Birds of East Sub-Sahara Africa
We all know Lions rule the savannah, but what about the treetops? Africa isn’t just a superb location for Big Game spotting like cats, zebra, and buffalo, but bird lovers as well! Avid bird watchers find trips to Africa as a perfect place to see some of the world’s most beautiful species. Take a look at some of the beautiful fowl species that can be found over Masai Mara and the Serengeti plains. Which one is your favorite?
Lilac-breasted Roller:
One of the most beautiful birds with their stunning and eye-catching colors. It has an amazing display flight which includes side-to-side rolling, which gives rollers their name.
Secretary Bird:
This velociraptor-like bird is known for its long legs and lengthy lashes! A large bird of prey, they use their powerful legs to hunt snakes. Fun fact: this bird got its name from 19th century male secretaires attire, and the Maasai people call it ol-enbai nabo, or “one arrow”, referring to its crest feathers.
Grey Crowned Crane:
A crane with a spectacular display of golden-yellow plumage. They are one of only two species of Cranes that roost in trees! As omnivores, they will stamp the ground to disturb and trap insects, along with eating seeds and maize.
Superb Starling:
A small but mighty bird, Superb Starling are swift and agile fliers. They form kin-based flocks of up to 40 or more individuals. They are also known to be friendly with humans, often approaching people without fear.
Martial Eagle:
One of the largest eagles in Africa, this fearsome raptor is capable of knocking an adult man of his feet. They can soar the sky for hours, and will hunt by using speed and tactical flying at their prey.
Schalow’s Turaco:
The incredible green color of a Schalow’s Turaco make these birds the only birds with TRUE green pigment, coming from turacoverdin. Other “green” birds do not contain green pigment in their feathers but reflect green light giving them their colored appearance.
Kori Bustard:
The world’s heaviest flying birds, standing about five feet tall and weighing around 40 pounds, the Kori Bustard is known for their elaborate mating performances and vocalizations. Males will inflate their neck and emit low-pitched booming sounds.
Little Bee-eater :
The fierce Little Bee-eater is abundant throughout Sub-Sahara Africa. As the name suggests, they primarily hunt bees along with other insects like wasps and hornets. They catch their prey mid-air and will rub the insect stingers on a branch to remove them before eating.
