavo East and West.

35. African Pygmy Falcon

Status: Least Concern
Overview: The African Pygmy Falcon is one of the smallest birds of prey in Africa. It preys on small insects, birds, and lizards, and is often seen perched on tree branches or termite mounds.
Where to Spot: Seen in the open savannah of Tsavo East, especially near Aruba Dam and along the Galana River.

36. African Darter

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Known for its long neck, which gives it the appearance of a snake when swimming, the African Darter is a waterbird that dives underwater to catch fish.
Where to Spot: Frequently seen at Mzima Springs and Lake Jipe in Tsavo West.

37. Rufous-crowned Roller

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A beautifully colored bird with a striking rufous crown and blue wings, the Rufous-crowned Roller is often seen perched high on trees or poles, waiting to catch insects.
Where to Spot: Found throughout Tsavo East and West, especially in woodland areas near rivers.

38. Black-shouldered Kite

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A small, graceful raptor with striking white plumage and black patches on its shoulders, the Black-shouldered Kite is often seen hovering in the air as it hunts for rodents and insects.
Where to Spot: Common in the open grasslands of Tsavo East and West, especially near Yatta Plateau and Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

39. African Paradise Flycatcher

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Known for its stunning long tail feathers and contrasting colors, the African Paradise Flycatcher is a delight to spot. The males have long, trailing tails that can be white or chestnut, adding to their beauty.
Where to Spot: Found in wooded areas and riverine forests along the Galana River in Tsavo East and around Mzima Springs in Tsavo West.

40. Crested Francolin

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A small, ground-dwelling bird with intricate plumage, the Crested Francolin is often seen scurrying across the savannah. It feeds on seeds, insects, and small fruits.
Where to Spot: Common in the open bushland of Tsavo East, particularly around the Aruba Dam and Yatta Plateau.

41. African Harrier Hawk

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This medium-sized raptor is easily recognizable by its distinctive bare yellow face and its ability to raid bird nests. It can be seen gliding through the air or hopping between trees in search of prey.
Where to Spot: Frequently seen in the wooded areas of Tsavo West, especially near Ngulia Hills.

42. Sooty Falcon

Status: Near Threatened
Overview: A migratory bird of prey, the Sooty Falcon is a sleek hunter, often seen in the dry areas of Tsavo, particularly during its migration period. It feeds on small birds and insects.
Where to Spot: Best seen in Tsavo East, especially near the Galana River during migration season.

43. Helmeted Guineafowl

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Recognized by its helmet-like casque on its head and its speckled plumage, the Helmeted Guineafowl is a common sight in Tsavo. It is often seen in flocks foraging for seeds and insects on the ground.
Where to Spot: Frequently found in the scrubland and savannahs of both Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

44. White-browed Coucal

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Known for its characteristic hooting calls and slow, stealthy movements, the White-browed Coucal is a medium-sized bird that prefers dense vegetation, where it hunts for insects and small vertebrates.
Where to Spot: Found in the thickets and dense bushes near water sources in both Tsavo East and West.

45. Yellow-billed Stork

Status: Least Concern
Overview: This large wading bird, with its bright yellow bill and black wing tips, is often seen near water, where it uses its bill to sift through mud for fish, frogs, and insects.
Where to Spot: Commonly found around Lake Jipe and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West, and Aruba Dam in Tsavo East.

46. Blue-naped Mousebird

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A small, social bird with a striking blue patch on its head, the Blue-naped Mousebird is often seen foraging in groups for fruit, leaves, and flowers. Its soft, fluffy plumage makes it look larger than it is.
Where to Spot: Found in scrublands and thickets throughout both Tsavo East and Tsavo West.

47. Greater Honeyguide

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Famous for its unique symbiotic relationship with humans, the Greater Honeyguide leads people to beehives in exchange for access to honeycomb once the hive has been broken open. It has an intriguing call and behavior.
Where to Spot: Found in woodlands and bushes of Tsavo West, especially near the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary.

48. Goliath Heron

Status: Least Concern
Overview: The Goliath Heron is the largest heron species in the world, known for its imposing size and slow, deliberate movements as it stalks fish in shallow waters.
Where to Spot: Often seen near Lake Jipe and Mzima Springs in Tsavo West.

49. African Jacana

Status: Least Concern
Overview: Known for its long toes that allow it to walk on floating vegetation, the African Jacana is a fascinating waterbird, often seen foraging for insects on water lilies and reeds.
Where to Spot: Found near wetlands and waterholes such as Mzima Springs in Tsavo West and Aruba Dam in Tsavo East.

50. Black Kite

Status: Least Concern
Overview: A widespread scavenger, the Black Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey often seen circling in the sky or perched on trees. It feeds on carrion, small mammals, and birds.
Where to Spot: Common in Tsavo East and West, particularly near campsites and areas with human activity, as they are known to scavenge near human settlements.

Conclusion

The birdlife in Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks is as diverse as the landscapes that these parks encompass. Whether it’s the towering Goliath Heron wading through Lake Jipe, the colorful Lilac-breasted Roller flying over the plains, or the elusive Taita Thrush calling from the forest, birdwatching in Tsavo offers a remarkable experience. The parks’ rich diversity of habitats provides ideal environments for hundreds of bird species, from the iconic African Fish Eagle to the rare and critically endangered White-headed Vulture. Whether you’re a dedicated birder or a wildlife enthusiast, Tsavo’s birds will add a captivating element to your safari, making every game drive an exciting opportunity to discover new species.

Here is an expert guide that categorizes birds found in both Tsavo East and Tsavo West based on the data from your attached documents. These categories provide insight into the diversity of bird species across the two parks:

1. Raptors

Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) – Endangered
Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) – Endangered
Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax) – Vulnerable
Secretary Bird (Sagittarius serpentarius) – Endangered
Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus) – Endangered
Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) – Endangered
Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) – Critically Endangered
Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) – Critically Endangered
White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) – Critically Endangered
Verreaux’s Eagle (Aquila verreauxii)

2. Waterbirds

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor) – Near Threatened
White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)
Gray Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Squacco Heron (Ardeola ralloides)

3. Game Birds

Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)
Vulturine Guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum)
Eastern Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani)
Crested Francolin (Ortygornis sephaena)
Yellow-necked Spurfowl (Pternistis leucoscepus)

4. Kingfishers and Rollers

Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)
Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima)
European Roller (Coracias garrulus) – Vulnerable
Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)

5. Hornbills

Von der Decken’s Hornbill (Tockus deckeni)
Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus flavirostris)
Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus)
Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) – Vulnerable

6. Sunbirds

Tsavo Sunbird (Cinnyris tsavoensis) – Found primarily in Tsavo East
Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Chalcomitra senegalensis)
Violet-breasted Sunbird (Cinnyris chalcomelas)
Black-bellied Sunbird (Cinnyris nectarinioides)

7. Weavers and Sparrows

Red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea)
Golden Palm Weaver (Ploceus bojeri)
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver (Plocepasser mahali)
Gray-headed Social-Weaver (Pseudonigrita arnaudi)

8. Woodpeckers and Barbets

Bearded Woodpecker (Chloropicus namaquus)
Nubian Woodpecker (Campethera nubica)
Red-and-yellow Barbet (Trachyphonus erythrocephalus)
D’Arnaud’s Barbet (Trachyphonus darnaudii)

9. Cisticolas and Warblers

Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chiniana)
Ashy Cisticola (Cisticola cinereolus)
Red-faced Crombec (Sylvietta whytii)
Gray Wren-Warbler (Calamonastes simplex)

10. Pigeons and Doves

Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)
Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)
Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove (Turtur chalcospilos)

This expert categorization includes a variety of bird species that can be found in the Tsavo ecosystem, ranging from raptors and game birds to sunbirds and weavers. The raptors, in particular, highlight the importance of Tsavo’s role in conserving endangered and vulnerable species. Key differences between Tsavo East and West include species such as the Tsavo Sunbird, endemic to Tsavo East, and certain vultures that are more frequently sighted in Tsavo West.

11. Swifts and Swallows

Nyanza Swift (Apus niansae)
African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus)
Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica) – Migratory
Wire-tailed Swallow (Hirundo smithii)
Lesser Striped Swallow (Cecropis abyssinica)

12. Puffbirds, Trogons, and Bee-eaters

White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides)
Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus)
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus) – Migratory
European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) – Migratory
Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina)

13. Starlings and Drongos

Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus)
Rüppell’s Starling (Lamprotornis purpuropterus)
Greater Blue-eared Starling (Lamprotornis chalybaeus)
Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Ashy Starling (Lamprotornis unicolor)

14. Ducks, Geese, and Swans

African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus)
White-faced Whistling Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

15. Cuckoos

Diederik Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius)
Klaas’s Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas)
African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus)
Thick-billed Cuckoo (Pachycoccyx audeberti)
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) – Migratory

16. Shrikes and Bushshrikes

Gray-backed Fiscal (Lanius excubitoroides)
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio) – Migratory
Rosy-patched Bushshrike (Rhodophoneus cruentus)
Tropical Boubou (Laniarius aethiopicus)
Black-crowned Tchagra (Tchagra senegalus)

17. Pipits and Longclaws

African Pipit (Anthus cinnamomeus)
Yellow-throated Longclaw (Macronyx croceus)
Fülleborn’s Longclaw (Macronyx fuelleborni)
Plain-backed Pipit (Anthus leucophrys)

18. Flycatchers

African Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis)
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata) – Migratory
Pale Flycatcher (Melaenornis pallidus)
Southern Black Flycatcher (Melaenornis pammelaina)
White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher (Melaenornis fischeri)

19. Larks

Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea)
Fawn-colored Lark (Calendulauda africanoides)
Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix leucopareia)
Red-winged Lark (Mirafra hypermetra)

20. Nightjars and Owls

Slender-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus clarus)
Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii)
African Scops Owl (Otus senegalensis)
Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo lacteus)

Conclusion:

This expanded list of birds in Tsavo East and Tsavo West illustrates the exceptional diversity of avifauna present in the two parks. While the ecosystems of the two parks overlap, Tsavo West’s more varied habitats, such as wetlands, rock formations, and woodlands, attract certain species not found in Tsavo East. Tsavo East’s open plains and riverine areas provide ideal habitats for large numbers of savannah and river-associated birds. Birdwatchers in either park will be treated to a wide variety of species, from colorful sunbirds and rollers to majestic raptors and rare cuckoos.

21. Cranes and Bustards

Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori)
Denham’s Bustard (Neotis denhami)
White-bellied Bustard (Eupodotis senegalensis)
Hartlaub’s Bustard (Lissotis hartlaubii)
Black-bellied Bustard (Lissotis melanogaster)
Gray Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) – Vulnerable

22. Pigeons and Doves

Speckled Pigeon (Columba guinea)
Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)
Emerald-spotted Wood Dove (Turtur chalcospilos)
Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)
African Mourning Dove (Streptopelia decipiens)
Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata)

23. Woodpeckers

Bearded Woodpecker (Chloropicus namaquus)
Nubian Woodpecker (Campethera nubica)
Cardinal Woodpecker (Chloropicus fuscescens)
Golden-tailed Woodpecker (Campethera abingoni)

24. Orioles and Drongos

African Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus)
Eurasian Golden Oriole (Oriolus oriolus)
Fork-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus adsimilis)
Square-tailed Drongo (Dicrurus ludwigii)

25. Cisticolas, Prinias, and Warblers

Rattling Cisticola (Cisticola chiniana)
Siffling Cisticola (Cisticola brachypterus)
Ashy Prinia (Prinia socialis)
Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida)
Willow Warbler (Phylloscopus trochilus) – Migratory

26. Finches and Buntings

Southern Grosbeak Canary (Crithagra buchanani)
White-bellied Canary (Crithagra dorsostriata)
Yellow-fronted Canary (Crithagra mozambica)
Golden-breasted Bunting (Emberiza flaviventris)
Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana)

27. Vultures

Rüppell’s Vulture (Gyps rueppelli) – Critically Endangered
Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) – Endangered
White-backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) – Critically Endangered
Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus) – Critically Endangered

28. Herons and Egrets

Goliath Heron (Ardea goliath)
Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea)
Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala)
Great Egret (Ardea alba)
Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

29. Flycatchers and Chats

Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
Pale Flycatcher (Melaenornis pallidus)
White-browed Robin-Chat (Cossypha heuglini)
White-throated Robin (Irania gutturalis) – Migratory

30. Larks and Pipits

Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix leucopareia)
Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea)
Fawn-colored Lark (Calendulauda africanoides)
Plain-backed Pipit (Anthus leucophrys)
Long-billed Pipit (Anthus similis)

Conclusion:

The vast expanses of Tsavo East and Tsavo West create a vibrant and rich birdwatching environment that spans diverse ecosystems, from savannahs and wetlands to rocky outcrops and dense forests. With a combined bird species count exceeding 500 across the two parks, these areas are a haven for birdwatchers. Raptors like the Martial Eagle and vultures such as the Lappet-faced Vulture dominate the skies, while smaller species like the Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark and the colorful Lilac-breasted Roller add beauty to the landscape. The wetlands of Tsavo West offer unique sightings of species like the Goliath Heron and African Jacana, while Tsavo East provides a more open terrain for spotting savannah birds like Helmeted Guineafowl and Kori Bustards.

Bird enthusiasts visiting Tsavo can look forward to seeing a wide range of species, from the critically endangered vultures to the migratory wonders of European rollers and bee-eaters. Whether you’re keen on raptors, game birds, or smaller passerines, Tsavo’s parks promise a rewarding birdwatching experience.

Based on the Aviabase list of Tsavo East and Tsavo West birds, below are some bird species found in Tsavo West that are not listed in Tsavo East:

Shelley’s Francolin (Scleroptila shelleyi)
Scaly Spurfowl (Pternistis squamatus)
Purple-crested Turaco (Gallirex porphyreolophus)
African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus)
Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus)
Nyanza Swift (Apus niansae)
African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis)
Pied Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Long-toed Lapwing (Vanellus crassirostris)
Great Snipe (Gallinago media) [NT]
African Swamphen (Porphyrio madagascariensis)
Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) [NT]
Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca) [VU]
Bat Hawk (Macheiramphus alcinus)
Mangrove Kingfisher (Halcyon senegaloides)
White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides)
White-eared Barbet (Stactolaema leucotis)
African Pitta (Pitta angolensis)
Silverbird (Melaenornis semipartitus)
Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis)
White-backed Night Heron (Gorsachius leuconotus)
Pel’s Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli)
Dwarf Bittern (Ixobrychus sturmii)
African Pygmy Goose (Nettapus auritus)
Hartlaub’s Turaco (Tauraco hartlaubi)
Mottled Spinetail (Telacanthura ussheri)
Mountain Buzzard (Buteo oreophilus)
Kittlitz’s Plover (Charadrius pecuarius)
Denham’s Bustard (Neotis denhami)
Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) [Endangered]
Lesser Jacana (Microparra capensis)
Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk (Accipiter rufiventris)
Red-chested Flufftail (Sarothrura rufa)
Fülleborn’s Longclaw (Macronyx fuelleborni)
Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus)
Grey-crested Helmetshrike (Prionops poliolophus)
Olive Thrush (Turdus olivaceus)
Zanzibar Red Bishop (Euplectes nigroventris)
Rüppell’s Starling (Lamprotornis purpuropterus)
Buff-spotted Flufftail (Sarothrura elegans)

Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
Abyssinian Scimitarbill (Rhinopomastus minor)
Eastern Nicator (Nicator gularis)
Hartlaub’s Bustard (Lissotis hartlaubii)
African Yellow Warbler (Iduna natalensis)
Striped Pipit (Anthus lineiventris)
Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur)
Yellow-throated Greenbul (Arizelocichla chlorigula)
Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus) [Near Threatened]
Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa)
Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus)
Reichenow’s Seedeater (Crithagra reichenowi)
Thick-billed Cuckoo (Pachycoccyx audeberti)
Great Sparrowhawk (Accipiter melanoleucus)
Long-tailed Fiscal (Lanius cabanisi)
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina)
Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)
Brown-backed Scrub-Robin (Cercotrichas hartlaubi)
Grey-headed Kingfisher (Halcyon leucocephala)
Northern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicus)

These additional species further emphasize the unique birding opportunities in Tsavo West, which include diverse habitats such as rocky outcrops, wetlands, and forested areas, supporting species that are less common or absent in Tsavo East.