Birds

Ostrich, vultures, eagles and more!

Birds

Large Birds

Ostrich

King of the Plains

Towering over the savanna, the ostrich is the world's largest bird, reaching heights of up to nine feet! Boasting powerful legs and bold personalities, these flightless giants are herbivores that play a crucial role in shaping the African ecosystem.

Flock Together

Ostriches live in social groups called herds, typically comprising females and their young led by a dominant male. Communication through vocalizations and body language helps maintain social order and coordinate movements within the herd. Playful interactions among chicks strengthen social bonds and prepare them for adulthood.

Hunters and Hunted

Primarily herbivores, ostriches feed on leaves, fruits, and seeds. Their incredible speed, reaching up to 45 mph, allows them to escape most predators. However, young chicks and eggs are vulnerable to jackals, lions, and other opportunistic carnivores.

Size Surprise

Did you know? Not only are ostriches the largest birds, but they also lay the world's biggest eggs! An ostrich egg can weigh up to three pounds and be as large as a melon.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Secretary Bird

Feathered Guardian

Standing tall with piercing eyes and a distinctive crest, the secretary bird is a majestic predator known for its snake-hunting prowess. This unique bird patrols the savanna on long legs, utilizing its keen eyesight and powerful talons to dominate the open plains.

Cooperative Community

Unlike most raptors, secretary birds often live in pairs or even small family groups. They cooperate in hunting and raising their young, demonstrating intelligence and complex social interactions. Communication through vocalizations and displays helps maintain social bonds and coordinate their activities.

Master Predator on Legs

Don't let the feathers fool you! Secretary birds are skilled hunters, primarily targeting snakes, including venomous ones. Their powerful legs deliver powerful kicks, their sharp beak inflicts lethal blows, and their thick scales offer protection from bites. They also supplement their diet with lizards, insects, and small mammals.

A Quill of Mystery

Did you know? The name "secretary bird" likely originates from the quill-like feathers at the back of their heads, resembling quill pens used by 19th-century secretaries. However, another theory suggests the name derives from the Arabic term "saqr-et-tair," meaning "hunter bird."

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Kori Bustard

Master of the Steppe

Standing tall with striking black-and-white markings, the Kori Bustard is the largest flying bird native to Africa. These majestic striders roam the savannas and grasslands, playing a vital role in the ecosystem as both herbivores and insectivores.

A Solitary Dance

Unlike many other bustards, Kori Bustards are primarily solitary creatures. Males perform elaborate displays during mating season, puffing out their chest feathers and raising their tails to attract females. Communication through booming calls and body language plays a role in territorial defense and courtship.

A Feast from the Ground Up

Kori Bustards are primarily omnivores, feeding on leaves, fruits, insects, and even small animals. Their powerful beaks and long legs allow them to efficiently explore the ground for food, filling an important niche in the savanna ecosystem. They often follow herds of antelope, benefiting from the insects disturbed by their movement.

Size Does Matter

Did you know? The Kori Bustard is not only the largest flying bird in Africa, but also one of the heaviest in the world! Males can weigh up to 40 kilograms, with wingspans reaching up to 3 meters. Despite their size, they are surprisingly agile fliers, taking to the air for short bursts to escape predators or move between feeding grounds.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Kitulo National Park

Marabou Stork

Nature's Scavenger

Towering over the African savanna with bald heads and pink neck pouches, Marabou Storks are not your typical beauty queens. Yet, these scavengers play a vital role in the ecosystem, cleaning up carcasses and preventing disease outbreaks. Their impressive size and unique appearance make them unforgettable encounters.

Life in a Loose Flock

Unlike most storks, Marabous don't form permanent pairs. They gather in loose flocks, often near human settlements or waste dumps, where food is readily available. Communication through guttural croaks and body postures helps maintain social order within the group.

Masters of Waste Disposal

Don't be fooled by their appearance! Marabous have powerful beaks and stomachs well-adapted to digest carrion. They follow predators like lions and hyenas, readily cleaning up leftovers and preventing the spread of diseases that could harm other animals. They also scavenge in landfills, contributing to waste management in human settlements.

Inflatable Mystery

Did you know? Male Marabous have large, inflatable neck pouches that turn bright red during breeding displays. The function of these pouches is still debated, but they might attract females and intimidate rivals. Their unique appearance has earned them nicknames like "undertaker bird" and "preacher bird."

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Lake Manyara National Park

Birds of Prey

Martial Eagle

Sovereign of the Savannah

Towering over the savanna with piercing eyes and powerful talons, the Martial Eagle is Africa's largest and most powerful raptor. Known for their unwavering dominance and predatory skills, these apex predators reign supreme over vast open grasslands and woodlands.

A Life of Solitude

Unlike other eagles, Martial Eagles are predominantly solitary creatures, except during breeding season. They exhibit strong territoriality, fiercely defending their hunting grounds from potential rivals. Communication through loud calls and impressive aerial displays helps maintain social order and attract mates.

From Soar to Strike

Martial Eagles are skilled hunters, primarily targeting medium-sized mammals like antelope, hares, and even young boars. Their hunting technique is unique, involving soaring high above the savanna and then launching a spectacular stoop upon spotting prey, delivering powerful blows with their talons.

Myth and Might

Did you know? Myths and legends surround the Martial Eagle's strength, claiming they can crush a man's skull with their talons. While exaggerated, their grip is indeed powerful, showcasing their fearsome reputation as apex predators. However, the biggest threat to their population isn't physical strength, but habitat loss and human conflict.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Mkomazi National Park

Bateleur Eagle

Acrobatic Avenger

The Bateleur Eagle is a distinctive sight in the African skies, easily identified by its short tail, black plumage, and contrasting red face and feet. These aerial masters perform stunning acrobatics while soaring low over savannas, hunting primarily for reptiles and small mammals.

A Solitary Soarer

Unlike many eagles, Bateleurs are usually solitary creatures, except during breeding season. They communicate through vocalizations and body language, and their unique flight displays may serve to attract mates or defend territories. These eagles are highly adapted to their solo lifestyle, with keen eyesight and agile maneuvering capabilities.

Dance for Dinner

Did you know? Bateleurs are known for their spectacular aerial hunting techniques. They perform dives, rolls, and even "sunbathing" poses (spreading their wings wide open) to attract potential prey, mainly snakes and lizards. Their short tails and broad wings allow for unmatched maneuverability during these captivating displays.

A Friend in the Underground

Bateleurs often share their nests with other smaller birds, such as hornbills and starlings. These smaller birds benefit from the eagle's protection, while the eagle gains early warnings of potential threats. This unique mutualistic relationship demonstrates the interconnectedness of life on the savanna.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

White-Backed Vultures

Guardians of the Savanna

Soaring gracefully over the plains with their distinctive white rumps, white-backed vultures are nature's clean-up crew. These scavengers play a crucial role in the African ecosystem by consuming carrion, preventing disease outbreaks, and maintaining a healthy environment.

A Community Feast

Unlike solitary hunters, white-backed vultures gather in large groups, sometimes exceeding hundreds, at carcasses. This social behavior allows them to efficiently consume large amounts of meat and maintain dominance hierarchies within the flock. Communication through vocalizations and body language helps coordinate their movements and feeding activities.

A Taste for Carrion

White-backed vultures are obligate scavengers, meaning their diet solely consists of carrion. Their keen eyesight and powerful beaks allow them to locate rotting carcasses from great distances, contributing significantly to the decomposition process and reducing the risk of diseases spreading from decaying animals.

A Winged Paradox

Did you know? Despite their vital role in the ecosystem, white-backed vulture populations are unfortunately declining due to various threats, including habitat loss, poisoning, and cultural beliefs. While they often feed on carcasses poisoned by poachers, they become unintentional victims, highlighting the interconnectedness of the environment and the need for conservation efforts.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Ruaha National Park

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Hooded Vultures

The Savanna's Shadow Dweller

Smaller than its scavenging cousins, the Hooded Vulture is a scruffy-looking yet fascinating resident of the savanna. This adaptable scavenger, characterized by its dark brown plumage and white "collar," plays a valuable role in clearing away carrion and maintaining ecosystem health.

A Life on the Fringe

Unlike larger vultures, Hooded Vultures often tolerate human presence and scavenge near villages and garbage dumps. They may live in small groups but primarily forage individually, relying on their keen eyesight to locate food scraps and small carcasses. Vocalizations and body language are used for communication within their loose social groups.

Clever Cleanup Crew

Though often displaced by larger vultures at fresh carcasses, Hooded Vultures are resourceful scavengers. They utilize their sharp beaks and strong talons to tear into smaller carcasses, consuming insects, eggs, and other food scraps overlooked by their larger competitors. This unique niche feeding helps maintain a balanced ecosystem.

A Blushful Beauty

Did you know? The Hooded Vulture's bare head changes color based on its emotional state. When agitated or anxious, the white skin flushes bright pink, resembling a blush. This unique adaptation might function in communication or regulating body temperature.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Waterfowl

Flamingos

Masters of Pink Elegance

Graceful wading birds known for their vibrant pink plumage and captivating filter-feeding technique. Flamingos stand tall on long legs, their unique beaks scooping algae and plankton from shallow waters. Social creatures, they often flock in mesmerizing numbers, adding a touch of magic to diverse landscapes.

Pride and Power

From millions-strong colonies to synchronized courtship displays, flamingo social life thrives on intricate communication and hierarchy. Honks, grunts, and unique body language paint a picture of complex social interactions within these pink-feathered wonders.

Hunter and Hunted

Flamingos utilize their specialized beaks to sift food from water, primarily consuming algae, plankton, and small invertebrates. While their pink coloration comes from pigments in their diet and large flocks offer some protection, they remain vulnerable to predators like birds of prey and crocodiles.

Roar of a Fact

Despite their pink feathers, flamingo chicks are born grey! They acquire their iconic color as they mature, thanks to carotenoid pigments in their diet.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Lake Natron

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Egyptian Goose

Nile Jewel with a Bold Beak

This striking African waterfowl isn't your typical goose. Sporting a brown and grey coat, contrasting white wing patches, and a distinctive dark patch around its eyes, the Egyptian Goose graces the Nile Valley and beyond with its unique charm. These confident birds strut across land and water, often seen grazing or bobbing gracefully on the surface.

Partners in Paradise

While not exclusively monogamous, Egyptian Geese often form strong pair bonds, staying together through breeding and raising their young cooperatively. The iconic red knob at the base of their beak appears to play a role in establishing dominance and attracting mates. Their loud honks and hisses form their language, ensuring smooth communication between pairs and families.

A Feast Fit for a Goose

These opportunistic omnivores enjoy a varied diet. From grazing on tender grasses and seeds to dabbling for aquatic plants and invertebrates, they adapt their menus to their environment. Although larger birds and mammals might pose a threat, their vigilance and strong family bonds help them thrive in diverse habitats.

From Pharaohs to Fountains

Did you know? Egyptian Geese were revered in ancient Egypt, often depicted in hieroglyphics and considered sacred symbols. Today, they hold a special place in many cultures and even grace ornamental ponds and parks worldwide, reflecting their adaptability and captivating presence.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

White-Faced Whistling Duck

This charming duck struts its stuff across Tanzanian savannas and wetlands. Its striking black and white head, chestnut neck, and long legs give it a distinctive look. Their namesake whistle, clear and three-noted, echoes across the landscape as they forage for food in large, noisy flocks.

Family Ties Built on Whistles and Wanderlust

These ducks are social butterflies, forming strong pair bonds and raising their young cooperatively. Their whistling communication keeps families connected, especially vital as they roam across diverse habitats. While not strictly migratory, they follow food and water availability, showcasing their adaptable nature.

Omnivores on the Move

From dawn to dusk, these busy ducks are on the hunt. They primarily snack on seeds and aquatic plants, but their menu extends to insects, small invertebrates, and even fruits. Being mainly active at night helps them avoid daytime predators like birds of prey and larger mammals.

Whistling Warriors with Hidden Talent

Unlike most ducks, White-Faced Whistling Ducks can climb! Their sharp claws allow them to scale trees and nest in cavities, offering unique protection for their young. This unexpected skill adds another layer of intrigue to these versatile and fascinating birds.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Ruaha National Park

Tarangire National Park

Great White Pelican

Majestic Fisherman with a Bag of Tricks

Towering over other birds with its wingspan reaching 11 feet, the Great White Pelican is a sight to behold. Its snow-white plumage, enormous yellow bill, and pouch hanging beneath create an unforgettable image. Watch them gracefully soar and glide overhead, then gracefully dip their beaks to scoop up unsuspecting fish.

Colony Life: Cooperation & Competition

These impressive birds are highly social, forming massive breeding colonies that can exceed 2 million individuals. Within these colonies, complex hierarchies establish dominance and ensure breeding success. Elaborate courtship displays and synchronized dives showcase their fascinating social interactions.

Masters of Aquatic Buffet: Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Forget dainty nibbles! These formidable feeders work together, herding fish into shallows with their wings and scooping them up in their massive pouches. Their diet primarily consists of small fish, but they may also consume crustaceans and amphibians. While large size offers some protection, they remain vulnerable to eagles and crocodiles.

Pink Chicks, Big Appetite: More Than Just Pretty Feathers

Did you know? Great White Pelican chicks are born gray and develop their iconic white plumage later! Their unique pouched beaks not only store food but also regulate their body temperature. This incredible adaptation highlights their impressive evolutionary journey.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Lake Natron

Serengeti National Park

Ngorongoro Crater

Songbirds

African Hoopoe

Crowned Jewel of the Savannah

This captivating bird stands out with its vibrant plumage and unique appearance. Boasting a chestnut-colored crest, black and white striped wings and tail, and a long, slightly curved bill, the African Hoopoe adds a touch of exotic charm to the savannah landscape. Watch them gracefully stride across the ground, probing soil with their beaks, their distinctive "hoo-poo" call echoing across the plains.

Solitary Life with a Family Twist

Unlike many social birds, African Hoopoes primarily lead solitary lives, except during breeding season. Pairs form strong bonds, diligently taking turns incubating eggs and feeding their young. The unique courtship display involves both partners bowing and bobbing their heads, showcasing their intricate communication.

Insectivore Extraordinaire: From Grubs to Caterpillars

Their long, curved bills act as specialized tools for their insectivorous diet. Probing the soil, dung, and decaying wood, they unearth grubs, beetles, caterpillars, and other invertebrates. Although formidable hunters, they remain vulnerable to larger birds of prey like falcons and owls.

Showering in...Dung? A Bird of Surprises

Did you know? African Hoopoes engage in a curious behavior called "anting." They roll around in and even throw ant or beetle dung over their feathers. This may help repel parasites and keep them cool in the hot African sun. This unexpected habit adds another layer of intrigue to these fascinating birds.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Ruaha National Park

Mkomazi National Park

Tanzanian Masked Weaver

Masked Marvel of the Swamplands

This captivating weaver stands out in the Tanzanian wetlands with its contrasting plumage. Sporting a black facial mask and olive-green back, the male's vibrant orange breast and flanks add a splash of color. Watch them busily constructing elaborate woven nests, their energetic songs filling the air.

Colony Chaos with Cooperative Care

These social birds thrive in noisy, boisterous colonies. Breeding pairs cooperate in nest building, sharing incubation duties, and feeding their young. Their elaborate courtship displays involve males fluffing their feathers and singing complex songs to attract mates.

Seed Specialists with Selective Palates

These opportunistic foragers primarily depend on seeds, grains, and insects found in and around their swampy habitat. They may also consume fruits and nectar, adapting their diet to seasonal availability. While their large numbers offer some protection, they remain vulnerable to birds of prey like hawks and owls.

Underwater Escape Artist: More Than Just a Pretty Weaver

Did you know? Tanzania Masked Weavers can escape predators by diving underwater and swimming along the bottom of swamps. This unique skill, along with their complex social behavior and vibrant plumage, makes them fascinating denizens of the wetlands.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park

Serengeti National Park

Ugalla River Game Reserve

Greater Honeyguide

Bird with a Deal: Leading Humans to Sweet Rewards

This unique bird isn't your typical insect-eater. With distinctive brown and white plumage and a pink bill, the Greater Honeyguide earns its name by "guiding" humans (and sometimes honey badgers) to hidden beehives. Their persistent calls and flitting behavior attract attention, leading the way to their desired sugary prize.

Solitary Guides with Teamwork in Sight

While primarily solitary, these birds form temporary partnerships with their "guides." Vocal communication plays a crucial role, with honeyguides using specific calls to direct humans and even adjust behavior based on their response. This unusual symbiosis benefits both parties, highlighting the power of interspecies cooperation.

Sweet Rewards and Risky Business

Once the hive is revealed, the honeyguide feasts on beeswax and larvae, leaving humans with the honey. While beneficial, their persistence can be tiring, and some cultures view them with suspicion. Predators include birds of prey like falcons and larger mammals like snakes.

Not All Beeswax and Sunshine: A Complex Relationship

Did you know? The Greater Honeyguide's relationship with humans is debated. While mutually beneficial, some experts suggest manipulation tactics, and not all interactions end well for the human "partners." The complex nature of this symbiosis continues to fascinate researchers and birdwatchers alike.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Ruaha National Park

Other Birds

Ground Hornbill

Masters of the Savannah with Casque Appeal

Towering over the tall grass, the Ground Hornbill commands attention with its imposing size and striking appearance. Black plumage, a bright red inflatable wattle around the neck, and a massive yellow-tipped bill make them unmistakable. Watch them strut across the plains in small family groups, their loud, rhythmic calls echoing across the landscape.

Family First, with Helpers in Training

These social birds live in family groups consisting of a breeding pair and several "helper" individuals, often offspring from previous broods. Cooperative breeding allows for efficient care of the single chick, ensuring its survival in the harsh savanna environment. Communication plays a vital role, with honking, grunting, and synchronized head-bobbing showcasing their complex social interactions.

Opportunistic Omnivores on the Ground

Their powerful beaks aren't just for show. Ground Hornbills are opportunistic feeders, using their feet to kick up insects, lizards, snakes, and even small mammals from the undergrowth. They may also consume fruits and carrion, adapting their diet to seasonal availability. Despite their size, they can be vulnerable to leopards, lions, and hyenas.

Nine Years to Fledge? Avian Slowpokes

Did you know? It takes an incredible nine years for a Ground Hornbill chick to fledge and become independent! This slow reproductive cycle emphasizes the crucial role of family structure and cooperative breeding in their survival. Their impressive lifespan (up to 70 years in captivity) showcases their resilience and adaptability.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Lake Manyara National Park

Red-Billed Hornbill

Crimson-Beaked Jewel of the Savannah

This vibrant hornbill isn't blend seamlessly into the Tanzanian landscape with its striking plumage. Sporting a glossy black coat, contrasting white wing-patches, and a vibrant red bill that adds a pop of color. Watch them hop and glide through the trees, their loud and unique calls echoing through the branches.

Family Ties Forged by Calls and Cooperation

These social birds thrive in pairs or small family groups. They form strong bonds, working together to raise their young. Elaborate calls and displays of head-bobbing play a crucial role in their communication, ensuring every member knows their place in the group.

Fruity Hunters with a Taste for Variety

Their curved bills are more than just impressive ornaments. Red-Billed Hornbills are opportunistic feeders, using them to snatch insects, lizards, fruits, and even small mammals from the forest canopy. They also relish seeds and other plant material, adapting their diet to the season's offerings. While their size and numbers offer some protection, they remain vulnerable to larger birds of prey like hawks and snakes.

Masters of Mimicry: More Than Just a Pretty Beak

Did you know? Red-Billed Hornbills have a unique talent for mimicking sounds! They can imitate calls of other birds and even animals, possibly to confuse predators or communicate with other species. This unexpected ability adds another layer of intrigue to these fascinating birds. This bird also happens to be the inspiration for our company name and logo.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Lake Manyara National Park

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Grey Crowned Crane

Crowned Jewel of the Wetlands with Elegant Moves

Standing tall among reeds and grasses, the Grey-Crowned Crane is a captivating resident of Tanzanian wetlands. Its grey body, white wings, and distinctive golden crown create a majestic presence. Watch them gracefully stride across marshlands, their long legs and elegant dance-like movements adding to their charm.

Lifelong Partners with a Passion for Dance

These cranes are known for their monogamous relationships, often staying together for life. Their elaborate courtship displays involve synchronized dances, where partners bow, bob, and spread their wings, showcasing their strong bond. Cooperative parenting ensures chick survival, with both parents taking turns incubating and caring for the young.

Wetland Feasters with Diverse Preferences

From dawn to dusk, Grey-Crowned Cranes forage in shallow waters and grasslands. Their long beaks probe for insects, amphibians, small fish, and even plant material. They may also consume fruits and seeds, adapting their diet to seasonal availability. While their size offers some protection, they remain vulnerable to leopards, lions, and large eagles.

Rain Bringers with Unexpected Talent

Did you know? In many African cultures, Grey-Crowned Cranes are considered symbols of good luck and rain. Local legends connect their elaborate dances to bringing much-needed moisture to the dry lands. This cultural significance adds another layer of fascination to these elegant birds.

Best Place to View in Tanzania

Serengeti National Park

Tarangire National Park

Ngorongoro Crater