As much as Masai Mara is known for its stunning wildlife, its avifauna isn’t far behind. In Masai Mara alone, there are over 450 diverse species of birds, including endemic, non-endemic, and migratory. From water birds to terrestrial birds, the avifauna of the reserve is always vibrant. Ilora Retreats, the luxury camp in Masai Mara, offers amazing bird-watching tours. However, before we dive into the birds of Masai Mara, let us understand why Masai Mara is the ideal birding destination.
Masai Mara and its Vivid Avifauna
Masai Mara National Reserve is a birding destination favoured by birdwatchers for many reasons. Besides the abundance of bird species, the rich ecosystem of the Mara plays an integral role in their survival. The open grasslands and savannas, wetlands, riverine forests, woodlands, rocky escarpments, and various other habitats support the avian life of the reserve. Furthermore, the Mara is visited by migratory birds arriving from certain parts of Europe and Asia, contributing to the already flourishing birdlife. Masai Mara is a year-round birding destination wherein sightings of different species of birds are always rewarding.
Ilora Retreats organizes bird-watching tours and safaris, accompanied by expert guides who have intricate knowledge about these fascinating creatures. One can witness variety of Birds in the regions of Masai Mara. Nevertheless, Ilora Retreats makes sure you depart from your Masai Mara holiday with a newfound passion for birding.
The Birds of Masai Mara
Find out the different birds that one can see during a birdwatching tour:
African Paradise Flycatcher
A common yet stunning passerine bird of Masai Mara is the African Paradise Flycatcher. This medium-sized bird roams the savannahs, riverine forests, and open woodlands of the reserve. The male species appears bright-colored with dark orange or white wings, tails, and back, while the head and the front body are black or dark blue. The male African paradise flycatcher has striking and recognizable long tail feathers measuring up to twenty centimeters long. The female lacks the tail feathers and appears dull when contrasted with the male species.
African Paradise Flycatchers are vocal birds with melodious calls. Both male and female species participate in nest building and remain resident breeders of the Mara.
Turaco
Among the vibrant birds of Masai Mara are the Turaco species. They are often found in forests and woodlands, sometimes along the Mara River. There are two species of Turaco residing in the Mara.
The Schalow’s Turaco has a green head and breast, while the rest of its body is a beautiful shade of blue. One way to recognize it is through the long, green crest sitting on its head, pointing towards the sky. While in the air, its wings show a beautiful crimson color. Another species is the Ross Turaco, displaying dark purple or blue plumage with short, red crest and a yellow beak. They also show a patch of crimson on their wings while flying.
Little Bee Eater
Living up to its name, the little bee-eater is a tiny bird measuring 15 to 17 cm in length. They are found solitary or in small groups near a water source, preferably in bushes or trees such as Mara’s riverine habitats. They are one of the brightly spotted birds with green back, wings, and tail, a yellow throat, and a signature black band running across it. Their main diet consists of bees, wasps, and hornets. Before they eat, they repeatedly hit the insect against a hard surface to remove the stinger. Little bee-eaters are a resident species of Mara with common sightings.
Starlings
Superb Starling is a chunky and common birds you can see at Ilora, known for its beautiful plumage. While its back, throat, and wings are a deep shade of blue, its belly has a rich reddish-orange hue with a black head and a white chest band. Another starling species is the Ruppell’s starling. When compared to the Superb starling, Ruppell’s starling is a long and large bird with iridescent, glossy plumage of blue and black. Its long tail appears purple under the light.
These starling species are scattered across open grasslands, savannahs, woodlands and acacia scrubs. Spotting this bird is common as they are not afraid of people but rather approach human settlements with ease. They are found in huge flocks and are highly social.
Lilac-breasted roller
Among the birds seen in Masai Mara, it is impossible to miss the lilac-breasted roller with its stunning display of colors. These medium-sized birds have a signature lilac throat, green head, and sky blue belly, while their back and wings are shades of brown and dark blue. They also have a distinguishing long tail. They are known for impressive courtship dances performed by males where they dive from an elevated height with a rolling motion, hence earning ‘rollers’ in their name. These birds are found in open savannahs, grasslands, and woodlands of Masai Mara, often perched upon bushes and trees.
Kori Bustard
Kori bustard is a terrestrial bird, measuring at least 4.2 feet tall with long legs and an extended neck. It has a grey- brown back, white belly, and a short crest of black feathers atop its head. Their habitats include woodlands and grasslands as they spend most of their time walking on the ground, looking for food at a slow pace. They are known for their unique courtship display where the male Kori Bustard puffs out its throat twice the normal size and spreads its enormous wings before making a deep booming sound.
Grey-Crowned Crane
An elegant crane species, the grey-crowned crane appears blue and grey with a mix of black and white plumage, red throat, and adorned with a yellow crown of feathers on their head. They are tall in size, standing up to one metre in height. They prefer to dwell near wetlands and water sources, but are also found in other habitats due to their foraging behaviour. During the breeding season, these cranes perform elaborate courtship dances. Although these birds are regarded as endangered, Masai Mara has managed to protect these species greatly.
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
This pigeon-like bird is a bulky and short-legged, with olive brown plumage, yellow throat and chin. The males sport a black collar on their neck while females have dark mottling on their crown and nape. These birds prefer arid regions and dry grasslands where they are typically seen walking on open grounds. Despite their sizable build, they are fast fliers and take off rapidly when startled.
Bird Watching Tours at Ilora Retreat
At Ilora Retreat, our bird watching tours offer a serene and immersive way to connect with the feathered beauty of the Masai Mara. Guided by expert naturalists, guests can explore a rich variety of habitats—open plains, acacia woodlands, and riverbanks—each teeming with avian life. From the vivid flashes of lilac-breasted rollers to the stealthy movements of crowned cranes, every outing reveals a new feathered wonder. Whether you’re an avid birder or a curious beginner, the birds of Masai Mara promise a rewarding and beautiful experience amid nature’s chorus. With binoculars in one hand and a checklist in the other, spend your holiday birding and marvel at the phenomenal avifauna, keeping Masai Mara alive.