Top 15 Types Of Birds In Tanzania (With Pictures)

Marvel at Tanzania's top 15 birds, from the majestic African Fish Eagle to the vibrant Lilac-Breasted Roller; discover their secrets and more.

birds of tanzania showcase

Tanzania hosts a remarkable array of bird species, each with unique features and ecological roles. Among these, the African Fish Eagle is notable for its hunting prowess and striking appearance. The African Grey Hornbill is important for seed dispersal, thanks to its diet and nesting habits. The vivid African Paradise Flycatcher and the Beautiful Sunbird are both admired for their dazzling plumage and contribute to local biodiversity. The Common Ostrich, the largest bird in Tanzania, stands out with its impressive size and speed. Other significant species include the endangered Hooded Vulture and the brilliantly colored Lilac-Breasted Roller. For a deeper understanding of each species' role in Tanzania's ecosystem, their distinctive behaviors, and habitats, further exploration offers enriching insights.

African Fish Eagle

majestic bird of prey

Renowned for its regal bearing and piercing cry, the African Fish Eagle is a majestic presence along Tanzania's waterways.

With striking black wings and a contrasting white chest, this skilled hunter primarily preys on fish, demonstrating remarkable prowess.

Its distinctive appearance and hunting ability make it an essential top predator, maintaining the ecological balance within its habitat.

African Grey Hornbill

colorful bird with casque

Shifting focus to another notable avian species, the African Grey Hornbill stands out with its unique color palette and intriguing behaviors.

With a length of 45–51 cm, it features distinctive white, grey, and dusty brown coloring.

This bird's nesting habits involve mud enclosures, and it plays an essential ecological role through seed dispersal, aiding in maintaining biodiversity.

African Paradise Flycatcher

colorful bird in africa

Among the diverse bird species in Tanzania, the African Paradise Flycatcher is distinguished by its vivid plumage and elongated tail streamers.

This bird, known for its striking black and chestnut coloring and blue-tinted features, primarily feeds on insects.

Its tail streamers can double its body length, enhancing its ability to perform agile aerial acrobatics, which captivates birdwatchers across the region.

African Sacred Ibis

symbol of ancient egypt

The African Sacred Ibis stands 68 cm tall with a wingspan between 112 and 124 cm. It features striking white plumage accented by black wing tips and tail feathers. Its long curved beak is perfect for foraging in wetlands for insects, crustaceans, and small fish.

Known for its loud honks, this vocal and social bird enhances the rich avian tapestry of Tanzania.

Beautiful Sunbird

vibrant bird species observed

Dazzling in their vibrant plumage, Beautiful Sunbirds are a remarkable sight in Tanzania's diverse habitats. These birds, about 10 cm long, exhibit metallic green and red with yellow accents, making them favorites among birdwatchers.

Primarily nectar feeders, they play a crucial role in pollination across Tanzania's gardens, forests, and savannas. Their presence underscores the ecological richness and diversity of Tanzanian avifauna.

Common Hoopoe

distinctive bird with crown

Easily identifiable by its striking cinnamon-brown plumage and distinctive crest, the Common Hoopoe is a notable bird species found throughout Tanzania.

This bird displays a unique black and white pattern on its wings.

Renowned for its foraging behavior, it primarily feeds on insects and small invertebrates, thriving in the diverse habitats of open woodlands, savannas, and grasslands across the region.

Common Ostrich

ostrich characteristics and behavior

From the insect-hunting Common Hoopoe, we move to the grand Common Ostrich, the largest bird species that roams the Tanzanian landscape. Sporting dramatic black feathers, males distinctly showcase their size and color.

These birds boast impressively long legs, adapted for swift running. Mainly herbivores, they forage for fruits and seeds, while their loud booms echo as a form of communication across the plains.

Grey Crowned Crane

elegant african bird species

The Grey Crowned Crane, recognized for its elaborate courtship dance, is a prominent feature of Tanzania's avian landscape. These monogamous birds, standing about 1 meter tall, display striking plumage and a distinctive red wattle.

Found in marshy areas, they are currently classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss. Their beauty and grace symbolize the rich bird diversity of Tanzania.

Grey Go-Away Bird

bird with distinctive call

Renowned for its distinctive 'go-away' call, the Grey Go-Away Bird is a notable member of the Turaco family found in Tanzania.

These birds, with their grey plumage and red eye patches, are primarily fruit-eaters.

Often seen perched in trees, they play an essential role in seed dispersal and add to the vibrant soundscape of the African bush with their vocalizations.

Hadada Ibis

african bird with black plumage

Hadada Ibises, measuring about 76 cm in length, are notable for their grey bodies and striking iridescent green and purple wings. These birds of Tanzania frequent marshes and riverbanks, using their long, white legs for wading.

During breeding, their beak and feet turn red, and their loud honk is distinctive. Their unique feeding habits contribute to their striking presence in Tanzanian avifauna.

Hamerkop

unique bird with hammer shaped head

Hamerkops, distinguished by their hammer-shaped heads, are a unique species of bird found throughout Tanzania. They construct massive, dome-shaped nests using over 10,000 sticks near water bodies like rivers and lakes. These unique nests can weigh up to 50 kilograms.

As skilled hunters, Hamerkops utilize their long, sharp beaks to capture fish, frogs, and insects, adeptly supporting their aquatic lifestyle.

Helmeted Guinea Fowl

distinctive spotted bird species

Moving from the aquatic habitats favored by Hamerkops, the Helmeted Guinea Fowl thrives across the diverse landscapes of Tanzania. This ground-nesting bird exhibits remarkable social behavior, often seen moving in flocks.

Known for their loud calls and distinctive, speckled plumage, helmeted guinea fowl adapt well to various habitats, making a substantial contribution to Tanzania's rich bird diversity.

Hooded Vulture

scavenging bird of prey

The Hooded Vulture, a critically endangered scavenger, plays a vital role in the ecosystems of Tanzania. Despite its mild demeanor, this vulture faces threats from poaching-related poisoning.

It inhabits diverse environments, including marshes and riverbanks, where it forages and contributes to ecological balance by scavenging. Its distinctive honk and unique appearance underscore its importance, yet it remains perilously close to extinction.

Lesser Flamingo

elegant pink african bird

Lesser Flamingos are the smallest species of flamingo found primarily in Tanzania's saline or alkaline lakes. Distinguished by their vibrant pink hue, their coloring results from feeding on Spirulina algae. These flamingos live in large colonies, showcasing synchronized feeding behaviors.

Currently listed as Near Threatened, Lesser Flamingos face challenges from habitat loss and disturbances at breeding sites, impacting their survival.

What are the differences in the bird species found in Kenya compared to Tanzania?

Kenya and Tanzania boast diverse ecosystems, leading to differences in the types of birds in Kenya and Tanzania. Kenya is home to over 1100 different species, including the colorful Lilac-breasted roller and the majestic African fish eagle. Tanzania, on the other hand, is known for its abundance of bird species, such as the magnificent crowned crane and the elusive Ruaha chat.

Lilac-Breasted Roller

vibrant bird in africa

Renowned for its vivid plumage, the Lilac-Breasted Roller is a spectacular bird species native to Tanzania. It features a distinctive lilac chest and vibrant colors including teal and royal blue.

This bird sustains an insectivorous diet and engages in dramatic mating behavior, performing rolling stunts and displays of agility to attract mates, highlighting its dynamic nature in the Tanzanian skies.