Birds in Masai Mara

The Masai Mara National Reserve is not only famous for its Big Five and dramatic migrations but also for its rich birdlife. The Mara’s diverse ecosystems—from open grasslands and rivers to woodlands and savannahs—provide ideal habitats for a wide range of bird species. Birdwatchers visiting the Mara can expect to see everything from large eagles and vultures to colorful kingfishers and sunbirds. This guide will walk you through some of the most notable bird species found in the Masai Mara, their habitats, behaviors, and where to spot them.

Large Birds of Prey in Masai Mara

Martial Eagle

Overview: The martial eagle is Africa’s largest eagle and a dominant predator in the Masai Mara skies. With its powerful talons and keen eyesight, it is capable of taking down prey as large as small antelope and monkeys.
Habitat: Found in open grasslands and wooded areas, especially where tall trees provide good perching and nesting spots.
Behavior: Martial eagles are solitary hunters, often seen soaring high above the plains in search of prey. They are known for their incredible strength and ability to swoop down on their prey with precision.

Bateleur Eagle

Overview: Known for its distinctive short tail and vivid coloration, the Bateleur eagle is one of the most recognizable raptors in the Masai Mara. Its acrobatic flying style and bold black, white, and red plumage make it easy to spot.
Habitat: Bateleurs are commonly found in woodlands and savannahs, often perched high in trees or seen gliding above open plains.
Behavior: These eagles are primarily scavengers, often seen feeding on carcasses left by other predators. They are also skilled hunters, preying on small mammals and birds.

Secretary Bird

Overview: The secretary bird is a unique and striking bird of prey known for its long legs and impressive height. Although it belongs to the raptor family, it hunts on foot, stalking through the grasslands in search of snakes and small mammals.
Habitat: Commonly found in open grasslands, where it hunts for prey on the ground.
Behavior: Secretary birds are known for their methodical hunting style, often stamping on their prey to stun or kill it. Their long legs help protect them from snake bites as they hunt reptiles.

Vultures

Rüppell’s Vulture

Overview: The Rüppell’s vulture is one of the highest-flying birds in the world and a critical part of the Mara’s ecosystem. Vultures are scavengers that play a crucial role in cleaning up carcasses after large predators have finished feeding.
Habitat: Vultures are often seen circling above the Mara’s open plains, particularly near predator kills.
Behavior: Rüppell’s vultures gather in large groups at carcasses, where they use their strong beaks to tear apart tough hides. They have keen eyesight and can spot carrion from great distances.

White-backed Vulture

Overview: The white-backed vulture is another common species in the Mara and is often seen alongside other vultures at carcasses. It is smaller than the Rüppell’s vulture but equally important as a scavenger.
Habitat: Found in open grasslands and woodlands, often near predator feeding sites.
Behavior: White-backed vultures are social birds, often seen feeding in large groups. They have a highly developed sense of smell and are capable of flying long distances in search of food.

Waterbirds and Waders

African Fish Eagle

Overview: The African fish eagle is a large and majestic bird of prey, known for its distinctive call that is often described as the sound of Africa. It is primarily found near water bodies where it hunts for fish.
Habitat: Found near rivers, lakes, and marshes, particularly along the Mara River.
Behavior: African fish eagles hunt by swooping down to snatch fish from the water with their powerful talons. They are also opportunistic feeders, taking small mammals, birds, and carrion when fish are scarce.

Goliath Heron

Overview: The Goliath heron is the largest heron species in the world and a common sight in the Mara’s wetlands. Its impressive size and slow, deliberate movements make it a standout among the region’s waterbirds.
Habitat: Found along rivers, lakes, and marshes, particularly in areas with plenty of shallow water for hunting.
Behavior: Goliath herons are solitary hunters, often seen standing motionless in shallow water, waiting to spear fish or frogs with their long, sharp beak.

Saddle-billed Stork

Overview: The saddle-billed stork is a large, striking waterbird with a distinctive red and black bill that resembles a saddle. It is one of the most colorful and easily recognizable storks in the Mara.
Habitat: Found in wetlands, rivers, and marshes.
Behavior: These storks are skilled hunters, feeding on fish, frogs, and small reptiles. They often forage in pairs and are known for their patience when hunting.

Colorful Birds

Lilac-breasted Roller

Overview: The lilac-breasted roller is one of the most photographed birds in the Masai Mara due to its vibrant plumage, which includes shades of blue, green, and lilac. This small bird is often seen perched on trees, scanning the ground for insects.
Habitat: Found in open savannahs and woodlands, often perched on high vantage points.
Behavior: Rollers hunt by diving down from their perch to catch insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. They are highly territorial and perform dramatic aerial displays during mating season.

Superb Starling

Overview: The superb starling is a brilliantly colored bird with a metallic blue and green body and a distinctive white breast band. These social birds are common throughout the Mara and are often seen in large flocks.
Habitat: Found in grasslands, woodlands, and around camps and lodges, where they scavenge for food.
Behavior: Superb starlings are highly social and often form large flocks. They feed on insects, fruits, and seeds and are known for their boldness around humans.

Smaller Birds

Pygmy Kingfisher

Overview: The pygmy kingfisher is one of the smallest and most colorful kingfisher species found in the Mara. Despite its small size, this bird is a skilled hunter of insects and small invertebrates.
Habitat: Found near rivers, streams, and wooded areas.
Behavior: Pygmy kingfishers are solitary birds that hunt by perching low to the ground and diving onto their prey. They are often difficult to spot due to their size but are a delightful find for keen birdwatchers.

Yellow-throated Longclaw

Overview: The yellow-throated longclaw is a striking bird with a bright yellow chest and throat, often seen in the grasslands of the Mara. Its resemblance to a meadowlark makes it easy to identify.
Habitat: Prefers open grasslands and savannahs, where it forages for insects.
Behavior: Longclaws are ground-dwelling birds that feed primarily on insects and seeds. They are often seen in small flocks and are known for their melodious calls.

Final Thoughts

The Masai Mara is not only a paradise for big game enthusiasts but also a haven for birdwatchers. Whether you’re interested in spotting large raptors like the martial eagle or colorful species like the lilac-breasted roller, the Mara offers endless opportunities for bird enthusiasts. With habitats ranging from open grasslands to riverine forests, the reserve attracts a wide variety of bird species that can be observed year-round.