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. 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, as no matter where, there is a helping hand from a local guide and Beads Safaris Collection guides.
Important Bird Areas (IBAs) cover all the key habitat types in Kenya; some are protected (gazetted forests and national parks), but many are not, some IBAs include: forests, wetlands, semi-arid and arid areas, grasslands and cross-sections of different habitat types. Some regions where these IBAs are located include:
Central Kenya: One of the smaller Kenyan provinces which includes the well-known areas of Mt Kenya. As you transverse the Montane forest, grassland, bamboo and moorland at the Aberdares Ranges, Kikuyu Escarpments, Kinangop Grasslands and the Mukurweini valleys you are likely to see: Sharpe’s Longclaw, Aberdare Cisticola, Abbott’s Starling, Hindes Babbler, Jackson’s Widowbird and Pallid Harrier, Eleonora’s Falcon,
Coast: The uniques hotspots include: Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Dakatcha Woodland, Kaya Kinondo, Mida Creek which are Coastal woodland and evergreen forest. Here you might see: Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Fischer’s Turaco, Sokoke Scops Owl, Spotted Ground Thrush, Sokoke Pipit, East Coast Akalat, Crab Plover, Amani Sunbird, Plain-backed Sunbird and Clarke’s Weaver
Northern Kenya: Within national reserves and conservancies you can see the Acacia tortilis woodland, rocky cliffs and escarpments, open bush and grassland, where you might see the Taita Falcon, Fox Kestrel, Somali Courser, Lammergeier, Somali Bee-eater, Williams Lark, Somali Fiscal, Somali long-billed Crombec,
Nairobi: Characterized by grasslands, woodland, thickets, dams and ponds and upland dry forest, at the Nairobi National Park, Ololua Forest, Karura Forest, City park, Nairobi Arboretum, Ngong Road Forest Reserve you might spot: Martial Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Southern Pochard, Northern Shoveller, Madagascar Squacco Heron, Corncrake Lesser Kestrel, Red-throated Tit and Jackson’s Widowbird and Nairobi Pipit
Western: In swamps, National Parks and Reserves like Dunga and Yala Swamp, Lake Kayaboli, Ruma National Park, Kakamega Forest you might spot: Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Turner’s Eremomela, Ross’s Turacco, Greater Blue Turacco, African Grey Parrot
Central and Mid- Rift: At the Cherangani Hills, Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha you might see: Lammergeier, Madagascar Squacco Heron, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Pallid Harrier, Lesser Kestrel, Black-necked Grebe, Great White Pelican, African Spoonbill, Pied Avocet, Turner’s Eremomela
Maasai Mara and Mau Forest Complex: Vast rolling grasslands, riverine forest, swamp, Acacia woodland and scrub as well as Croton and Tarchonanthus scrub and rocky cliffs and scarps; is home to Madagascar Squacco Heron, Lesser Kestrel, Pallid Harrier, Corncrake, Grey-crested Helmet-shrike, Red-throated Tit, Jackson’s Widowbird, Grey-winged Robin, Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike,