Birds Found In Nairobi National Park

Birds Found In Nairobi National Park

Tourists thinking of Nairobi national park, their minds usually conjure but for bird enthusiasts, there is another side of Africa that is just as thrilling, the colour, melodic and diverse world of birds. A few places capture this better than Nairobi national park which is Kenya’s oldest park and the only national park in the world which is situated next to a capital city.

With over 500 bird species recorded, Nairobi national park is a must visit destination for birdwatchers on an African vacation safari. Whether you are a seasoned birder with binoculars always at hand or a casual tourist who simply enjoys the sights and sounds of nature, the park offers endless opportunities to enjoy Africa’s feathered wonders.

Why Nairobi national park is a bird watchers dream

Nairobi national park is often celebrated for its lions, rhinos and giraffes but for those with a love of birds, this unique park is nothing short of paradise. Stretching across 117 square kilometers, it’s a mosaic of habitats, open savannah, acacia woodlands, riverine forests, rocky gorges and seasonal wetlands. This ecological diversity attracts more than 500 recorded bird species thus making the park one of the best birding destinations in east Africa.

Accessibility and unique setting

Unlike many remote reserves that require long drives or flights, Nairobi national park lies just 7 kilometers from the city center. Imagine enjoying breakfast at a city hotel and in half an hour, you’re watching crowned cranes dance in the wetlands or lilac breasted rollers flash their rainbow colours across the savannah sky. Tourists who want to experience wildlife and urban comforts, this accessibility is unmatched. It makes the park perfect for tourists on short stopovers, business trips or those starting a longer African safari circuit.

BIRDLIFE OF NAIROBI NATIONAL PARK

The richness of the parks birdlife comes from its blend of resident species, raptors, waterbirds and seasonal migrants. This means that every African vacation safari here feels unique as the birding experience changes with the season.

1. Residents birds

Nairobi national park has many of year round species that are easy to spot;

• Secretary bird: A tall snake hunting raptor with dramatic crest feathers often striding majestically across the plains
• Crowned crane: A symbol of grace, these birds display golden crowns of feathers and are known for elegant mating dances.
• Lilac breasted roller: Arguably Africa’s most photographed bird, its brilliant plumage of turquoise, purple and blue lights up the savannah.
• Superb starling: With metallic sheen and striking colours, these birds are lively and sociable often around picnic sites.
• Ostrich: The world’s largest bird often seen in pairs or groups striding confidently across open areas.

These residents add character and colour to every safari whether you are a casual visitor or a seasoned birder.

2. Birds of prey

For raptor enthusiasts, Nairobi national park is an African safari highlight. With over 60 bird species of prey that are recorded. The most spotted birds include;

• Martial eagle: This is the largest eagle in Africa and a hunter which is capable of attacking small antelopes.
• Augur buzzard: This is usually spotted on acacia trees spotting the savannah for a hunt.
• Bateleur eagle: This bird is characterized with the red face, short tail and graceful flight patterns.

While on an African safari, spotting these raptors add on the exhilarating experience as they  encircle  over the plains or dive for a hunt.

3. Water birds

The parks wetlands, dams and reviews are magnets for water birds. During the rainy season, these areas host flocks of waders and waterfowl;

• African jacana: the bird was named the “Jesus bird” because of its ability to walk on water vegetation with its long toes.
• Sacred Ibis; The bird is famous for its white colour with black curved bills which are often spotted feeding in herds.
• Great egret and grey heron: The bird is famous for its graceful waders mostly spotted on the river lines
• Egyptian goose: It’s popular for its chestnut eye patch and its loud honking calls.

The above bird species make the swamps more rewarding for the bird watchers on an African vacation safari.

4. Migratory birds

Between November and March, Nairobi national park becomes a seasonal sanctuary for Palearctic migrants that fly in from Europe and Asia. Highlights include;

Europe bee eater: Brightly colored, social birds which are often seen catching insects in calm air.

Pallid Harrier: A sleek, elegant raptor that winters in Africa.

Northern wheatear: A small but hardy bird that undertakes one of the longest migrations of any songbird. Tourists planning an African vacation safari in Kenya, the migration period offer a chance to add rare species to their birding list.

Birding places in Nairobi national park

1. Riverine forests

Along the Mbagathi River, birders can spot woodland specialists such as the African goshawk, turacos and barbets.

2. Grassland plains

The grassland plains are perfect for watching ostriches, kori bustards and secretary birds. The plains are also a haven for larks, pipits as well as other bird species that live in the underground.

3. Hyena dam and Athi dam

The dams attract birds like waterfowl, waders and kingfishers as well as raptors that hunt the fish and small birds.

4. Ivory burning site and picnic

These spots surrounded by open woodland are good for seeing sunbirds, weavers and starlings. Picnicking here often comes with a natural soundtrack of bird calls.

Tips for bird watchers

1. Carry binoculars and a camera: Essential for spotting and photographing species in both open and wooded areas.
2. Visit during migration season in the months of November to march. Adds a bonus layer of diversity either a number of migrant species.
3. Begin early: birding should start as the sun is rising or in the morning hours which offer the best timings to spot a number of birds and good for photography.
4. Have a birding guide: while on an African safari, get a local expert who can easily identify species by their sound and behavior.
5. Combine with other attractions: Include the giraffe’s center or David Sheldrick elephants orphanage for a well rounded African vacation safari experience in Nairobi.

   

Therefore, Nairobi national park is more than just a convenient wildlife park next to a bustling city, it is a bird watching paradise that brings together residents, migratory tourists, raptors and water birds in one compact area. With over 500 bird species recorded, it is one of the best birding destinations in east Africa offering tourists a chance to spot both the African species and seasonal migrants. Tourists planning an African safari including bird watching in Nairobi national park add colour, song and a sense of discovery to the journey.