Amboseli National Park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting an impressive 549 bird species, making it one of the richest bird habitats in Kenya. The diversity of ecosystems within the park—including wetlands, savannahs, woodlands, and open plains—supports a wide variety of resident and migratory birds. This guide highlights some of the most remarkable bird species and offers insights into the best times and areas for birdwatching in Amboseli.
Amboseli Park Birds
1. Overview of Birdlife in Amboseli
Amboseli’s birdlife is influenced by its unique mix of wetland and semi-arid ecosystems, providing habitats for waterbirds, raptors, and ground-dwelling species. Among the bird species recorded in the park:
- 549 species have been documented.
- 19 globally threatened species call the park home.
- There are no endemic species, but the park is an important stop for migratory birds from Europe and Asia.
- 2 introduced species have been spotted, and there are no extinct species recorded in the park.
The diverse habitats of Amboseli attract bird species throughout the year, making it a must-visit location for both seasoned and amateur birdwatchers. Wetlands and swamps, fed by Mount Kilimanjaro’s snowmelt, are particularly important during the dry season, drawing large populations of waterbirds and waders.
2. Waterbirds of Amboseli
Amboseli’s wetlands are a haven for waterbirds, especially during the rainy season when migratory birds from Europe and Asia arrive. Notable species include:
- Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo: These elegant birds are often seen feeding in the shallow waters of Amboseli’s lakes, especially after the rainy season. Flamingos feed on algae and small invertebrates in the alkaline water, creating a striking visual spectacle.
- Pelicans and Storks: Great White Pelicans, Pink-backed Pelicans, and Marabou Storks are frequently seen near Amboseli’s swamps. Other storks, like the Yellow-billed Stork and the Saddle-billed Stork, are commonly sighted wading through shallow waters.
- Ducks and Geese: A variety of ducks inhabit Amboseli, including the Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Goose, and the rare African Pygmy Goose.
3. Raptors of Amboseli
Amboseli’s raptors include some of the most magnificent birds of prey in Africa. The park’s open plains and scattered woodlands provide excellent hunting grounds for these birds:
- Martial Eagle: The Martial Eagle, one of Africa’s largest and most powerful eagles, is a common sight in Amboseli, often seen soaring in search of prey like small mammals and birds.
- Bateleur Eagle: The Bateleur, known for its striking appearance and acrobatic flight, is a signature species of Amboseli. It can often be seen patrolling the skies in search of carrion.
- Secretarybird: This unique bird of prey, easily recognized by its long legs and distinct head feathers, is frequently seen stalking its prey on the ground in Amboseli’s grasslands.
- Vultures: Lappet-faced Vultures, White-backed Vultures, and Rüppell’s Griffon are important scavengers that help keep the ecosystem in balance by feeding on animal carcasses.
4. Migratory Birds in Amboseli
Amboseli’s importance as a stopover for migratory birds is globally recognized. Many birds from the Northern Hemisphere travel to Amboseli during the winter months (October to March) to escape colder climates:
- European Bee-eater: This brightly colored bird is a common visitor, feeding on flying insects during its migration.
- Barn Swallow and House Martin: These small insectivorous birds are frequent migrants in Amboseli, often seen in large flocks as they forage on the wing.
- Common Cuckoo: Known for its distinctive call, the Common Cuckoo is a migratory species that spends the breeding season in Europe but winters in Africa, including in Amboseli.
5. Bustards and Other Ground-Dwelling Birds
Amboseli’s grasslands are ideal for ground-dwelling birds such as bustards, which are among the heaviest flying birds in the world:
- Kori Bustard: Often referred to as the world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard is frequently seen in Amboseli’s open plains. Its slow, deliberate movements and impressive size make it a standout species for birdwatchers.
- Buff-crested Bustard and Black-bellied Bustard: These species are common in the park and are often spotted walking through the savannah in search of insects and small reptiles.
6. Woodland Birds
The acacia woodlands of Amboseli attract a variety of woodland bird species, from colorful rollers to hornbills:
- Lilac-breasted Roller: One of the most colorful birds in Amboseli, the Lilac-breasted Roller is often seen perched on branches, scanning for insects to catch in flight. Its bright plumage and acrobatic hunting style make it a favorite among birdwatchers and photographers alike.
- Crowned Hornbill and Von der Decken’s Hornbill: These hornbills are commonly seen in Amboseli’s woodlands. Their large bills and loud calls make them easy to spot, and they play a key role in seed dispersal in the ecosystem.
- White-bellied Go-away Bird: Known for its distinctive, mocking call that sounds like “go away,” this bird is a common inhabitant of Amboseli’s woodlands.
7. Best Times and Places for Birdwatching
Amboseli offers great birdwatching opportunities year-round, but the rainy season (March to May and November to December) is the best time to observe migratory birds and an increase in bird activity. The park’s swamps and seasonal wetlands are the top spots for waterbirds, while the open plains and woodlands offer great views of raptors and ground-dwelling species.
For those interested in bird photography, the early mornings and late afternoons are ideal times, as birds are most active during these cooler hours of the day. The wetlands around Ol Tukai Lodge and Observation Hill are particularly popular birdwatching spots, offering the chance to see a wide variety of species in a relatively small area.
Diversity of Amboseli Park Birds
In Amboseli National Park, the bird diversity spans across various families, each housing multiple species. According to sources like Avibase and other ornithological databases, the total number of bird species recorded in Amboseli is 549, distributed among several bird families. Below is an overview of some major bird families present in the park and the number of species within each:
Major Bird Families in Amboseli National Park:
- Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
- Species: 17
- Notable Species: Egyptian Goose, Spur-winged Goose, African Pygmy Goose
- Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
- Species: 28
- Notable Species: Martial Eagle, Bateleur, African Fish-Eagle
- Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
- Species: 12
- Notable Species: Goliath Heron, Great Egret, Squacco Heron
- Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
- Species: 14
- Notable Species: Blacksmith Lapwing, Crowned Lapwing, Kittlitz’s Plover
- Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
- Species: 14
- Notable Species: Common Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Ruff
- Ciconiidae (Storks)
- Species: 7
- Notable Species: Marabou Stork, Saddle-billed Stork, African Openbill
- Gruidae (Cranes)
- Species: 1
- Notable Species: Grey Crowned-Crane
- Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
- Species: 12
- Notable Species: Laughing Dove, Red-eyed Dove, African Green-Pigeon
- Phasianidae (Quails, Francolins, and Spurfowls)
- Species: 9
- Notable Species: Crested Francolin, Hildebrandt’s Spurfowl, Coqui Francolin
- Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
- Species: 9
- Notable Species: Peregrine Falcon, Eurasian Hobby, Pygmy Falcon
- Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots)
- Species: 1
- Notable Species: Red-bellied Parrot
- Picidae (Woodpeckers)
- Species: 5
- Notable Species: Bearded Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker
- Apodidae (Swifts)
- Species: 9
- Notable Species: African Palm Swift, Horus Swift, Alpine Swift
- Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
- Species: 5
- Notable Species: African Sacred Ibis, Hadada Ibis, African Spoonbill
- Strigidae (Owls)
- Species: 5
- Notable Species: Spotted Eagle-Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet
- Corvidae (Crows and Ravens)
- Species: 4
- Notable Species: Pied Crow, White-necked Raven
- Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
- Species: 9
- Notable Species: European Bee-eater, Little Bee-eater, Northern Carmine Bee-eater
- Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
- Species: 7
- Notable Species: Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Giant Kingfisher
- Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
- Species: 2
- Notable Species: Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican
- Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
- Species: 2
- Notable Species: Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo
These families include species that inhabit various ecosystems in the park, from wetlands to open savannahs. Wetland areas are particularly rich in waterfowl, flamingos, and waders, while the savannahs and acacia woodlands are home to raptors, ground-dwelling birds, and colorful bee-eaters.
Conclusion: Why Birding in Amboseli is Special
Amboseli’s rich diversity of bird species, combined with its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife, make it one of the top birdwatching destinations in Africa. From the elegant flamingos in the seasonal lakes to the majestic raptors patrolling the skies, the park offers endless opportunities to spot some of Africa’s most spectacular birds. With 549 species to discover, Amboseli is truly a bird lover’s paradise.
For a full checklist of the birds in Amboseli, you can refer to the Avibase Bird Database or submit your sightings to eBird to help contribute to conservation efforts.
Endangered Bird Species at Amboseli National Park
Amboseli National Park is home to several endangered, critically threatened, and vulnerable bird species, as noted in various conservation databases like Avibase. These species face significant threats from habitat loss, poaching, and climate-related challenges, among others.
Endangered, Critically Threatened, and Vulnerable Birds in Amboseli
- White-headed Vulture (Trigonoceps occipitalis)
- Status: Critically Endangered
- Threats: Habitat loss, poisoning, and direct persecution. These vultures are often targeted when carcasses are laced with poison intended for predators like lions.
- Rüppell’s Griffon (Gyps rueppelli)
- Status: Critically Endangered
- Threats: Poisoning from poisoned carcasses, habitat destruction, and a declining availability of food due to reduced large mammal populations.
- Hooded Vulture (Necrosyrtes monachus)
- Status: Critically Endangered
- Threats: Poisoning, habitat loss, and illegal hunting. Their populations have suffered steep declines across Africa.
- Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus)
- Status: Endangered
- Threats: Human persecution, habitat destruction, and the loss of prey. Agricultural expansion has severely reduced their hunting grounds.
- Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
- Status: Endangered
- Threats: Habitat destruction and human encroachment, which diminish their ability to hunt and breed successfully.
- Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos)
- Status: Endangered
- Threats: Poisoning, habitat loss, and direct persecution.
- Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus)
- Status: Endangered
- Threats: Habitat degradation, illegal trade, and poisoning.
- Grey Crowned-Crane (Balearica regulorum)
- Status: Endangered
- Threats: Loss of wetland habitat, human disturbance, and illegal capture for the pet trade.
- Lesser Flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor)
- Status: Near Threatened
- Threats: Water pollution and habitat loss, especially affecting their breeding grounds.
- Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori)
- Status: Near Threatened
- Threats: Hunting and habitat alteration due to agricultural expansion.
- Great Snipe (Gallinago media)
- Status: Near Threatened
- Threats: Habitat destruction and overhunting during migration.
- European Turtle-Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
- Status: Vulnerable
- Threats: Hunting during migration and habitat loss.
- Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis)
- Status: Endangered
- Threats: Poisoning, habitat loss, and electrocution from power lines.
- Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax)
- Status: Vulnerable
- Threats: Persecution, habitat destruction, and poisoning.
- Basra Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus griseldis)
- Status: Endangered
- Threats: Habitat loss and the degradation of wetland areas where they breed.
- Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
- Status: Near Threatened
- Threats: Poisoning, reduced prey availability, and human disturbance.
The loss of habitat due to agricultural expansion, poisoning of carcasses, and illegal hunting are some of the key threats these species face. Conservation organizations working in and around Amboseli, such as the Big Life Foundation and Kenya Wildlife Service, are involved in efforts to protect these endangered birds through anti-poaching patrols, habitat restoration, and community outreach programs aimed at reducing human-wildlife conflict.