Birding in the Serengeti: A Paradise Beyond the Big Cats

Northern Tanzania is famed for its spectacular wildebeest migration and iconic predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. But beyond the drama of the Big Five the Serengeti is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Home to over 500 recorded bird species, the park offers an exceptional opportunity to experience East Africa’s rich avian biodiversity in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Why the Serengeti is a Top Birding Destination

Spanning over 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles) of diverse habitats including open savannahs, wetlands, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands, the Serengeti supports a wide variety of both resident and migratory bird species. Birdwatchers here can encounter everything from impressive ground-dwelling birds to vibrant songbirds and rare endemic species.

For birding enthusiasts, TAASA Lodge and TAASA Migration Camp offer exceptional access to some of the best birdwatching sites in the Serengeti, providing a perfect base for exploring the region’s incredible avian diversity.

Meet a (very) small selection of our Avian All-Stars

1. Kori Bustard

The Kori Bustard is the largest flying bird in Africa, with adult males reaching up to 40 pounds. These ground-dwelling giants are often seen striding through open grasslands, feeding on insects, small mammals, and seeds.

2. Secretarybird

A unique predator, the Secretarybird is known for its long legs and snake-hunting prowess. It can often be seen walking through the savannah, stomping prey with its powerful legs.

3. African Fish Eagle

With its iconic call echoing across lakes and rivers, the African Fish Eagle is one of Africa’s most recognizable birds. This raptor is a skilled hunter of fish and is often seen perched near water bodies.

4. Fischer’s Lovebird

An endemic to northern Tanzania, the Fischer’s Lovebird adds a splash of color with its vivid green and orange plumage. These small parrots are commonly seen in flocks around woodlands and savannahs.

5. Grey-crowned Crane

Although Uganda’s national bird, the Grey-crowned Crane is also found in Tanzanian wetlands. With a regal golden crest and elegant movements, it’s one of the most striking birds in the region.

6. Lilac-breasted Roller

A favorite among photographers, the Lilac-breasted Roller dazzles with its vibrant plumage and aerobatic flight displays. It’s often seen perched alone, scanning for insects and small prey.

7. Marabou Stork

The Marabou Stork is a large, bald-headed scavenger frequently seen around kills. While not the most elegant bird, it plays a vital ecological role in cleaning up carcasses and waste.

8. Ostrich

The Common Ostrich, the world’s largest bird, is a familiar sight in the Serengeti. Though flightless, it makes up for it with speed reaching up to 70 km/h (43 mph).

9. Vultures

The Serengeti is home to multiple vulture species, including the Rüppell’s Vulture and White-backed Vulture, both of which are critically endangered. These birds are often found around carcasses and are crucial for keeping the ecosystem clean.

Bird Sightings at TAASA Over the Years

From dazzling rollers to elusive raptors, TAASA has offered incredible birdwatching moments year after year. Here’s a collection of some of our favorite bird sightings captured by TAASA visitors – celebrating the rich and diverse avian life that calls this region home.

Best Time for Birding in the Serengeti

Birding in the Serengeti is rewarding year-round, but the optimal season runs from November to April. This is when migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive, increasing the diversity of species. It’s also the breeding season for many resident birds, allowing for sightings of birds in vibrant breeding plumage and engaging in courtship behaviors.

Beyond the Checklist: The Serengeti Birding Experience

Birding in the Serengeti isn’t just about ticking names off a list, it’s about being immersed in the sounds and rhythms of the wild. From the early morning calls of the francolins to the echoing cry of the Fish Eagle every moment offers a deeper connection to the land. The Serengeti’s birds help narrate the story of this incredible ecosystem, its cycles, its secrets, and its splendor.

Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious traveler, a stay at TAASA offers an unforgettable window into the avian world. All you need to do is show up, and remember to look up.