BIRDS IN TANZANIA NATIONAL PARKS

Hoopoe is a beautiful bird which commonly feeds on the ground. This bird is usually seen in small noisy flocks and is also common in the northern Tanzania National parks and game reserves which include Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire and Manyara. Other birds include Fischer's lovebird, grey-rumped spur fowl and babbler-like rufous-tailed weaver

Parrots are forest dwelling birds. They have been documented in the mountain forest of Kilimanjaro and Meru and they are also all over eastern arc mountains, especially Usambara and Udzungwa Mountains. They are also in western forests, such as Mahale Mountain Forest National Park as well as Serengeti.

           
Fish eagles are usually seen on the trees near the water bodies, they are skilled at fish catching. The excellent places to see them are Rubondo Island National Park, Rufiji River and Ruaha National Parks. River banks usually offer spectacular view of birds.

Crowned-Cranes are graceful, long legged birds, which look like stork and heron. These are grassland dwelling birds. They are widely distributed in swamps, Lake Shores and grassland, and are commonly seen in pairs, small parties and flocks. Ngorongoro Crater is the major habitat for these cranes.          

Ostrich: This is the largest bird in the world. It is the most well-known bird. It is a flightless bird and is commonly found in the northern plain, which is Tarangire National Park and Serengeti, and Ruaha National Park in the south .However; they do not reside in Mikumi National park or Selous Game Reserve.
Spend 2 days in Tarangire birding & Game Viewing and you will have the best experience.
           
Bee-eater: This is a very colourful and nice bird to watch, it is usually perched on fences and trees. They feed on bees and wasps. There are only about 4 types of bee-eaters commonly seen in Tanzania and they usually differentiate themselves by colors and size. They are commonly found in Lake Manyara, Highland forests, Usambara, Coastal areas and Southern Tanzania.
           
Secretary birds: These are unusual looking birds of prey found on the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, & Tarangire and Ruaha National park. They have quill-like feathers on their heads, and they are so pompous when they stride. Secretary birds rarely fly and do so when absolutely necessary.
           
Marabou stork: This is a scavenger which is normally seen with other vultures sharing a carcass. It has huge beak and the deep pink pouch swinging on the neck. Commonly see in almost all national parks and game reserves around the country