15 MUST-SEE BIRDS IN TANZANIA
A small but vibrantly colored blue kingfisher sitting on a branch in Tanzania. Birdwatching is becomig a popular activity to do on safari / Image: joanna-borkowska
Tanzania is world renowned for its famous wildlife, including the iconic Big 5. Its vast sweeping landscapes and savannahs are drenched in the golden sun that shines upon its lands.
Beyond its impressive super prides of lions, peaceful herds of elephants and stampeding migratory wildebeest - Tanzania is a blossoming sanctuary for bird species, where over 1100 different breeds call this magnificent country their home.
Birdwatching is becoming extremely popular by safari-goers and understandably so, Tanzania offers some of the most rewarding sightings of winged species within the whole of Africa.
Catch the grey crowned crane soar through the skies above Ngorongoro Crater, flamingoes dot Lake Manyara with a vibrant pink hue and the marabou storks feast on the last remains of a carcass. Every corner of Tanzania comes alive with character, color and the melody of birdsong.
Whether you are a bird-enthusiast or intrigued by the wonder in feathers and flight, our guide to the 15 must-see birds in Tanzania will offer you discoveries of the most fascinating avian creatures you will see on your next safari.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Two green kingfishers sitting on a branch in Tanzania. The vibrancy and color of some of the breeds of birds of Tanzania is just sensational / Image: joanna-borkowska
THE GREY CROWNED CRANE (NATIONAL BIRD OF TANZANIA)
The first on our list of birds in Tanzania is the Grey Crowned Crane as it is proudly the national bird of Tanzania. It has a striking appearance (pictured below) including a crown of golden feathers, white cheeks, red throat and grey plumage.
It is one of the most common birds in Tanzania and you will almost be guaranteed to see it on your next safari. The Grey Crowned Crane is native to grasslands and wetlands especially within the south and east of Africa. This outstanding winged species is highly regarded and favored because of its grace and beauty, but also because it represents prosperity, peace and longevity. If you spot Tanzania’s cherished bird, you might be in with a chance to see its intricate courtship dance as well as hear its melodic calls.
The Grey Crowned Crane standing proudly on a dirt road in Tanzania. Enjoy its magnificent features, textures and colors / Image: kirtesh-mahant
SUPERB STARLING
The eye-catching Superb Starling is famous for being one of the many wonderful small birds of Tanzania you can spot throughout the country. Vibrant in color combinations such as bright blues, turquoise, zesty orange, whites and deep blacks. It is commonly seen in the east of Africa and gravitates towards habitats such as svannas, woodlands as well as amongst human settlements. If you are journeying through national parks such as the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro and Tarangire - you will have a great chance of spotting them. They will most likely be seen in acacia trees or foraging on the ground with other superb starlings. Their beautiful colors will make them a stand-out winged species to spot whilst in Tanzania.
The Superb Starling / Image: simone-dinoia
FLAMINGO
Flamingoes are a famous sighting throughout the country and because of their striking pink coloring - they are one of Tanzania’s most exciting birds. They are not seen in every corner of the country, so you will have to travel to certain locations in order to catch a glimpse of them - however the best place to see them in all their glory is Lake Manyara, where its alkaline waters attract a huge gathering throughout the months of November to May otherwise known as the wet season. Their elegant postures and striking pink plumage makes them one of the most sought-after large birds of Tanzania. Making Lake Manyara National Park a fantastic destination for birders!
Pink Flamingoes in a lake within the Serengeti, Tanzania / Image: pasha-simakov
MARABOU STORK
The Marabou Stork is a harsh-featured looking bird. It's also one of the many common birds in Tanzania that you will almost always come across whilst on safari. Its distinctive features such as its bald head, dangly throat pouch, hunch back with black cloaked wings, make it easily recognisable from afar. The Marabou Stork is a scavenger by nature but it plays a huge and important role in the ecosystem by feeding on dead animals, scraps and rubbish and in extreme circumstances, feces. You will most likely come across them near wetlands and urban regions. The national parks in which you can find them are the Serengeti, Tarangire and Lake Manyara. This fascinating bird may not be the most beautiful but its a key player in Tanzania’s birdlife system as well as being truly interesting to observe.
A Marabou Stork wanders through the high grass. Black cloaked feathers, hunch back, long bill and pink dangly throat - not the most glamorous but one of the most important birds of Tanzania / Image: mariola-grobelska
BLUE KINGFISHER
The Malachite Kingfisher is also known as the Blue Kingfisher (pictured above) because of its iridescent blue feathers and red beak. Its striking appearance will allow you to spot it commonly throughout Tanzania, mainly near freshwater such as rivers, lakes, streams and marshes where it preys on small fish and insects. Spot it within Lake Manyara, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha and in the Serengeti along its riverbanks. Once you get to see it, you will notice its unique way of flying - rapidly darting from place to place, making this vibrant little bird a favorite among bird-lovers.
RED AND YELLOW BARBET
The Red and Yellow Barbet is one of the most strikingly eye-catching birds in Tanzania. From its vibrant red and orange colored head, to its uniquely spotted black and white wings and its bright yellow belly - it's a wonderful bird to behold. You will often find these multicolored birds in dry rocky areas, especially in the north and central regions of Tanzania. Head to Tarangire National Park, the Maasai Steppe and Lake Natron where they are commonly found. When you find one, be sure to listen to its melodic calls that make this bird even more appealing and a must-add to your list of birds in Tanzania.
A Red and Yellow Barbet perched on red stone in Tanzania. This eye-catching bird is a must-see on your next safari / Image: diane-theresa
LILAC BREASTER ROLLER
The Lilac Breasted Roller is one of Tanzania’s native birds making this little feathered creature, one to watch. Vibrant lilacs, electric blues, fresh greens and bright turquoise make their plumage a captivating sight for bird lovers. You will find the Lilac Breasted Roller in various natural habitats such as woodlands, acacia trees, grasslands and tall trees within national parks such as the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater. Their colorful appearance, along with their agile movements during flight make them a fascinating bird in Tanzania to observe.
One of the most beautiful birds in Tanzania - the lilac breasted roller perched on a branch vibrant in color from pinks to bright greens and blues / Image: arno-moller
THE SOUTHERN GROUND HORNBILL
The Southern Ground Hornbill is one of many fascinating types of birds in Tanzania that you do not want to miss. With strikingly strong features - black plumage with an intense red face and neck. Keep your eyes firmly on the ground to spot it, as it spends most of its time walking through open plains, woodlands and savannas in search of its favorite food such as small mammals, reptiles and insects. If you are venturing through the Serengeti, Ruaha or Mikumi National Park - you will have a chance of finding them there, although because of their declining numbers - sightings can be rare. Listen out for their deep, echoing calls at dawn which carry across the vast landscapes. Even though they are not the prettiest of birds, they are a wonderful species to witness, if you are lucky enough to see one.
The Southern Ground Hornbill / Image: elliot-parker
PIED KINGFISHER
You can find the eye-catching Pied Kingfisher across Tanzania, mainly in parks such as Nyerere National Park, Ruaha National Park, Lake Victoria as well as Lake Manyara. Its vivid black and white feathers create a unique design of spots and stripes making the Pied Kingfisher one of the most standout birds of Tanzania. This sought after species thrives along lakes, rivers and wetlands where you have a good chance of finding it hovering mid-air before it dives into water to catch its prey. Its vivid markings, unique fishing behaviour and long black beak make it a rewarding bird to lay your eyes on, should you be lucky enough to spot it.
The Pied Kingfisher perched in the very top of a thin branch looking down / Image: nichika-sakurai
JUVENILE GREY CROWNED CRANE
The Juvenile Grey Crowned Crane is one of the most beautiful and elegant birds in Tanzania. Recognisable by its poised stature, elaborate feathers that stretch from its golden crown to the ends of its tail feathers. Its plumage are shades of brown, beige, gold and white that blend perfectly together to create its royal presence. You can find these wonderful birds near wetlands, grasslands as well as crop fields in national parks such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Victoria. You could also find them roosting in trees which is rare for cranes in general. Their favorite foods are small animals, insects and seeds. Witnessing a group of family members is always a sight for sore eyes, especially spotting their juveniles can be a real highlight for bird-lovers.
THE VILLAGE WEAVER
The striking Village Weaver is vibrant in yellow and known to be a very sociable bird. When you spot a Village Weaver, you may also spot its uniquely rounded hanging nests that are woven from palm strips and grass, and hung in trees (see below image). Village Weavers are commonly seen throughout Tanzania and are favorably found in woodlands, farmlands, savannas as well as near human settlements. They typically like to nest in big colonies within trees that are near water sources. Listen out to their busy chattering communicating to their fellow breeds, as well as hurriedly making nests within their large groups. The Village Weaver is a familiar bird that is not only lively but vivid in coloring.
OSTRICH
Ostriches are one of the most well-known large birds in Tanzania, regularly seen striding across the vast plains and savannas within some of the most famous national parks such as the Serengeti, Ruaha, Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater. The Ostrich is also the worlds largest bird, however this bird cannot fly. With such powerful legs, exuberant feathery plumage and sweeping strides - they are typically seen in open dry landscapes reaching up to speeds of around 70 km/h (43 mph) - making them one of the fastest land animals. They like to eat insects, seeds and shrubbery. Famous for their huge eggs and large nests - the Ostrich is always a favored sight to see throughout Tanzania.
The Ostrich standing tall in the long grass gazing across the landscapes / Image: leon-pauleikhoff
WHITE FRONTED BEE EATER
The White Fronted Bee Eater is a vibrantly colored bird and one of the many sociable small birds of Tanzania, typically found in Ruaha National Park, Nyerere National Park and within regions of south and west Tanzania. Their jewel colored feathers are striking in greens, golds and reds. Known for their graceful flight and insect catching skills, they will swoop through the air to catch bees and insects. You will find them along riverbanks, savannas, woodlands, and especially sandy cliffs and banks where they love to nest in burrows. If you spot this bird on your next safari - you'll know it's right at home in Tanzania!
A close up of a White Fronted Bee Eater perched on a branch / Image: shaun-bell
YELLOW BILLED STORK
The Yellow Billed Stork is one of the most striking birds in Tanzania. Its long yellow bill, red face and white plumage make it one of Tanzania’s largest birds which is a must-see among bird-lovers. It wades through water sources such as rivers, wetlands and lakeshores in order to find frogs, fish and insects. They are a common sight throughout Tanzania’s national parks and reserves. The best places to spot them are Lake Manyara, Selous Game Reserve and Ngorongoro Crater. Their elegant movements and distinctive presence make them a clear favorite to observe and watch in action.
The Yellow Billed Stork is one of the most striking birds in Tanzania but also one of the most elegant and gracious. A wonderful sight to see in Tanzania / Image: nichika-sakurai
THE KORI BUSTARD
The Kori Bustard is one of the types of birds in Tanzania you wont want to miss. Known famously to be one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, birders relish in seeing it in the flesh. The Kori Bustard has an aloof royal walk, and combined with its feathers of beautiful hues in beige, blacks, browns and whites - it blends wonderfully into the dusky landscapes of the savanna. It gravitates to open grasslands and vast plains so you will have a great chance of spotting it in the Serengeti National Park as well as the greater Ngorongoro Crater region. This bird is a calm avian wonder and feels at home meandering on the ground - a favorite among birders.
A Kori Bustard meanders through the dry landscape looking ahead / Image: chris-stenger
Join Us On A Tailored Bird-Watching Tanzania Safari!
If you are an avid bird-watcher or simply inspired by the birds within this article - we would be delighted to help you plan a bird watching safari of your own!
With our specialized birding guides, you’ll embark on a tailored adventure to spot and witness the avaian wonders you have always dreamed of seeing. Combined with the many wonderful encounters of Tanzania’s greatest wildlife, your adventure will be an experience like no other.
Whether you're looking for a shorter or longer trip, travelling on specific dates, or planning a solo or group journey — we can tailor every detail to suit your preferences. Just get in touch and let us know what you're looking for, and we’ll be thrilled to create a custom adventure just for you.
Image: dieny-portinanni