Birding in the Serengeti: Plains Birds, Kopje Specials and Raptors Beyond the Migration

Many visitors are surprised by how many birds they see between lion and cheetah sightings. Large birds such as ostriches, bustards and secretary birds are easy to spot, while colourful smaller species add interest at camp and on game drives.

This guide explains where to look, when to go and how to bird alongside the wildlife viewing that most travellers come for.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Plains and Grassland Birds

The short and long grass plains are the domain of ground birds. Kori bustards stride through grass, secretary birds hunt snakes and insects, ostriches move in small groups and several species of plover, lark and pipit use open ground. Cranes may appear near wetter patches. These birds are easy for beginners, and a vehicle that stops frequently gives time to observe behaviour such as courtship displays. The grass plains also attract wintering raptors, and the herds draw hyenas and vultures. See the Serengeti wildlife guide for the mammal side of the plains.

Kopjes and Rocky Outcrops

The granite kopjes that rise from the plains hold their own bird community. Rock-loving birds perch on boulders, and lions and leopards use the same rocks, so alertness pays off. Among the birds associated with the Serengeti is the Usambiro barbet, and the area is also known for the grey-breasted spurfowl and other species typical of northern Tanzania. Kopjes are good places to stop for a few minutes and scan, because small birds use the cover and sunbirds visit flowering plants in the cracks.

Riverine Woodland and Seronera

Along the Seronera River and other watercourses, fig trees, acacias and thickets create a green belt where hornbills, barbets, weavers, kingfishers and starlings live. Leopards use the same trees, and birders often see both in the same morning. Fischer's lovebird, a Tanzanian speciality, may be seen in this region, and the rufous-tailed weaver is another northern Tanzania bird sought by enthusiasts. Check with your guide about recent sightings. The Serengeti regions guide explains how the areas differ.

Raptors and Vultures

Raptors are a highlight of the Serengeti. Eagles, kites, buzzards and falcons patrol the plains, and vultures nest in trees and ride thermals in search of carcasses. At a kill, several vulture species may gather and jostle for position, a vivid demonstration of the food chain. Learning to separate vultures by size and head shape is a rewarding project for a keen birder. Migrating raptors pass through at certain times of year, adding to the variety, and a guide with a good eye for distant specks can make the sky a major part of your safari.

Seasons and Migrants

The Serengeti is good for birds all year. From roughly November to April, Palaearctic migrants such as rollers, wheatears and storks arrive, and resident birds breed after the rains. The dry months bring concentrations at water and good visibility, and large herds draw scavengers. Weather shifts and the position of the wildebeest will shape your itinerary, so see best time to visit the Serengeti and the Tanzania birding calendar. Birders do not need to follow the migration, because birds are rewarding in every sector.

Camps, Walks and Night Birds

Many camps have excellent birding in their grounds at dawn, with weavers, sunbirds and hornbills active around the tents. Camps on private concessions may offer guided walks, which bring you closer to small birds and their calls. Night drives where permitted may reveal owls and nightjars. Ask your operator what is possible in your area. See Serengeti activities and private concessions and walking safaris.

Tips for Birding on a Mammal Safari

Tell your guide at the start that you enjoy birds, and ask for a vehicle with an open roof. Carry binoculars and a bird guide, and keep a list of what you see. Allow time at each stop rather than hurrying to the next big sighting. For equipment, see safari photography gear guide, and for general birding planning, the East Africa birding guide.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team