The Serengeti National Park is globally celebrated for its vast savannahs, the Great Migration, and its diverse wildlife, but what many don’t realize is that it’s also a paradise for birdwatchers. With over 500 recorded bird species, the Serengeti is one of the best places in Africa for avian enthusiasts.
While common birds like superb starlings, lilac-breasted rollers, and secretary birds are easy to spot, the park is also home to rare and elusive species that require a keen eye, patience, and knowledge of their specific habitats. This guide explores the most sought-after rare birds of the Serengeti, detailing their identification, behavior, habitats, and where to find them.
1. Fischer’s Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri)
Status: Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)
Why It’s Rare:
- Fischer’s lovebirds are endemic to northern Tanzania, with the Serengeti being one of their last strongholds.
- Habitat loss and the illegal pet trade have dramatically reduced their numbers.
Identification:
- Small parrot with bright green plumage, an orange face, and a red beak.
- Often seen in pairs or small flocks, chattering loudly.
Where to Find in Serengeti:
- Wooded grasslands and Acacia woodlands, particularly around the Seronera region and western Serengeti.
- Often spotted in tree cavities or perched on thorny acacia trees.
2. Karamoja Apalis (Apalis karamojae)
Status: Vulnerable
Why It’s Rare:
- Extremely localized species, only found in parts of northern Tanzania and Uganda.
- Declining due to habitat fragmentation.
Identification:
- A small, slender bird with grey upperparts and pale underparts.
- Distinctive white eye-ring and a thin, sharp beak.
- Often seen flitting through dry bushlands.
Where to Find in Serengeti:
- Best spotted in the northern Serengeti, near the woodland edges and bushy savannahs.
- Prefers areas with mixed thorn scrub and Acacia woodland.
3. Grey-crested Helmetshrike (Prionops poliolophus)
Status: Near Threatened
Why It’s Rare:
- Endemic to northern Tanzania and Kenya, with a fragmented distribution.
- Found only in dry, open woodlands, which are decreasing due to human expansion.
Identification:
- Small bird with a white body, black wings, and a shaggy grey crest.
- Has piercing yellow eyes, giving it an intense gaze.
- Often found in noisy family groups, hunting insects.
Where to Find in Serengeti:
- Found in acacia woodlands, particularly in the central and western Serengeti.
- Best spotted in mixed feeding flocks alongside starlings and weavers.
4. Taita Falcon (Falco fasciinucha)
Status: Near Threatened
Why It’s Rare:
- One of the rarest falcons in Africa, with less than 1,000 individuals remaining.
- Prefers cliffside habitats, which are limited in the Serengeti.
Identification:
- Small, sleek raptor with dark upperparts and a reddish underbelly.
- Flies extremely fast, hunting birds in midair.
Where to Find in Serengeti:
- Best chance of sighting is around the Moru Kopjes and Lobo Hills, where there are rocky cliffs for nesting.
- Occasionally seen hunting swallows and small birds over open plains.
5. Rufous-tailed Weaver (Histurgops ruficauda)
Status: Near Endemic to Tanzania
Why It’s Rare:
- One of the few Serengeti-endemic birds, found only in northern Tanzania and parts of Kenya.
- Unique among weavers, as it does not belong to the typical Ploceidae family but has its own genus.
Identification:
- Brownish-grey body with distinctive rufous tail.
- Unlike other weavers, it builds nests in dry woodlands, not near water.
Where to Find in Serengeti:
- Frequently seen around Lobo Hills, Seronera woodlands, and Naabi Hill.
- Nests in colonies on thorny trees.
6. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse (Pterocles gutturalis)
Status: Uncommon
Why It’s Rare:
- Although not endangered, it is highly elusive due to its perfect camouflage.
- Seen only in isolated dry savannahs and short-grass plains.
Identification:
- Males have a bright yellow throat patch with a black border.
- Females are brownish and well-camouflaged.
- Their flight is rapid, making them hard to spot.
Where to Find in Serengeti:
- Eastern Serengeti plains and dry savannahs near Gol Kopjes.
- Often seen near seasonal waterholes at dawn or dusk.
7. Grey-breasted Spurfowl (Pternistis rufopictus)
Status: Near Endemic to Tanzania
Why It’s Rare:
- Restricted to northern Tanzania, making it a must-see species for birders.
- Prefers grasslands with scattered bushes, which are disappearing due to overgrazing.
Identification:
- Large, ground-dwelling bird with grey-streaked breast and rust-colored wings.
- Often seen running instead of flying.
Where to Find in Serengeti:
- Best spotted near Seronera and the central Serengeti plains.
- Active in the early morning and late afternoon.
8. Usambiro Barbet (Trachyphonus usambiro)
Status: Rare
Why It’s Rare:
- Found only in northern Tanzania and southwestern Kenya.
- Declining due to habitat destruction.
Identification:
- Stocky bird with a red forehead, yellow chest, and black spots.
- Loud and territorial, often seen defending its nesting tree.
Where to Find in Serengeti:
- Western Serengeti, around Grumeti River and Seronera.
- Usually found on isolated acacia trees, calling loudly.
Conclusion: Why Serengeti is a Must-Visit for Birdwatchers
The Serengeti National Park is not just a land of lions and wildebeest, but also a haven for rare and endemic birds. For serious birders, spotting species like the Fischer’s lovebird, Karamoja apalis, and Taita falcon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Birdwatching in the Serengeti requires patience, good binoculars, and knowledge of key habitats. The best time to visit for rare birds is during the rainy seasons (November–March) when many species are breeding and migratory birds are present.
If you’re planning a specialized birding safari, consider hiring a local ornithologist guide who knows where to find these elusive species. With the right approach, you can unlock an entirely new side of the Serengeti—one filled with colorful, rare, and fascinating birds.