Discover the Birds of the Serengeti: Top Species to Spot on Safari

Discover the Birds of the Serengeti: Top Species to Spot on Safari

Birds may not belong to Tanzania’s Big Five, but they still contribute significantly to the Serengeti ecosystem. The country is home to over 1100 bird species, with as many as 500 of them visible in the Serengeti.

Welcome to our detailed guide on the Birds of the Serengeti. Here, we will talk about the most spotable species that can be seen without binoculars, the rare ones that demand a keen eye, and the downright bizarre ones you’ll never forget once you spot them.

Why You Should Go Birding in Tanzania

Let’s be honest. When most people think of a safari, they picture lions lounging in the grass or elephants stomping through the savannah. But here’s the secret: the birds are just as wild, just as wonderful, and way more colorful.

Birding in Tanzania, especially in the Serengeti, isn’t just for hardcore birdwatchers with fancy binoculars and checklists. It’s for anyone who’s ever paused to admire a flash of color in the trees or wondered what bird made that weird-cool sound overhead. With over 1,100 species fluttering through Tanzania’s skies (yep, that’s more than in all of North America), there’s something new to spot around every bend in the trail.

And the Serengeti? It’s a birdwatcher’s dream. From the open plains to wooded riverbanks, every corner of this iconic landscape is buzzing, chirping, and squawking with life. Be it your first safari or your fifth, looking up might just be the most underrated thrill of the trip.

If you’re planning bird watching safaris in Tanzania or just hoping to glimpse a few birds in the Serengeti between game drives, you’re in for a treat because the birds of Tanzania are every bit as exciting as the Big Five.

Uncover all the Types of Safaris in Africa

Birds in the Serengeti

You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the sheer variety of birds in the Serengeti. They practically put on a show. One moment you’re watching a massive eagle soaring overhead, the next you’re laughing at a hornbill hopping around like it owns the place. That’s the beauty of a safari: the surprises never stop, especially when it comes to these feathered stars. 

The big game might be the headliner of your trip, but the safari birds bring the drama, the colors, and the quirky behaviors that stick in your memory long after it ends.

Birds of the Serengeti - Superb Starling
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Superb Starling

You will see starlings in all kinds of colors. Some might be a bit dull, while others, like the superb starling, stand out from the crowd. It has a vivid plumage with a glossy head, back, and tail, a distinct orange-brown chest & belly, and bright blue wings. Its bill is black, and its eyes are pale yellow, and while males and females have similar colors, males usually exhibit a slightly brighter plumage.

The species is found in multiple habitats, including savannahs, woodlands, grasslands, agricultural areas, and scrublands, but it’s not a big fan of high-humidity locations. Despite this, they’re adaptable safari birds that thrive in both rural and wild landscapes. You can typically spot them in medium-sized flocks because superb starlings are a social species that engage in stunning aerial displays, especially during the breeding months.

Grey Crowned Crane
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Grey Crowned Crane

Another iconic East African species, and the national bird of Tanzania (which borders the west of Tanzania). It’s an absolutely magnificent work of art with a tall body, long neck, and long legs. You won’t mistake it for any other safari bird, thanks to its namesake crown of golden feathers. The rest of the plumage is grey, with a white upper neck, black-and-white lower neck, and an inflatable red throat sac.

Grey-crowned cranes are usually found in lakes, rivers, and swamps, where there’s a good source of food and safe roosting places. While these cranes are mostly found in small family groups, bigger flocks of up to 150 birds aren’t entirely unheard of.

The species is particularly fascinating in that they are skilled dancers and engage in unique courtship displays, like bowing, leaping, and calling, to attract mates and strengthen pair bonds.

Martial Eagle
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Martial Eagle

Now here’s a bird that means business. The martial eagle is one of the largest and most powerful eagles in all of Africa, and it definitely looks the part. With its piercing yellow eyes, heavily speckled belly, and a massive wingspan that can stretch up to 8 feet, this raptor doesn’t just soar… it dominates the skies.

Unlike the more social species you’ll spot fluttering in flocks, the martial eagle prefers a solitary life, often seen perched high on a tree, scanning the plains for prey. And no, it’s not going after insects. This bird can take down small antelopes, monkeys, and even young warthogs. It’s not one to mess with.

These apex predators are found in open woodlands and savannahs across Tanzania and are a true prize for anyone interested in birding safari Tanzania experiences. Catching a glimpse of one in flight is unforgettable. It’s like watching a silent shadow glide across the Serengeti with complete control.

Lilac-Breasted Roller
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Lilac-Breasted Roller

Another widely distributed species famous for its multicolored plumage. It has a turquoise belly, lilac-hued throat and breast, and a cobalt-blue back. The wings are adorned with bright patches of blue, black, and green, while its tail features long feathers and graduated ends in streamers.

Its eyes are surrounded by a thin white ring, and the bill is stout and black. Though not large birds, they’re easy to spot, especially atop dead trees and along power lines. You might even catch a glimpse of their acrobatic flight shows, including swoops and aerial pursuits, which help them trap insects on their wings. Lilac-breasted rollers are actually quite vicious and aggressive, often beating prey against rigid surfaces into more manageable mouthfuls.

Ostrich
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Ostrich

Instantly recognizable and huge, the ostrich is commonly seen throughout birding safaris in the Serengeti. These flightless safari birds run at speeds over 45 miles per hour, making them the fastest in the world. Male ostriches have black feathers, giving them a stealthy look at night, while females have grey-brown plumage to provide good camouflage during the day.

Ostriches make a range of sounds, like loud booming, whistles, and snorts, when predators are around, so it’s not uncommon to hear them before you see them!

Greater Flamingo
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Greater Flamingo

If there’s one bird that knows how to stand out in a crowd, it’s the greater flamingo. With its long, stilt-like legs, curved neck, and bubblegum-pink feathers, this bird looks like it walked straight out of a dream (or a watercolor painting 😉). It’s the largest of all flamingo species and is often seen in large, synchronized flocks wading through the shallow waters of soda lakes and wetlands.

You’ll spot them filtering through the water with their signature downward-curved bills, scooping up algae, crustaceans, and tiny invertebrates that give them that iconic pink glow. And when they take flight? It’s pure magic. Their extended legs trail behind like ribbons while flashes of black underwings contrast with their pastel bodies.

They’re not just a highlight of your photo roll, but a highlight of any Serengeti safari, especially for travelers chasing the beauty of birds of Tanzania Africa in their most vibrant form.

Secretary Bird
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Secretary Bird

The secretary bird is what happens when evolution gets creative. Its long, slender legs, crisp black-and-grey plumage, and striking head crest almost make it look like it’s wearing a tailored suit. Standing over four feet tall, this bird moves gracefully across the grasslands, more often on foot than in flight, making it one of the few raptors that hunt primarily from the ground.

Unlike most birds of prey, secretary birds don’t soar for their meals. They walk them down. These terrestrial hunters are famous for stomping on snakes (including venomous ones) with their powerful legs, making them both fierce and fascinating to watch. You’ll often see them roaming the grasslands solo or in pairs, their feathers fluffed slightly in the breeze, scanning the ground for movement.

It’s no wonder they’ve become a fan favorite among those exploring the unique types of birds in Tanzania. The moment you spot one marching through the savannah like a feathered supermodel, you’ll understand why they leave such a lasting impression.

Check out more birds: 23 Birds in Chobe National Park

When to Go Bird Watching in Tanzania

Tanzania is a year-round birding destination, but if you want the absolute best sightings (with vibrant plumage, courtship displays, and migratory visitors), timing matters.

The prime season for bird watching in the Serengeti (and beyond) is from November to April. This is when the resident birds are joined by migratory species from Europe and northern Africa, turning the skies into a kaleidoscope of color and sound. It also happens to be the breeding season, so you’ll catch birds in their brightest feathers, singing and showing off in ways they usually don’t.

The wet season during these months also brings out insects, which means more food for birds, and, of course, more action for you to witness. It’s a photographer’s dream and a must for anyone hoping to spot the rarer birds found in Tanzania.

That said, the dry season (June to October) still offers excellent sightings, especially of raptors and larger safari birds, who are easier to spot when the grasses are low and the skies are clear. So no matter when you go, you won’t be disappointed.
If you’re planning a trip with birding in mind, consider booking with companies that offer dedicated Tanzania birding tours.

Explore our itineraries: Tanzania Tours

They’ll know exactly where to go and what to look for, turning a casual game drive into a treasure hunt for winged wonders.

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Christa

Christa is a passionate traveler and storyteller who shares inspiring, informative content to help others explore the world more meaningfully. She loves highlighting hidden gems, cultural experiences, and the kind of adventures that stay with you long after the journey ends.

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