Kenyan Birds, by Kamau Mbiyu

Kenyan birds

Kenya is home to thousand of species of birds. These include a wide range from birds of prey, seed eaters, fruit eaters, insect eaters and so much more. To any lover of birds, Kenya is a bird watching paradise. Below are a few of the many birds that Kenya has to offer, including their features. It would be great watching them while on safari in Kenya.

Hornbills

The hornbill is most notably known for its casqued beak. They are of mid-size and sometimes large, but mostly have short legs. They are found in savannah and forests. They are usually black and white, but their bills and throats are brightly colored. Most have long eyelashes. They have rather short wings but long tails. They feed on fruits and berries but there are some that eat insects. After mating, the female conceals herself in the nest that is usually on a tree or cliff with mud, leaving just a small cavity through which the male feeds her and the young ones for a number of weeks. This goes on until the young are able to fly.

Crow

Crows are numerously found around human habitation and are unmistakably known for their loud raucous calls. Crows have patches of white, grey or brown. Their bills are heavy and strong and so are their feet. They feed on animal matter, as well as grains, fruit and seeds. Their wings are broad and flap while in flight. They build large nests using sticks.

Weavers

Weavers are generally small or medium sized birds with short hard bills adapted mainly to feed on seeds. Weavers vary widely in color and at times change seasonally in some species. The sexes are generally alike. Their habitats and breeding habits are diverse. Some are colonial while others are solitary. However, all construct distinctive nests.

Sparrows

Sparrows are generally likened with weavers because of exhibiting similar structures, nesting habits and behavior. A distinguishing feature however is their dorsally positioned and reduced primary. They build a domed shape nest with the entrance on the side, and will be commonly found in trees, under eaves of buildings or in thatched roofs. They are mainly seed eaters.

Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers are most notably known for their hard tapping on wood and barks of trees, foraging for insects, which they catch with their sticky tongues. The woodpecker’s beak is hard and chisel shaped. They have stiff and pointed tail feathers which provide support on tree trunks. Their support is also aided by their sharp nails which enable them cling on surfaces. They are mostly found in forested and bushed habitats. They are typically found in pairs and nest in excavated cavities in trees. They mostly feed on ants and termites.

Kingfisher

Kingfishers are small or medium sized birds. They have heavy pointed bills and short legs. Most species are found near water and they catch fish by diving. However, some species are found far from water bodies and they feed on insects.

Owls

Owls are nocturnal raptors with large eyes. Owls are distinctively known for preying silently, which is aided by their effective muffles flight sounds. However, they have distinctive calls, known as hoots and remain highly vocal during full moon periods. Owls are capable of turning their necks round reaching 180 degrees, without turning their entire bodied. The sexes are generally similar but the females are however, larger then the males. They are found in almost land habitats, but mostly in woodland and forest edges.

Cranes

Cranes are large terrestrial birds with long necks and legs. They are found in marshes and grasslands. Both sexes are mostly grey. Some species have ornamental crests. They have short tails. They mostly pair and perform elaborate nuptial dances. However, they at times form large flocks. They maintain string and sustained flight with their heads and necks held below the distinctive hunch-backed appearance. They feed on insects, small animals, seeds and vegetables.

Guinea Fowl

The guinea fowl’s most notable feature is its pale dots on its dark plumage. It has a small, bare head with a bony casque. The sexes are much similar. It is a highly vocal bird with strident rattling calls. It is a ground bird that feeds on vegetables, seeds and insects.

Parrots

Parrots are bright and colorful birds with powerful hooked bills for breaking nuts. They have short legs, with the first and fourth toes directly facing backwards. Most species have short tails, and both sexes are generally alike. Flight is fast and direct with shallow wing beats. They are loud and noisy, producing squawking sounds. They nest in tree cavities.

WRITER’S BIO

Kamau Mbiyu is a Safari and Travel consultant at Explorer Kenya Tours & Travel. Kenya Safari includes; Lodge and camping safari, hotel bookings, luxury tented tours, wildlife and bird watching, family safaris, mountain climbing and bungee jumping. 

Click here http://www.explorerkenya.com for more information on Safari in Kenya.