Kenya has varied habitat with different vegetation that suit different types of birds numbering over 1000 species (11% in the whole world). From tropical rainforest, coastal forest, montane forest, the scrubs and grasslands to semi arid areas. It is vital to note that Kenya is ranked second after Zaire as far as habitat diversity is concerned though four times bigger. With the Rift Valley running through the country, there are numerous lakes both fresh and saline, these provide apt environment for bird foraging and breeding.
Lake Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria are renowned for Greater and Lesser Flamingo; of course Lake Nakuru has the greatest number of Flamingos in the world present throughout the year. Significant number of waders like Herons, Egrets, Plovers, Storks etc. are common in Lake Baringo and Naivasha. The enchanting African Fish-Eagle feeding in Lake Baringo is of interest to photographers worldwide.
The grassy highlands plateau provide an haven for the endangered species like the Sharpe’s Longclaw just as it is for the Papyrus Gonolek in Lake Victoria’s papyruses. Of ornithological interest is the fact that the habitat changes greatly within short distance thus presenting different species in a short duration.
|
Waders at Mida creek |
 |
The presence of game in numerous parks and wild tend to woo different bird species, for instance predators like Eagles and Vultures, scavengers and others which are commensally dependent on the game.
Kenya also lies on bird migration route which happens between October and April for birds from the Northern hemisphere and others from the Southern hemisphere between April and October. Though migrants form 10% of Kenya’s birds, it is vital for research, counting and ringing which is done at Ngulia in Tsavo area.
Birding popularity in Kenya has created birding tradition amongst the population all over the country, which gives visiting birders a better chance in locating endemic species in various areas |
|
