List of birds of Kenya

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Kenya. The avifauna of Kenya includes a total of 1132 species, of which seven are endemic, six have been introduced by humans, and three are rare or accidental. One species listed is extirpated in Kenya and is not included in the species count. Twenty-three species are globally threatened.

This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families, and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of Clements's 5th edition with some changes following the "Handbook of the Birds of the World", including lumping Kandt's Waxbill with the Black-headed Waxbill and the Southern Citril with the African Citril. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflects this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Kenya.

The following tags have been used to highlight certain relevant categories. It must be noted that not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring, native species.

* (A) Accidental A species that rarely or accidentally occurs in Kenya.
* (E) Endemic A species endemic to Kenya.
* (I) Introduced A species introduced to Kenya as a consequence, direct or indirect, of human actions.
* (Ex) Extirpated A species that no longer occurs in Kenya although populations exist elsewhere.

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Ostriches

Order: StruthioniformesFamily: Struthionidae

The Ostrich is a flightless bird native to Africa. It is the largest living species of bird. It is distinctive in its appearance, with a long neck and legs and the ability to run at high speeds.

*Ostrich "Struthio camelus"

Grebes

Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large sized freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes, and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Kenya.

*Little Grebe "Tachybaptus ruficollis"
*Great Crested Grebe "Podiceps cristatus"
*Black-necked Grebe "Podiceps nigricollis"

Albatrosses

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Diomedeidae

The albatrosses are among the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. There are 21 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Black-browed Albatross "Thalassarche melanophris"
*Shy Albatross "Thalassarche cauta"

hearwaters and Petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Procellariidae

The procellariids are the main group of medium-sized 'true petrels', characterised by united nostrils with a medium septum, and a long outer functional primary. There are 75 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Kenya.

*Antarctic Giant Petrel "Macronectes giganteus"
*Cape Petrel "Daption capense"
*Antarctic Prion "Pachyptila desolata"
*Slender-billed Prion "Pachyptila belcheri"
*Jouanin's Petrel "Bulweria fallax"
*Wedge-tailed Shearwater "Puffinus pacificus"
*Audubon's Shearwater "Puffinus lherminieri"

torm-Petrels

Order: ProcellariiformesFamily: Hydrobatidae

The storm-petrels are relatives of the petrels, and are the smallest of sea-birds. They feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. There are 21 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Kenya.

*Wilson's Storm-Petrel "Oceanites oceanicus"
*Black-bellied Storm-Petrel "Fregetta tropica"
*Leach's Storm-Petrel "Oceanodroma leucorhoa"
*Matsudaira's Storm-Petrel "Oceanodroma matsudairae"

Tropicbirds

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans, with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their heads and long wings have black markings. There are 3 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Red-tailed Tropicbird "Phaethon rubricauda"
*White-tailed Tropicbird "Phaethon lepturus"

Pelicans

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a distinctive pouch under the beak. As with other members of the order Pelecaniformes, they have webbed feet with four toes. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Great White Pelican "Pelecanus onocrotalus"
*Pink-backed Pelican "Pelecanus rufescens"

Boobies and Gannets

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Sulidae

The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups comprise medium-to-large coastal sea-birds that plunge-dive for fish. There are 9 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Kenya.

*Cape Gannet "Morus capensis"
*Masked Booby "Sula dactylatra"
*Red-footed Booby "Sula sula"
*Brown Booby "Sula leucogaster"

Cormorants

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae

The Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium-to-large coastal, fish-eating sea-birds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black and white, and a few being colourful. There are 38 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Great Cormorant "Phalacrocorax carbo"
*Long-tailed Cormorant "Phalacrocorax africanus"

Darters

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Anhingidae

Darters are frequently referred to as "snake-birds" because of their long thin neck, which gives a snake-like appearance when they swim with their bodies submerged.The males have black and dark brown plumage, an erectile crest on the nape and a larger bill than the female. The females have a much paler plumage especially on the neck and underparts. The darters have completely webbed feet, and their legs are short and set far back on the body. Their plumage is somewhat permeable, like that of cormorants, and they spread their wings to dry after diving. There are 4 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*Darter "Anhinga melanogaster"

Frigatebirds

Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large sea-birds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black and white or completely black, with long wings and deeply-forked tails. The males have inflatable coloured throat pouches. They do not swim or walk, and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan to body weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. There are 5 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Great Frigatebird "Fregata minor"
*Lesser Frigatebird "Fregata ariel"

Bitterns, Herons and Egrets

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large sized wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Unlike other long-necked birds suck as storks, ibises and spoonbills, members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted. There are 61 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Kenya.

*Grey Heron "Ardea cinerea"
*Black-headed Heron "Ardea melanocephala"
*Goliath Heron "Ardea goliath"
*Purple Heron "Ardea purpurea"
*Great Egret "Ardea alba"
*Black Heron "Egretta ardesiaca"
*Intermediate Egret "Egretta intermedia"
*Western Reef-Heron "Egretta gularis"
*Little Egret "Egretta garzetta"
*Squacco Heron "Ardeola ralloides"
*Madagascar Pond Heron "Ardeola idae"
*Rufous-bellied Heron "Ardeola rufiventris"
*Cattle Egret "Bubulcus ibis"
*Striated Heron "Butorides striata"
*Black-crowned Night-Heron "Nycticorax nycticorax"
*White-backed Night-Heron "Gorsachius leuconotus"
*Dwarf Bittern "Ixobrychus sturmii"
*Great Bittern "Botaurus stellaris"

Hammerkop

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Scopidae

The Hammerkop is a medium-sized bird with a long shaggy crest. The shape of its head with a curved bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer, hence its name. Its plumage is a drab brown all over.

*Hamerkop "Scopus umbretta"

torks

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute; bill-clattering is an important mode of stork communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Kenya.

*Yellow-billed Stork "Mycteria ibis"
*African Openbill "Anastomus lamelligerus"
*Black Stork "Ciconia nigra"
*Abdim's Stork "Ciconia abdimii"
*Woolly-necked Stork "Ciconia episcopus"
*White Stork "Ciconia ciconia"
*Saddle-billed Stork "Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis"
*Marabou Stork "Leptoptilos crumeniferus"

hoebill

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Balaenicipididae

The Shoebill is a large bird related to the storks. It derives its name from its massive shoe-shaped bill.

*Shoebill "Balaeniceps rex"

Ibises and Spoonbills

Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Threskiornithidae

The Threskiornithidae is a family of large terrestrial and wading birds which includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings with 11 primary and about 20 secondary feathers. They are strong fliers and despite their size and weight, very capable soarers. There are 36 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Kenya.

*Sacred Ibis "Threskiornis aethiopicus"
*Olive Ibis "Bostrychia olivacea"
*Hadada Ibis "Bostrychia hagedash"
*Glossy Ibis "Plegadis falcinellus"
*Eurasian Spoonbill "Platalea leucorodia"
*African Spoonbill "Platalea alba"

Flamingos

Order: PhoenicopteriformesFamily: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingos are gregarious wading birds, usually 3 to 5 feet high, found in both the Western and Eastern Hemispheres. They are more numerous in the latter. Flamingos filter-feed on shellfish and algae. Their oddly-shaped beaks are specially adapted to separate mud and silt from the food they consume, and are uniquely used upside-down. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Greater Flamingo "Phoenicopterus roseus"
*Lesser Flamingo "Phoenicopterus minor"

Ducks, Geese and Swans

Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These are birds that are modified for an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating. There are 131 species worldwide and 25 species which occur in Kenya.

*Fulvous Whistling-Duck "Dendrocygna bicolor"
*White-faced Whistling-Duck "Dendrocygna viduata"
*White-backed Duck "Thalassornis leuconotus"
*Egyptian Goose "Alopochen aegyptiacus"
*Ruddy Shelduck "Tadorna ferruginea"
*Spur-winged Goose "Plectropterus gambensis"
*Comb Duck "Sarkidiornis melanotos"
*African Pygmy-goose "Nettapus auritus"
*African Black Duck "Anas sparsa"
*Eurasian Wigeon "Anas penelope"
*Gadwall "Anas strepera"
*Eurasian Teal "Anas crecca"
*Cape Teal "Anas capensis"
*Mallard "Anas platyrhynchos"
*Yellow-billed Duck "Anas undulata"
*Northern Pintail "Anas acuta"
*Red-billed Duck "Anas erythrorhyncha"
*Hottentot Teal "Anas hottentota"
*Garganey "Anas querquedula"
*Northern Shoveler "Anas clypeata"
*Southern Pochard "Netta erythrophthalma"
*Common Pochard "Aythya ferina"
*Ferruginous Duck "Aythya nyroca"
*Tufted Duck "Aythya fuligula" (A)
*Maccoa Duck "Oxyura maccoa"

Osprey

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Pandionidae

The Pandionidae family contains only one species, the Osprey. The Osprey is a medium large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.

*Osprey "Pandion haliaetus"

Hawks, Kites and Eagles

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and include hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. There are 233 species worldwide and 57 species which occur in Kenya.

*African Cuckoo-Hawk "Aviceda cuculoides"
*Honey Buzzard "Pernis apivorus"
*Bat Hawk "Macheiramphus alcinus"
*Black-shouldered Kite "Elanus caeruleus"
*Scissor-tailed Kite "Chelictinia riocourii"
*Red Kite "Milvus milvus"
*Black Kite "Milvus migrans"
*African Fish-Eagle "Haliaeetus vocifer"
*Palm-nut Vulture "Gypohierax angolensis"
*Hooded Vulture "Necrosyrtes monachus"
*Lammergeier "Gypaetus barbatus"
*Egyptian Vulture "Neophron percnopterus"
*White-backed Vulture "Gyps africanus"
*Rueppell's Griffon "Gyps rueppellii"
*Lappet-faced Vulture "Torgos tracheliotus"
*White-headed Vulture "Trigonoceps occipitalis"
*Beaudouin's Snake Eagle "Circaetus beaudouini"
*Black-breasted Snake Eagle "Circaetus pectoralis"
*Brown Snake Eagle "Circaetus cinereus"
*Fasciated Snake Eagle "Circaetus fasciolatus"
*Banded Snake Eagle "Circaetus cinerascens"
*Bateleur "Terathopius ecaudatus"
*Western Marsh Harrier "Circus aeruginosus"
*African Marsh Harrier "Circus ranivorus"
*Pallid Harrier "Circus macrourus"
*Montagu's Harrier "Circus pygargus"
*African Harrier-hawk "Polyboroides typus"
*Lizard Buzzard "Kaupifalco monogrammicus"
*Dark Chanting-Goshawk "Melierax metabates"
*Eastern Chanting-Goshawk "Melierax poliopterus"
*Gabar Goshawk "Micronisus gabar"
*African Goshawk "Accipiter tachiro"
*Shikra "Accipiter badius"
*Levant Sparrowhawk "Accipiter brevipes"
*Little Sparrowhawk "Accipiter minullus"
*Ovampo Sparrowhawk "Accipiter ovampensis"
*Eurasian Sparrowhawk "Accipiter nisus"
*Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk "Accipiter rufiventris"
*Black Goshawk "Accipiter melanoleucus"
*Grasshopper Buzzard "Butastur rufipennis"
*Common Buzzard "Buteo buteo"
*Mountain Buzzard "Buteo oreophilus"
*Long-legged Buzzard "Buteo rufinus"
*Augur Buzzard "Buteo augur"
*Lesser Spotted Eagle "Aquila pomarina"
*Greater Spotted Eagle "Aquila clanga"
*Tawny Eagle "Aquila rapax"
*Steppe Eagle "Aquila nipalensis"
*Imperial Eagle "Aquila heliaca"
*Wahlberg's Eagle "Aquila wahlbergi"
*Verreaux's Eagle "Aquila verreauxii"
*African Hawk Eagle "Aquila spilogaster"
*Booted Eagle "Aquila pennatus"
*Ayres's Hawk Eagle "Aquila ayresii"
*Martial Eagle "Polemaetus bellicosus"
*Long-crested Eagle "Lophaetus occipitalis"
*Crowned Hawk Eagle "Stephanoaetus coronatus"

ecretary-bird

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Sagittariidae

The Secretary-bird is a bird of prey in the order Falconiformes but is easily distinguished from other raptors by its long crane-like legs.

*Secretary-bird "Sagittarius serpentarius"

Falcons

Order: FalconiformesFamily: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their feet. There are 62 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in Kenya.

*Pygmy Falcon "Polihierax semitorquatus"
*Lesser Kestrel "Falco naumanni"
*Eurasian Kestrel "Falco tinnunculus"
*Greater Kestrel "Falco rupicoloides"
*Fox Kestrel "Falco alopex"
*Grey Kestrel "Falco ardosiaceus"
*Dickinson's Kestrel "Falco dickinsoni"
*Red-necked Falcon "Falco chicquera"
*Red-footed Falcon "Falco vespertinus"
*Amur Falcon "Falco amurensis"
*Eleonora's Falcon "Falco eleonorae"
*Sooty Falcon "Falco concolor"
*Eurasian Hobby "Falco subbuteo"
*African Hobby "Falco cuvierii"
*Lanner Falcon "Falco biarmicus"
*Saker Falcon "Falco cherrug"
*Barbary Falcon "Falco pelegrinoides"
*Taita Falcon "Falco fasciinucha"
*Peregrine Falcon "Falco peregrinus"

Pheasants and Partridges

Order: GalliformesFamily: Phasianidae

The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds which consists of quails, partridges, snowcocks, francolins, spurfowls, tragopans, monals, pheasants, peafowls and jungle fowls. In general, they are plump (although they may vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings. There are 156 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Kenya.

*Coqui Francolin "Francolinus coqui"
*Crested Francolin "Francolinus sephaena"
*Ring-necked Francolin "Francolinus streptophorus"
*Red-winged Francolin "Francolinus levaillantii"
*Moorland Francolin "Francolinus psilolaemus"
*Shelley's Francolin "Francolinus shelleyi"
*Orange River Francolin "Francolinus levaillantoides"
*Scaly Francolin "Francolinus squamatus"
*Hildebrandt's Francolin "Francolinus hildebrandti"
*Yellow-necked Francolin "Francolinus leucoscepus"
*Red-necked Francolin "Francolinus afer"
*Jackson's Francolin "Francolinus jacksoni" (E)
*Chestnut-naped Francolin "Francolinus castaneicollis"
*Common Quail "Coturnix coturnix"
*Harlequin Quail "Coturnix delegorguei"
*Blue Quail "Coturnix adansonii"
*Stone Partridge "Ptilopachus petrosus"

Guineafowl

Order: GalliformesFamily: Numididae

Guineafowl are a group of African, seed-eating, ground-nesting birds that resemble partridges, but with featherless heads and spangled grey plumage. There are 6 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Kenya.

*Helmeted Guineafowl "Numida meleagris"
*Crested Guineafowl "Guttera pucherani"
*Vulturine Guineafowl "Acryllium vulturinum"

Buttonquails

Order: GruiformesFamily: Turnicidae

The buttonquails are small, drab, running birds which resemble the true quails.The female is the brighter of the sexes, and initiates courtship. The male incubates the eggs and tends the young. There are 16 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Kenya.

*Small Buttonquail "Turnix sylvatica"
*Black-rumped Buttonquail "Turnix hottentotta"
*Quail-plover "Ortyxelos meiffrenii"

Cranes

Order: GruiformesFamily: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Kenya.

*Gray Crowned-Crane "Balearica regulorum"
*Black Crowned-Crane "Balearica pavonina"
*Demoiselle Crane "Anthropoides virgo"

Rails, Crakes, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: GruiformesFamily: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Typically they inhabit dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs, and have long toes which are well adapted to soft, uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and be weak fliers. There are 143 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Kenya.

*White-spotted Flufftail "Sarothrura pulchra"
*Buff-spotted Flufftail "Sarothrura elegans"
*Red-chested Flufftail "Sarothrura rufa"
*Streaky-breasted Flufftail "Sarothrura boehmi"
*Striped Flufftail "Sarothrura affinis"
*African Rail "Rallus caerulescens"
*African Crake "Crecopsis egregia"
*Corn Crake "Crex crex"
*Black Crake "Amaurornis flavirostris"
*Little Crake "Porzana parva"
*Baillon's Crake "Porzana pusilla"
*Spotted Crake "Porzana porzana"
*Striped Crake "Aenigmatolimnas marginalis"
*Purple Swamphen "Porphyrio porphyrio"
*Allen's Gallinule "Porphyrio alleni"
*Common Moorhen "Gallinula chloropus"
*Lesser Moorhen "Gallinula angulata"
*Red-knobbed Coot "Fulica cristata"

ungrebe and Finfoots

Order: GruiformesFamily: Heliornithidae

The Heliornithidae are small family of tropical birds with webbed lobes on their feet similar to those of grebes and coots. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*African Finfoot "Podica senegalensis"

Bustards

Order: GruiformesFamily: Otididae

Bustards are large terrestrial birds mainly associated with dry open country and steppes in the Old World. They are omnivorous and nest on the ground. They walk steadily on strong legs and big toes, pecking for food as they go. They have long broad wings with "fingered" wingtips, and striking patterns in flight. Many have interesting mating displays. There are 26 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Kenya.

*Arabian Bustard "Ardeotis arabs"
*Kori Bustard "Ardeotis kori"
*Stanley Bustard "Neotis denhami"
*Heuglin's Bustard "Neotis heuglinii"
*White-bellied Bustard "Eupodotis senegalensis"
*Buff-crested Bustard "Eupodotis gindiana"
*Black-bellied Bustard "Lissotis melanogaster"
*Hartlaub's Bustard "Lissotis hartlaubii"

Jacanas

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Jacanidae

The jacanas are a group of tropical waders in the family Jacanidae. They are found worldwide in the Tropics. They are identifiable by their huge feet and claws which enable them to walk on floating vegetation in the shallow lakes that are their preferred habitat. There are 8 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Lesser Jacana "Microparra capensis"
*African Jacana "Actophilornis africanus"

Painted snipe

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Rostratulidae

Painted snipe are short-legged, long-billed birds similar in shape to the true snipes, but more brightly coloured. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*Greater Painted-snipe "Rostratula benghalensis"

Crab Plover

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Dromadidae

The Crab Plover is related to the waders. It resembles a plover but with very long grey legs and a strong heavy black bill similar to a tern. It has black and white plumage, a long neck, partially webbed feet and a bill designed for eating crabs.

*Crab Plover "Dromas ardeola"

Oystercatchers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Haematopodidae

The oystercatchers are large and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. There are 11 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*Eurasian Oystercatcher "Haematopus ostralegus"

Avocets and Stilts

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds, which includes the avocets and the stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. There are 9 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Black-winged Stilt "Himantopus himantopus"
*Pied Avocet "Recurvirostra avosetta"

Thick-knees

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Burhinidae

The thick-knees are a group of largely tropical waders in the family Burhinidae. They are found worldwide within the tropical zone, with some species also breeding in temperate Europe and Australia. They are medium to large waders with strong black or yellow black bills, large yellow eyes and cryptic plumage. Despite being classed as waders, most species have a preference for arid or semi-arid habitats. There are 9 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Kenya.

*Water Thick-knee "Burhinus vermiculatus"
*Stone Curlew "Burhinus oedicnemus"
*Senegal Thick-knee "Burhinus senegalensis"
*Spotted Thick-knee "Burhinus capensis"

Pratincoles and Coursers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Glareolidae

Glareolidae is a family of wading birds comprising the pratincoles, which have short legs, long pointed wings and long forked tails, and the coursers, which have long legs, short wings and long pointed bills which curve downwards. There are 17 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Kenya.

*Egyptian Plover "Pluvianus aegyptius"
*Cream-colored Courser "Cursorius cursor"
*Temminck's Courser "Cursorius temminckii"
*Double-banded Courser "Smutsornis africanus"
*Three-banded Courser "Rhinoptilus cinctus"
*Bronze-winged Courser "Rhinoptilus chalcopterus"
*Collared Pratincole "Glareola pratincola"
*Black-winged Pratincole "Glareola nordmanni"
*Madagascar Pratincole "Glareola ocularis"
*Rock Pratincole "Glareola nuchalis"

Plovers and Lapwings

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water, although there are some exceptions. There are 66 species worldwide and 21 species which occur in Kenya.

*Long-toed Lapwing "Vanellus crassirostris"
*Blacksmith Plover "Vanellus armatus"
*Spur-winged Plover "Vanellus spinosus"
*Black-headed Lapwing "Vanellus tectus"
*Senegal Lapwing "Vanellus lugubris"
*Black-winged Lapwing "Vanellus melanopterus"
*Crowned Lapwing "Vanellus coronatus"
*Wattled Lapwing "Vanellus senegallus"
*Brown-chested Lapwing "Vanellus superciliosus"
*Pacific Golden Plover "Pluvialis fulva"
*Grey Plover "Pluvialis squatarola"
*Common Ringed Plover "Charadrius hiaticula"
*Little Ringed Plover "Charadrius dubius"
*Kittlitz's Plover "Charadrius pecuarius"
*Three-banded Plover "Charadrius tricollaris"
*White-fronted Plover "Charadrius marginatus"
*Chestnut-banded Plover "Charadrius pallidus"
*Snowy Plover "Charadrius alexandrinus"
*Lesser Sandplover "Charadrius mongolus"
*Greater Sandplover "Charadrius leschenaultii"
*Caspian Plover "Charadrius asiaticus"

andpipers and allies

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Scolopacidae

The Scolopacidae are a large diverse family of small to medium sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enable different species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 89 species worldwide and 33 species which occur in Kenya.

*Jack Snipe "Lymnocryptes minimus"
*Pintail Snipe "Gallinago stenura"
*African Snipe "Gallinago nigripennis"
*Great Snipe "Gallinago media"
*Common Snipe "Gallinago gallinago"
*Asian Dowitcher "Limnodromus semipalmatus" (A)
*Black-tailed Godwit "Limosa limosa"
*Bar-tailed Godwit "Limosa lapponica"
*Whimbrel "Numenius phaeopus"
*Eurasian Curlew "Numenius arquata"
*Spotted Redshank "Tringa erythropus"
*Common Redshank "Tringa totanus"
*Marsh Sandpiper "Tringa stagnatilis"
*Common Greenshank "Tringa nebularia"
*Green Sandpiper "Tringa ochropus"
*Wood Sandpiper "Tringa glareola"
*Terek Sandpiper "Xenus cinereus"
*Common Sandpiper "Actitis hypoleucos"
*Ruddy Turnstone "Arenaria interpres"
*Red Knot "Calidris canutus"
*Sanderling "Calidris alba"
*Red-necked Stint "Calidris ruficollis"
*Little Stint "Calidris minuta"
*Temminck's Stint "Calidris temminckii"
*Long-toed Stint "Calidris subminuta"
*Pectoral Sandpiper "Calidris melanotos"
*Curlew Sandpiper "Calidris ferruginea"
*Dunlin "Calidris alpina" (A)
*Broad-billed Sandpiper "Limicola falcinellus"
*Buff-breasted Sandpiper "Tryngites subruficollis"
*Ruff "Philomachus pugnax"
*Red-necked Phalarope "Phalaropus lobatus"
*Red Phalarope "Phalaropus fulicarius"

kuas and Jaegers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Stercorariidae

The family Stercorariidae are, in general, medium to large birds, typically with grey or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They nest on the ground in temperate and Arctic regions and are long-distance migrants. There are 7 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Kenya.

*South Polar Skua "Stercorarius maccormicki"
*Pomarine Skua "Stercorarius pomarinus"
*Arctic Skua "Stercorarius parasiticus"
*Long-tailed Skua "Stercorarius longicaudus"

Gulls

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large birds seabirds and includes gulls and kittiwakes. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There are 55 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Kenya.

*White-eyed Gull "Larus leucophthalmus" (Ex)
*Sooty Gull "Larus hemprichii"
*Kelp Gull "Larus dominicanus"
*Herring Gull "Larus argentatus"
*Lesser Black-backed Gull "Larus fuscus"
*Great Black-headed Gull "Larus ichthyaetus"
*Grey-headed Gull "Larus cirrocephalus"
*Black-headed Gull "Larus ridibundus"
*Slender-billed Gull "Larus genei"
*Mediterranean Gull "Larus melanocephalus"
*Little Gull "Larus minutus"

Terns

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Sternidae

Terns are a group of generally general medium to large sea-birds typically with grey or white plumage, often with black markings on the head. Most terns hunt fish by diving but some pick insects off the surface of fresh water. Terns are generally long-lived birds, with several species now known to live in excess of 25 to 30 years. There are 44 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Kenya.

*Gull-billed Tern "Sterna nilotica"
*Caspian Tern "Sterna caspia"
*Lesser Crested Tern "Sterna bengalensis"
*Sandwich Tern "Sterna sandvicensis"
*Great Crested Tern "Sterna bergii"
*Roseate Tern "Sterna dougallii"
*Common Tern "Sterna hirundo"
*Little Tern "Sterna albifrons"
*Saunders's Tern "Sterna saundersi"
*White-cheeked Tern "Sterna repressa"
*Bridled Tern "Sterna anaethetus"
*Sooty Tern "Sterna fuscata"
*Whiskered Tern "Chlidonias hybridus"
*White-winged Tern "Chlidonias leucopterus"
*Black Tern "Chlidonias niger"
*Lesser Noddy "Anous tenuirostris"
*Brown Noddy "Anous stolidus"

kimmers

Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Rynchopidae

Skimmers are a small family of tropical tern-like birds. They have an elongated lower mandible which they use to feed by flying low over the water surface and skimming the water for small fish. There are 3 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*African Skimmer "Rynchops flavirostris"

andgrouse

Order: PterocliformesFamily: Pteroclidae

Sandgrouse have small, pigeon like heads and necks, but sturdy compact bodies. They have long pointed wings and sometimes tails and a fast direct flight. Flocks fly to watering holes at dawn and dusk. Their legs are feathered down to the toes. There are 16 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Kenya.

*Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse "Pterocles exustus"
*Yellow-throated Sandgrouse "Pterocles gutturalis"
*Black-faced Sandgrouse "Pterocles decoratus"
*Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse "Pterocles lichtensteinii"
*Four-banded Sandgrouse "Pterocles quadricinctus"

Pigeons and Doves

Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in Kenya.

*Rock Pigeon "Columba livia"
*Speckled Pigeon "Columba guinea"
*Rameron Pigeon "Columba arquatrix"
*Delegorgue's Pigeon "Columba delegorguei"
*Lemon Dove "Columba larvata"
*Turtle Dove "Streptopelia turtur"
*Dusky Turtle Dove "Streptopelia lugens"
*White-winged Collared Dove "Streptopelia reichenowi"
*African Mourning Dove "Streptopelia decipiens"
*Red-eyed Dove "Streptopelia semitorquata"
*Ring-necked Dove "Streptopelia capicola"
*Laughing Dove "Streptopelia senegalensis"
*Emerald-spotted Wood Dove "Turtur chalcospilos"
*Black-billed Wood Dove "Turtur abyssinicus"
*Blue-spotted Wood Dove "Turtur afer"
*Tambourine Dove "Turtur tympanistria"
*Namaqua Dove "Oena capensis"
*Bruce's Green Pigeon "Treron waalia"
*African Green Pigeon "Treron calva"

Parrots and allies

Order: PsittaciformesFamily: Psittacidae

Parrots are small to large birds with a generally erect stance and a characteristic curved beak shape. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two back. There are 335 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Kenya.

*Rose-ringed Parakeet "Psittacula krameri" (I)
*Red-headed Lovebird "Agapornis pullarius"
*Fischer's Lovebird "Agapornis fischeri" (I)
*Yellow-collared Lovebird "Agapornis personatus" (I)
*Grey Parrot "Psittacus erithacus"
*Red-fronted Parrot "Poicephalus gulielmi"
*Meyer's Parrot "Poicephalus meyeri"
*Brown-headed Parrot "Poicephalus cryptoxanthus"
*Red-bellied Parrot "Poicephalus rufiventris"

Turacos

Order: CuculiformesFamily: Musophagidae

The turacos, plantain eaters and go-away birds make up the bird family Musophagidae. They are medium-sized arboreal birds. The turacos and plantain-eaters are brightly coloured, usually blue, green or purple. The go-away-birds are mostly grey and white. There are 23 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Kenya.

*Great Blue Turaco "Corythaeola cristata"
*Schalow's Turaco "Tauraco schalowi"
*Black-billed Turaco "Tauraco schuettii"
*White-crested Turaco "Tauraco leucolophus"
*Fischer's Turaco "Tauraco fischeri"
*Hartlaub's Turaco "Tauraco hartlaubi"
*Purple-crested Turaco "Tauraco porphyreolophus"
*Ross's Turaco "Musophaga rossae"
*Bare-faced Go-away-bird "Corythaixoides personatus"
*White-bellied Go-away-bird "Corythaixoides leucogaster"
*Eastern Plantain-eater "Crinifer zonurus"

Cuckoos and Anis

Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. Unlike the cuckoo species of the Old World, North American cuckoos are not brood parasites. There are 138 species worldwide and 19 species which occur in Kenya.

*Pied Cuckoo "Clamator jacobinus"
*Levaillant's Cuckoo "Clamator levaillantii"
*Great Spotted Cuckoo "Clamator glandarius"
*Thick-billed Cuckoo "Pachycoccyx audeberti"
*Red-chested Cuckoo "Cuculus solitarius"
*Black Cuckoo "Cuculus clamosus"
*Common Cuckoo "Cuculus canorus"
*African Cuckoo "Cuculus gularis"
*Lesser Cuckoo "Cuculus poliocephalus"
*Madagascar Cuckoo "Cuculus rochii"
*Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo "Cercococcyx montanus"
*Klaas's Cuckoo "Chrysococcyx klaas"
*African Emerald Cuckoo "Chrysococcyx cupreus"
*Dideric Cuckoo "Chrysococcyx caprius"
*Yellowbill "Ceuthmochares aereus"
*Black Coucal "Centropus grillii"
*Blue-headed Coucal "Centropus monachus"
*Senegal Coucal "Centropus senegalensis"
*White-browed Coucal "Centropus superciliosus"

Barn owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae

Barn owls are medium to large sized owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*African Grass-Owl "Tyto capensis"
*Barn Owl "Tyto alba"

Typical owls

Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae

Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. There are 195 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Kenya.

*Sokoke Scops Owl "Otus ireneae"
*African Scops Owl "Otus senegalensis"
*European Scops Owl "Otus scops"
*Northern White-faced Owl "Ptilopsis leucotis"
*Southern White-faced Owl "Ptilopsis granti"
*Cape Eagle-Owl "Bubo capensis"
*Spotted Eagle-owl "Bubo africanus"
*Greyish Eagle-owl "Bubo cinerascens"
*Verreaux's Eagle-owl "Bubo lacteus"
*Pel's Fishing Owl "Scotopelia peli"
*African Wood Owl "Strix woodfordii"
*Pearl-spotted Owlet "Glaucidium perlatum"
*Red-chested Owlet "Glaucidium tephronotum"
*African Barred Owlet "Glaucidium capense"
*African Long-eared Owl "Asio abyssinicus"
*Short-eared Owl "Asio flammeus"
*Marsh Owl "Asio capensis"

Nightjars

Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds with long wings, short legs and very short bills that usually nest on the ground. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves. There are 86 species worldwide and 17 species which occur in Kenya.

*Eurasian Nightjar "Caprimulgus europaeus"
*Sombre Nightjar "Caprimulgus fraenatus"
*Egyptian Nightjar "Caprimulgus aegyptius"
*Nubian Nightjar "Caprimulgus nubicus"
*Donaldson-Smith's Nightjar "Caprimulgus donaldsoni"
*Black-shouldered Nightjar "Caprimulgus nigriscapularis"
*Fiery-necked Nightjar "Caprimulgus pectoralis"
*Abyssinian Nightjar "Caprimulgus poliocephalus"
*Swamp Nightjar "Caprimulgus natalensis"
*Plain Nightjar "Caprimulgus inornatus"
*Star-spotted Nightjar "Caprimulgus stellatus"
*Freckled Nightjar "Caprimulgus tristigma"
*Long-tailed Nightjar "Caprimulgus climacurus"
*Slender-tailed Nightjar "Caprimulgus clarus"
*Square-tailed Nightjar "Caprimulgus fossii"
*Pennant-winged Nightjar "Macrodipteryx vexillarius"
*Standard-winged Nightjar "Macrodipteryx longipennis"

wifts

Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae

Swifts are small aerial birds, spending the majority of their lives flying. They have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings that resemble a crescent or a boomerang. There are 98 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Kenya.

*Scarce Swift "Schoutedenapus myoptilus"
*Mottled Spinetail "Telacanthura ussheri"
*Sabine's Spinetail "Rhaphidura sabini"
*Bat-like Spinetail "Neafrapus boehmi"
*African Palm-Swift "Cypsiurus parvus"
*Alpine Swift "Tachymarptis melba"
*Mottled Swift "Tachymarptis aequatorialis"
*Common Swift "Apus apus"
*Nyanza Swift "Apus niansae"
*African Swift "Apus barbatus"
*Forbes-Watson's Swift "Apus berliozi"
*Little Swift "Apus affinis"
*Horus Swift "Apus horus"
*White-rumped Swift "Apus caffer"

Mousebirds

Order: ColiiformesFamily: Coliidae

The mousebirds are slender greyish or brown birds with soft, hairlike body feathers and very long thin tails. They are arboreal and scurry through the leaves like rodents in search of berries, fruit and buds. They are acrobatic, and can feed upside down. All species have strong claws and reversible outer toes. They also have crests and stubby bills. There are 6 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Kenya.

*Speckled Mousebird "Colius striatus"
*White-headed Mousebird "Colius leucocephalus"
*Blue-naped Mousebird "Urocolius macrourus"

Trogons

Order: TrogoniformesFamily: Trogonidae

The family Trogonidae includes trogons and quetzals. Found in tropical woodlands worldwide, they feed on insects and fruit, and their broad bills and weak legs reflect their diet and arboreal habits. Although their flight is fast, they are reluctant to fly any distance. Trogons have soft, often colourful, feathers with distinctive male and female plumage. There are 33 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Narina Trogon "Apaloderma narina"
*Bar-tailed Trogon "Apaloderma vittatum"

Kingfishers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 12 species which occur in Kenya.

*Half-collared Kingfisher "Alcedo semitorquata"
*Shining-blue Kingfisher "Alcedo quadribrachys"
*Malachite Kingfisher "Alcedo cristata"
*African Pygmy-Kingfisher "Ispidina picta"
*Grey-headed Kingfisher "Halcyon leucocephala"
*Woodland Kingfisher "Halcyon senegalensis"
*Mangrove Kingfisher "Halcyon senegaloides"
*Brown-hooded Kingfisher "Halcyon albiventris"
*Striped Kingfisher "Halcyon chelicuti"
*Collared Kingfisher "Todirhamphus chloris"
*Giant Kingfisher "Megaceryle maximus"
*Pied Kingfisher "Ceryle rudis"

Bee-eaters

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Meropidae

The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All have long down-turned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Kenya.

*Blue-headed Bee-eater "Merops muelleri"
*White-fronted Bee-eater "Merops bullockoides"
*Little Bee-eater "Merops pusillus"
*Blue-breasted Bee-eater "Merops variegatus"
*Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater "Merops oreobates"
*Swallow-tailed Bee-eater "Merops hirundineus"
*Somali Bee-eater "Merops revoilii"
*White-throated Bee-eater "Merops albicollis"
*Green Bee-eater "Merops orientalis"
*Blue-cheeked Bee-eater "Merops persicus"
*Madagascar Bee-eater "Merops superciliosus"
*European Bee-eater "Merops apiaster"
*Northern Carmine Bee-eater "Merops nubicus"
*Southern Carmine Bee-eater "Merops nubicoides"

Typical Rollers

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Coraciidae

Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Kenya.

*European Roller "Coracias garrulus"
*Abyssinian Roller "Coracias abyssinica"
*Lilac-breasted Roller "Coracias caudata"
*Rufous-crowned Roller "Coracias naevia"
*Broad-billed Roller "Eurystomus glaucurus"

Hoopoes

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Upupidae

Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*Hoopoe "Upupa epops"

Woodhoopoes

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Phoeniculidae

The woodhoopoes are related to the kingfishers, rollers and hoopoe. They most resemble the last species with their long curved bills, used for probing for insects, and short rounded wings. However, they differ in that they have metallic plumage, often blue, green or purple, and lack an erectile crest. There are 8 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Kenya.

*Green Woodhoopoe "Phoeniculus purpureus"
*Violet Woodhoopoe "Phoeniculus damarensis"
*Black-billed Woodhoopoe "Phoeniculus somaliensis"
*White-headed Woodhoopoe "Phoeniculus bollei"
*Forest Woodhoopoe "Phoeniculus castaneiceps"
*Common Scimitar-bill "Rhinopomastus cyanomelas"
*Abyssinian Scimitar-bill "Rhinopomastus minor"

Hornbills

Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Bucerotidae

Hornbills are a group of birds whose bill is shaped like a cow's horn, but without a twist, sometimes with a casque on the upper mandible. Frequently, the bill is brightly coloured. There are 57 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Kenya.

*Red-billed Hornbill "Tockus erythrorhynchus"
*Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill "Tockus flavirostris"
*Jackson's Hornbill "Tockus jacksoni"
*Von der Decken's Hornbill "Tockus deckeni"
*Crowned Hornbill "Tockus alboterminatus"
*Hemprich's Hornbill "Tockus hemprichii"
*African Grey Hornbill "Tockus nasutus"
*Pale-billed Hornbill "Tockus pallidirostris"
*Trumpeter Hornbill "Ceratogymna bucinator"
*Silvery-cheeked Hornbill "Ceratogymna brevis"
*Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill "Ceratogymna subcylindricus"
*Abyssinian Ground-Hornbill "Bucorvus abyssinicus"
*Southern Ground-Hornbill "Bucorvus leadbeateri"

Barbets

Order: PiciformesFamily: Capitonidae

The barbets are plump birds, with short necks and large heads. They get their name from the bristles which fringe their heavy bills. Most species are brightly coloured. There are 84 species worldwide and 22 species which occur in Kenya.

*Gray-throated Barbet "Gymnobucco bonapartei"
*White-eared Barbet "Stactolaema leucotis"
*Green Barbet "Stactolaema olivacea"
*Speckled Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus scolopaceus"
*Moustached Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus leucomystax"
*Green Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus simplex"
*Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus bilineatus"
*Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus chrysoconus"
*Red-fronted Tinkerbird "Pogoniulus pusillus"
*Yellow-spotted Barbet "Buccanodon duchaillui"
*Hairy-breasted Barbet "Tricholaema hirsuta"
*Red-fronted Barbet "Tricholaema diademata"
*Spot-flanked Barbet "Tricholaema lachrymosa"
*Black-throated Barbet "Tricholaema melanocephala"
*White-headed Barbet "Lybius leucocephalus"
*Black-billed Barbet "Lybius guifsobalito"
*Black-collared Barbet "Lybius torquatus"
*Brown-breasted Barbet "Lybius melanopterus"
*Double-toothed Barbet "Lybius bidentatus"
*Yellow-billed Barbet "Trachyphonus purpuratus"
*Red-and-yellow Barbet "Trachyphonus erythrocephalus"
*D'Arnaud's Barbet "Trachyphonus darnaudii"

Honeyguides

Order: PiciformesFamily: Indicatoridae

Honeyguides are among the few birds that feed on wax. They are named for the behaviour of the Greater Honeyguide which leads large animals to bees' nests and then feeds on the wax once the animal has broken the nest open to get at the honey. There are 17 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Kenya.

*Scaly-throated Honeyguide "Indicator variegatus"
*Greater Honeyguide "Indicator indicator"
*Lesser Honeyguide "Indicator minor"
*Thick-billed Honeyguide "Indicator conirostris"
*Least Honeyguide "Indicator exilis"
*Dwarf Honeyguide "Indicator pumilio"
*Pallid Honeyguide "Indicator meliphilus"
*Cassin's Honeyguide "Prodotiscus insignis"
*Green-backed Honeyguide "Prodotiscus zambesiae"
*Wahlberg's Honeyguide "Prodotiscus regulus"

Woodpeckers and allies

Order: PiciformesFamily: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium sized birds with chisel like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward, and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. There are 218 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Kenya.

*Eurasian Wryneck "Jynx torquilla"
*Rufous-necked Wryneck "Jynx ruficollis"
*Nubian Woodpecker "Campethera nubica"
*Golden-tailed Woodpecker "Campethera abingoni"
*Mombasa Woodpecker "Campethera mombassica"
*Green-backed Woodpecker "Campethera cailliautii"
*Tullberg's Woodpecker "Campethera tullbergi"
*Buff-spotted Woodpecker "Campethera nivosa"
*Brown-eared Woodpecker "Campethera caroli"
*Speckle-breasted Woodpecker "Dendropicos poecilolaemus"
*Cardinal Woodpecker "Dendropicos fuscescens"
*Bearded Woodpecker "Dendropicos namaquus"
*Golden-crowned Woodpecker "Dendropicos xantholophus"
*Grey Woodpecker "Dendropicos goertae"
*Grey-headed Woodpecker "Dendropicos spodocephalus"
*Brown-backed Woodpecker "Dendropicos obsoletus"

Broadbills

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Eurylaimidae

The broadbills are small, brightly coloured birds that feed on fruit and also take insects in flycatcher fashion, snapping their broad bills. Their habitat is canopies of wet forests. There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*African Broadbill "Smithornis capensis"

Pittas

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Pittidae

Pittas are medium-sized by passerine standards, and stocky, with fairly long, strong legs, short tails and stout bills. Many, but not all, are brightly coloured. They are spend the majority of their time on wet forest floors, eating snails, insects and similar invertebrate prey which they find there. There are 32 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*African Pitta "Pitta angolensis"

Larks

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 23 species which occur in Kenya.

*Singing Bushlark "Mirafra cantillans"
*White-tailed Lark "Mirafra albicauda"
*Williams's Lark "Mirafra williamsi" (E)
*Friedmann's Lark "Mirafra pulpa"
*Red-winged Lark "Mirafra hypermetra"
*Rufous-naped Lark "Mirafra africana"
*Flappet Lark "Mirafra rufocinnamomea"
*Collared Lark "Mirafra collaris"
*Gillett's Lark "Mirafra gilletti"
*Pink-breasted Lark "Calendulauda poecilosterna"
*Fawn-colored Lark "Calendulauda africanoides"
*Foxy Lark "Calendulauda alopex"
*Spike-heeled Lark "Chersomanes albofasciata" (A)
*Chestnut-backed Sparrow-lark "Eremopterix leucotis"
*Chestnut-headed Sparrow-lark "Eremopterix signata"
*Fischer's Sparrow-lark "Eremopterix leucopareia"
*Greater Short-toed Lark "Calandrella brachydactyla"
*Red-capped Lark "Calandrella cinerea"
*Somali Short-toed Lark "Calandrella somalica"
*Masked Lark "Spizocorys personata"
*Crested Lark "Galerida cristata"
*Thekla Lark "Galerida theklae"
*Short-tailed Lark "Pseudalaemon fremantlii"

wallows and Martins

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae

The Hirundinidae family is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. Their adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and short bills with wide gape. The feet are designed for perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. There are 75 species worldwide and 18 species which occur in Kenya.

*Sand Martin "Riparia riparia"
*Plain Martin "Riparia paludicola"
*Banded Martin "Riparia cincta"
*Mascarene Martin "Phedina borbonica"
*Grey-rumped Swallow "Pseudhirundo griseopyga"
*Rock Martin "Ptyonoprogne fuligula"
*Barn Swallow "Hirundo rustica"
*Ethiopian Swallow "Hirundo aethiopica"
*Angola Swallow "Hirundo angolensis"
*Wire-tailed Swallow "Hirundo smithii"
*Blue Swallow "Hirundo atrocaerulea"
*Lesser Striped-Swallow "Cecropis abyssinica"
*Rufous-chested Swallow "Cecropis semirufa"
*Mosque Swallow "Cecropis senegalensis"
*Red-rumped Swallow "Cecropis daurica"
*House Martin "Delichon urbica"
*White-headed Sawwing "Psalidoprocne albiceps"
*Blue Sawwing "Psalidoprocne pristoptera"

Wagtails and Pipits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Motacillidae

The Motacillidae are a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country. There are 54 species worldwide and 23 species which occur in Kenya.

*White Wagtail "Motacilla alba"
*African Pied Wagtail "Motacilla aguimp"
*Cape Wagtail "Motacilla capensis"
*Yellow Wagtail "Motacilla flava"
*Grey Wagtail "Motacilla cinerea"
*Mountain Wagtail "Motacilla clara"
*Golden Pipit "Tmetothylacus tenellus"
*Yellow-throated Longclaw "Macronyx croceus"
*Rosy-throated Longclaw "Macronyx ameliae"
*Pangani Longclaw "Macronyx aurantiigula"
*Sharpe's Longclaw "Hemimacronyx sharpei" (E)
*Striped Pipit "Anthus lineiventris"
*Jackson's Pipit "Anthus latistriatus" (A)
*Plain-backed Pipit "Anthus leucophrys"
*Buffy Pipit "Anthus vaalensis"
*African Pipit "Anthus cinnamomeus"
*Malindi Pipit "Anthus melindae"
*Tawny Pipit "Anthus campestris"
*Long-billed Pipit "Anthus similis"
*Bush Pipit "Anthus caffer"
*Sokoke Pipit "Anthus sokokensis"
*Tree Pipit "Anthus trivialis"
*Red-throated Pipit "Anthus cervinus"

Cuckoo-shrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Campephagidae

The cuckoo-shrikes are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are predominantly greyish with white and black, although some species are brightly coloured. There are 82 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Kenya.

*White-breasted Cuckoo-shrike "Coracina pectoralis"
*Gray Cuckoo-shrike "Coracina caesia"
*Petit's Cuckoo-shrike "Campephaga petiti"
*Black Cuckoo-shrike "Campephaga flava"
*Red-shouldered Cuckoo-shrike "Campephaga phoenicea"
*Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike "Campephaga quiscalina"

Bulbuls

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Pycnonotidae

Bulbuls are medium-sized songbirds. Some are colourful with yellow, red or orange vents, cheeks, throat or supercilia, but most are drab, with uniform olive brown to black plumage. Some species have distinct crests.There are 130 species worldwide and 27 species which occur in Kenya.

*Common Bulbul "Pycnonotus barbatus"
*Shelley's Greenbul "Andropadus masukuensis"
*Little Greenbul "Andropadus virens"
*Grey Greenbul "Andropadus gracilis"
*Ansorge's Greenbul "Andropadus ansorgei"
*Plain Greenbul "Andropadus curvirostris"
*Slender-billed Greenbul "Andropadus gracilirostris"
*Sombre Greenbul "Andropadus importunus"
*Yellow-whiskered Bulbul "Andropadus latirostris"
*Eastern Mountain-Greenbul "Andropadus nigriceps"
*Stripe-cheeked Bulbul "Andropadus milanjensis"
*Honeyguide Greenbul "Baeopogon indicator"
*Yellow-throated Greenbul "Chlorocichla flavicollis"
*Yellow-bellied Greenbul "Chlorocichla flaviventris"
*Joyful Greenbul "Chlorocichla laetissima"
*Cabanis's Greenbul "Phyllastrephus cabanisi"
*Fischer's Greenbul "Phyllastrephus fischeri"
*Terrestrial Brownbul "Phyllastrephus terrestris"
*Northern Brownbul "Phyllastrephus strepitans"
*Gray-olive Greenbul "Phyllastrephus cerviniventris"
*Toro Olive-Greenbul "Phyllastrephus hypochloris"
*Yellow-streaked Bulbul "Phyllastrephus flavostriatus"
*Tiny Greenbul "Phyllastrephus debilis"
*White-throated Greenbul "Phyllastrephus albigularis"
*Common Bristlebill "Bleda syndactyla"
*Yellow-spotted Nicator "Nicator chloris"
*Eastern Nicator "Nicator gularis"

Thrushes and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. There are 335 species worldwide and 11 species which occur in Kenya.

*Red-tailed Ant-Thrush "Neocossyphus rufus"
*White-tailed Ant-Thrush "Neocossyphus poensis"
*Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush "Monticola saxatilis"
*Little Rock-Thrush "Monticola rufocinereus"
*Abyssinian Ground-Thrush "Zoothera piaggiae"
*Orange Ground-Thrush "Zoothera gurneyi"
*Spotted Ground-Thrush "Zoothera guttata"
*Olive Thrush "Turdus olivaceus"
*African Thrush "Turdus pelios"
*African Bare-eyed Thrush "Turdus tephronotus"
*Brown-chested Alethe "Alethe poliocephala"

Cisticolas and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cisticolidae

The Cisticolidae are warblers found mainly in warmer southern regions of the Old World. They are generally very small birds of drab brown or grey appearance found in open country such as grassland or scrub. There are 111 species worldwide and 50 species which occur in Kenya.

*Red-faced Cisticola "Cisticola erythrops"
*Singing Cisticola "Cisticola cantans"
*Whistling Cisticola "Cisticola lateralis"
*Trilling Cisticola "Cisticola woosnami"
*Chubb's Cisticola "Cisticola chubbi"
*Hunter's Cisticola "Cisticola hunteri"
*Rock-loving Cisticola "Cisticola aberrans"
*Boran Cisticola "Cisticola bodessa"
*Rattling Cisticola "Cisticola chiniana"
*Ashy Cisticola "Cisticola cinereolus"
*Red-pate Cisticola "Cisticola ruficeps"
*Wailing Cisticola "Cisticola lais"
*Tana River Cisticola "Cisticola restrictus" (E)
*Winding Cisticola "Cisticola galactotes"
*Carruthers's Cisticola "Cisticola carruthersi"
*Tinkling Cisticola "Cisticola tinniens"
*Stout Cisticola "Cisticola robustus"
*Croaking Cisticola "Cisticola natalensis"
*Piping Cisticola "Cisticola fulvicapillus"
*Aberdare Cisticola "Cisticola aberdare" (E)
*Tabora Cisticola "Cisticola angusticaudus"
*Siffling Cisticola "Cisticola brachypterus"
*Foxy Cisticola "Cisticola troglodytes"
*Tiny Cisticola "Cisticola nana"
*Zitting Cisticola "Cisticola juncidis"
*Desert Cisticola "Cisticola aridulus"
*Black-necked Cisticola "Cisticola eximius"
*Pectoral-patch Cisticola "Cisticola brunnescens"
*Wing-snapping Cisticola "Cisticola ayresii"
*Tawny-flanked Prinia "Prinia subflava"
*Pale Prinia "Prinia somalica"
*White-chinned Prinia "Prinia leucopogon"
*Banded Prinia "Prinia bairdii"
*Red-winged Prinia "Prinia erythroptera"
*Black-collared Apalis "Apalis pulchra"
*Bar-throated Apalis "Apalis thoracica"
*Black-throated Apalis "Apalis jacksoni"
*White-winged Apalis "Apalis chariessa"
*Yellow-breasted Apalis "Apalis flavida"
*Buff-throated Apalis "Apalis rufogularis"
*Chestnut-throated Apalis "Apalis porphyrolaema"
*Black-headed Apalis "Apalis melanocephala"
*Grey Apalis "Apalis cinerea"
*Brown-headed Apalis "Apalis alticola"
*Red-fronted Warbler "Urorhipis rufifrons"
*Grey-capped Warbler "Eminia lepida"
*Green-backed Camaroptera "Camaroptera brachyura"
*Olive-green Camaroptera "Camaroptera chloronota"
*Miombo Camaroptera "Calamonastes undosus"
*Gray Wren-Warbler "Calamonastes simplex"

Old World warblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sylviidae

The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. The Sylviidae mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs. There are 291 species worldwide and 54 species which occur in Kenya.

*African Bush-Warbler "Bradypterus baboecala"
*White-winged Scrub-Warbler "Bradypterus carpalis"
*Cameroon Scrub-Warbler "Bradypterus lopezi"
*Cinnamon Bracken-Warbler "Bradypterus cinnamomeus"
*Black-faced Rufous-Warbler "Bathmocercus rufus"
*Moustached Grass-Warbler "Melocichla mentalis"
*Grasshopper Warbler "Locustella naevia"
*Eurasian River Warbler "Locustella fluviatilis"
*Savi's Warbler "Locustella luscinioides"
*Sedge Warbler "Acrocephalus schoenobaenus"
*Eurasian Reed-Warbler "Acrocephalus scirpaceus"
*African Reed-Warbler "Acrocephalus baeticatus"
*Marsh Warbler "Acrocephalus palustris"
*Great Reed Warbler "Acrocephalus arundinaceus"
*Basra Reed Warbler "Acrocephalus griseldis"
*Greater Swamp-Warbler "Acrocephalus rufescens"
*Lesser Swamp-Warbler "Acrocephalus gracilirostris"
*Eastern Olivaceous Warbler "Hippolais pallida"
*Upcher's Warbler "Hippolais languida"
*Olive-tree Warbler "Hippolais olivetorum"
*Icterine Warbler "Hippolais icterina"
*African Yellow Warbler "Chloropeta natalensis"
*Mountain Yellow Warbler "Chloropeta similis"
*Papyrus Yellow Warbler "Chloropeta gracilirostris"
*Buff-bellied Warbler "Phyllolais pulchella"
*Yellow-vented Eremomela "Eremomela flavicrissalis"
*Yellow-bellied Eremomela "Eremomela icteropygialis"
*Senegal Eremomela "Eremomela pusilla"
*Green-backed Eremomela "Eremomela canescens"
*Greencap Eremomela "Eremomela scotops"
*Turner's Eremomela "Eremomela turneri"
*Green Crombec "Sylvietta virens"
*White-browed Crombec "Sylvietta leucophrys"
*Northern Crombec "Sylvietta brachyura"
*Red-faced Crombec "Sylvietta whytii"
*Somali Crombec "Sylvietta isabellina"
*Gray Longbill "Macrosphenus concolor"
*Kretschmer's Longbill "Macrosphenus kretschmeri"
*Green Hylia "Hylia prasina"
*Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler "Phylloscopus ruficapillus"
*Uganda Woodland-warbler "Phylloscopus budongoensis"
*Brown Woodland-warbler "Phylloscopus umbrovirens"
*Willow Warbler "Phylloscopus trochilus"
*Common Chiffchaff "Phylloscopus collybita"
*Wood Warbler "Phylloscopus sibilatrix"
*Yellow-bellied Hyliota "Hyliota flavigaster"
*Southern Hyliota "Hyliota australis"
*Fan-tailed Grassbird "Schoenicola brevirostris"
*Blackcap "Sylvia atricapilla"
*Garden Warbler "Sylvia borin"
*Greater Whitethroat "Sylvia communis"
*Barred Warbler "Sylvia nisoria"
*Brown Warbler "Parisoma lugens"
*Banded Warbler "Parisoma boehmi"

Old World flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is very varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls. There 274 species worldwide and 53 species which occur in Kenya.

*Silverbird "Empidornis semipartitus"
*Pale Flycatcher "Bradornis pallidus"
*African Grey Flycatcher "Bradornis microrhynchus"
*White-eyed Slaty-Flycatcher "Melaenornis fischeri"
*Northern Black-Flycatcher "Melaenornis edolioides"
*Southern Black-Flycatcher "Melaenornis pammelaina"
*Spotted Flycatcher "Muscicapa striata"
*Gambaga Flycatcher "Muscicapa gambagae"
*Swamp Flycatcher "Muscicapa aquatica"
*Chapin's Flycatcher "Muscicapa lendu"
*African Dusky Flycatcher "Muscicapa adusta"
*Ashy Flycatcher "Muscicapa caerulescens"
*Gray Tit-Flycatcher "Myioparus plumbeus"
*Collared Flycatcher "Ficedula albicollis"
*Semicollared Flycatcher "Ficedula semitorquata"
*White-starred Robin "Pogonocichla stellata"
*Forest Robin "Stiphrornis erythrothorax"
*Equatorial Akalat "Sheppardia aequatorialis"
*East Coast Akalat "Sheppardia gunningi"
*Thrush Nightingale "Luscinia luscinia"
*Common Nightingale "Luscinia megarhynchos"
*White-throated Robin "Irania gutturalis"
*Cape Robin-Chat "Cossypha caffra"
*White-throated Robin-Chat "Cossypha humeralis"
*Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat "Cossypha cyanocampter"
*Gray-winged Robin-Chat "Cossypha polioptera"
*Rueppell's Robin-Chat "Cossypha semirufa"
*White-browed Robin-Chat "Cossypha heuglini"
*Red-capped Robin-Chat "Cossypha natalensis"
*Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat "Cossypha niveicapilla"
*Collared Palm-Thrush "Cichladusa arquata"
*Spotted Morning-Thrush "Cichladusa guttata"
*Bearded Scrub-Robin "Cercotrichas quadrivirgata"
*Brown-backed Scrub-Robin "Cercotrichas hartlaubi"
*Red-backed Scrub-Robin "Cercotrichas leucophrys"
*Rufous-tailed Scrub-Robin "Cercotrichas galactotes"
*Common Redstart "Phoenicurus phoenicurus"
*Whinchat "Saxicola rubetra"
*African Stonechat "Saxicola torquata"
*Northern Wheatear "Oenanthe oenanthe"
*Mourning Wheatear "Oenanthe lugens"
*Pied Wheatear "Oenanthe pleschanka"
*Black-eared Wheatear "Oenanthe hispanica"
*Desert Wheatear "Oenanthe deserti"
*Capped Wheatear "Oenanthe pileata"
*Isabelline Wheatear "Oenanthe isabellina"
*Heuglin's Wheatear "Oenanthe heuglini"
*Familiar Chat "Cercomela familiaris"
*Brown-tailed Chat "Cercomela scotocerca"
*Moorland Chat "Cercomela sordida"
*Northern Anteater-Chat "Myrmecocichla aethiops"
*Sooty Chat "Myrmecocichla nigra"
*Mocking Cliff-Chat "Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris"

Wattle-eyes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Platysteiridae

The wattle-eyes or puffback flycatchers are small stout passerine birds of the African tropics. They get their name from the brightly coloured fleshy eye decorations found in most species in this group. There are 31 species worldwide and 13 species which occur in Kenya.

*African Shrike-flycatcher "Megabyas flammulatus"
*Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher "Bias musicus"
*Brown-throated Wattle-eye "Platysteira cyanea"
*Black-throated Wattle-eye "Platysteira peltata"
*Chestnut Wattle-eye "Platysteira castanea"
*Jameson's Wattle-eye "Platysteira jamesoni"
*Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye "Platysteira concreta"
*Short-tailed Batis "Batis mixta"
*Chinspot Batis "Batis molitor"
*Pale Batis "Batis soror"
*Gray-headed Batis "Batis orientalis"
*Black-headed Batis "Batis minor"
*Pygmy Batis "Batis perkeo"

Monarch flycatchers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Monarchidae

The monarch flycatchers are small to medium-sized insectivorous passerines, which hunt by flycatching. There are 99 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Kenya.

*Yellow Flycatcher "Erythrocercus holochlorus"
*African Blue-Flycatcher "Elminia longicauda"
*Dusky Crested-Flycatcher "Elminia nigromitrata"
*White-tailed Crested-Flycatcher "Elminia albonotata"
*African Crested-Flycatcher "Trochocercus cyanomelas"
*Black-headed Paradise-Flycatcher "Terpsiphone rufiventer"
*African Paradise-Flycatcher "Terpsiphone viridis"

Babblers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Timaliidae

The babblers or timaliids are somewhat diverse in size and coloration, but are characterised by soft fluffy plumage. There are 270 species worldwide and 14 species which occur in Kenya.

*Scaly-breasted Illadopsis "Illadopsis albipectus"
*Pale-breasted Illadopsis "Illadopsis rufipennis"
*Brown Illadopsis "Illadopsis fulvescens"
*Mountain Illadopsis "Illadopsis pyrrhoptera"
*African Hill Babbler "Illadopsis abyssinica"
*Grey-chested Illadopsis "Kakamega poliothorax"
*Scaly Chatterer "Turdoides aylmeri"
*Rufous Chatterer "Turdoides rubiginosus"
*Black-lored Babbler "Turdoides sharpei"
*Scaly Babbler "Turdoides squamulatus"
*Northern Pied-Babbler "Turdoides hypoleucus"
*Hinde's Pied-Babbler "Turdoides hindei" (E)
*Brown Babbler "Turdoides plebejus"
*Arrow-marked Babbler "Turdoides jardineii"

Chickadees and Titmice

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are species 59 worldwide and 6 species which occur in Kenya.

*White-winged Black-Tit "Melaniparus leucomelas"
*White-bellied Tit "Melaniparus albiventris"
*Dusky Tit "Melaniparus funereus"
*Red-throated Tit "Melaniparus fringillinus"
*Somali Tit "Melaniparus thruppi"
*Gray Tit "Melaniparus afer"

Treecreepers

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There are 6 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*Spotted Creeper "Salpornis spilonotus"

Penduline tits

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Remizidae

The penduline tits are a group of small passerine birds, related to the true tits. They are insectivores. There are 13 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Kenya.

*Mouse-coloured Penduline-tit "Anthoscopus musculus"
*African Penduline-tit "Anthoscopus caroli"

unbirds and Spiderhunters

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Nectariniidae

The sunbirds and spiderhunters are very small passerine birds which feed largely on nectar, although they will also take insects, especially when feeding young. Flight is fast and direct on their short wings. Most species can take nectar by hovering like a hummingbird, but usually perch to feed. There are 131 species worldwide and 36 species which occur in Kenya.

*Plain-backed Sunbird "Anthreptes reichenowi"
*Western Violet-backed Sunbird "Anthreptes longuemarei"
*Kenya Violet-backed Sunbird "Anthreptes orientalis"
*Uluguru Violet-backed Sunbird "Anthreptes neglectus"
*Green Sunbird "Anthreptes rectirostris"
*Collared Sunbird "Hedydipna collaris"
*Pygmy Sunbird "Hedydipna platura"
*Amani Sunbird "Hedydipna pallidigaster"
*Green-headed Sunbird "Cyanomitra verticalis"
*Blue-throated Brown Sunbird "Cyanomitra cyanolaema"
*Eastern Olive-Sunbird "Cyanomitra olivacea"
*Mouse-colored Sunbird "Cyanomitra veroxii"
*Green-throated Sunbird "Chalcomitra rubescens"
*Amethyst Sunbird "Chalcomitra amethystina"
*Scarlet-chested Sunbird "Chalcomitra senegalensis"
*Hunter's Sunbird "Chalcomitra hunteri"
*Tacazze Sunbird "Nectarinia tacazze"
*Bronze Sunbird "Nectarinia kilimensis"
*Golden-winged Sunbird "Drepanorhynchus reichenowi"
*Red-tufted Sunbird "Nectarinia johnstoni"
*Malachite Sunbird "Nectarinia famosa"
*Olive-bellied Sunbird "Cinnyris chloropygius"
*Northern Double-collared Sunbird "Cinnyris preussi"
*Eastern Double-collared Sunbird "Cinnyris mediocris"
*Beautiful Sunbird "Cinnyris pulchellus"
*Mariqua Sunbird "Cinnyris mariquensis"
*Red-chested Sunbird "Cinnyris erythrocerca"
*Black-bellied Sunbird "Cinnyris nectarinioides"
*Purple-banded Sunbird "Cinnyris bifasciatus"
*Tsavo Sunbird "Cinnyris tsavoensis"
*Violet-breasted Sunbird "Cinnyris chalcomelas"
*Orange-tufted Sunbird "Cinnyris bouvieri"
*Shining Sunbird "Cinnyris habessinicus"
*Superb Sunbird "Cinnyris superbus"
*Variable Sunbird "Cinnyris venustus"
*Copper Sunbird "Cinnyris cupreus"

White-eyes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Zosteropidae

The white-eyes are small and are mostly of undistinguished appearance, the plumage above being generally either some dull color like greenish olive, but some species have a white or bright yellow throat, breast or lower parts, and several have buff flanks. As their name suggests, many species have a white ring around the eyes. There are 96 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Kenya.

*African Yellow White-eye "Zosterops senegalensis"
*Broad-ringed White-eye "Zosterops poliogastrus"
*White-breasted White-eye "Zosterops abyssinicus"

Old World Orioles

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Oriolidae

The Old World Orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Kenya.

*Eurasian Golden Oriole "Oriolus oriolus"
*African Golden Oriole "Oriolus auratus"
*Green-headed Oriole "Oriolus chlorocephalus"
*Western Black-headed Oriole "Oriolus brachyrhynchus"
*African Black-headed Oriole "Oriolus larvatus"
*Black-tailed Oriole "Oriolus percivali"

hrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 31 species worldwide and 15 species which occur in Kenya.

*Red-backed Shrike "Lanius collurio"
*Rufous-tailed Shrike "Lanius isabellinus"
*Brown Shrike "Lanius cristatus"
*Lesser Grey Shrike "Lanius minor"
*Grey-backed Fiscal "Lanius excubitoroides"
*Long-tailed Fiscal "Lanius cabanisi"
*Taita Fiscal "Lanius dorsalis"
*Somali Fiscal "Lanius somalicus"
*Mackinnon's Shrike "Lanius mackinnoni"
*Common Fiscal "Lanius collaris"
*Masked Shrike "Lanius nubicus"
*Woodchat Shrike "Lanius senator"
*Yellow-billed Shrike "Corvinella corvina"
*Magpie Shrike "Corvinella melanoleuca"
*White-rumped Shrike "Eurocephalus rueppelli"

Bushshrikes and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Malaconotidae

Bushshrikes are similar in habits to shrikes, hunting insects and other small prey from a perch on a bush. Although similar in build to the shrikes, these tend to be either colourful species or largely black; some species are quite secretive. There are 46 species worldwide and 24 species which occur in Kenya.

*Brubru "Nilaus afer"
*Northern Puffback "Dryoscopus gambensis"
*Pringle's Puffback "Dryoscopus pringlii"
*Black-backed Puffback "Dryoscopus cubla"
*Pink-footed Puffback "Dryoscopus angolensis"
*Marsh Tchagra "Tchagra minuta"
*Black-crowned Tchagra "Tchagra senegala"
*Brown-crowned Tchagra "Tchagra australis"
*Three-streaked Tchagra "Tchagra jamesi"
*Red-naped Bushshrike "Laniarius ruficeps"
*Luehder's Bushshrike "Laniarius luehderi"
*Tropical Boubou "Laniarius aethiopicus"
*Black-headed Gonolek "Laniarius erythrogaster"
*Papyrus Gonolek "Laniarius mufumbiri"
*Slate-colored Boubou "Laniarius funebris"
*Sooty Boubou "Laniarius leucorhynchus"
*Rosy-patched Bushshrike "Rhodophoneus cruentus"
*Grey-green Bushshrike "Telophorus bocagei"
*Sulphur-breasted Bushshrike "Telophorus sulfureopectus"
*Black-fronted Bushshrike "Telophorus nigrifrons"
*Four-colored Bushshrike "Telophorus viridis"
*Doherty's Bushshrike "Telophorus dohertyi"
*Fiery-breasted Bushshrike "Malaconotus cruentus"
*Grey-headed Bushshrike "Malaconotus blanchoti"

Helmetshrikes

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Prionopidae

The helmetshrikes are similar in build to the shrikes, but tend to be colourful species with distinctive crests or other head ornaments, such as wattles, from which they get their name. There are 12 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Kenya.

*White Helmetshrike "Prionops plumatus"
*Grey-crested Helmetshrike "Prionops poliolophus"
*Retz's Helmetshrike "Prionops retzii"
*Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike "Prionops scopifrons"

Drongos

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Dicruridae

The drongos are mostly are black or dark grey in colour, sometimes with metallic tints. They have long forked tails, and some Asian species have elaborate tail decorations. They have short legs and sit very upright whilst perched, like a shrike. They flycatch or take prey from the ground. There are 24 species worldwide and 3 species which occur in Kenya.

*Square-tailed Drongo "Dicrurus ludwigii"
*Fork-tailed Drongo "Dicrurus adsimilis"
*Velvet-mantled Drongo "Dicrurus modestus"

Crows, Jays, Ravens and Magpies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae

The Corvidae family includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size for the bird order Passeriformes. Some of the larger species show high levels of learning behavior. There are 120 species worldwide and 7 species which occur in Kenya.

*Piapiac "Ptilostomus afer"
*House Crow "Corvus splendens" (I)
*Cape Crow "Corvus capensis"
*Pied Crow "Corvus albus"
*Somali Crow "Corvus edithae"
*Fan-tailed Raven "Corvus rhipidurus"
*White-necked Raven "Corvus albicollis"

tarlings

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 28 species which occur in Kenya.

*Wattled Starling "Creatophora cinerea"
*Greater Blue-eared Glossy Starling "Lamprotornis chalybaeus"
*Lesser Blue-eared Glossy Starling "Lamprotornis chloropterus"
*Bronze-tailed Glossy Starling "Lamprotornis chalcurus"
*Splendid Glossy Starling "Lamprotornis splendidus"
*Purple Glossy Starling "Lamprotornis purpureus"
*Rueppell's Glossy Starling "Lamprotornis purpuropterus"
*Golden-breasted Starling "Lamprotornis regius"
*Black-bellied Glossy Starling "Lamprotornis corruscus"
*Superb Starling "Lamprotornis superbus"
*Hildebrandt's Starling "Lamprotornis hildebrandti"
*Shelley's Starling "Lamprotornis shelleyi"
*Purple-headed Glossy-Starling "Lamprotornis purpureiceps"
*Violet-backed Starling "Cinnyricinclus leucogaster"
*Fischer's Starling "Spreo fischeri"
*Ashy Starling "Spreo unicolor"
*White-crowned Starling "Spreo albicapillus"
*Red-winged Starling "Onychognathus morio"
*Slender-billed Starling "Onychognathus tenuirostris"
*Waller's Starling "Onychognathus walleri"
*Bristle-crowned Starling "Onychognathus salvadorii"
*Stuhlmann's Starling "Poeoptera stuhlmanni"
*Kenrick's Starling "Poeoptera kenricki"
*Sharpe's Starling "Pholia sharpii"
*Abbott's Starling "Pholia femoralis"
*Magpie Starling "Speculipastor bicolor"
*Red-billed Oxpecker "Buphagus erythrorhynchus"
*Yellow-billed Oxpecker "Buphagus africanus"

Weavers and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Ploceidae

The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 59 species which occur in Kenya.

*White-billed Buffalo Weaver "Bubalornis albirostris"
*Red-billed Buffalo Weaver "Bubalornis niger"
*White-headed Buffalo Weaver "Dinemellia dinemelli"
*Speckle-fronted Weaver "Sporopipes frontalis"
*White-browed Sparrow Weaver "Plocepasser mahali"
*Chestnut-crowned Sparrow Weaver "Plocepasser superciliosus"
*Donaldson-Smith's Sparrow Weaver "Plocepasser donaldsoni"
*Grey-headed Social Weaver "Pseudonigrita arnaudi"
*Black-capped Social Weaver "Pseudonigrita cabanisi"
*Baglafecht Weaver "Ploceus baglafecht"
*Slender-billed Weaver "Ploceus pelzelni"
*Little Weaver "Ploceus luteolus"
*Lesser Masked-Weaver "Ploceus intermedius"
*Spectacled Weaver "Ploceus ocularis"
*Black-necked Weaver "Ploceus nigricollis"
*Black-billed Weaver "Ploceus melanogaster"
*African Golden-Weaver "Ploceus subaureus"
*Holub's Golden-Weaver "Ploceus xanthops"
*Orange Weaver "Ploceus aurantius"
*Golden Palm Weaver "Ploceus bojeri"
*Taveta Golden-Weaver "Ploceus castaneiceps"
*Northern Brown-throated Weaver "Ploceus castanops"
*Rueppell's Weaver "Ploceus galbula"
*Heuglin's Masked-Weaver "Ploceus heuglini"
*Northern Masked-Weaver "Ploceus taeniopterus"
*Vitelline Masked-Weaver "Ploceus vitellinus"
*Village Weaver "Ploceus cucullatus"
*Speke's Weaver "Ploceus spekei"
*Vieillot's Weaver "Ploceus nigerrimus"
*Clarke's Weaver "Ploceus golandi" (E)
*Black-headed Weaver "Ploceus melanocephalus"
*Salvadori's Weaver "Ploceus dichrocephalus"
*Golden-backed Weaver "Ploceus jacksoni"
*Chestnut Weaver "Ploceus rubiginosus"
*Yellow-mantled Weaver "Ploceus tricolor"
*Forest Weaver "Ploceus bicolor"
*Brown-capped Weaver "Ploceus insignis"
*Compact Weaver "Pachyphantes superciliosus"
*Red-headed Malimbe "Malimbus rubricollis"
*Red-headed Weaver "Anaplectes rubriceps"
*Cardinal Quelea "Quelea cardinalis"
*Red-headed Quelea "Quelea erythrops"
*Red-billed Quelea "Quelea quelea"
*Yellow-crowned Bishop "Euplectes afer"
*Fire-fronted Bishop "Euplectes diadematus"
*Black Bishop "Euplectes gierowii"
*Black-winged Bishop "Euplectes hordeaceus"
*Orange Bishop "Euplectes franciscanus"
*Red Bishop "Euplectes orix"
*Zanzibar Bishop "Euplectes nigroventris"
*Yellow Bishop "Euplectes capensis"
*Fan-tailed Widowbird "Euplectes axillaris"
*Yellow-shouldered Widowbird "Euplectes macrourus"
*White-winged Widowbird "Euplectes albonotatus"
*Red-collared Widowbird "Euplectes ardens"
*Marsh Widowbird "Euplectes hartlaubi"
*Long-tailed Widowbird "Euplectes progne"
*Jackson's Widowbird "Euplectes jacksoni"
*Grosbeak Weaver "Amblyospiza albifrons"

Waxbills and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Estrildidae

The estrildid finches are small passerine birds of the Old World tropics and Australasia. They are gregarious and often colonial seed-eaters with short,, thick but pointed bills. They are similar in structure and habits, but have a wide variation in plumage colours and patterns. There are 140 species worldwide and 41 species which occur in Kenya.

*White-breasted Negrofinch "Nigrita fusconota"
*Chestnut-breasted Negrofinch "Nigrita bicolor"
*Grey-headed Negrofinch "Nigrita canicapilla"
*Orange-winged Pytilia "Pytilia afra"
*Green-winged Pytilia "Pytilia melba"
*Green-backed Twinspot "Mandingoa nitidula"
*Red-faced Crimson-wing "Cryptospiza reichenovii"
*Abyssinian Crimson-wing "Cryptospiza salvadorii"
*Black-bellied Seedcracker "Pyrenestes ostrinus"
*Red-headed Bluebill "Spermophaga ruficapilla"
*Brown Twinspot "Clytospiza monteiri"
*Peters's Twinspot "Hypargos niveoguttatus"
*Bar-breasted Firefinch "Lagonosticta rufopicta"
*Red-billed Firefinch "Lagonosticta senegala"
*Black-bellied Firefinch "Lagonosticta rara"
*African Firefinch "Lagonosticta rubricata"
*Jameson's Firefinch "Lagonosticta rhodopareia"
*Red-cheeked Cordonbleu "Uraeginthus bengalus"
*Blue-capped Cordonbleu "Uraeginthus cyanocephalus"
*Purple Grenadier "Uraeginthus ianthinogaster"
*Yellow-bellied Waxbill "Estrilda quartinia"
*Fawn-breasted Waxbill "Estrilda paludicola"
*Crimson-rumped Waxbill "Estrilda rhodopyga"
*Black-rumped Waxbill "Estrilda troglodytes"
*Common Waxbill "Estrilda astrild"
*Black-crowned Waxbill "Estrilda nonnula"
*Black-headed Waxbill "Estrilda atricapilla"
*Black-cheeked Waxbill "Estrilda erythronotos"
*Red-rumped Waxbill "Estrilda charmosyna"
*Zebra Waxbill "Sporaeginthus subflavus"
*Black-faced Quailfinch "Ortygospiza atricollis"
*African Quailfinch "Ortygospiza fuscocrissa"
*Locustfinch "Paludipasser locustella"
*African Silverbill "Euodice cantans"
*Gray-headed Silverbill "Odontospiza griseicapilla"
*Bronze Mannikin "Spermestes cucullatus"
*Black-and-white Mannikin "Spermestes bicolor"
*Magpie Mannikin "Spermestes fringilloides"
*White-throated Munia "Euodice malabarica" (I)
*Gray-headed Munia "Lonchura caniceps" (I)
*Cut-throat "Amadina fasciata"

Indigobirds

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Viduidae

The indigobirds are finch-like species which usually have black or indigo predominating in their plumage. All are brood parasites, which lay their eggs in the nests of estrildid finch species. There are 20 species worldwide and 9 species which occur in Kenya.

*Village Indigobird "Vidua chalybeata"
*Variable Indigobird "Vidua funerea"
*Purple Indigobird "Vidua purpurascens"
*Steel-blue Whydah "Vidua hypocherina"
*Straw-tailed Whydah "Vidua fischeri"
*Pin-tailed Whydah "Vidua macroura"
*Eastern Paradise-Whydah "Vidua paradisaea"
*Broad-tailed Paradise-Whydah "Vidua obtusa"

Weavers and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Ploceidae

The weavers are small passerine birds related to the finches. They are seed-eating birds with rounded conical bills. The males of many species are brightly coloured, usually in red or yellow and black, some species show variation in colour only in the breeding season. There are 116 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Kenya.

*Parasitic Weaver "Anomalospiza imberbis"

Buntings, Sparrows, Seedeaters and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Emberizidae

The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with a distinctively shaped bill. In Europe, most species are named buntings. In North America, most of the species in this family are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows, which are in the family Passeridae. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns. There are 275 species worldwide and 6 species which occur in Kenya.

*Ortolan Bunting "Emberiza hortulana"
*Striolated Bunting "Emberiza striolata"
*Cinnamon-breasted Bunting "Emberiza tahapisi"
*Golden-breasted Bunting "Emberiza flaviventris"
*Somali Bunting "Emberiza poliopleura"
*Brown-rumped Bunting "Emberiza affinis"

Finches and allies

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have 12 tail feathers and 9 primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. There are 136 species worldwide and 16 species which occur in Kenya.

*Oriole Finch "Linurgus olivaceus"
*Cape Canary "Serinus canicollis"
*Yellow-crowned Canary "Serinus flavivertex"
*African Citril "Serinus citrinelloides"
*Western Citril "Serinus frontalis"
*Papyrus Canary "Serinus koliensis"
*Black-throated Canary "Serinus atrogularis"
*Lemon-breasted Seedeater "Serinus citrinipectus"
*Yellow-fronted Canary "Serinus mozambicus"
*Northern Grosbeak-Canary "Serinus donaldsoni"
*Southern Grosbeak-Canary "Serinus buchanani"
*White-bellied Canary "Serinus dorsostriatus"
*Brimstone Canary "Serinus sulphuratus"
*Reichard's Seedeater "Serinus reichardi"
*Streaky-headed Seedeater "Serinus gularis"
*Streaky Seedeater "Serinus striolatus"
*Thick-billed Seedeater "Serinus burtoni"

parrows

Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passeridae

Sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed-eaters, and they also consume small insects. There are 35 species worldwide and 10 species which occur in Kenya.

*House Sparrow "Passer domesticus" (I)
*Somali Sparrow "Passer castanopterus"
*Kenya Rufous Sparrow "Passer rufocinctus"
*Shelley's Rufous Sparrow "Passer shelleyi"
*Gray-headed Sparrow "Passer griseus"
*Swainson's Sparrow "Passer swainsonii"
*Parrot-billed Sparrow "Passer gongonensis"
*Swahili Sparrow "Passer suahelicus"
*Chestnut Sparrow "Passer eminibey"
*Yellow-spotted Petronia "Petronia pyrgita"

ee also

*List of birds
*Lists of birds by region

References

*cite web
last = Lepage
first = Denis
authorlink =
coauthors =
year =
url = http://www.bsc-eoc.org/avibase/avibase.jsp?region=ke&pg=checklist&list=clements
title = Checklist of birds of Kenya
format =
work = Bird Checklists of the World
publisher = Avibase
accessdate = 27 April
accessyear = 2007
*cite book
title=Birds of the World: a Checklist
first= James F.
last = Clements
publisher = Cornell University Press
date = 2000
id = ISBN 0934797161
pages = 880