Kenya wildlife safaris

The vulturine guinea fowl is a large bird species that is native to the dry savannah woodlands and grasslands of eastern Africa, particularly Kenya and Tanzania. It is known for its striking and unique appearance, with a bright blue head and neck, a small black feathered crest, a white tufted tail, and a speckled brown and black body. Vulturine guinea fowl are social birds that live in groups of up to 50 individuals called flocks. They are opportunistic feeders, feeding on a variety of insects, seeds, fruits, and small animals like lizards and snakes. They are also known for their loud calls, which they use to communicate with each other and to warn others of potential predators. Vulturine guinea fowl are popular among birdwatchers and are sometimes kept in zoos and aviaries for their unique appearance and social behavior. In some parts of their range, they are also hunted for their meat, which is considered a delicacy by some local populations. However, their populations are generally considered stable and they are not considered a threatened species.

Vulturine guinea fowl need a spacious and secure housing facility to protect them from predators and adverse weather conditions. A well-ventilated and dry coop with perches, nest boxes, and enough space for the birds to move around is ideal.

Vulturine guinea fowl are omnivores and require a balanced diet that includes high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. A commercial game bird feed can be supplemented with insects, fruits, and vegetables. Access to clean water is also essential.

Vulturine guinea fowls are social birds and live in groups. Breeding pairs can be selected for egg production, with hatching and brooding done either naturally or using an incubator. Vulturine guinea fowl require regular health checks, vaccinations, and treatments for parasites and diseases. Adequate space, ventilation, and cleanliness in the housing facility are also essential.

Vulturine guinea fowl meat is considered a delicacy in some parts of the world and can be sold to restaurants and specialty food stores. Eggs can also be sold to local markets and grocery stores.It’s important to do thorough research and consult with experts before starting a commercial vulturine guinea fowl operation. Local regulations and market demand should also be considered before investing in this type of enterprise.

The time to watch birds in Kenya has is based on many factors, including your preferences and the species you expect to see. The peak season is generally during the dry season, which is between November and March. At this time of the year, the birds are in breeding, and the weather makes spotting them easier as the birds come out to drink and feed. Besides, there are many migratory species during this time in the country. Making it the right time to spot a variety of them. But some birders prefer between April and June and between October and November, which is the low and rainy season because the birds are nesting at this time of the year. Moreover, the countryside is green and lush, making it a beautiful scenery. Also, there are less tourists. Therefore, birders enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Bird watching in Kenya is done any time however the best time is generally late afternoon or early morning when many birds are feeding. In the morning, they are waking up, vocal and active to look for food, flying, foraging, and singing from tree perches. Also, the day light is often warm and soft, giving you a good view of their colours and feathers. Late afternoon, many bird species prepare to roost, making it another good time. You may see them flying around to find a place to sleep or feeding. The dusk lighting is great for photography opportunities as it can create a golden effect.

Maasai Mara national reserve is well known for its wildlife, but it also offers some of the best birding in Kenya. The reserve is home to over 450 bird species, including the Secretary Bird, African Pygmy Falcon, and Kori Bustard. Lake Nakuru national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to over 450 bird species, including large flocks of Lesser Flamingos. Other bird species that can be spotted here include the African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, and White-fronted Bee-eater. Kakamega forest is one of the few remaining rainforests in Kenya and is home to over 330 bird species. Some of the birds found here include the Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater, and Grey-throated Barbet. Lake Naivasha is home to over 400 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle, African Spoonbill, and Grey-crested Helmetshrike. Aberdare mountains offer great birding opportunities with over 290 bird species recorded in the area. Some of the birds found here include the Jackson’s Francolin, Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, and Abyssinian Ground Thrush.

A pair of binoculars during bird watching in Kenya is essential, which will help you identify and spot birds that are high up or far away. A guide can help you identify them. You will be walking while bird watching in Kenya, so you must wear a pair of closed-toe comfortable shoes to provide support. For sun protection, a hat can help as it can help reduce glare while bird watching. Protect your skin as well from the harmful rays and use insect repellant to keep insects away.

It is suggested that a guide can identify and locate the bird species and give you information about the bird habitats, migration patterns, and behaviors. Additionally, the guide can navigate the terrain safely. Many tour companies in Kenya offer experienced guides and customise tours to meet your bird watching goals, needs, and interests.

An ostrich has a powerful legs, long neck, and a plumage with distinctive fluffy feathers. The bird is seen in Africa. It is the fastest, heaviest and tallest bird. It runs 45 miles in an hour. Ironically, although it is a bird, it is a flightless bird.

Ostriches eat both animals and plants because they are omnivores. Their diet consists of plants, grasses, seeds, flowers, leaves, insects, rodents, snakes, and lizards. Ostriches can go for long periods without drinking anything. However, when they drink, they drink large amounts. Ostriches that are in captivity are fed a diet of supplements and grains to ensure they get all the nutrients.

Contrary to popular belief, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. This is a myth that likely originated from early observations of ostriches lowering their heads to the ground to look for food or to turn their eggs during incubation. Ostriches have a very flexible neck, so when they are lying down, their head and neck may appear buried in the ground, but they can still see and hear what is going on around them.

In African folklore, ostriches are often depicted as brave and strong animals, which is why they were frequently used as symbols of courage and strength. The myth that ostriches bury their heads in the sand has led to some cultures associating them with foolishness or stupidity.

As flightless birds, ostriches have been used as symbols of groundedness and earthbound existence. In this context, they represent the idea that sometimes we need to stay grounded and connected to the earth in order to find balance and stability in our lives.

Shearwater birds have long, sharp beaks that are adapted for catching fish and squid in the water. They have webbed feet that help them swim and dive. Shearwater birds are typically medium-sized, with a wingspan of around 3-4 feet and a weight of around 1-3 pounds. Many shearwater species are migratory and travel long distances between their breeding and feeding grounds. Some shearwater species are known for their distinctive calls, which can range from haunting wails to twittering sounds.

Flycatchers have a flat, broad bill that is designed for catching insects. Some have a variety of plumage patterns and colors, but many have muted colors. Most species are small and are found in habitats including woodlands, forests, wetlands, and grasslands. Flycatcher birds feed on insects, they catch them by flying out and snatching the insects. Most species build nests made of leaves, grass and plant materials. These nests are placed in concealed locations. Flycatcher birds are also known for their calls and songs.

Ducks are a group of aquatic birds belonging to the family Anatidae, which also includes swans and geese. They are found all over the world in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. Ducks have a characteristic round body shape with a short neck and tail. They have a broad, flat bill that is adapted for filtering water and mud to find food such as plants, insects, and small fish. The bill is often covered with serrated edges called lamellae, which help in catching and holding their prey.

The spiritual significance of birds varies across different cultures, religions, and belief systems. Birds often hold symbolic meanings and are seen as messengers or symbols of higher powers. The spiritual significance of birds can vary greatly depending on the specific culture, religion, or belief system being considered.

Birds can fly high in the sky, which represents freedom and the ability to rise above earthly concerns. They symbolise the human desire for liberation from limitations and the aspiration to transcend worldly matters. In many cultures, birds are considered to be messengers between the earthly realm and the divine or spiritual world. They are believed to carry prayers, messages, or even the souls of the departed to the heavens.

A flamingo is a large, wading bird belonging to the family Phoenicopteridae. There are six species of flamingos, and they can be found in parts of Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Flamingos are known for their distinctive appearance and behaviour.

Flamingos are famous for their pink or reddish-pink plumage. Their colour comes from the pigments called carotenoids found in the algae, crustaceans, and other small organisms they eat. Flamingos have long, thin legs and webbed feet, which enable them to wade in shallow water while searching for food. Their knees bend backward, allowing them to stand on one leg for extended periods, a behaviour that helps them conserve body heat.

Flamingos turn pink due to the pigments called carotenoids found in the food they eat. Their diet primarily consists of algae, small crustaceans like brine shrimp, and other tiny aquatic organisms that contain these pigments. When flamingos consume these organisms, their digestive system breaks down the carotenoids, releasing the pigment molecules. These molecules are then absorbed into the bloodstream and eventually get deposited in the bird’s feathers, skin, and beak. Over time, as the flamingo consumes more carotenoid-rich food, the concentration of these pigments increases, giving the bird its characteristic pink or reddish-pink colour.

Flamingos can stand on a single leg for extended time periods, which stands for stability and balance in life, representing harmony between the emotional and physical aspects. Also, they are highly social that live in colonies, signifying community, social bonds, and cooperation. They are reminders that we should work together and nurture our relationships for each other’s benefit.

Flamingos have the unusual ability to stand and sleep on one leg, with the other leg tucked close to their body. This behavior, called unipedal resting, is not fully understood by scientists, but it is thought to help conserve body heat and maintain balance. This peculiar stance adds to the enigmatic nature of these birds.

Hawks are medium-sized birds of prey belonging to the family Accipitridae, which also includes eagles, kites, and buzzards. They are found in various habitats across the world, except for Antarctica. Hawks display several distinctive characteristics that make them efficient predators.

Cranes are large, long-legged, and long-necked wading birds belonging to the family Gruidae. There are 15 species of cranes found across various habitats worldwide, except for Antarctica and South America. Cranes exhibit several distinctive characteristics. These characteristics make cranes unique and fascinating birds, well-adapted to their diverse habitats and known for their elegant courtship displays and strong social bonds.

Jaegers, also known as skuas, are medium-sized seabirds belonging to the family Stercorariidae. They are found primarily in the colder regions of the Northern Hemisphere, particularly in the Arctic and subarctic areas. Jaegers exhibit several distinctive characteristics. which make them unique among seabirds, known for their aggressive kleptoparasitic behaviour, strong flight skills, and adaptability to the harsh environments of the Arctic and subarctic regions.

Belonging to Frigatidae, frigatebirds are seabirds that are found in subtropical and tropical regions. They can fly for extended periods without flapping. Their large wingspan and lightweight take advantage of thermals and wind currents to stay aloft. They can soar high above the sea effortlessly without landing.

The extinction of bird species in Kenya is a complex issue influenced by various factors such as habitat loss, hunting, and invasive species. Addressing these challenges through conservation efforts is essential to ensure the survival and well-being of Kenya’s diverse and fascinating bird populations.

Along with partridges, pheasants, and other similar birds, Jackson’s Francolin belongs to the family of Phasianidae, found only in Kenya. It is named after the British colonial administrator and ornithologist, Sir John Jackson. This bird is medium-sized and has a long tail, short wings, and a plump body. It has a plumage that is brownish-gray and has dark and light markings on the wings, chest, and back. The head has a distinctive red patch on its face that stretching from the eyes to the beak.

William’s Lark, also known as William’s Finch-lark or Williams’s Lark, is a small bird species in the Alaudidae family, which includes larks. The bird is named in honour of John G. Williams, a British ornithologist who contributed significantly to the study of East African birds. William’s Lark is a small bird, measuring about 5.5 to 6 inches in length. Its plumage is predominantly sandy-brown with dark streaks on the back and wings, which helps it blend into its arid habitat. The underparts are paler, and the face features a pale eyebrow stripe and a dark patch below the eye.

Hinde’s Pied Babbler is a bird species in the Leiothrichidae family, which includes laughing thrushes, babblers, and related birds. It is endemic to Kenya, meaning it is found only in this country. The bird is named after Sidney Langford Hinde, a British naturalist and explorer who collected specimens of the species in Kenya. Hinde’s Pied Babbler is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 9 to 10 inches in length. Its plumage is predominantly black and white, with a black head, neck, and upperparts, and white underparts. The wings and tail are also black, with white markings that give the bird a striking pied appearance.

The Taita Thrush is a small bird species in the Turdidae family, which includes thrushes and related birds. It is endemic to Kenya, specifically found in the Taita Hills region. As an endemic species, it has a very limited geographical range and faces significant conservation challenges. The Taita Thrush is a small bird, measuring about 7 to 8 inches in length. Its plumage is mainly olive-brown on the upper parts, with a paler throat and underparts that have dark spots or streaks. The bird also features a distinctive white eye-ring, which contrasts with its darker head.

Sharpe’s Long claw is a bird species in the Motacillidae family, which includes wagtails, long claws, and pipits. The bird is named after Richard Bowdler Sharpe, a British ornithologist who described the species. Sharpe’s Long claw is a medium-sized bird, measuring about 6.3 to 7 inches in length. Its plumage is predominantly yellow and black, with a bright yellow throat and underparts, black streaks on the back and wings, and a distinctive black V on the chest. The most notable features is its long, curved claws, which give the bird its name.

This bird is seabird belong to the family of Procellariidae, which includes albatrosses, shearwaters, and petrels. It has a broad distribution in the south, breeding and foraging on subantarctic islands. The plumages of Southern Giant-Petrel varies from dark brown to grayish-brown, with a streaked or mottled appearance. The neck and head are paler. The bill is hooked and large, with nostrils that is tube-shaped.

The Brown Skua, also known as the Antarctic Skua or Subantarctic Skua, is a large seabird species in the Stercorariidae family, which includes skuas and jaegers. This bird is a large, heavily-built bird, measuring about 21 to 24 inches in length and with a wingspan of up to 5.2 feet. Its plumage is predominantly dark brown with some lighter mottling or streaking, and it has a white patch on the wing that is visible in flight. The bill is strong and hooked, with sharp edges adapted for tearing into prey.

The term Little Gull can refer to a species of bird known as the Little Gull. It is the smallest species of gull and belongs to the Laridae family. Little Gulls have a small size, measuring about 25-30 centimetres in length. They have a slim body, pale gray upperparts, and a white underbody. During breeding season, their heads turn black, and they develop a distinctive dark ear spot behind the eye.

The Forest Wood-Hoopoe, also known as the Red-crested Wood-hoopoe, is a species of bird belonging to the family Phoeniculidae. The Forest Wood-Hoopoe is a medium-sized bird, measuring around 40 centimetres in length. It has a distinctive appearance with a long, curved bill, a prominent red crest on the head, and a chestnut-colored crown and nape. The rest of its body is mainly black, with white markings on the wings and tail.

The Speckled Tinkerbird is a small bird species in the Lybiidae family, which includes African barbets and tinkerbirds. It is native to the African continent, with its distribution ranging across West, Central, and East Africa. The Speckled Tinkerbird is a small bird, measuring about 3.5 to 4 inches in length. Its plumage is predominantly greenish-yellow, with fine black speckles on the head, neck, and underparts. It has a short, thick bill that is well-adapted for feeding on fruits and insects.

Boobies are large seabird species belonging to the family of Sulidae, found across subtropical and tropical oceans worldwide. They establish breeding colonies on remote atolls and islands in the Indian, Atlantic, and Pacific oceans. The plumage of Red-Footed Booby varies, ranging from white and black wingtips to a mix of white and brown. Its bright red feet is the most distinctive feature of this bird, which gives it its name. its pointed, large bill is greyish or blue in colour.

Also called, Crocodile bird, The Egyptian Plover, is a bird species belonging to the family of Pluvianidae and the continent of native to Africa. Its distribution ranges from central to west Africa, along the river and lake banks. It has a striking plumage with an eye stripe, black crown, white forehead, white throat, blue-gray back, and chestnut wings. Being a wader bird, the Egyptian Plover has long legs, which are well-adapted in water.

Also called the Green or Peewit Plover, Northern lapwing is a wader bird species belonging to the family of Charadriidae family, that is native to Asia and Europe. Its distribution also extends across North Africa. The bird inhabits open habitats, grasslands, wetlands, coastal areas, and farmlands. The plumage of Northern lapwing is characterised by black and green at the top and white at the bottom. Its distinctive features is the wispy and long crest, which sits at the apex of the head.

The vagrant birds of Kenya are European Roller, White-throated Robin, White-winged tern, Lesser Black-backed gull, Red-footed Falcon, and Yellow-browed Warbler.

Vagrant birds are species that appear outside their normal range, usually due to factors such as weather conditions, migration errors, or changes in habitat. Kenya is home to a diverse range of bird species, and vagrant birds can occasionally be observed in the country. The vagrant birds are not common occurrences, and sightings can be sporadic. Birdwatchers and ornithologists in Kenya and other countries continue to monitor and document these rare sightings to better understand the movements and distribution of bird species.

Sandpipers belong to the Scolopacidae family and are wading birds, which includes woodcocks, snipes, and other species. They commonly occur in wetlands habitats, marshes, beaches, riverbanks, and mudflats. Sandpipers exhibit many foraging techniques. They feed on crustaceans, insects, and other small invertebrates. Their size varies and have a plumage that is a mix of gray, white, and brown that blends them well into the natural habitat. The legs and bills of most sandpipers adapt them to probe and wade in mud or shallow water.

A seagull, or more accurately, a gull, is a medium-to-large-sized bird belonging to the family Laridae, which also includes terns and skimmers. Gulls are commonly found in coastal areas, inland lakes, rivers, and even urban environments across the world. They are highly adaptable birds known for their opportunistic feeding habits and distinctive calls. Their plumage is typically a mix of white, gray, and black, with some species displaying unique patterns on their wings and heads. Gulls have strong, slightly hooked bills and webbed feet, which are well-adapted for their aquatic habitats.

Here are some differences of sandpiper vs seagull. Sandpipers are ground-nesting birds, laying their eggs in a shallow scrape or depression in the ground. Gulls are colonial nesters, with pairs nesting together in large groups on the ground, cliffs, or structures like buildings and bridges.

Here are some differences of sandpiper vs seagull. Sandpipers and seagulls are different types of birds belonging to distinct families within the order Charadriiformes. They exhibit various differences in their size, appearance, habitat preferences, and feeding habits.

Here are some differences of sandpiper vs seagull. Sandpipers belong to the family of Scolopacidae, while gulls belong to the family Laridae. Sandpipers are generally smaller than gulls. Their plumage is usually a mix of brown, grey, and white. Sandpipers have long, slender bills and legs adapted for wading and probing in shallow water or mud. In contrast, gulls are medium-to-large-sized birds. Their plumage is typically a mix of white, gray, and black. Gulls have strong, slightly hooked bills and webbed feet adapted for aquatic habitats.