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Nairobi National Park Birds: A Guide

What’s the birdlife of Nairobi National Park like? 

It’s nothing short of spectacular! The park is home to over 500 bird species, including several rare and endangered ones like the white-headed vulture and the Martial Eagle. 

At AJ Kenya Safaris, have been organizing bird watching safaris for over 10 years… Long enough to know the best hides, the best seasons, and the secret corners where the real gems hang out. 

So yes, this is the guide you want in your back pocket if you’re serious about birding in Nairobi National Park.

A vibrant Superb Starling, with iridescent blue and turquoise feathers and a black head, perches on a bare, thorny branch. Its bright yellow eye stands out against its dark plumage.
A vibrant Superb Starling, with iridescent blue and turquoise feathers and a black head, perches on a bare, thorny branch. Its bright yellow eye stands out against its dark plumage.

Birders’ Heaven on Your Doorstep

Despite being in the city, Nairobi National Park has an impressive birdlife, making it a must visit for birders and non birders alike. The different habitats in the park from open grasslands and acacia woodlands to riverine forests and artificial dams support a huge number of species. Many visitors come with their Nairobi park bird checklist in hand, to spot both resident and migrant birds. And with our professional safari guides, you can easily spot and identify these birds.

A Stone-curlew is a medium-sized bird, often described as an unusual wader, with a length of 38-45 cm. It has a sandy-brown plumage with darker streaks on its back and breast, providing excellent camouflage on the ground.
A Stone-curlew is a medium-sized bird, often described as an unusual wader, with a length of 38-45 cm. It has a sandy-brown plumage with darker streaks on its back and breast, providing excellent camouflage on the ground.

Birding Hotspots and What to See

Exploring different parts of the park offers different birding opportunities. Here’s what to expect. 

Wetlands and Dams

The dams and seasonal pools are great for water birds like herons (Grey Heron and Black-headed Heron), egrets (Little Egret), storks (Saddle-billed Stork and Yellow-billed Stork), ducks (White-faced Whistling-Duck and Yellow-billed Duck) and the African Spoonbill.

Grasslands

Keep an eye out for ground birds like the majestic Common Ostrich, the elegant Grey Crowned Crane and various bustards (Kori Bustard). Raptors of Nairobi National Park like the African Fish-Eagle and Black-shouldered Kite are often seen flying overhead.

Riverine Forests

The lush vegetation along the rivers is home to forest birds of Nairobi National Park like the African Green Pigeon and the White-throated Bee-eater.

Acacia Woodlands

These areas are home to many smaller birds like the Superb Starling, Northern Pied Babbler and various sunbirds (Eastern Double-collared Sunbird).

Tips to Make the Most of Your Birding

To get the most out of your birding in Nairobi National Park:

Visit from November to April. These months are your best bet for birdwatching as that’s when you’ll find all the migratory species. 

Pro tip: For the most action, aim for early mornings and late afternoon as that’s when the birds are most active. 

Hire a local guide: We highly recommend that you hire a local guide for your birding tours. They will increase your chances of seeing rare and elusive species and understanding bird behavior. We at AJ Kenya Safaris have been organizing bird watching safaris for over 10 years. Our guides know this park like the back of their hands and will make sure your experience is rewarding and unforgettable. 

Bring essentials like binoculars for clear viewing. A good field guide for bird identification in Nairobi National Park, like “Birds of East Africa” will also come in handy.

Wildlife Etiquette: Keep away from the birds and their nests. We will be with you to guide you through the bird watching rules of Nairobi National Park.

 

A vibrant yellow Old World oriole with black wing markings and a red beak perches on a slender branch in Nairobi National Park.
A vibrant yellow Old World oriole with black wing markings and a red beak perches on a slender branch in Nairobi National Park.

Common and Notable Birds

The park has many birds. Common ones are the Laughing Dove, African Pied Wagtail and Common Bulbul. Birders hope to see the near endemic Hildebrandt’s Starling or the Purple Grenadier. During migration you might see the European Bee-eater or hear the Willow Warbler.

To Book a Birding Safari With Us…

Call or WhatsApp us at +254-719-222-430 or +254-704-532-105. Or send us an email at [email protected] or [email protected]

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