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THE BEST OF KENYA 

31 JULY – 14 AUGUST 2005 

TOUR REPORT 

LEADERS: NIGEL REDMAN and JOSEPH GICHANGA 

GROUP MEMBERS: JANET DANSON, MIKE DANSON, MARK FOSTER, ROSEMARY FOSTER, ANNE 

TIZZARD and PHIL TIZZARD 

A total of 486 species was a record for a two-week itinerary without visiting Kakamega. In addition, 

an impressive 60 species of mammals were seen on the tour. The bird list included no fewer than 65 

regional specialities, as well as 13 herons, 44 raptors, eight kingfishers, 10 hornbills, 11 barbets, 17 

thrushes and chats, 13 cisticolas, 18 starlings, 16 sunbirds and 34 weavers. There were many 

individual highlights, but notable records included an Ayres’s Hawk Eagle, a pair of Pallid 

Honeyguides, a flock of Grey-crested Helmet Shrikes, and a pair of Abbott’s Starlings prospecting a 

nest-hole. We also saw three Leopards, and managed all three big cats in a single day at Samburu, 

but the mammalian highlight was witnessing a magnificent river crossing of wildebeest and zebras in 

the Mara. 

After an early arrival in Nairobi, we spent our first morning getting to know the many birds in the 

hotel garden, some of which we saw nowhere else on the rest of the trip. In the afternoon we visited 

the incomparable Nairobi National Park. Situated on the outskirts of the city, the park holds a 

wonderful array of birds and large mammals, all within sight of the city’s skyline. We were soon 

watching Common Ostriches, Saddle-billed Stork, Grey Crowned Cranes, White-bellied Bustards, and 

a host of smaller birds. The grasslands were teeming with Rufous-naped Larks and Stout Cisticolas, 

and progress was slow as we stopped frequently to watch new species. Some of the more unusual 

birds included a pair of Scaly Francolins with two chicks, a Madagascar Squacco Heron, a 

Wahlberg’s Honeybird, a flock of Cardinal Queleas and two Pangani Longclaws. At dusk, numerous 

Montane Nightjars woke up and flew around, some of them settling on the tracks, while a lone Black 

Rhino put in a welcome appearance, just in the nick of time. 

The following morning we set off early for Thika. The river walk close to the hotel produced 

Mountain Wagtails, Brown-headed and Giant Kingfishers, White-headed Barbet and a pair of 

Trumpeter Hornbills. The hotel garden was quieter than usual but a large flock of Abyssinian Whiteeyes 

was most welcome. The sewage lagoons at Thika proved to be very useful as always, with large 

numbers of ducks, including Hottentot Teal and Southern Pochard. 

Mountain Lodge is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the tour. As dusk fell the many Bushbuck 

were joined by a succession of large mammalian visitors, including African Elephants, Spotted 

1 Birdquest: The Best of Kenya 2005

Hyaena and Blotched Genet. When dawn broke we were up and ready for the montane specialities 

to show themselves. By breakfast, we had seen a good many birds from the roof of the lodge. It was a 

bumper year for starlings, and we found both Kenrick’s and Waller’s without difficulty and, more 

unusually, also several Sharpe’s. But the biggest surprise was a pair of Abbott’s Starlings which 

appeared to be attending a nest-hole right opposite the lodge. After breakfast, a walk in the forest 

produced some notable sightings including great views of Hartlaub’s Turacos, White-headed Wood- 

Hoopoes, Fine-banded Woodpecker, two pairs of White-starred Robins and a juvenile, a splendid 

Brown-chested Alethe, Black-throated Apalis, White-browed Crombec, White-tailed Crested 

Flycatcher, a nuthatch-like Brown-capped Weaver, and a stunning Oriole-Finch. We birded slowly 

down the road from the Mountain Lodge, adding Narina Trogon, White-eared Barbet, and Purplethroated 

and Grey Cuckoo Shrikes. Overhead we saw both Crowned and Wahlberg’s Eagles. The 

delightful gardens at Naro Moru provided a refreshing break on our journey north, with several more 

sunbirds including Tacazze, and incredibly close-up views of two African Harrier-Hawks. 

Moving away from the highlands, the adjoining reserves of Samburu and Buffalo Springs were a big 

contrast, not least the dry, hot weather! Here we found a wide selection of new species for the trip 

and plenty of big mammals. Raptors were in evidence as always, and during our two days we saw no 

fewer than 24 species, including frequent Bateleurs, a huge Martial Eagle, Palm-nut Vulture, a pair of 

Verreaux’s Eagles, elegant Secretary Birds, and several pairs of diminutive Pygmy Falcons. Somali 

Ostriches performed well, a variety of bustards and sandgrouse were found close to the track and the 

gorgeous Golden-breasted Starlings put on a vivid display for us this year. There were many other 

highlights but the lines of Vulturine Guineafowl making their way to water, the pastel-coloured 

Somali Bee-eaters and ‘blood-stained’ Rosy-patched Bush Shrikes all take some beating. Herds of 

African Elephants, upright Gerenuks and finely-striped Grevy’s Zebras never fail to delight, but it was 

the big cats which almost stole the show. A Leopard visited the bait at night across the river from our 

lodge on two nights, and during the day we found both Cheetah (twice) and Lion. We actually 

managed to see all three big cats in a single day, which is not something that happens very often. 

Returning to the highlands, we drove up the lower slopes of Mount Kenya once again. Finally, we 

found plenty of showy Golden-winged Sunbirds, plus a distant Mountain Buzzard and an Ayres’s 

Hawk Eagle, as well as an unexpected Red-throated Wryneck. Later we found a roosting Cape Eagle 

Owl in a quarry, and a flock of Slender-billed Starlings at Thomson’s Falls. Eventually we reached 

Lake Nakuru in the Rift Valley. Here the shimmering flocks of hundreds of thousands of flamingos 

provided an unforgettable spectacle while squadrons of pelicans flew in and out with great regularity. 

There were waders, ducks and terns to sift through along the shoreline, while the surrounding acacia 

woodland added a number of new species such as Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Scaly-throated 

Honeyguide and a party of the very localized Grey-crested Helmet Shrikes. An African Cuckoo-Hawk 

was a surprise find, as was an early-morning pride of Lions which we had to ourselves. Amongst the 

many mammals around the lake, we found both White and Black Rhinos. 

After a stop for Black-headed Plover and White-fronted Bee-eater, we reached Lake Baringo. The 

hotel gardens were very birdy as always, with gaudy Red and Yellow Barbets nesting in the termite 

towers and a host of weavers at the bird table. The lake itself was infested with crocodiles and 

wallowing hippos, while stunning Yellow-crowned Bishops buzzed around the edges. A visit to 

Baringo is not complete without a visit to the cliffs and here we found White-faced Scops Owl, and 

both Black-and-white and Great Spotted Cuckoos amongst the usual specialities. Nearby, we were 

shown a splendid pair of roosting Spotted Eagle Owls, and in the bushy areas several other nocturnal 

species including Spotted Thick-knee, Heuglin’s Courser and Slender-tailed Nightjar – all seen during 

the day. 

The journey to the Mara took us through Kericho, and here we found African Black Duck, an obliging 

Cinnamon Bracken Warbler and several gorgeous Abyssinian Crimsonwings. There were also a 


number of western species that we don’t usually find on our circuit, including Angola Swallow, 

Black-collared Apalis, White-chinned Prinia, Mackinnon’s Fiscal and Stuhlmann’s Starling. 

When we arrived at Kichwa Tembo, at the western end of the Mara, we found ourselves 

unexpectedly upgraded to the exclusive Bateleur Camp. This luxurious camp, where all nine tents 

have four-poster beds and every possible luxury, was to be our base for the next three days. The 

gardens of Kichwa Tembo hold a wonderful array of birds, and the highlights this year included a nest 

of a pair of Woolly-necked Storks (with one chick), both Ross’s and Schalow’s Turacos, Black-andwhite-casqued 

Hornbills, a pair of obliging Pallid Honeyguides (a rarity here) and African Blue 

Flycatchers. Nearby, we had amazing views of Trilling Cisticolas, Red-throated Tit, African 

Moustached Warbler and White-necked Ravens. The various wetland areas were searched for such 

species as Rufous-bellied Herons, Spur-winged Geese and Long-toed Plovers, while the open plains 

held Red-necked Spurfowl, a single Black-bellied Bustard and several gorgeous Rosy-breasted 

Longclaws. Unusual mammals in this area included Oribi and Side-striped Jackal. But the real 

highlight of our stay came late one afternoon when, having watched a fine if somewhat confusing 

African Hobby for half an hour, a magnificent Leopard got up from the grass in front of us and calmly 

wandered off! This was indeed one of those very special moments. 

The drive across the Mara was all that it should have been. On reaching a particular point on the 

Mara River, huge herds of Wildebeeste stretched from one horizon to another, moving slowly around, 

continuously feeding and braying. It was the stuff of wildlife documentaries but we were not alone in 

admiring the spectacle; there were many other tourist buses in the area, all jostling for a good view 

and hoping to see a river crossing. After a fraught two-hour wait, and several false starts, one brave 

individual took the plunge and the rest followed. We were treated to a magnificent river crossing 

(mostly wildebeest, but also some zebras), and on this occasion no animals were lost to crocodiles or 

lions. Several old carcases from previous encounters were being picked clean by flocks of 

argumentative vultures, mainly African White-backed but including an unusually large number of 

Rüppell’s Griffons this year. As we continued our journey a Grey Kestrel was a welcome addition to 

the list. 

At the eastern end of the park, we stayed overnight at Siana Springs. A night drive outside the park 

boundary proved to be productive. Several Spotted Thick-knees and a Dusky Nightjar were the 

ornithological highlights, but the mammals were the main draw. Kangaroo-like Spring Hares were 

comical as always, and several Bat-eared Foxes, Spotted Hyaenas and a Common Genet were found. 

In the larger acacias, tiny Senegal Galagos leapt rapidly around in the canopy. The following morning 

we successfully searched the surrounding area for the striking and highly localized Magpie Shrike, 

and added two more cisticolas to our list: Long-tailed and Croaking. Soon it was time to head back to 

Nairobi, but the return journey provided a few more treats with Greater Kestrel, Two-banded Courser, 

a pair of Yellow-throated Sandgrouse and four magnificent Southern Ground Hornbills by the 

roadside. 

In two weeks, we really had seen the best that Kenya has to offer – a long bird list, and some 

spectacular mammals, with some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth. What more could one 

want? 


SYSTEMATIC LIST 

Species which were heard but not seen are indicated by the symbol (H). 

Species which were not personally recorded by the leaders are indicated by the symbol (NL). 

STRUTHIONIDAE 

Common Ostrich Struthio camelus: Small numbers in Nairobi NP, Nakuru, Baringo, and the Mara. 

Somali Ostrich Struthio molybdophanes: Several sightings in Buffalo Springs. There is significant 

DNA evidence that suggests that this distinctive form is a different species from the pinknecked 

form above. 

PODICIPEDIDAE 

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis: Good numbers at Thika sewage ponds and at Nakuru; a few 

others elsewhere. 

PELECANIDAE 

Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus: About 2000 at Lake Nakuru were a truly spectacular 

sight; a few more at Baringo. 

Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens: Two singles on roadside pools were the only sightings. 

PHALACROCORACIDAE 

White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus: Good numbers at Nakuru and Baringo. 

Long-tailed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus: Small numbers at several sites. 

ARDEIDAE 

Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax: Several at a dam near Nyahururu and at Baringo. 

Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis: Common and widespread. 

Little Egret Egretta garzetta: Just a few at Nakuru, Baringo and the Mara. 

Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides: Several at Nakuru, Baringo and the Mara. 

Rufous-bellied Heron Ardeola rufiventris: Six birds seen in the Mara. 

Green-backed Heron (Striated Heron) Butorides striatus: Singles at Samburu and Baringo. 

Yellow-billed Egret (Intermediate Egret) Mesophoyx intermedia: Small numbers, including a dozen at 

Baringo. 

Great Egret Casmerodius albus: About 20 at Nakuru, and a few more at Baringo. 

Grey Heron Ardea cinerea: Widespread in small numbers. 

Purple Heron Ardea purpurea: A single near Nyahururu was the only sighting. 

Goliath Heron Ardea goliath: A monster of a heron; surprisingly, one at the Musiara Swamp was the 

only sighting this year. 

Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala: Widespread, with good numbers in the Mara; usually in 

drier habitats than Grey Heron. 

SCOPIDAE 

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta: A common bird which builds such huge nests. 

CICONIIDAE 

Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus: After a single on the journey to the Mara, we found a nest 

with a pair and one chick on the edge of our camp. 

Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis: Singles in Nairobi NP and Nakuru, and three 

pairs (two with young) in the Mara – a good showing for this spectacular bird. 

Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumeniferus: Widespread and common. 

Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis: Commonly seen. 


THRESKIORNITHIDAE 

Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus: Widespread and common. 

Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash: Common and noisy. 

Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus: A single in Nairobi NP and about 20 at Nakuru. 

African Spoonbill Platalea alba: Singles in Nairobi NP and the Mara, and about 20 at Nakuru. 

PHOENICOPTERIDAE 

Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus: Small numbers amongst the Lessers at Nakuru, and a few at 

Baringo. 

Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor: Huge numbers at Lake Nakuru, perhaps as many as a million 

birds. 

ANATIDAE 

White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata: Small numbers at Thika and Baringo. 

Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis: After a bit of searching, Joseph triumphantly found a 

pair in the Mara. 

Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiacus: Seen almost daily and at all altitudes. 

African Black Duck Anas sparsa: One on a pond near Kericho was a welcome surprise. 

Cape Teal Anas capensis: A total of 11 at Nakuru. 

Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata: Small numbers at several locations. 

Red-billed Teal (Red-billed Duck) Anas erythrorhyncha: About 100 at Thika, but none elsewhere. 

Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota: Just a single at Thika. 

Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma: Eight at Thika sewage lagoons, but a staggering 120 

counted at Nakuru. 

SAGITTARIIDAE 

Secretary Bird Sagittarius serpentarius: Eight seen at Buffalo Springs, and another five in the Mara. 

PANDIONIDAE 

Osprey Pandion haliaetus: One flying over at Samburu. 

ACCIPITRIDAE 

African Cuckoo-Hawk Aviceda cuculoides: Great views of one at Nakuru – this species is always a 

bonus. 

Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus: Frequent sightings. 

Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius: Seen mainly around Nairobi. 

Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus: Two adults at Samburu. 

Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus: Four at Samburu, and three more in the Mara. 

African White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus: Commonest scavenger; largest numbers at Nairobi 

NP, Samburu and the Mara. 

Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture Gyps rueppellii: A few at Samburu, Nakuru and the Mara. This species is 

usually uncommon in Kenya but, remarkably, at one kill in the Mara there were no fewer 

than 40 Rüppell’s where they outnumbered the White-backed. 

Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotus: Singles at Nairobi NP, Samburu and Nakuru, but up to 

seven per day in the Mara. 

White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis: Singles in Samburu and the Mara. 

Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis: Several sightings in the Mara. 

Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus: Singles each day in the Mara. 

Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus cinerascens: Two birds seen near the Mara River. 

Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus: A common and most distinctive raptor, seen daily at Buffalo 

Springs/Samburu and the Mara. 


African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus: Several sightings, but the amazing views of a pair at Naro 

Moru were the most memorable. 

African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus: One at the marsh near Governors Camp in the Mara. 

Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar: Singles on four occasions. 

Dark Chanting Goshawk Melierax metabates: Several sightings at Baringo and the Mara. 

Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax poliopterus: Excellent views at Buffalo Springs/Samburu. 

African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro: Singles at Thika and Siana Springs. 

Shikra Accipiter badius: Several sightings in Buffalo Springs, Baringo and Siana Springs 

Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus: One seen briefly by Phil and Nigel at Siana Springs. 

Great Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus: Singles at Mountain Lodge and Siana Springs; both 

were young birds and the latter showed well in the garden. 

Mountain Buzzard Buteo oreophilus: A single distant bird on Mount Kenya. 

Augur Buzzard Buteo augur: A common but handsome resident species. 

African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer: One of Africa’s most familiar birds. 

Palm-nut Vulture (Vulturine Fish Eagle) Gypohierax angolensis: A single bird at Samburu as usual. 

Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax: Small numbers at several sites; most numerous in Samburu. 

Steppe Eagle Aquila nipalensis: An immature bird in the Mara had presumably over-summered 

Wahlberg’s Eagle Aquila wahlbergi: A single at the base of Mt Kenya, and three more in the Mara. 

Verreaux’s Eagle Aquila verreauxii: Three birds seen at Samburu and a single in the Mara was a good 

showing for this striking species. 

African Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus spilogaster: A pair was seen well at Samburu. 

Ayres’s Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus ayresii: A single on Mt Kenya was a bonus. 

Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis: Several sightings of this somewhat comical bird. 

African Crowned Eagle (Crowned Eagle) Stephanoaetus coronatus: Three birds on the slopes of 

Mount Kenya, and a pair (including one perched) at Thomson’s Falls. 

Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus: Singles of this huge eagle in Buffalo Springs and the Mara. 

FALCONIDAE 

Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus: Ten birds seen in Buffalo Springs/Samburu, mostly in pairs. 

This delightful species uses unoccupied nests of White-headed Buffalo Weavers. 

Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus: Pairs seen at Samburu and Baringo and another single on a journey. 

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus: A single flyover on the journey to the Mara. 

African Hobby Falco cuvieri: Great views of a single in the Mara that at the time we thought 

appeared similar to a Taita Falcon F. fasciinucha. 

Greater Kestrel (White-eyed Kestrel) Falco rupicoloides: A single at Kedong. 

Grey Kestrel Falco ardosiaceus: One in the Mara, and a pair on the journey back to Nairobi. 

Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus: Two singles on journeys were the only records this year. 

PHASIANIDAE 

Harlequin Quail Coturnix delegorguei (H): One heard by the roadside near Baringo. 

Coqui Francolin Francolinus coqui: Several small groups in the Mara. 

Crested Francolin Francolinus sephaena: Fairly common at Buffalo Springs. 

Scaly Francolin Francolinus squamatus: A pair plus two chicks in Nairobi NP was unexpected. 

Hildebrandt’s Francolin Francolinus hildebrandti: Great views of three at Lake Nakuru. 

Red-necked Spurfowl Francolinus afer: Frequently encountered in the Mara. 

Yellow-necked Spurfowl Francolinus leucoscepus: A common but pleasing sight at Buffalo 

Springs/Samburu. 

NUMIDIDAE 

Vulturine Guineafowl Acryllium vulturinum: Several large groups of this stunning bird gave much 

delight at Buffalo Springs/Samburu. 

Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris: Common and widespread. 


RALLIDAE 

Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostris: A few brief sightings. 

African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis: One at a roadside dam near Nyahururu. 

Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: Small numbers at several sites. 

Red-knobbed Coot (Crested Coot) Fulica cristata: Small numbers at several sites. 

GRUIDAE 

Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum: Several sightings of this exotic species. 

OTIDIDAE 

Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori: Two singles at Buffalo Springs and another on the Solio Ranch. Four birds 

seen on the journey back from the Mara. 

Buff-crested Bustard Eupodotis gindiana: A total of eight seen at Buffalo Springs. 

White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis senegalensis: Several small groups seen, mostly in pairs 

Black-bellied Bustard Eupodotis melanogaster: A single in the Mara was the only record. 

JACANIDAE 

African Jacana Actophilornis africanus: Several sightings in various places. 

RECURVIROSTRIDAE 

Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus: A pair at Thika and about 30 at Nakuru. 

BURHINIDAE 

Water Thick-knee (Water Dikkop) Burhinus vermiculatus: Two on the river at Samburu. 

Spotted Thick-knee (Spotted Dikkop) Burhinus capensis: A pair during the day at Baringo, and three 

on the night drive at Siana Springs. 

GLAREOLIDAE 

Two-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus: After much searching, one spanking individual found by 

Mark on the journey back to Nairobi. 

Heuglin’s Courser Rhinoptilus cinctus: A pair at Baringo was surely one of the best birds of the trip 

for most. 

Somali Courser Cursorius somaliensis: Surprisingly elusive at Buffalo Springs this year, but we found 

seven on our final attempt. This is now a well accepted split from Cream-coloured 

Courser C. cursor. 

CHARADRIIDAE 

Long-toed Plover Vanellus crassirostris: Five at a pool in the Mara. 

Blacksmith Plover Vanellus armatus: An attractive and widespread resident. 

Spur-winged Plover Vanellus spinosus: A common bird. 

Black-headed Plover Vanellus tectus: Three seen on the journey to Baringo. 

Black-winged Plover Vanellus melanopterus: Two roadside birds in the highlands and four more at 

Solio. 

Crowned Plover Vanellus coronatus: A common and noisy plover. 

African Wattled Plover Vanellus senegallus: A particularly elegant species; four seen in the Mara. 

Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius: Good views at Nakuru, but only one pair this year. 

Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris: Several sightings, notably at Thika where there were 15 

birds present. 

SCOLOPACIDAE 

Little Stint Calidris minuta: Four in Nairobi NP and about 15 at Nakuru. 

Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea: Four at Nakuru. 


Ruff Philomachus pugnax: Several at Thika and the Mara, and about 20 at Nakuru. 

Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis: A single at Nakuru was the only record. 

Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia: Several sightings. 

Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus: Just two seen and another heard. 

Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola: About 20 at Thika, and quite a few others at various locations. 

Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos: Widespread in small numbers. 

LARIDAE 

Grey-headed Gull Larus cirrocephalus: Only a few at Nakuru this year. 

Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus: Just two at Nakuru. 

White-winged Tern (White-winged Black Tern) Chlidonias leucopterus: A few at Thika and about 20 

at Nakuru – not a very good showing. 

PTEROCLIDAE 

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Pterocles exustus: Small numbers at Buffalo Springs; a pair with three 

chicks gave amazing roadside views. 

Black-faced Sandgrouse Pterocles decoratus: An attractive sandgrouse at Buffalo Springs, often in 

pairs; a day-total of 200 was exceptional. 

Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse Pterocles lichtensteinii: Good views of a single female at Buffalo Springs. 

Yellow-throated Sandgrouse Pterocles gutturalis: Excellent views of a pair on the way back from the 

Mara. 

COLUMBIDAE 

African Green Pigeon Treron calva: About 20 at Thika and a few more in the Mara. 

Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria: One heard at Thika and a couple at Mountain Lodge. 

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos: A common dry-country dove. 

Blue-spotted Wood Dove Turtur afer: Small numbers in woodland in the Mara region. 

Namaqua Dove Oena capensis: Small numbers in dry country. 

Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba delegorguei: About 25 at Mountain Lodge and on the journey 

down. 

Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix: A few seen at Mountain Lodge. 

Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea: Widespread. 

Feral Pigeon (Rock Dove) Columba livia: A few in Nairobi and Thika. 

Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata: A common highland species. Sings “I am a Red-eyed 

Dove”. 

African Mourning Dove Streptopelia decipiens: Particularly common in the Samburu/Buffalo Springs 

and Baringo areas; a dry country species. 

Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola: Abundant and widespread. 

Dusky Turtle Dove Streptopelia lugens: Several sightings in highland areas. 

Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis: Abundant dry country dove. 

PSITTACIDAE 

Red-fronted Parrot Poicephalus gulielmi: Several fly-overs at Mountain Lodge, but some good 

perched views eventually. 

Brown Parrot Poicephalus meyeri: Several sightings at Baringo and the Mara. 

African Orange-bellied Parrot Poicephalus rufiventris: Several seen well at Buffalo Springs. 

[Yellow-collared/Fischer’s Lovebird Agapornis personatus x fischeri: Several hybrid lovebirds seen in 

Nairobi NP and Thika.] 

MUSOPHAGIDAE 

Ross’s Turaco Tauraco rossae: Prolonged breathtaking views of a pair in the Mara, and another single 

in Kichwa Tembo. 


Schalow’s Turaco Tauraco schalowi: Several seen in the Mara. 

Hartlaub’s Turaco Tauraco hartlaubi: Great views at Mountain Lodge and Naro Moru. 

Bare-faced Go-away Bird Corythaixoides personatus: Frequent in the Mara, especially in the Siana 

Springs area. 

White-bellied Go-away Bird Corythaixoides leucogaster: Common at Samburu/Buffalo Springs and in 

the Baringo area; also a few in Nairobi NP. 

CUCULIDAE 

Black-and-white Cuckoo (Jacobin Cuckoo) Oxylophus jacobinus: Two singles at Baringo. 

Great Spotted Cuckoo Clamator glandarius: One bird seen at Baringo. 

Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus (H): Two birds heard at Nakuru. 

Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitarius: Several seen and heard at Nakuru and Baringo. 

African Cuckoo Cuculus gularis: One seen well south of Baringo. 

Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas: Frequent sightings at various places. 

Diederik Cuckoo (Didric Cuckoo) Chrysococcyx caprius: Fairly common, especially at Nakuru and 

Baringo. 

White-browed Coucal Centropus superciliosus: Singles seen frequently. 

STRIGIDAE 

Northern White-faced Scops Owl Otus leucotis: One seen well by the cliffs at Baringo, thanks to our 

local ‘scout’. 

Cape Eagle Owl Bubo capensis: A superb bird roosting in a quarry at the “Scops Owl” sign! The local 

subspecies is usually known as Mackinder’s Eagle Owl. 

Spotted Eagle Owl Bubo africanus: A pair on some small cliffs at Baringo provided superb views. 

These dark-eyed birds are of the cinerascens race which is sometimes split off as a 

separate species (called Vermiculated Eagle Owl). 

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus: Singles at Mountain Lodge and Buffalo Springs (twice); one of 

the latter had the remains of a Spur-winged Plover on its roosting branch. Two were seen 

each day in the garden at Baringo, providing superb photographic opportunities. 

Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum: Seen daily at Samburu, invariably in response to the tape. 

Singles also heard at Baringo and Siana Springs. 

CAPRIMULGIDAE 

Montane Nightjar Caprimulgus poliocephalus: About 15 seen at dusk in Nairobi NP and others heard 

at Mountain Lodge. 

Dusky Nightjar Caprimulgus fraenatus: One seen well on the ground by Nigel on the night drive at 

Siana Springs. 

Slender-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus clarus: Several seen at dusk each evening at Baringo, and 

another at Siana Springs. 

APODIDAE 

African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus: Very common at Samburu/Buffalo Springs. Also seen in Nairobi 

and surroundings. 

African Black Swift Apus barbatus: At least one on the way back from the Mara. 

Nyanza Swift Apus niansae: Small numbers at several places. 

Mottled Swift Apus aequatorialis: Eight seen at Samburu. 

White-rumped Swift Apus caffer: About 10 at Baringo. 

Horus Swift Apus horus: Six seen well at Nakuru. 

Little Swift Apus affinis: A common bird, with some large flocks at park entrances and bridges, most 

notably 400 at Samburu. 


COLIIDAE 

Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus: Common and widespread. 

White-headed Mousebird Colius leucocephalus: Just a single at Samburu. 

Blue-naped Mousebird Urocolius macrourus: A dry country species which was particularly common 

in Samburu/Buffalo Springs and in the Baringo area. 

TROGONIDAE 

Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina: One bird seen on the journey down from Mountain Lodge. 

ALCEDINIDAE 

Grey-headed Kingfisher (Chestnut-bellied Kingfisher) Halcyon leucocephala: Showy and colourful; 

particularly common at Samburu/Buffalo Springs. 

Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris: One at Thika, at the edge of its range here. 

Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti: Several sightings in Nairobi NP, Nakuru and the Mara 

Malachite Kingfisher Alcedo cristata: A tiny jewel which always delights. 

African Pygmy Kingfisher Ispidina picata: Just a single scoped at Baringo. 

Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima: One performed well at Thika. 

Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis: Several sightings, notably 20 at Baringo. 

MEROPIDAE 

Madagascar Bee-eater Merops superciliosus: About 20 at Lake Baringo. 

White-throated Bee-eater Merops albicollis: Several small flocks in the Baringo area. 

White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides: Surprisingly, just a single roadside bird between 

Nakuru and Baringo. 

Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus: Widespread in dry country. 

Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater Merops oreobates: A brightly coloured highland species. 

Somali Bee-eater Merops revoilii: Just three birds at Buffalo Springs. More sombrely coloured than the 

rest but still rather special. 

CORACIIDAE 

Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudata: A gorgeous roller; always good for a stop! 

Rufous-crowned Roller Coracias naevia: Three singles, at Nakuru and Baringo. 

UPUPIDAE 

Eurasian Hoopoe Upupa epops: One early migrant (?) seen at Baringo. This bird may have been of 

the race waibeli (which also shows the white bar on the primaries). 

African Hoopoe Upupa africana. Common at Nakuru; a few others also seen. This species shows allblack 

primaries. 

PHOENICULIDAE 

White-headed Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus bollei: Two groups seen at Mountain Lodge. 

Green Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus: Garrulous family groups on several occasions. 

Violet Wood-hoopoe Phoeniculus damarensis: Seen well on several occasions at Samburu, but this 

poorly differentiated form may well be lumped in Green Wood-hoopoe in future. 

Abyssinian Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus minor: Several sightings of singles or pairs, in Samburu and 

the Mara. 

BUCEROTIDAE 

Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri: Four seen by the roadside on the way back from the 

Mara – what a sight! 

Red-billed Hornbill Tockus erythrorhynchus: The common dry country hornbill, mostly in 

Samburu/Buffalo Springs. 


Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus flavirostris: A few in Samburu. 

Von der Decken’s Hornbill Tockus deckeni: A few in Samburu and the Mara. 

Jackson’s Hornbill Tockus jacksoni: Several in the Baringo area. 

Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus: Small numbers on three occasions. 

African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus: Just a pair in the Mara. 

Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator: A pair at Thika was very welcome. 

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill Bycanistes brevis: Several at Mountain Lodge. 

Black-and-white-Casqued Hornbill Bycanistes subcylindricus: Several at Kichwa Tembo, at the edge 

of its range here. 

CAPITONIDAE 

White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis: Two by the roadside on Mount Kenya; a scarce species in 

Kenya. 

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Golden-rumped Tinkerbird) Pogoniulus bilineatus: Widespread. As with 

all tinkerbirds, more commonly heard than seen. 

Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus: One seen by Phil in Samburu; three seen by all at 

Baringo. 

Red-fronted Barbet Lybius diademata: Several sightings. 

Spot-flanked Barbet Lybius lachrymosa: Common in the Mara, especially on the escarpment. 

Black-throated Barbet Lybius melanocephala: Several at Samburu and Baringo. 

White-headed Barbet Lybius leucocephalus: Several at Nairobi NP and Thika. 

Double-toothed Barbet Lybius bidentatus: One found by Joseph in the Mara. 

Red-and-Yellow Barbet Trachyphonus erythrocephalus: One at Samburu and several in the Baringo 

area, including the hotel garden. 

D’Arnaud’s Barbet Trachyphonus darnaudii: Just two in Samburu. 

Usambiro Barbet Trachyphonus usambiro: Replaces the similar D’Arnaud’s Barbet in the Mara. 

INDICATORIDAE 

Greater Honeyguide (Black-throated Honeyguide) Indicator indicator: Two heard at Samburu; one 

seen and another heard at Nakuru. 

Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegatus: One seen briefly at Nakuru. 

Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor: Several sightings. 

Pallid Honeyguide Indicator meliphilus: An active pair was watched for a long time at close range as 

they chased each other in a bare tree in Kichwa Tembo. 

Wahlberg’s Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus: One seen well in Nairobi NP. 

PICIDAE 

Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis: One seen at the base of Mount Kenya was the only record this 

year. 

Nubian Woodpecker Campethera nubica: Several at Samburu/Buffalo Springs. 

Green-backed Woodpecker (Little Spotted Woodpecker) Campethera cailliautii: One seen well near 

Kichwa Tembo in the Mara. 

Fine-banded Woodpecker Campethera tullbergi: Two singles seen well at Mountain Lodge. 

Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens: The commonest woodpecker, mainly in dry country. 

Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus: One at Samburu and three more at Nakuru. 

Grey Woodpecker Dendropicos goertae: Several sightings. All the birds seen were of the form 

rhodeogaster, sometimes lumped in Grey-headed Woodpecker D. spodocephalus. 

ALAUDIDAE 

Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana: A chunky highland lark without an obvious rufous nape; 

definitely not the best feature of this race! Common in Nairobi NP and in the Mara; 

smaller numbers elsewhere. 


Fawn-coloured Lark Mirafra africanoides: Several seen well in Buffalo Springs, frequently singing on 

the tops of small bushes. 

Pink-breasted Lark Mirafra poecilosterna: Common at Buffalo Springs. 

Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea: Good numbers in highland areas. 

Fischer’s Sparrow Lark Eremopterix leucopareia: A small flock near Isiolo, and a larger one on the 

way back from the Mara. 

MOTACILLIDAE 

African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp: A common and attractive species. 

Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara: The African counterpart of Grey Wagtail; seen at Thika, Naro 

Moru and near Kericho. 

Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis: A duller member of the group; seen at Mountain Lodge, 

Nyahururu, and Kericho. 

Grassland Pipit (African Pipit) Anthus cinnamomeus: Small numbers at several sites. 

Long-billed Pipit Anthus similis: Two on the Oloololo escarpment. 

Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys: Common on the Solio ranch and in the Mara; smaller 

numbers elsewhere. 

Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus: Common in the Mara; smaller numbers elsewhere. 

Pangani Longclaw Macronyx aurantiigula: Two in Nairobi NP, at the edge of their range. 

Rosy-breasted Longclaw Macronyx ameliae: Several sightings in the Mara. 

HIRUNDINIDAE 

Banded Martin Riparia cincta: Good numbers in the Mara; also a few in Nairobi NP and Nakuru. 

Plain Martin (African Sand Martin) Riparia paludicola: Widespread. 

Grey-rumped Swallow Hirundo griseopyga: Two at Nakuru. 

Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii: Widespread; most common in the Mara. 

Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica: Seen at various localities, with good numbers at Nakuru and Baringo. 

Angola Swallow Hirundo angolensis: Four in the Kericho area. 

Red-rumped Swallow Hirundo daurica: Widespread in small numbers. 

Mosque Swallow Hirundo senegalensis: Just two near Nyahuhuru. 

Rufous-chested Swallow Hirundo semirufa: Two seen on our journey across the Mara. 

Lesser Striped Swallow Hirundo abyssinica: Widespread in small numbers. 

Rock Martin (African Rock Martin) Hirundo fuligula: Common at scattered sites. 

Black Saw-wing (Black Rough-wing) Psalidoprocne pristoptera: Common resident. 

White-headed Saw-wing (White-headed Rough-wing) Psalidoprocne albiceps: Two seen near Kichwa 

Tembo. 

PYCNONOTIDAE 

Yellow-whiskered Greenbul Andropadus latirostris: A distinctive highland forest bird; several seen at 

Mountain Lodge and Naro Moru. 

Slender-billed Greenbul Andropadus gracilirostris: A forest canopy species with a red eye; seen at 

Mountain Lodge, Kericho and Kichwa Tembo. 

Mountain Greenbul Andropadus nigriceps: The rather attractive yellow-bellied, grey-headed 

greenbul at Mountain Lodge. 

Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus: A largish pale-eyed species; two seen at Thika. 

Grey-olive Greenbul Phyllastrephus cerviniventris (H): An undergrowth species with pale feet and 

reddish tail; a flock heard persistently at Thika, but would not show. 

Cabanis’s Greenbul Phyllastrephus cabanisi: Three seen at Naro Moru. 

Northern Brownbul Phyllastrephus strepitans: A garden bird at Samburu. 

Common Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus: Abundant resident. If this species is split, then the form seen 

at Buffalo Springs/Samburu with streaky breast and white patches behind the ear coverts 


ecomes Dodson’s Bulbul P. dodsoni, and the widespread form becomes Dark-capped 

Bulbul P. tricolor. 

TIMALIIDAE 

Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii: Only heard at Nakuru; a small flock seen well in the 

Mara. 

Brown Babbler Turdoides plebejus: A few in the garden at Baringo. 

Northern Pied Babbler Turdoides hypoleucus: At least 12 in Nairobi NP and eight at Kianyaga. 

Rufous Chatterer Turdoides rubiginosus: Several groups seen in Samburu. 

TURDIDAE 

White-starred Robin (White-starred Forest Robin) Pogonocichla stellata: Great views of two pairs and 

a juvenile at Mountain Lodge. 

Rüppell’s Robin Chat Cossypha semirufa: Seen well at Mountain Lodge. 

White-browed Robin Chat Cossypha heuglini: A colourful songster, at lower altitudes than Rüppell’s; 

common at Nakuru and in the Mara. 

Cape Robin Chat Cossypha caffra: Several sightings at highland sites. 

Brown-chested Alethe Alethe poliocephala: One obliging bird seen well at Mountain Lodge. This was 

of the central highland race akeleyae. 

Spotted Morning Thrush Cichladusa guttata: A striking species seen well on several occasions at 

Samburu and Baringo. 

White-browed Scrub Robin (Red-backed Scrub Robin) Cercotrichas leucophrys: Several sightings of 

this shy chat. 

African Stonechat Saxicola torquata: A roadside bird in highland areas. 

Schalow’s Wheatear Oenanthe schalowi: A pair in the usual gulley at Kedong. 

Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata: A striking resident species; a pair at Solio. 

Red-tailed Chat (Familiar Chat) Cercomela familiaris: Two singles on the Oloololo escarpment in the 

Mara. 

Brown-tailed Rock Chat Cercomela scotocerca: Three at the Baringo cliffs. 

Northern Anteater Chat Myrmecocichla aethiops: A widespread chat with white in the primaries; 

particularly common at Nakuru. 

Sooty Chat Myrmecocichla nigra: Commoner than the previous species in the Mara, occurring side 

by side in some places. 

Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris: Pairs at Nakuru and the Baringo cliffs. 

Mountain Thrush (Northern Olive Thrush) Turdus abyssinicus: Easy to see around Nairobi and Mount 

Kenya. 

African Thrush Turdus pelios: Singles at Nyahururu and Nakuru. 

MUSCICAPIDAE 

African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta: A dumpy little flycatcher of highland forest. 

Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens: Two at Kichwa Tembo. 

White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher Melaenornis fischeri: A familiar and attractive flycatcher of the 

highlands; sometimes rather too common! 

Northern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis edolioides: A southern species in Kenya, with several in the 

Mara. 

Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina: This is the one in the north! Seen at Nairobi and 


African Grey Flycatcher Bradornis microrhynchus: A common dry country species, especially at 

Samburu. 

Pale Flycatcher Bradornis pallidus: Only a pair this year – at Kichwa Tembo. 

Silverbird Empidornis semipartitus: A striking species; a single near Baringo and several in the Mara. 


SYLVIIDAE 

Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris: Singles near Nyahururu and in the Mara. 

Cinnamon Bracken Warbler Bradypterus cinnamomeus: Great views of one in a ditch near Kericho. 

African Moustached Warbler Melocichla mentalis: One seen all too briefly near Kichwa Tembo. 

Dark-capped Yellow Warbler (African Yellow Warbler) Chloropeta natalensis: Singles in Nairobi NP 

and at Thika. 

Mountain Yellow Warbler Chloropeta similis (NL): One seen by Phil at Mountain Lodge. 

Singing Cisticola Cisticola cantans: One in the hotel garden in Nairobi. 

Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops: Several at Kichwa Tembo. 

Trilling Cisticola Cisticola woosnami: Amazing long views of a pair on the ground on the Oloololo 

escarpment. Several others heard trilling from the treetops. 

Hunter’s Cisticola Cisticola hunteri: Common, noisy and entertaining at Mountain Lodge. A few 

others in highland areas. 

Long-tailed Cisticola (Tabora Cisticola) Cisticola angusticaudus: One near Siana Springs. 

Winding Cisticola Cisticola galactotes: Typical of damper habitats, and seen several sites. 

Stout Cisticola Cisticola robustus: Very common in Nairobi NP and in the Mara; a bird of tall 

grassland. 

Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis: Two near Siana Springs performed well. 

Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chinianus: Common throughout in dry country, especially at Nakuru with 

a morning total of at least 100 birds. 

Ashy Cisticola Cisticola cinereolus: Eventually, three birds seen at Buffalo Springs. 

Siffling Cisticola Cisticola brachypterus: One in Nairobi NP on the first day. 

Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis: Several in the Baringo area and in the Mara. 

Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus: Just one seen briefly in Buffalo Springs. 

Pectoral-patch Cisticola Cisticola brunnescens: Several seen at Nairobi NP, Solio and Nakuru, but 

particularly common in the Mara. 

Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava: Widespread in open habitats. 

Pale Prinia Prinia somalica: Several sightings in Buffalo Springs. 

White-chined Prinia Prinia leucopogon: One in the botanical gardens near Kericho. 

Grey Wren-warbler Calamonastes simplex: Several at Samburu/Buffalo Springs and one heard at 

Baringo. 

Pale Wren-warbler Calamonastes undosus (H): One heard near Kichwa Tembo. 

Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata: Common and widespread, especially at 

Nakuru. 

Yellow-breasted Apalis (Black-breasted Apalis) Apalis flavida: The highland race pugnax was seen at 

Nairobi, Nakuru and the Mara. The form flavocincta (which has different vocalizations) 

seen at Samburu and Baringo is sometimes considered part of a separate species: Browntailed 

Apalis A. viridiceps. 

Chestnut-throated Apalis Apalis porphyrolaema: The bird with the trim-phone call was heard 

frequently at Mountain Lodge, but only glimpsed briefly. 

Grey Apalis Apalis cinerea: Seen well at Mountain Lodge and Naro Moru. 

Black-throated Apalis Apalis jacksoni: Four seen at Mountain Lodge. 

Black-collared Apalis Apalis pulchra: Two seen near Kericho. 

Red-fronted Warbler Spiloptila rufifrons: Several at Buffalo Springs and at Baringo. 

Grey-capped Warbler Eminia lepida: One heard at Thika, but several seen at Kichwa Tembo. 

Northern Crombec Sylvietta brachyura: Several at Samburu/Buffalo Springs. 

Red-faced Crombec Sylvietta whytii: Several sightings, at Nairobi NP, Nakuru, Baringo, and in the 

Mara. 

White-browed Crombec Sylvietta leucophrys: A single seen well at Mountain Lodge. 

Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis: Surprisingly scarce this year, with a few singles 

at Baringo and Siana Springs. 

Yellow-vented Eremomela Eremomela flavicrissalis: Good numbers at Samburu/Buffalo Springs. 


Buff-bellied Warbler Phyllolais pulchella: Pairs or singles were seen at Nairobi NP, Thika, Nakuru, 

the Mara and Siana Springs. 

Banded Parisoma Parisoma boehmi: Two singles seen at Samburu. 

ZOSTEROPIDAE 

Abyssinian White-eye Zosterops abyssinica: A flock of 20 at Thika and about 10 in the lodge garden 

at Samburu. 

Montane White-eye Zosterops poliogaster: Several seen in the highlands. 

Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis: Two in the garden at Kichwa Tembo. 

PARIDAE 

Northern Grey Tit Parus thruppi: Seen at Samburu and Baringo. 

White-bellied Tit Parus albiventris: A striking bird, seen several times, most commonly at Nakuru. 

Red-throated Tit Parus fringillinus: Two seen in acacia woodland in the Mara. 

REMIZIDAE 

Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit Anthoscopus musculus: A pair seen at Samburu and another at 

Baringo. 

MONARCHIDAE 

African Blue Flycatcher Elminia longicauda: Several seen in the garden at Kichwa Tembo, and also 

elsewhere in the Mara. 

White-tailed Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus albonotatus: One seen well at Mountain Lodge. 

African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis: Some stunning males of both colour morphs were 

seen, complete with long tails. 

PLATYSTEIRIDAE 

Chin-spot Batis Batis molitor: Widespread in small numbers. 

Pygmy Batis (Pygmy Puff-back Flycatcher) Batis perkeo: Several sightings in Samburu and Baringo. 

Common Wattle-eye Platysteira cyanea: Several seen and heard in the Mara. 

PRIONOPIDAE 

White-crested Helmet Shrike Prionops plumatus (NL): One seen by Phil at Samburu. 

Grey-crested Helmet Shrike Prionops poliolophus: A noisy flock of six at Nakuru passed through all 

too quickly; this is a scarce endemic species in East Africa. 

Northern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus rueppelli: Widespread away from the highlands; 

particularly common at Siana Springs. 

Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus: Ten seen in the Siana Springs area after a short search. 

LANIIDAE 

Mackinnon’s Fiscal Lanius mackinnoni: One in the botanical gardens near Kericho. 

Grey-backed Fiscal Lanius excubitoroides: A heavyweight of a fiscal; very conspicuous at Baringo. 

Long-tailed Fiscal Lanius cabanisi: Common in Nairobi NP. 

Taita Fiscal Lanius dorsalis: Quite a few at Buffalo Springs. 

Common Fiscal Lanius collaris: A most familiar roadside bird. Seen almost everywhere except 

Samburu and Baringo. 

MALACONOTIDAE 

Brubru Nilaus afer: Frequently seen and heard at Buffalo Springs and Baringo; a pair also at Siana 

Springs. 

Black-crowned Tchagra (Black-headed Tchagra) Tchagra senegala: One at Nakuru and a couple 

more in the Mara. 


Brown-crowned Tchagra (Brown-headed Tchagra) Tchagra australis: Several at Nakuru and in the 

Mara. 

Three-streaked Tchagra Tchagra jamesi: Four birds seen at Buffalo Springs. 

Sulphur-breasted Bush Shrike Malaconotus sulfureopectus: Several sightings, mainly of single birds. 

Grey-headed Bush Shrike Malaconotus blanchoti: Two singles seen at Samburu. 

Rosy-patched Bush Shrike Rhodophoneus cruentus: After a slow start, we managed to see eight of 

these beautiful birds at Buffalo Springs, with several others heard. 

Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus: A common black-and-white bird with a memorable voice. 

Slate-coloured Boubou Laniarius funebris: The most sombre of the group; particularly common at 

Buffalo Springs/Samburu; also at Siana Springs. 

Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla: Widespread in small numbers. 

CAMPEPHAGIDAE 

Black Cuckoo-shrike Campephaga flava: One in the Mara and two more at Siana Springs. 

Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike Campephaga quiscalina: A pair on the way down from Mountain 

Lodge was a welcome addition to the list. 

Grey Cuckoo-shrike Coracina caesia: One at the same stop as the Purple-throated. 

DICRURIDAE 

Common Drongo (Fork-tailed Drongo) Dicrurus adsimilis: Common and widespread. 

ORIOLIDAE 

Black-headed Oriole (African Black-headed Oriole) Oriolus larvatus: A low altitude species; most 

frequent at Nakuru and Baringo. 

Montane Oriole Oriolus percivali: Several at Mountain Lodge as usual. 

CORVIDAE 

Pied Crow Corvus albus: Common. 

White-naped Raven Corvus albicollis: A pair on the Oloololo escarpment in the Mara. 

Fan-tailed Raven Corvus rhipidurus: Fairly common in the drier, more arid north. 

Cape Rook Corvus capensis: A high grassland species. 

STURNIDAE 

Kenrick’s Starling Poeoptera kenricki: Six seen well at Mountain Lodge. 

Stuhlmann’s Starling Poeoptera stuhlmanni: Six birds seen in the botanical gardens near Kericho. 

Waller’s Starling Onychognathus walleri: A total of 12 at Mountain Lodge, including some on the 

journey down. 

Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio: A few seen in towns. 

Slender-billed Starling Onychognathus tenuirostris: A total of 17 seen at Thomson’s Falls. 

Bristle-crowned Starling Onychognathus salvadorii: Two singles seen at Samburu, but about 20 at 

Baringo, both at the cliffs and in the gardens. 

Blue-eared Starling (Greater Blue-eared Starling) Lamprotornis chalybaeus: Widespread. 

Rüppell’s Long-tailed Starling Lamprotornis purpuropterus: Widespread. 

Hildebrandt’s Starling Lamprotornis hildebrandti: Fairly frequent in the Mara and Siana Springs in 

small numbers. 

Superb Starling Lamprotornis superbus: Simply superb and very common. 

Golden-breasted Starling Cosmopsarus regius: Surely the most glorious starling of all; this year we 

saw it frequently and well in Samburu, with up to a dozen per day. 

Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster: Small numbers in several places including Nairobi 

NP, Thika and the Mara. 

Abbott’s Starling Cinnyricinclus femoralis: A pair of these rare starlings was attending a presumed nest 

hole in a tree directly opposite Mountain Lodge. 


Sharpe’s Starling Cinnyricinclus sharpii: Six on our first evening at Mountain Lodge and a single the 

following morning. 

Fischer’s Starling Spreo fischeri: Small numbers on two days at Samburu. 

Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea: Small flocks at Samburu and Baringo. 

Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus: Usually the commoner oxpecker but scarcer this 

year, seen mainly at Samburu and Siana Springs. 

Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus: A few in Nairobi NP but common in the Mara. 

NECTARINIIDAE 

Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird Anthreptes orientalis: An unusual, warbler-like sunbird; common at 

Buffalo Springs/Samburu and Baringo. 

Collared Sunbird Anthreptes collaris: A few at Thika, Mountain Lodge, Naro Moru and the Mara. 

Green-headed Sunbird Nectarinia verticalis: A pair near Kericho was actively feeding young at a nest. 

Amethyst Sunbird Nectarinia amethystina: A few singles in highland areas. 

Scarlet-chested Sunbird Nectarinia senegalensis: Widespread in small numbers. 

Hunter’s Sunbird Nectarinia hunteri: The arid, dry country counterpart of the previous species; 

singles seen at Timau and Baringo. 

Variable Sunbird Nectarinia venusta: Widespread. 

Northern Double-collared Sunbird Nectarinia preussi: Seen at Nairobi, Mountain Lodge and Kericho. 

Eastern Double-collared Sunbird Nectarinia mediocris: A few on the slopes of Mount Kenya 

including at Mountain Lodge. 

Marico Sunbird (Mariqua Sunbird) Nectarinia mariquensis: Several sightings in bush and savanna. 

Tacazze Sunbird Nectarinia tacazze: Two glorious males at Naro Moru. 

Bronze Sunbird Nectarinia kilimensis: Common and widespread. 

Golden-winged Sunbird Nectarinia reichenowi: Great views of about 10 birds on the slopes of Mount 

Kenya. 

Black-bellied Sunbird (Smaller Black-bellied Sunbird) Nectarinia nectarinioides: Plenty in the gardens 

at Samburu. 

Beautiful Sunbird Nectarinia pulchella: Common in the Baringo area, in full breeding plumage. 

Shining Sunbird Nectarinia habessinica (NL): Two seen by Phil from the garden at Samburu. 

PASSERIDAE 

Grey-headed Sparrow (Northern Grey-headed Sparrow) Passer griseus: This is the species west of the 

Rift Valley, seen mainly on the way to the Mara. 

Parrot-billed Sparrow Passer gongonensis: Common in the drier, arid country east of the Rift Valley, 

mostly in Samburu and Baringo. 

Swahili Sparrow Passer suahelicus: Just two seen in the Mara. 

Rufous Sparrow (Kenya Rufous Sparrow) Passer rufocinctus: Widespread. 

House Sparrow Passer domesticus: Seen at four different localities; these introduced birds are of the 

race indicus and are now becoming widespread in Kenya. 

Chestnut Sparrow Passer eminibey: Several large flocks in Buffalo Springs/Samburu included some 

breeding-plumaged males; also seen in the Baringo area. 

Yellow-spotted Petronia Petronia pyrgita: Several in Samburu, Baringo and Siana Springs 

White-headed Buffalo-weaver Dinemellia dinemelli: Common and distinctive, mainly at 


Red-billed Buffalo-weaver Bubalornis niger: Just a few at Buffalo Springs. 

White-billed Buffalo-weaver Bubalornis albirostris: The breeding birds in the garden at Baringo 

provided a very early and unwelcome alarm call for most! 

Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-weaver Plocepasser donaldsoni: Very common at Samburu/Buffalo 

Springs. 

White-browed Sparrow-weaver Plocepasser mahali: A noisy and abundant dry country species. 


Grey-capped Social Weaver (Grey-headed Social Weaver) Pseudonigrita arnaudi: Six on the journey 

back to Nairobi. 

Black-capped Social Weaver Pseudonigrita cabanisi: Several large flocks at Buffalo Springs. 

Speckle-fronted Weaver Sporopipes frontalis: A charming little weaver seen well at Samburu, Baringo 

and in the Mara. 

Grosbeak-weaver Amblyospiza albifrons: One bird at Kianyaga was the only one of the trip. 

Baglafecht Weaver (Reichenow’s Weaver) Ploceus baglafecht: Widespread. 

Little Weaver Ploceus luteolus: Common at Baringo. 

Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis: Seen on several occasions. 

Black-necked Weaver Ploceus nigricollis: Two singles at Samburu. 

Brown-capped Weaver Ploceus insignis: Two singles at Mountain Lodge, behaving like Nuthatches. 

Holub’s Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops: Singles on four occasions. 

Golden Palm Weaver Ploceus bojeri: A few in the garden at Samburu, followed by the discovery of a 

small colony in full breeding plumage. 

Jackson’s Golden-backed Weaver Ploceus jacksoni: Common at Baringo this year, with many birds 

attending nests. 

Vitelline Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus: Just four birds at Baringo, attending nests. 

Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius: Common at Baringo with several active nests found. 

Northern Masked Weaver Ploceus taeniopterus: Abundant at Baringo. 

Speke’s Weaver Ploceus spekei: Fairly common in the highlands around Mount Kenya, with a peak 

count of 50 at Nakuru. 

Black-headed Weaver (Village Weaver) Ploceus cucullatus: The largest weaver, seen at several 

locations. 

Chestnut Weaver Ploceus rubiginosus: Quite a few at Buffalo Springs, often with Black-capped Social 

Weavers, and a few others elsewhere. 

Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps: Singles at Naro Moru, Samburu and Siana Springs. 

Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea: Large flocks at Nairobi NP and Baringo, with smaller numbers 

elsewhere. 

Cardinal Quelea Quelea cardinalis: Small flocks at Nairobi NP and Baringo. 

Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer: Six birds, including some stunning males, seen at Baringo. 

Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis: Just a single at Nakuru, but small numbers each day in the Mara. 

Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris: About 10 in the Mara. 

Yellow-mantled Widowbird Euplectes macrourus: A few seen in the Mara. 

White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus: Just six non-breeding plumaged birds at Nairobi 

NP. 

Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens: About 20 non-breeding plumaged birds at Nairobi NP, 

but a maize field on the journey to the Mara held about 20 males in all their glory. 

Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne: Disappointingly, just four out-of-plumage birds at Nakuru 

this year. 

Jackson’s Widowbird Euplectes jacksoni: A flock of 60 non-breeding plumaged birds in the Mara. 

ESTRILDIDAE 

Grey-headed Negrofinch Nigrita canicapilla: Two singles at Mountain Lodge and another four near 

Kericho. 

Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba: Three pairs at Baringo. 

Abyssinian Crimson-wing Clytospiza salvadorii: Four birds in a small patch of forest near Kericho 

were a welcome surprise. 

Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala: Common and widespread. 

African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata: A pair seen at Nakuru. 

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus bengalus: Widespread. 

Blue-capped Cordon-bleu Uraeginthus cyanocephalus: Six birds seen at Baringo. 

Purple Grenadier Uraeginthus ianthinogaster: Particularly common in the Mara. 


Yellow-bellied Waxbill Estrilda quartinia: Four skulking birds in a ditch near Kericho eventually 

showed well. 

Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild: Seen daily in the Mara, but also at several other sites. 

Quail-finch Ortygospiza atricollis: A pair in Nairobi NP followed by a single at Nakuru. 

African Silverbill Lonchura cantans: Several in Samburu/Buffalo Springs. 

Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata: Widespread, with small flocks on several occasions. 

Black-and-white Mannikin Lonchura bicolor: Four birds seen at Thika. 

Cut-throat Finch Amadina fasciata: Frequently encountered at Samburu/Buffalo Springs. 

Village Indigobird (Red-billed Firefinch Indigobird) Vidua chalybeata (NL): One seen by Phil on the 

journey to Mountain Lodge. 

Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura: Several fine males seen at Thika, Nakuru and Baringo. 

Paradise Whydah Vidua paradisaea: A male seen flying over at Baringo by Phil, but the rest of us 

only saw a female. 

FRINGILLIDAE 

Streaky Seed-eater Serinus striolatus: Common highland species. 

Yellow-rumped Seed-eater (Kenya Yellow-rumped Seed-eater) Serinus reichenowi: Small flocks seen 

in Nairobi NP and Siana Springs, but over 100 seen in the Mara. 

Yellow-crowned Canary Serinus canicollis: Frequent at Mountain Lodge, and elsewhere in the 

highlands. 

African Citril Serinus citrinelloides: Seen at several sites, especially in the Mara. 

Yellow-fronted Canary Serinus mozambicus: Common in the Mara. 

White-bellied Canary Serinus dorsostriatus: Frequently seen in Samburu and Baringo. 

Brimstone Canary Serinus sulphuratus: Several sightings. 

Southern Grosbeak-canary Serinus buchanani: Three seen at Siana Springs. 

Oriole-Finch Linurgus olivaceus: A superb male was seen well by all at Mountain Lodge. 

EMBERIZIDAE 

Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting (Cinnamon-breasted Bunting) Emberiza tahapisi: One heard at 

Timau and another seen in the Mara. 

Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris: One at Kichwa Tembo and six at Siana Springs. 

Somali Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza poliopleura: Just a single at Samburu. 


MAMMALS 

Guereza Colobus (Eastern Black-and-white C) Colobus guereza: Only heard at Mountain Lodge, but 

a family group was seen well at Nakuru. 

Olive Baboon Papio anubis: Widespread, especially at Nairobi, Samburu, Nakuru and the Mara. 

Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus pygerythrus: Widespread but particularly conspicuous at Buffalo 

Springs/Samburu. 

Gentle Monkey (White-throated Guenon) Cercopithecus nictitans: The form concerned is also known 

as Sykes’s Monkey. Seen at Thika, Mountain Lodge and Kichwa Tembo. 

Red-tailed Monkey (Black-cheeked White-nosed Monkey) Cercopithecus ascanius: Four seen in the 

garden at Kichwa Tembo; a particularly attractive species. 

Silver Galago Otolemur argentatus: One seen by Nigel at dawn in Kichwa Tembo. 

Senegal Galago Galago senegalensis: Seven individuals found at night in the garden at Siana Springs. 

Wahlberg’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus wahlbergi: One found at night by Nigel in the garden 

at Siana Springs. 

Yellow-winged Bat Lavia frons: One in the garden at Baringo. 

De Winton’s Long-eared Bat Laephotis wintoni: One conveniently roosted briefly on Nigel’s 

verandah at Samburu. 

Cape Hare Lepus capensis: Two singles, near Baringo and the Mara; about 15 seen on the night drive 


Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis (NL): One seen by Phil and Anne at night at Mountain Lodge. 

Unstriped Ground Squirrel Xerus rutilus: Frequently seen at Buffalo Springs/Samburu; also seen at 

Baringo and on the journey to the Mara. 

Striped Ground Squirrel (Geoffroy’s Ground Squirrel) Euxerus erythropus: One seen by the roadside 

on the journey back to Nairobi. 

Ochre Bush Squirrel (Huet’s Bush Squirrel) Paraxerus ochraceus: Several at Mountain Lodge. 

Red-legged Sun Squirrel Heliosciurus rufobrachium: One seen near the botanical gardens at Kericho. 

Gambian Giant Pouched Rat Cricetomys gambianus: One freshly dead specimen found in the hotel 

garden at Thika. 

Spring Hare Pedetes capensis: Six of these miniature kangaroo-like rodents were seen on the night 

drive at Siana Springs. 

Coypu Myocastor coypus: Six seen on a pond near Nyahururu. 

Side-striped Jackal Canis adustus: One seen well in the Mara. 

Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas: Two singles at Buffalo Springs, a pair at Nakuru and another 

single at Siana Springs. 

Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis: Four seen on the night drive at Siana Springs. 

Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguinea: Three sightings of single individuals. 

Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula: Two singles in Buffalo Springs and a group of 15 in the Mara. 

Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo: Two groups in the Mara; the fearless group of 28 in the garden at 

Kichwa Tembo was particularly memorable. 

White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda: One at Mountain Lodge and another on the night drive 


Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta: One smart one at Mountain Lodge and another single in the Mara; 

also six on the night drive at Siana Springs. 

Common Genet (Small-spotted Genet) Genetta genetta: One on the night drive at Siana Springs. 

Blotched Genet (Large-spotted Genet) Genetta tigrina: Two seen on the feeding table outside 

Mountain Lodge. 

Leopard Panthera pardus: Singles seen on two nights at bait in Samburu, but the best sighting was 

one in the late afternoon in the Mara which walked out of tall grass in front of us as we 

watched an African Hobby! 

Lion Panthera leo: A single lioness in Samburu, a group of six females and young, plus a solitary 

male, all at Nakuru, and another single lioness in the Mara. 

Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus: Two singles in Samburu, both rather overwhelmed by tourist buses. 


Black-necked Rock Hyrax Procavia johnstoni: About 20 on the cliffs at Baringo. 

Yellow-spotted Hyrax Heterohyrax brucei: Three seen from the lodge at Samburu. 

Eastern Tree Hyrax Dendrohyrax validus (H): Their blood-curdling screams were a familiar sound 

after dark at Mountain Lodge, but none was seen there. 

Southern Tree Hyrax Dendrohyrax arboreus: Their deafening calls were a familiar wake-up call at 

Kichwa Tembo and Siana Springs, and several were also seen. 

African Elephant Loxodonta africana: Three at night at Mountain Lodge, and many at Samburu and 

the Mara. 

Common Zebra Equus quagga: Widespread, with very large numbers in the Mara. The form in Kenya 

is the subspecies boehmi. 

Grevy’s Zebra Equus grevyi: Only 14 individuals seen in Buffalo Springs this year. 

Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis: A single on our first day in Nairobi NP, and another at Nakuru. 

This was a good tally for this endangered species. 

White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum: A total of 17 at Nakuru. Although originally reintroduced, 

this species is breeding prolifically here. 

Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius: One at the sewage pools at Nakuru looked somewhat out 

of place. Great views of them in the lake at Baringo and also in the Mara River. 

Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus: Two at Buffalo Springs, and a dozen at Nakuru. As usual, 

a familiar sight in the Mara. 

Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis: Three different races were seen. Those at Buffalo Springs/Samburu 

were Reticulated G. c. reticulata, those at Nakuru were Rothschild’s G. c. rothschildi, and 

those in Nairobi and the Mara were Masai G. c. tippelskirchi. 

African Buffalo Syncerus caffer: Several herds encountered, especially in Nakuru and the Mara. 

Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus: A very handsome antelope seen well at Mountain Lodge and Siana 

Springs; also singles at Kichwa Tembo. 

Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros: Two in the lodge garden at Samburu was an unexpected 

sighting.. 

Eland Tragelaphus oryx: Several herds seen in Nairobi NP, Nakuru, the Mara and Siana Springs. 

Suni Neotragus moschatus: Two of these diminutive antelopes were seen in the undergrowth at 

Mountain Lodge. 

Oribi Ourebia ourebi: One seen in the Mara. 

Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus: Two on the Oloololo escarpment, and two more at Siana 

Springs. 

Kirk’s Dik-Dik Madoqua kirki: Common at Buffalo Springs/Samburu and a few in the Mara. 

[Guenther’s Dikdik Madoqua guentheri: One possible was seen on the journey to Baringo.] 

Waterbuck (Defassa Waterbuck) Kobus ellipsiprymnus: Widespread. 

Red-fronted Gazelle (Thomson’s Gazelle) Gazella rufifrons: Plenty at Solio, Nakuru and the Mara, 

plus a few in Nairobi NP. 

Grant’s Gazelle Gazella granti: Most common at Buffalo Springs/Samburu, with smaller numbers 

elsewhere. 

Gerenuk Litocranius walleri: An incredible looking animal, particularly when reared up on its hind 

legs in order to feed; seen well at Buffalo Springs. 

Impala Aepyceros melampus: Widespread and common. 

Topi Damaliscis lunatus: Good numbers in the Mara. 

Kongoni (Hartebeeste) Alcelaphus buselaphus: About 70 in Nairobi NP and small numbers in the 

Mara, all of the race cokei. About 60 at Solio were of the form known as Jackson’s 

Hartebeeste. 

Brindled Gnu (Blue Wildebeeste) Connochaetes taurinus: The immense herds in the Mara are surely 

one of the wonders of the natural world. We were also fortunate to witness a river 

crossing this year. 

Beisa Oryx Oryx beisa: About 85 at Buffalo Springs and another 15 at Solio. 


REPTILES 

Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus: Several big ones at Samburu, and a few at Baringo and in the 

Mara. 

Water Monitor (Nile Monitor) Varanus niloticus: Several sightings.

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