11 Jun Kenya: A Birder’s Guide to Endemic Species
Kenya, a nation renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife, is also a paradise for avid birders seeking to witness some of the world’s most unique and elusive bird species.
Among the country’s rich avifauna are ten endemic species found nowhere else on earth.
See our list below as a general guide to Kenya’s endemic bird species and where we tend to find them on our Kenya Birding Tours.
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1. William's Lark (Mirafra williamsi)
Found exclusively in the arid rangelands of northern Kenya, the Williams’s Lark is a true jewel of the region. This unassuming yet striking bird can be spotted in the Shaba National Reserve, where its distinctive and loud “tsireet” call can be heard across the semi-desert scrublands. With patience and a keen eye, you may catch a glimpse of this elusive species as it forages for insects among the sparse vegetation.
2. Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis)
The verdant Taita Hills, located in southeastern Kenya, are home to the Taita Apalis, a diminutive warbler with a distinctive black throat. It is one of the rarest birds in the world, where the population is currently estimated at 300–650 mature individuals. This enchanting and rare endemic of Kenya flits among the thick undergrowth. Patient birders may be rewarded with sightings of this charismatic species as it moves through the dappled sunlight of the forest floor.
3. Taita Thrush (Turdus helleri)
Sharing the same fragmented Taita Hills as the Taita Apalis, the Taita Thrush is another endemic found exclusively in this region. A striking relative of the familiar American Robin, this thrush can be spotted foraging on the forest floor, its rich, melodious song echoing through the lush greenery. These two species are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and are now classed as endangered, making their conservation a priority with an estimated population of about 1,400 individuals.
4. Taita White-eye (Zosterops silvanus)
The Taita Hills are also home to the enchanting Taita White-eye, a diminutive bird with striking yellow and white circle covering the eye. Classed as vulnerable this delightful species flits among the foliage of its cloud forest habitat and can often be observed in mixed flocks with the Pale White-eye.
All three of the Taita endemics are almost guaranteed on our birding tours in Kenya (yes, we’re that confident!).
5. Tana River Cisticola (Cisticola restrictus)
The riparian woodlands along the Tana River in eastern Kenya has a remarkable species, the Tana River Cisticola. The large, streak-backed, long-tailed upland cisticola is a mysterious bird that has not been observed since the 1970s. Although considered a true endemic of Kenya, there is speculation that it may also be found in Somalia.
6. Aberdare Cisticola (Cisticola aberdare)
Further west, in the Aberdare Mountain Range, lies the domain of the Aberdare Cisticola, a closely related species found only in the high-altitude grassland and bamboo forests of this iconic range. This unassuming bird, with its distinctive call ‘peeuu tew tew’ and other short trills, can be spotted flitting among the dense vegetation. It is believed to be monogamous, solitary and territorial. It breeds from January through May and August through November, building a nest out of a flimsy ball of branches and leaves.
7. Kikuyu White-eye (Zosterops kikuyuensis)
Another member of the white-eye family, the Kikuyu White-eye, is found exclusively in central Kenya, in the Aberdare Mountains and on Mount Kenya. This diminutive bird, with its striking plumage, can be spotted flitting among the canopies of its forest habitat, its melodious song of subdued, chatty sequence of “chew” notes. Somewhat similar to African Yellow and Pale White-eyes, but found at higher elevations, and eye-ring is much broader. This lovely endemic is always a nice addition on our Kenya Birding Tours
8. Hinde's Babbler (Turdoides hindei)
This social and gregarious species, with its distinctive scaly markings and red-orange eyes, can be found foraging in noisy family groups among the dense undergrowth. Found very locally at middle elevations in central Kenya, in thickets, remnant natural forest, and scrub. Usually located by the raspy babbling call, typically given by a whole group in chorus.
9. Clarke's Weaver (Ploceus golandi)
The elusive Clarke’s Weaver, is always a tough one to find, where Dakatcha Woodlands on the coast of Kenya tends to be the best place to see it. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and is threatened by continued habitat loss. Usually found in active flocks. Somewhat similar to Forest Weaver, but separated by many details, including the yellow wing edges. Vocalisations are typical of weavers: “chek” notes and a squealing, sizzling song, often given by a whole group in concert.
10. Sharpe's Longclaw (Macronyx sharpei)
The rolling grasslands of the Kinangop Plateau, situated in the central highlands of Kenya, are the exclusive home of the Sharpe’s Longclaw. This striking bird, with its distinctive black-and-white plumage and elongated tail feathers, can be seen perching on low shrubs or performing its captivating display flights amid the swaying grasses. The Kikuyu people call it gathonjo ka werũ-ini, meaning “a weaver-like bird that lives only in the grasslands”. The English name commemorates the British 19th century ornithologist Richard Bowdler Sharpe.
We tend to have a very high success rate when spotting the Sharpe’s Longclaw on our Kenya Birding Tours, and is always a joy seeing this rare endemic.
When joining us on a birding tour in Kenya, it is essential to be mindful of the delicate ecosystems that these endemic species call home. Many of these endemics are found in fragmented habitats and are particularly vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation. By supporting conservation efforts and leaving a low impacts in their habitats, we can ensure that we preserve these wonderful birds and also help future generations of birders and nature enthusiasts can continue to see them.
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