KENYA SPECIALITIES TOUR REPORT 2025

15 April - 3 May 2025

Pete Morris

Well what can one say about Kenya? It is a country absolutely packed with bird diversity! New species come thick and fast and there always seems to be more to look for just around the corner! Our tour was not a standard Kenya tour, but instead was designed to focus on the species that one can only really see in Kenya which involved a lot of driving over the length and breadth of the country, visiting many lesser-known localities as we went. We still amassed a good number of species, and in our two and a half weeks we recorded around 630 species of birds, but more importantly, a high proportion of the specialities that we were seeking. To make things even better, our arrival followed a decent period of rain, meaning that all of those little brown birds were in fine regalia, with spectacular showings from various weavers, wydahs and bishops!

We started on Lamu Island watching the recently described Black Boubou, a species here at the southernmost edge of its range which stretches up along the coastline into Somalia. Heading southwards we took in the similarly restricted range Violet-breasted Sunbird before reaching Watamu, our base for exploring the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest where Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Eastern Crested Guineafowl and Malindi Pipit were all seen well. For those ‘family collectors’ Crab-plover was a welcome lifer! Heading across Tsavo East National Park produced Somali Bee-eater and our first stunning Fire-fronted Bishops, before reaching the Taita Hills where Taita White-eye, Taita Apalis and Taita Thrush all showed well in the end. Heading inland, we found Tsavo Sunbird and then spent a few days in the highlands, visiting Mount Kenya and the Aberdares. This brought us many more goodies including the often tricky Olive Ibis, Jackson’s Spurfowl, Aberdare Cisticola, Kikuyu White-eye, Hinde’s Babbler, Abbott’s Starlings and an as yet undescribed martin! Shaba National Reserve was very wet this year, and did not disappoint with great views of both Friedmann’s and Williams’s Larks before we headed up to Marsabit in the remote north of Kenya. Here, we found Masked Larks and a wonderful displaying male Heuglin’s Bustard as well as Somali Sparrow and more incredible Fire-fronted Bishops! We had no problem finding Northern Masked Weaver and Jackson’s Hornbill at Baringo, and Kakamega Forest delivered the hoped for Blue-headed Bee-eater and Turner’s Eremomela, as well as Uganda Woodland Warbler (far easier to see here than in Uganda). Grey-chested Babbler was also another welcome bird as the Modulatricidae family can be particularly tough birds to see. Our final Kenyan special was Sharpe’s Longclaw on the Kinangop Plateau. Other special or ‘diamond’ birds seen on this tour included Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, Hildebrandt’s Spurfowl, Scarce Swift, Ross’s, White-crested, Black-billed, Fischer’s and Hartlaub’s Turacos, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Somali Courser, Sooty Gull, Mountain Buzzard, Cape (Mackinder’s) Eagle-Owl, White-headed Mousebird, Grant’s Wood-Hoopoe, Hemprich’s Hornbill, Mangrove Kingfisher, Red-and-yellow and D’Arnaud’s Barbets, Mombasa and Eastern Grey Woodpeckers, Forest and Western Black-headed Batises, Jameson’s Wattle-eye,  Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Three-streaked Tchagra, East Coast Boubou, Mountain Oriole, Long-tailed, Taita and Somali Fiscals, Somali Crow, Chestnut-headed and Fischer’s Sparrow-Larks, Pink-breasted, Foxy, Sentinel and Red-winged Larks, Joyful, Kakamega, Kikuyu Mountain, Olive-headed, Lowland Tiny, Fischer’s, Placid and Toro Olive Greenbuls, Northern Brownbul, Dodson’s Bulbul, Somali Crombec, Little Yellow Flycatcher, Brown Woodland Warbler, Highland Rush Warbler, Hunter’s, Chubb’s, Boran, Ashy and Coastal Cisticolas, Pale Prinia, Black-collared, Brown-tailed and Chestnut-throated Apalises, Banded Parisoma, Yellow-vented Eremomela, Mountain and Scaly-breasted Illadopsises, Scaly Babbler, Southern Hyliota, Hildebrandt’s, Fischer’s, White-crowned, Slender-billed, Bristle-crowned, Stuhlmann’s and Magpie Starlings, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Grey-winged and Blue-shouldered Robin-Chats, Collared Palm Thrush, Equatorial and East Coast Akalats, Little Rock Thrush, Moorland Chat, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Abyssinian Wheatear, Plain-backed, Amani, Grey, Hunter’s, Tacazze, Golden-winged, Scarlet-tufted, Northern Double-collared, Eastern Double-collared, Abyssinian and Black-bellied Sunbirds, Parrot-billed and Kenya Sparrows, Donaldson Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver, Golden Palm, Speke’s, Golden-backed and Chestnut Weavers, Red-cowled and Jackson’s Widowbirds, Grey-headed Silverbill, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Black-cheeked and Kandt’s Waxbills, Blue-capped Cordon-bleu, Red-headed Bluebill, Steel-blue and Straw-tailed Whydahs, Golden Pipit, African and Southern Citrils, Reichenow’s and Stripe-breasted Seedeaters, White-bellied Canary and Northern Grosbeak-Canary. All in all, a pretty impressive and mouthwatering selection of specialities!

Our tour started at Wilson Airport in Nairobi as we checked in for the short flight to Lamu on the northern Kenya coast. The heat and humidity hit us as we stepped off from the plane in the early afternoon and we then spent some time negotiating with local officials who were keen to get some money out of us! We transferred by boat to our rather plush hotel on Lamu Island itself, where we soon found Grey Sunbird and colourful Golden Palm Weavers. It was too bad that we didn’t have time to enjoy its opulence as we deposited our bags, organized some lunch and then headed back to the airport area by boat. A stop on the way yielded a nice selection of waders and some smart Sooty Gulls, but it was another bird we were keen to find as we headed out into the scrub adjacent to the airport. Our aim was to see the recently described Black (or Manda) Boubou which was once thought to be a morph of Tropical Boubou but is actually more closely related to Red-naped Bushshrike. The afternoon was beginning to cool off (a little) and it didn’t take too long before we heard our quarry and were soon enjoying our first views. The birds were fairly shy but afforded everyone some great looks. A number of other species were present to keep us amused too, and these included Sombre Greenbuls, Northern Brownbul, noisy Scaly Babblers, Rufous Chatterers, Bearded Scrub Robin, Pale White-eye and Coastal Cisticola, as well as a confiding Little Sparrowhawk. It was late as we headed back, and at dusk we noted a Black Sparrowhawk flying over carrying prey.

The following morning we explored areas nearer to our hotel, and began with an excellent Mangrove Kingfisher calling away from conspicuous perches soon after dawn. More Black Boubous gave some great looks, allowing us to sea their red eyes, and a few other species were noted including Dodson’s Bulbuls and Three-streaked Tchagras. Our time was short though and after this success we happily headed back to breakfast, for the three kilometres walk had sharpened our appetites!

After a hearty breakfast it was immediately time to pack our bags into the boats to be ferried back to the mainland where our Landcruiser was waiting for us and the journey south began. We headed along the heavily guarded road, where stops were not really permitted until we got a fair way down, by which time it was really pretty hot! We were looking out for the localised Violet-breasted Sunbird which after a few false starts we found happily feeding in a flowering tree. The bird was in the bag and we moved on to the Sabaki River mouth where, after a long yomp across the mangroves, mudflats and dunes we scanned the throngs of gulls, terns and waders, finding our only African Skimmer of the tour. A few other common species were added, but we soon had to head down to Watamu. Huge numbers of House Crows gathered along the roadsides, and we arrived at our hotel in time for dinner!

The next two days were spent exploring the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and environs. The forest is thick and dense and does not give up its secrets easily. We worked hard in various patches of forest, often concentrating on the Brachystegia patches which are favoured by several of the specialities, and with perseverance, we found nearly all of the species we were after! Top of the bill was the superb pair of rufous morph Sokoke Scops Owls that peered out at us from their roost, just a few metres away! It looked like we were going to struggle with the Sokoke Pipit as the first day drew a blank but on the second day we managed some great looks of this often tricky bird. Mombasa Woodpecker was shy, but not too difficult and we worked hard to get good views of the tiny little near-endemic Amani Sunbird. Malindi Pipit was seen easily, East Coast Akalat took some effort but ultimately obliged, and other goodies teased out of the forest included Eastern Crested Guineafowl, the smart Fischer’s Turaco, Green Barbet, our only Northern Carmine Bee-eater of the tour, pretty Little Yellow Flycatchers, Fischer’s and Lowland Tiny Greenbuls, Black-headed Apalis, Forest and Pale Batises, Chestnut-fronted and Retz’s Helmetshrikes, and smart Plain-backed Sunbirds. We also enjoyed some great looks at the splendid Golden-rumped Sengi.

On our first morning we also visited Mida Creek where we found plenty of Crab-plovers, an important ‘family tick’ for some, as well as Tibetan and Greater Sand Plovers. The surrounding bush country was becoming extremely developed and cleared at a startling rate, but despite that, on our second morning, we still managed to find a superb pair of Collared Palm Thrushes that were enjoyed by all, including the local villagers!

The following day was a long one as we headed to the Sala Gate of Tsavo East and then made our way across the entire width of the national park. The recent rains meant that the park was alive with birds, and there was barely enough time to look! Even before we got to the gate, flocks of Red-billed Queleas became more and more frequent and bigger and bigger, and mixed in were a group of stunning Fire-fronted Bishops, though sadly they disappeared as quickly as they had appeared! Fischer’s and gorgeous Golden-breasted Starlings lined the roadsides, our first brilliant Vulturine Guineafowls appeared and superb ‘Tsavo’ Rosy-patched Bushshrikes sang from roadside bushes. Once through the gate, the increased grass cover was ideal for the abundant Pink-breasted Larks, Singing Bush Larks, Ashy Cisticolas and stunning Golden Pipits, and there were literally clouds of queleas. A number of other interesting species were found including our first Somali Ostriches, literally dozens of Harlequin Quails, Common Buttonquail out in the open, Kori, Whit-bellied and Buff-crested Bustards, Black-faced Sandgrouse, Black-headed Lapwings, stunning Three-banded and Somali Coursers, a huge flock of African Openbills, Secretarybirds, Lappet-faced Vulture, smart Grasshopper Buzzards, impressive Southern Ground Hornbills, Eastern Yellow, Northern Red and Von der Decken’s Hornbills, a smart Somali Bee-eater which turned out to be our only one of the trip, Pygmy Falcons, Taita Fiscals, Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Larks, Red-winged Lark, Hunter’s Sunbird and smart Long-tailed Paradise Wydahs. It had been a long and productive day and as we headed for the Taita Hills darkness fell and the heavens opened!

The following day was devoted to finding the three endemics of the isolated Taita Hills, namely Taita Apalis, Taita White-eye and Taita Thrush. We were staying halfway up the mountain but it still took some time to climb to the forest patches higher up. Incredible views of Mount Kilimanjaro were a distraction as were a few White-bellied Tits. Once in situ, the white-eye fell pretty much immediately being easy to find, though shy, along the forest edge. We then turned our attention to the tricky thrush, but to no avail. We then moved to a couple of known territories of the apalis where, after a tense wait, we found ourselves looking at a couple of these rare birds. All that remained was the thrush, but this was no easy task, and we looked and looked! By mid-afternoon we had tracked a couple down, but they were proving elusive in difficult terrain. Eventually they did oblige, and we all got some great views of them foraging in the leaf litter. What a relief! Whilst looking we did find a few other interesting species including Hartlaub’s Turaco, Olive-headed and Placid Greenbuls and Striped Pipit. It had been tough! Any ideas of looking for a few species lower down were soon nipped in the bud as the heavens once again opened!

We set off early the following day, for the long drive to Mount Kenya. We still had some unfinished business in the Tsavo area, and made a few stops along the way, eventually finding the localized Tsavo Sunbird as well as some angry Pearl-spotted Owlets, Bare-eyed Thrush, Black-bellied Sunbird and a number of other common species. Another small flock of Fire-fronted Bishops tantalized us, but we had to crack on. The journey was fairly uneventful but some great views of our first smart male Straw-tailed Whydahs by the roadside were enjoyed. We arrived at our lovely destination of Castle Forest Lodge on the slopes of Mount Kenya in the late afternoon just as the regular late afternoon rain was setting in! Fortunately there was a relative dry period just before dark, allowing us to see a few species including Red-fronted Parrots, snazzy Tacazze and Northern Double-collared Sunbirds and a smart Cinnamon Bracken Warbler. Just before dusk some loud calls got our attention, and we were treated to our first flight views of Olive Ibis, flying right over our heads.

Fortunately, the following morning was clear and we were up early before dawn waiting for the hoped for Olive Ibises to fly by which they did again, allowing some more good views. Things got better after breakfast though, when we were treated to some great scope views of three Olive Ibises perched in a dead tree and chasing each other around calling. Great stuff! The other speciality of this site, the rare Abbott’s Starling proved much more difficult to find, and sadly we only managed flight views of a calling group of four that flew over us, and we weren’t really helped by the frequent, and at times heavy, rain. Yes, after a dry start it was by now pretty wet morning! Nevertheless, we did find a number of other interesting species including the occasional Scarce Swifts dashing overhead, Scaly Spurfowl, the endemic Kikuyu Mountain Greenbul and Kikuyu White-eye, excitable Hunter’s Cisticolas duetting from the shrubbery, Mountain Oriole, smart Black-throated and Black-collared Apalises, Brown Woodland Warbler, Eastern Double-collared Sunbird and a trackside Abyssinian Crimsonwing. After a rather wet morning and heavy rain through lunch, it was time to leave, though we did see a smart Mountain Wagtail and an African Cuckoo-Hawk on the drive out.

Moving on to our next hotel, we arrived in time for some late afternoon birding nearby, soon finding the very special Hinde’s Babbler. The birds performed well, and some excellent views were obtained. A number of other common birds were present, including a perched African Goshawk and a smart pair of Grey-capped Warblers.

The following day we climbed high into the Aberdares. The journey was long and slow, and the weather once again, rather unpleasant, with fog, drizzle and rain! We paused at a small colony of what may well be a yet-to-be-described species of martin, colloquially known as Ethiopian or Moorland Martin. A good start, and heading higher we continued our quest, finding plenty of bold Jackson’s Spurfowl, but the weather really was not helping! Walking through the wet vegetation, we did find most of our targets, including the endemic Aberdare Cisticola, Slender-billed Starling, Moorland Chat and the smart Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, though sadly we could not find any francolins. Making our way back down, more goodies were added including an obliging Mountain Buzzard, beautiful Golden-winged Sunbirds, Kandt’s Waxbills and singing Mountain Yellow Warblers. Heading back, we stopped to admire an adult and two young ‘Mackinder’s’ Cape Eagle-Owls and a smart male Little Rock Thrush, and crossing the Solio Ranch at dusk we saw our first Jackson’s and Long-tailed Widowbirds as well as some soggy-looking Banded Martins. It was of course raining when we arrived at our lodge!

The morning dawned fair, and we headed high on to Mount Kenya. A pause at the gate gave us an opportunity to see the smart Chestnut-throated Apalis, and we then made our way high up onto the slopes of Mount Kenya on a well made cinder track! Fortunately it was not raining, but instead there was a fierce wind, and although we found more Jackson’s Spurfowl, Moorland Chats and Scarlet-tufted Sunbirds, the francolins once again eluded us. Heading on, a radiator blow-out caused some inconvenience, but a replacement vehicle was quickly summoned and we continued on our way. A productive roadside stop yielded a pair of rare Stripe-breasted Seedeaters and the painfully elusive Boran Cisticola, and more heavy rain brought a flock of Mottled Swifts down low. It was late afternoon by the time we made our way into Shaba National Reserve. Again it was birdy, and we paused on the way in to admire a number of species including numerous smart White-throated Bee-eaters, our first Black-capped Social Weaver, a couple of Northern Crombecs and the localized Brown-tailed Rock Chat.

Shaba was wet, really wet, and as a result our local guide/guard informed us that there was no access to the plains where we usually see Williams’s Lark in the reserve, the usual target of the morning. That one would have to wait until the following morning, when ‘plan b’ would be put into operation! The rain however had done us a big favour, in helping us find the star bird of the morning. Once the distinctive “whee-hoooo” calls of the little-known Friedmann’s Lark had been heard, we hopped off the vehicle with our armed guard and set off on foot in order to find one. This task was not too difficult as a couple of birds engaged in display flights and perched prominently on the bare branches of the scattered thorn trees. One of the country’s more elusive specialities! Indeed we enjoyed an excellent morning. Great views of a pair of Stone Partridges were a real surprise, and other species seen included several Jacobin Cuckoos, several excellent Lichtenstein’s and Black-faced Sandgrouse, a pair of Spotted Thick-knees, more smart Somali and Three-banded Coursers, Abyssinian Scimitarbills, colourful Red-and-yellow and Black-throated Barbets, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Acacia Tit, Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark, Fawn-colored Lark, Pale Prinia, Yellow-vented Eremomelas, several Magpie Starlings, and numerous flocks of breeding-plumaged Chestnut Weavers that seemed to be constantly on the move. We also admired several long-necked Southern Gerenuks. Back at the lodge, a small group of the increasingly rare Hooded Vulture, resting in a palm tree, were appreciated. In the afternoon, we popped across to the adjacent Buffalo Springs. The plains here were alive with game, including long-horned Galla (or Beisa) Oryx and a lovely Grevy’s Zebra, and we soon found the much-wanted Donaldson Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver. A concerted effort was then requires to find the attractive and localized White-headed Mousebird, and once achieved, was celebrated with a cold Tusker! Heading back, it was a great surprise to find a pride of at least nine Lions stretched out on the road, taking a drink from the puddles!

An early start was required the following day, as ‘plan b’ was to reach some lava plains east of Isiolo. As the sun rose, a cloud of Red-billed Queleas that stretched as far as the eye could see, headed north. We estimated that the dense flock was several kilometres long and likely contained millions of individuals – quite incredible! Nearer to our destination we found some colonies of Chestnut Sparrows, before heading out onto the plains. We soon flushed some Williams’s Larks, but it took some time to get some really good looks as the usually bare lava plains were now covered in copious grass! After a successful morning we headed back to Shaba for a late breakfast and to pack up. Here a little last minute birding in the garden proved successful with a noisy group of Grant’s Wood Hoopoe and our best views of Red-bellied Parrot, with a pair attending a nest.

From Shaba we headed further north into remote country. It was hot, mad dogs and Englishmen territory, but we needed to make a few stops for there were birds to be had! These proved successful despite the temperatures and an uncomfortably close African Elephant. We soon found the much-hoped for Somali Crombec and Pringle’s Puffback, Blue-capped Cordon-bleus obliged, and a fine male Northern Grosbeak Canary was a welcome bonus! Further north, some acacias held a fine Banded Parisoma, and a final stop in some plains further north produced a dashing Red-necked Falcon. Then lightning struck for a second time as the replacement radiator exploded, and our arrival into the town of Marsabit was a little later than planned!

The following day we explored the road leading into the Dida Galgalu desert, where some diligent scanning soon revealed one of the main prizes, as a superb displaying male Heuglin’s Bustard was spotted on a distant ridge and watched at length strutting around, puffing up its neck into a strange bulbous shape. Soon after another was seen at closer range, and here we also found some obliging Masked Larks which showed well alongside Thekla’s and Crested Larks. Somali Crows, Somali Fiscals, Three-streaked Tchagra, Striolated and Somali Buntings and Red-fronted Prinia were appreciated here too, and heading further north the desert surprisingly became wetter and greener. Vultures were commoner here than anywhere else on our journey, flocks of Collared Pratincoles hawked over roadside pools and numerous White-crowned Starlings were found. Here we quite literally struck gold, as some golden puffballs were spotted bouncing over the lush green grass!! Further north than ever recorded before in this region, we finally had the chance to watch stunning Fire-fronted Bishops at length, as they displayed over the grassland. And what a treat it was, a memory that we will cherish for some time! Abdim’s Storks were also noted here before we headed back to continue our search for Somali Sparrow. Ultimately we found a few, though none were as yellow as we hoped, and I fear those House Sparrow genes are watering down this pretty species.

A long travel day followed, and we spent almost the whole day on pretty rough and remote roads as we made our way across to Lake Baringo. It was a birdy journey, at least for the first few hours of the day, and we added a number of common species to our ever-growing list. Most noteworthy perhaps were our first views of Black and Red-chested Cuckoos, a couple of Dark Chanting Goshawks, Northern Puffback, more obliging Acacia Tits, and a couple of colourful Hildebrandt’s Starling. It was nearly dark when we arrived at our somewhat strange, partially flooded accommodation at Lake Baringo, where we were greeted by Grey Crowned Cranes and Bristle-crowned Starlings! With the rising water levels in the lake, our formerly grand hotel, is now a perfectly useable upper-floor-only hotel!

We had a full day to explore Baringo, seeking a series of specialities along the escarpment, in the thorn forest and along the vegetated edge of the lake. Success came early with a series of great birds including Jackson’s and Monteiro’s Hornbills, a roosting Northern White-faced Owl and the localized Abyssinian Sunbird. In the thorn scrub we found Great Spotted Cuckoo, Buff-bellied Warbler, Mouse-coloured Penduline Tits, Pale Batis, Brown Babblers, stunning Beautiful Sunbirds, Little Weaver and White-bellied Canaries, whilst some careful searching revealed smart Grey-headed Silverbills and a male Steel-blue Wydah. Along the escarpment, Mocking Cliff Chats were found whilst at the lake edge we found smart Northern Masked and Golden-backed Weavers, as well as a male Northern Red Bishop and a fine Senegal Thick-knee. Our local guide also excelled with more roosting nightbirds, namely Slender-tailed Nightjar and both Spotted and Greyish Eagle Owls, the latter two of interest as this is the area where these two closely related species meet and occasionally hybridise!

The following day, a quick boat trip yielded a modest number of waterbirds including Goliath Heron, Giant Kingfisher and Lesser Swamp Warbler and we also got to compare Little, White-rumped and Horus Swifts. Leaving Baringo, we paused to admire a colony of White-billed Buffalo Weavers before traversing the Rift Valley, a vast and impressive chasm! We paused in the Kerio Valley, where we managed great views of Ross’s and White-crested Turacos, as well as Red-fronted Barbet, Greater Honeyguide, Meyer’s Parrot, Western Black-headed Batis, our first Grey-backed Fiscals, Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver and the localized ‘Nairobi’ form of Long-billed Pipit. Heading further on, roadside swamps produced a fine African Water Rail as well as Black Crake, Highland Rush Warbler, Levaillant’s Cisticola and a surprise Black-headed Weaver. We then had the obligatory stop to buy beer (Rondo Retreat is ‘dry’) before the most biblical of downpours, delayed our progress, and it was well after dark when we rolled in to the wonderful Rondo Retreat in Kakamega Forest.

With only one day and a morning in Kakamega, we had to work hard and score quickly, and thankfully our time in this super forest reserve was very successful. Turner’s Eremomela was high on the want list and small flocks of these pretty birds surrendered themselves early on the first busy morning. Other top priority birds included Uganda Woodland Warbler which sang its sweet song almost constantly but took some finding and the elusive Blue-headed Bee-eater, which we tracked down foraging in the canopy on our first morning. The much-desired Grey-chested Babbler also gave unbelievably good views – a family tick for many of the group! It took until the second morning to see another speciality, the canopy-loving and somewhat unassuming Chapin’s Flycatcher. Whilst seeking out these rarities, we gathered an impressive list of West African forest species. Black-and-white-casqued Hornbills and Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos threw out their guttural cries from the tall treetops, all showing eventually, and both Bar-tailed Trogon and African Broadbill took some real tracking down, but showed well in the end. Grey-winged Robin-Chat and Buff-spotted Flufftail both showed brilliantly in the lodge garden, stunning Blue-shouldered Robin-Chats, Equatorial Akalats, Jameson’s Wattle-eyes and Brown, Mountain and Scaly-breasted Illadopsises skulked in the undergrowth, and other species of note included Yellow-crested, Buff-spotted and Brown-eared Woodpeckers, Grey-throated, Yellow-spotted, Hairy-breasted and Eastern Yellow-billed Barbets, Crowned Eagle, a surprise Grey Parrot, the skulking but smart Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Chubb’s Cisticola, Kakamega, Pale-throated, Joyful and Toro Olive Greenbuls (amongst a plethora of greenbuls!), Petit’s Cuckooshrike, Brown-chested Alethe, White-tailed Ant Thrush, African Blue Flycatchers, Dusky Tit, smart Bocage’s and Lühder’s Bushshrikes, Mackinnon’s Fiscal, Red-headed Bluebill, Black-billed and Vieillot’s Black Weavers, Red-headed Malimbe, Stuhlmann’s Starling, Southern Hyliota, the scarce Oriole Finch and Southern Citril. A pretty impressive haul for a short visit! From Kakamega we drove to Lake Nakuru, pausing for an African Hobby and a Lesser Jacana as we went!

We spent our last night in the comfortable lodge at Lake Nakuru, and had a pleasant morning exploring the diverse habitats of this impressive reserve. Sadly the helmetshrikes had gone AWOL, but the waterbirds, including hordes of Great White Pelicans, were impressive, and other species of note included a colony of Horus Swifts, confiding Hildebrandt’s Francolins, White-headed Barbets, White-fronted Bee-eaters, Eastern Grey and Bearded Woodpeckers, Sentinel Larks and Plain-backed Pipits, and it was good to see lazy White Rhinos lounging around. Sadly we did not have time to lounge around, and after a quick lunch and a look at the busy feeders we were off again, this time our last journey of the tour as we headed towards Nairobi Airport.

The final speciality of the trip was our appointment with Sharpe’s Longclaw on the Kinangop Plateau. We prayed that the rain would hold off just long enough for us to see it and we made our way through some tedious traffic to the site where our man on the spot led us straight to this delightful species, and we enjoyed some first-class views of this critically endangered rarity. On the way down the heavens did open again, and we continued on towards Nairobi. The rain did stop for us to scan one last wetland where several White-backed Ducks and a drake Maccoa Duck were much appreciated, and we then made the short transit to the airport where the tour ended.

It had been a massive road trip taking in most of the habitats that Kenya has to offer. Along the way, we enjoyed some spectacular scenery, stayed at some fabulous lodges and saw a good selection of great mammals, and we managed to find a vast majority of Kenya’s speciality birds as we went! Those bouncing Fire-fronted Bishops still put a smile on my face as I write the final words of this report!!

BIRD OF THE TOUR 

1st SOKOKE SCOPS OWL

2nd FIRE-FRONTED BISHOP

3rd OLIVE IBIS

4th Friedmann’s Lark

5th Violet-breasted Sunbird

6th= Grey-chested Babbler

6th= Crab Plover

6th= Sharpe’s Longclaw

SYSTEMATIC LIST OF SPECIES RECORDED

Species marked with the diamond symbol (◊) are either endemic to the country or local region or considered ‘special’ birds for some other reason (e.g., it is only seen on one or two Birdquest tours; it is difficult to see across all or most of its range; the local form is endemic or restricted-range and may in future be treated as a full species).

The species names and taxonomy used in the bird list follows Gill, F., Donsker, D., & Rasmussen, P.(Eds). 2024. IOC World Bird List (v15.1) (this was the current version when the checklist for the tour report was created). 

Where the subspecies seen is/are known, these are often given in parentheses at the end of the species comment.

BIRDS

Somali Ostrich ◊  Struthio molybdophanes   7+ adults, and some chicks, as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Another pair seen at Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

White-faced Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna viduata   Seen at a number of sites with biggest numbers at Limuru Ponds near Nairobi.

Fulvous Whistling Duck  Dendrocygna bicolor   At least 10 at Limuru Ponds near Nairobi.

White-backed Duck  Thalassornis leuconotus   Great views of some of at least 10 present at Limuru Ponds near Nairobi [nominate].

Knob-billed Duck  Sarkidiornis melanotos   First seen as we drove from Kikoni towards Watamu. Also seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.Best views at Limuru Ponds near Nairobi.

Egyptian Goose  Alopochen aegyptiaca   First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Common and widespread

Blue-billed Teal (Hottentot T)  Spatula hottentota   Two seen at Lake Nakuru.

Yellow-billed Duck  Anas undulata   First seen at Timboroa Dam, on the drive to Lake Nakuru. Also good views at Lake Nakuru etc.

Red-billed Teal  Anas erythrorhyncha   Two seen at the sewage ponds at Isiolo.

Maccoa Duck  Oxyura maccoa   A drake seen well at Limuru Ponds near Nairobi.

Helmeted Guineafowl  Numida meleagris   Fairly common and widespread [reichenowi].

Eastern Crested Guineafowl ◊  Guttera pucherani   A couple seen close to the track in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Vulturine Guineafowl ◊  Acryllium vulturinum   Hundreds as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park and another flock as we drove through the park. A few others seen around Shaba and towards Marsabit. Stunners!

Stone Partridge ◊  Ptilopachus petrosus   Great views of a pair on the large rocky hill at Shaba National Reserve. A couple of other pairs heard [florentiae].

Crested Francolin (Kirk’s F)  Ortygornis [sephaena] rovuma   First seen well as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Also seen at the lodge in Shaba Game Reserve.

Coqui Francolin  Campocolinus coqui   Heard only in the grassland at Lake Nakuru [hubbardi].

Harlequin Quail  Coturnix delegorguei   Literally 50+, many seen well, as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Also a few seen and many heard in the grasslands north of Marsabit [nominate].

Jackson’s Spurfowl ◊  Pternistis jacksoni   Plenty seen in the Aberdares National Park, and again on the Sirimon Track on Mount Kenya.

Hildebrandt’s Spurfowl ◊  Pternistis hildebrandti   Great views on a couple of occasions at Lake Nakuru [nominate].

Scaly Spurfowl  Pternistis squamatus   Some good looks at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [maranensis].

Yellow-necked Spurfowl  Pternistis leucoscepus   Several seen well as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park. Plenty more seen elsewhere [infuscatus].

Slender-tailed Nightjar  Caprimulgus clarus   Seen post dusk around Shaba, and one seen roosting at Lake Baringo.

Scarce Swift ◊  Schoutedenapus myoptilus   A few seen reasonably well over Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya, and over Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Mottled Spinetail (Mottle-throated S)  Telacanthura ussheri   A few seen well over the Waterhole / Elephant Swamp in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [stictilaema].

African Palm Swift  Cypsiurus parvus   Common and widespread.

Mottled Swift  Tachymarptis aequatorialis   Quite a few seen with excellent views of the first ones feeding low over Isiolo [nominate].

Common Swift  Apus apus   A few identified as this species in the Aberdares.

Nyanza Swift  Apus niansae   A few seen well, including at the quarry near to Solio Ranch [nominate].

African Black Swift  Apus barbatus   Breeding birds seen well at Makalia Falls in Lake Nakuru National Park [roehli].

Little Swift  Apus affinis   First seen in Nairobi. Common and widespread [aerobates].

Horus Swift  Apus horus   First seen over Lake Baringo, then brilliant views of a busy colony in a sand bank in Lake Nakuru National Park.

White-rumped Swift  Apus caffer   Several seen well around Lake Baringo.

Great Blue Turaco  Corythaeola cristata   Seen well on a couple of occasions at Kakamega Forest.

White-bellied Go-away-bird  Crinifer leucogaster   First seen as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park. Fairly common and widespread.

Ross’s Turaco ◊  Tauraco rossae   Great views of a pair near Sesia, at the Western Edge of the Rift Valley Crossing, and another pair seen well in the garden of the Rondo Retreat at Kakamega Forest.

White-crested Turaco ◊  Tauraco leucolophus   Superb views of at least four in the Tugen Hills, on the way to the Rift Valley descent.

Black-billed Turaco ◊  Tauraco schuettii   Excellent views of one, and others heard at Kakamega Forest [emini].

Fischer’s Turaco ◊  Tauraco fischeri   Decent views of one next to the Waterhole / Elephant Swamp in Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [nominate].

Hartlaub’s Turaco ◊  Tauraco hartlaubi   Good views of 2-3 at the edge of Nagngao Forest, Taita Hills. Pretty common around Mount Kenya too.

Kori Bustard  Ardeotis kori   A few seen well as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Also seen north of Marsabit [struthiunculus].

Heuglin’s Bustard ◊  Neotis heuglinii   Two males seen north of Marsabit. The first was scoped distantly, but was displaying, stood there with his breast puffed out, whilst the second was much closer.

White-bellied Bustard  Eupodotis senegalensis   A piar seen well as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. A few others seen later in the trip [canicollis].

Buff-crested Bustard  Lophotis gindiana   At least five seen well as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Others seen well at Shaba National Reserve.

Black-bellied Bustard  Lissotis melanogaster   A female seen in Lake Nakuru National Park [nominate].

Blue-headed Coucal  Centropus monachus   Heard only, in the Aberdares and at the wetland west of Iten.

White-browed Coucal  Centropus superciliosus   First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Fairly common and widespread [nominate].

Blue Malkoha (B Yellowbill)  Ceuthmochares aereus   Good views of one at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Great Spotted Cuckoo  Clamator glandarius   Excellent views of one at Lake Baringo.

Jacobin Cuckoo (Black-and-white C)  Clamator jacobinus   Quite a few seen with the best views around the entrance to Shaba National Reserve [pica].

Diederik Cuckoo (Didric C)  Chrysococcyx caprius   First seen along the track behind the Majlis Hotel on Manda Island. Many more seen and heard.

Klaas’s Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx klaas   First seen along the track behind the Majlis Hotel on Manda Island. Many more seen and heard.

African Emerald Cuckoo  Chrysococcyx cupreus   A male seen well in the garden of the Rondo Retreat at Kakamega Forest.

Black Cuckoo  Cuculus clamosus   Several heard towards the end of the trip with good views of a couple during the rough drive to Lake Baringo [nominate].

Red-chested Cuckoo  Cuculus solitarius   Several seen, the first during the rough drive to Lake Baringo.

Lesser Cuckoo  Cuculus poliocephalus   Heard only, but clearly in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

African Cuckoo  Cuculus gularis   A few seen well and also heard, the first at Shaba Game Reserve.

Common Cuckoo  Cuculus canorus   A couple seen as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park.

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse  Pterocles exustus   A few seen well at Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and good numbers north of Marsabit, especially around Bubisa Village [olivascens].

Black-faced Sandgrouse ◊  Pterocles decoratus   Excellent views of a female and chicks as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park, and several more seen well as we drove through the park [nominate]. Also, plenty seen well at Shaba National Reserve [ellenbecki].

Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse  Pterocles lichtensteinii   Several seen well at Shaba National Reserve. Great birds [sukensis]!

Rock Dove (Feral)  Columba livia ‘feral’   Introduced.

Speckled Pigeon  Columba guinea   Abundant in many towns [guinea]!

Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon  Columba delegorguei   Heard only at Kakamega Forest [sharpei].

Lemon Dove  Columba larvata   Three fairly brief views in Nagngao Forest, Taita Hills [nominate].

Dusky Turtle Dove  Streptopelia lugens   One at Lake Baringo was a surprise [nominate].

Mourning Collared Dove (African M D)  Streptopelia decipiens   Very common around Lake Baringo [nominate].

Red-eyed Dove  Streptopelia semitorquata   Common and widespread.

Ring-necked Dove  Streptopelia capicola   Common and widespread in drier areas [tropica].

Laughing Dove  Spilopelia senegalensis   First seen as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park. Fairly common and widespread in drier areas [nominate].

Emerald-spotted Wood Dove  Turtur chalcospilos   First seen on Manda Island.

Tambourine Dove  Turtur tympanistria   Two flushed off the track in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. Best views were near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri.

Namaqua Dove  Oena capensis   First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Many seen in drier areas [nominate].

White-spotted Flufftail  Sarothrura pulchra   Brilliant views of a pair in the garden of the Rondo Retreat at Kakamega Forest [centralis].

African Rail (A Water R)  Rallus caerulescens   Good views of one at the wetland west of Iten.

Common Moorhen  Gallinula chloropus   A few seen, the first at Timboroa Dam, on the drive to Lake Nakuru [meridionalis].

Red-knobbed Coot (Crested C)  Fulica cristata   A few at the end of the tour.

African Swamphen  Porphyrio madagascariensis   Just one seen at Limuru Ponds near Nairobi on the last afternoon.

Black Crake  Zapornia flavirostra   First seen at the wetland west of Iten. Also seen at Lake Nakuru.

Grey Crowned Crane  Balearica regulorum   A few seen, the first at Shaba National Reserve [gibbericeps].

Little Grebe  Tachybaptus ruficollis   A few seen, the first on ponds north of Marsabit [capensis].

Greater Flamingo  Phoenicopterus roseus   First seen north of and at the Sabaki River Mouth. A few others during the trip.

Lesser Flamingo  Phoeniconaias minor   First seen at the Sabaki River Mouth. A few others during the trip.

Common Buttonquail (Little B)  Turnix sylvaticus   Excellent views of a couple on the deck as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [lepurana].

Spotted Thick-knee (S Dikkop)  Burhinus capensis   Nice views of a couple at Shaba National Reserve [maculosus].

Water Thick-knee (W Dikkop)  Burhinus vermiculatus   Seen along the river at Shaba National Reserve [nominate].

Senegal Thick-knee  Burhinus senegalensis   One seen well at Lake Baringo.

Black-winged Stilt  Himantopus himantopus   First seen at the Roka Pools, south of Watamu.

Pied Avocet  Recurvirostra avosetta   First seen at the Sabaki River Mouth.

Grey Plover (Black-bellied P)  Pluvialis squatarola   First seen on a sandflat at Manda Island [nominate].

Common Ringed Plover  Charadrius hiaticula   First seen on a sandflat at Manda Island [tundrae].

Three-banded Plover  Charadrius tricollaris   A few seen, with best views at Lake Nakuru [nominate].

Blacksmith Lapwing (B Plover)  Vanellus armatus   Several seen at various wetlands.

Spur-winged Lapwing (S-w Plover)  Vanellus spinosus   First seen at the Sabaki River Mouth. Plenty more seen.

Black-headed Lapwing (B-h Plover)  Vanellus tectus   Great views of several just outside the park and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. A few others seen [latifrons].

Crowned Lapwing (C Plover)  Vanellus coronatus   Fairly common. First seen well at Buffalo Springs National Reserve [nominate].

Tibetan Sand Plover  Anarhynchus atrifrons   Several seen well at Mida Creek [pamirensis].

Greater Sand Plover  Anarhynchus leschenaultii   A few seen well at Mida Creek [scythicus].

White-fronted Plover  Anarhynchus marginatus   Excellent views of one at the Sabaki River Mouth [mechowi].

Lesser Jacana  Microparra capensis   Scope views of one at Timboroa Dam, on the drive to Lake Nakuru.

African Jacana  Actophilornis africanus   A handful seen, the first at Lake Baringo.

Eurasian Whimbrel  Numenius phaeopus   First seen at the Sabaki River Mouth [nominate].

Eurasian Curlew  Numenius arquata   One seen well at Mida Creek.

Terek Sandpiper  Xenus cinereus   First seen on a sandflat at Manda Island. Plenty more on the coast.

Common Sandpiper  Actitis hypoleucos   First seen at the Roka Pools, south of Watamu. One or two others seen.

Wood Sandpiper  Tringa glareola   First seen at the Sabaki River Mouth.

Common Greenshank  Tringa nebularia   First seen at the Sabaki River Mouth.

Ruff  Calidris pugnax   One seen at Lake Nakuru.

Curlew Sandpiper  Calidris ferruginea   First seen on a sandflat at Manda Island.

Sanderling  Calidris alba   Two, coming into summer plumage at Mida Creek [nominate].

Little Stint  Calidris minuta   First seen at the Sabaki River Mouth.

Crab-plover  Dromas ardeola   Great views of a good number at Mida Creek.

Three-banded Courser (Heuglin’s C)  Rhinoptilus cinctus   Great views of three as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [emini]. Also excellent views of several at Shaba National Reserve [nominate].

Somali Courser ◊  Cursorius somalensis littoralis   Excellent views of four as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Others seen at Shaba and at Buffalo Springs National Reserves and north of Marsabit.

Collared Pratincole  Glareola pratincola   A couple seen at the Sabaki River Mouth. Also, good numbers seen north of Marsabit, visiting the roadside pools [fuelleborni].

African Skimmer  Rynchops flavirostris   One seen at the Sabaki River Mouth.

Gull-billed Tern  Gelochelidon nilotica   First seen on a sandflat at Manda Island. A few others seen [nominate].

Caspian Tern  Hydroprogne caspia   A couple at the Sabaki River Mouth.

Whiskered Tern  Chlidonias hybrida   A few seen at Lake Nakuru.

White-winged Tern  Chlidonias leucopterus   A few in breeding plumage at the Sabaki River Mouth. Also seen at Lake Nakuru.

Common Tern  Sterna hirundo   At least one at the Sabaki River Mouth [nominate].

Lesser Crested Tern  Thalasseus bengalensis   First seen on a sandflat at Manda Island [nominate].

Greater Crested Tern  Thalasseus bergii   First seen on a sandflat at Manda Island [velox].

Grey-headed Gull  Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus   Quite a few seen at Lake Nakuru [poiocephalus].

Sooty Gull ◊  Ichthyaetus hemprichii   First seen on a sandflat at Manda Island. Many good views on the coast.

Lesser Black-backed Gull (Heuglin’s G)  Larus [fuscus] heuglini   One, a 2cy bird resembling this form, seen at the Sabaki River Mouth.

African Openbill (A Open-billed S)  Anastomus lamelligerus   Most impressive were the huge numbers in Tsavo East National Park [nominate].

Marabou Stork  Leptoptilos crumenifer   Quite a few seen, the first in Nairobi.

Yellow-billed Stork  Mycteria ibis   First seen in numbers at the Sabaki River Mouth. Plenty more seen.

Saddle-billed Stork  Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis   A pair seen at Lake Nakuru.

Abdim’s Stork  Ciconia abdimii   Great views of one in the grasslands north of Marsabit.

African Woolly-necked Stork  Ciconia microscelis   A few seen, the first at the Sabaki River Mouth.

White Stork  Ciconia ciconia   A flock of 100+ seen dropping down on to the grasslands north of Marsabit [nominate].

African Darter  Anhinga rufa   Good numbers seen on Lake Baringo [nominate].

Reed Cormorant  Microcarbo africanus   A few seen at various wetlands [nominate].

Great Cormorant (White-breasted C)  Phalacrocorax [carbo] lucidus   Biggest numbers were at Lake Baringo and Lake Nakuru.

African Sacred Ibis  Threskiornis aethiopicus   Common and widespread.

Olive Ibis ◊  Bostrychia olivacea   Brilliant views of three on two dates at Castle Forest Lodge on Mount Kenya. Initially seen well in flight on the first evening, and then more good flight views the following morning followed by great scope views of three perched birds. Excellent to see them well [akeleyorum].

Hadada Ibis  Bostrychia hagedash   Seen at a good number of sites, and the characteristic call often heard [brevirostris].

Glossy Ibis  Plegadis falcinellus   A flock seen in flight at Lake Nakuru.

African Spoonbill  Platalea alba   First seen well at the Sabaki River Mouth. A number more seen elsewhere.

Black-crowned Night Heron  Nycticorax nycticorax   A few seen along the shore at Lake Baringo [nominate].

Little Egret  Egretta garzetta   Good numbers seen, including plenty along the coast [nominate].

Little Heron  Butorides atricapilla   Fairly common at Lake Baringo [nominate].

Squacco Heron  Ardeola ralloides   A few seen, including at Lake Baringo and at Lake Nakuru.

Great Egret  Ardea alba   Fairly widespread in small numbers [melanorhynchos].

Yellow-billed Egret  Ardea brachyrhyncha   Only noted at the sewage ponds at Isiolo.

Western Cattle Egret  Ardea ibis   Fairly common and widespread.

Grey Heron  Ardea cinerea   Fairly common, especially along the coast [nominate].

Purple Heron  Ardea purpurea   A few seen at Lake Baringo [nominate]..

Black-headed Heron  Ardea melanocephala   Fairly common in grasslands with good numbers as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Goliath Heron  Ardea goliath   Singles seen well at Lake Baringo and at Lake Nakuru.

Hamerkop  Scopus umbretta   Seen at several sites during the tour [nominate].

Great White Pelican  Pelecanus onocrotalus   Most impressive were the big flocks at Lake Nakuru.

Pink-backed Pelican  Pelecanus rufescens   A handful seen with best views at Lake Nakuru.

Secretarybird  Sagittarius serpentarius   A few seen well with some great looks at Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

Osprey (Western O)  Pandion [haliaetus] haliaetus   One seen with a fish at Lake Baringo.

Black-winged Kite  Elanus caeruleus   Plenty seen well in grassland areas [nominate].

African Harrier-Hawk (Gymnogene)  Polyboroides typus   A few seen well with good looks at the first, an adult and a juvenile,  at the quarry near to Solio Ranch [nominate].

Palm-nut Vulture  Gypohierax angolensis   Just one seen at the Sabaki River Mouth.

Egyptian Vulture  Neophron percnopterus   Three seen circling over the grasslands north of Marsabit [nominate].

African Cuckoo-Hawk  Aviceda cuculoides   Great views of one at the roadside below Castle Forest Lodge on Mount Kenya [verreauxii].

Lappet-faced Vulture  Torgos tracheliotos   Excellent views of one circling over Tsavo East National Park [nominate].

Hooded Vulture  Necrosyrtes monachus   A group of at least ten were seen in the lodge garden at Buffalo Springs National Reserve.

White-backed Vulture (African W-b V)  Gyps africanus   Just small numbers seen with most vultures being present over the grasslands north of Marsabit.

Rüppell’s Vulture  Gyps rueppelli   Just small numbers seen with highest numbers over the grasslands north of Marsabit [nominate].

Bateleur  Terathopius ecaudatus   Most common as we drove through Tsavo East National Park, where several were seen well.

Black-chested Snake Eagle  Circaetus pectoralis   Good views of a couple in the grasslands north of Marsabit.

Brown Snake Eagle  Circaetus cinereus   A few seen, the first in Tsavo East National Park.

Crowned Eagle  Stephanoaetus coronatus   Seen well a couple of times over Kakamega Forest.

Martial Eagle  Polemaetus bellicosus   Three seen, with best views of a roadside individual as we drove towards Marsabit.

Long-crested Eagle  Lophaetus occipitalis   A few seen well at Lake Nakuru.

Tawny Eagle  Aquila rapax   Fairly common in the parks with many seen well, the first as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [nominate].

Gabar Goshawk  Micronisus gabar   A total of four seen, the first at Shaba National Reserve [aequatorius].

Dark Chanting Goshawk  Melierax metabates   A few seen on the drive to and around Lake Baringo [nominate].

Eastern Chanting Goshawk (E Pale C G)  Melierax poliopterus   Common for much of the tour with many roadside birds seen well.

African Goshawk  Aerospiza tachiro   Excellent views of one near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri [sparsimfasciata].

Little Sparrowhawk  Tachyspiza minulla   One seen well by Lamu Airport on Manda Island [tropicalis].

Shikra  Tachyspiza badia   A couple of good sightings around Lake Baringo [sphenura].

Black Sparrowhawk (Great S)  Astur melanoleucus   A few seen well, the first carrying large prey on Manda Island [nominate].

African Marsh Harrier  Circus ranivorus   A few seen, the first as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Yellow-billed Kite  Milvus aegyptius   Small numbers seen during the tour [parasitus].

African Fish Eagle  Icthyophaga vocifer   A few seen with the first good looks in the swamp at the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Grasshopper Buzzard  Butastur rufipennis   A couple seen well as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Augur Buzzard  Buteo augur   Fairly common with a number of good sightings in the highlands [nominate].

Mountain Buzzard ◊  Buteo oreophilus   Excellent views of one, and another more briefly, in the Aberdares National Park.

Pearl-spotted Owlet  Glaucidium perlatum   Several seen well, the first as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [licua].

Sokoke Scops Owl ◊  Otus ireneae   Brilliant views of a stunning pair of rufous morph birds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Northern White-faced Owl  Ptilopsis leucotis   A roosting bird seen well at Lake Baringo.

Cape Eagle-Owl ◊ (Mackinder’s E O)  Bubo [capensis] mackinderi   Good scope views of an adult and juvenile at the quarry near to Solio Ranch.

Greyish Eagle-Owl  Bubo cinerascens   A roosting bird seen well at Lake Baringo.

Spotted Eagle-Owl  Bubo africanus   A roosting pair seen well at Lake Baringo.

Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl  Ketupa lactea   Good views of a roosting pair in the Tugen Hills, on the way to the Rift Valley descent.

African Wood Owl ◊  Strix woodfordii   Good views of a roosting pair in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [nigricantior].

Speckled Mousebird  Colius striatus   Common and widespread, and seen most days [kikuyensis]!

White-headed Mousebird ◊  Colius leucocephalus   Great views at the Simba Lodge in Buffalo Springs National Reserve. Also seen a couple of times north of Marsabit [turneri].

Blue-naped Mousebird  Urocolius macrourus  Quite common in dry country. Many seen well in places like Tsavo East National Park [pulcher].

Narina Trogon  Apaloderma narina   Heard only in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [littorale].

Bar-tailed Trogon  Apaloderma vittatum   A few heard at Kakamega Forest, where we eventually saw a female well.

Eurasian Hoopoe  Upupa [epops] epops   A few seen north of Marsabit.

Eurasian Hoopoe (African H)  Upupa [epops] africana   A few seen, the first in Tsavo East.

White-headed Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus bollei   Great views of a comical group of four at Kakamega Forest [jacksoni].

Green Wood Hoopoe  Phoeniculus purpureus   Several seen well, the first at Lake Baringo [marwitzi].

Violet Wood Hoopoe ◊ (Grant’s W H)  Phoeniculus [damarensis] granti   Excellent views of a group of three, showing characters of this dubious species, in the lodge garden at Shaba National Reserve.

Common Scimitarbill   Rhinopomastus cyanomelas   First seen on Manda Island. Also seen at Kakamega Forest [schalowi].

Abyssinian Scimitarbill  Rhinopomastus minor   Many seen well, the first at Shaba National Reserve [cabanisi].

Southern Ground Hornbill  Bucorvus leadbeateri   Excellent views of five, drying out in the evening sun, as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Northern Red-billed Hornbill  Tockus erythrorhynchus   Fairly common and widespread, the first as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park.

Von Der Decken’s Hornbill  Tockus deckeni   Plenty seen, the first as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park.

Jackson’s Hornbill ◊  Tockus jacksoni   Several seen well at Lake Baringo.

Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill  Tockus flavirostris   Plenty seen well, the first as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park.

Crowned Hornbill  Lophoceros alboterminatus   A few seen well, the first at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Hemprich’s Hornbill ◊  Lophoceros hemprichii   Great views of a pair along the escarpment at Lake Baringo.

African Grey Hornbill  Lophoceros nasutus   Seen on a number of occasions, the first as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [epirhinus].

Trumpeter Hornbill  Bycanistes bucinator   A pair seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill  Bycanistes subcylindricus   Great views of a pair at Kakamega Forest, and others heard there [subquadratus].

Silvery-cheeked Hornbill  Bycanistes brevis   Just one, leader only, seen flying over at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Purple Roller (Rufous-crowned R)  Coracias naevius   Small numbers seen at scattered sites, the first at Shaba National Reserve [nominate].

Lilac-breasted Roller  Coracias caudatus   A few seen around Lamu Island and along the coast [lorti]. Nominate form common and widespread in small numbers elsewhere.

European Roller  Coracias garrulus   Biggest numbers and best views were as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Grey-headed Kingfisher  Halcyon leucocephala   Plenty seen well, the first as we headed for Watamu [hyacinthina].

Brown-hooded Kingfisher  Halcyon albiventris   A couple seen well in the Taita Hills.

Striped Kingfisher  Halcyon chelicuti   A few seen on roadside wires [nominate].

Mangrove Kingfisher ◊  Halcyon senegaloides   Brilliant views of one close to our hotel on Manda Island.

African Pygmy Kingfisher  Ispidina picta   Best views were of the showy bird at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Malachite Kingfisher  Corythornis cristatus   A few seen well at Lake Baringo [galeritus].

Giant Kingfisher  Megaceryle maxima   A few seen but best views were of the fishing birds at Lake Baringo [nominate].

Pied Kingfisher  Ceryle rudis   Common at several wetland sites, particularly so at Lake Baringo [nominate].

Blue-headed Bee-eater ◊  Merops muelleri   Decent views of a couple of these excellent birds in the canopy at Kakamega Forest.

Little Bee-eater  Merops pusillus   Small numbers seen at a number of sites, the first as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [cyanostictus].

Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater  Merops oreobates   Many seen at highland areas, the first around Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

White-fronted Bee-eater  Merops bullockoides   Several seen in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Somali Bee-eater ◊  Merops revoilii   Excellent views of one as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Surprisingly the only one of the trip.

White-throated Bee-eater  Merops albicollis   Seen in good numbers, especially at Shaba National Reserve.

Blue-cheeked Bee-eater  Merops persicus   A single seen well at the Sabaki River Mouth. Others later in the trip with some real stunners at Lake Baringo [nominate].

Northern Carmine Bee-eater  Merops nubicus   A single over the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve was our only one.

Eastern Yellow-billed Barbet  Trachylaemus purpuratus   A few seen very well at Kakamega Forest [elgonensis].

Red-and-yellow Barbet ◊  Trachyphonus erythrocephalus   Several seen well, the first as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [nominate].

D’Arnaud’s Barbet ◊  Trachyphonus darnaudii   Four seen well, the as we drove through Tsavo East National Park, and a few others later in the trip [boehmi].

Green Barbet  Cryptolybia olivacea   A few seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [nominate].

Grey-throated Barbet  Gymnobucco bonapartei   Several seen very well at Kakamega Forest [cinereiceps].

Moustached Tinkerbird (M Green T)  Pogoniulus leucomystax   Heard only, at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird (Golden-rumped T)  Pogoniulus bilineatus   A few seen well, the first as we headed down into the Rift Valley crossing [jacksoni].

Northern Red-fronted Tinkerbird  Pogoniulus uropygialis   A few heard and one see very well at Lake Baringo [affinis].

Yellow-spotted Barbet  Buccanodon duchaillui   One seen well, and others heard, at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Hairy-breasted Barbet (Streaky-throated B)  Tricholaema [hirsuta] ansorgii   A couple seen well at Kakamega Forest.

Red-fronted Barbet  Tricholaema diademata   Great views of a couple at the bottom of the Kerio Valley [nominate].

Spot-flanked Barbet  Tricholaema lacrymosa   Plenty seen well, the first in the Taita Hills [nominate].

Black-throated Barbet  Tricholaema melanocephala   A few seen well, the first at Shaba National Reserve [stigmatothorax].

White-headed Barbet  Lybius leucocephalus   Three seen well in Lake Nakuru National Park [albicauda].

Lesser Honeyguide  Indicator minor   One seen in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [teitensis].

Scaly-throated Honeyguide  Indicator variegatus   Heard, and seen briefly in flight, in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Greater Honeyguide  Indicator indicator   Excellent views of one in the Kerio Valley.

Buff-spotted Woodpecker  Pardipicus nivosus   Great views of a few at Kakamega Forest [herberti].

Brown-eared Woodpecker  Pardipicus caroli   A few seen well at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Nubian Woodpecker  Campethera nubica   The common and widespread open country woodpecker. Two forms noted. On Manda Island, pallida, elsewhere, the nominate form..

Mombasa Woodpecker ◊  Campethera mombassica   A pair seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Bearded Woodpecker  Chloropicus namaquus   Good looks at a few in Lake Nakuru National Park [nominate].

Yellow-crested Woodpecker  Chloropicus xantholophus   Excellent views of one at Kakamega Forest.

Cardinal Woodpecker  Dendropicos fuscescens   First seen on Manda Island [hemprichii]. A few others elsewhere [lepidus].

Eastern Grey Woodpecker ◊ (Afican G-headed W)  Dendropicos spodocephalus   A few seen well in Lake Nakuru National Park [rhodeogaster].

Pygmy Falcon  Polihierax semitorquatus   Nearly 10 noted during the tour, the first as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [castanonotus].

Lesser Kestrel  Falco naumanni   One seen well catching insects on the wing as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Greater Kestrel (White-eyed K)  Falco rupicoloides   A few seen well in the grasslands north of Marsabit [arthuri].

Red-necked Falcon  Falco chicquera   An excellent close fly-by in the plains south of Marsabit [ruficollis].

Eurasian Hobby  Falco subbuteo   Just a couple noted, the first in the rain in the Aberdares [nominate].

African Hobby  Falco cuvierii   Great views of a pair that woke me from my slumber as we were driving away from Kakamega Forest!

Lanner Falcon  Falco biarmicus   Just a handful seen, the first of which were as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [nominate].

Grey Parrot  Psittacus erithacus   A fly over at Kakamega Forest was a surprise.

Red-fronted Parrot  Poicephalus gulielmi   Great views on several occasions in the highlands, the first at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [massaicus].

Meyer’s Parrot (Brown P)  Poicephalus meyeri   A few seen with some good looks in the Kerio Valley [saturatus].

Red-bellied Parrot (African Orange-b P)  Poicephalus rufiventris   Plenty seen and some excellent views at Shaba National Reserve [nominate].

African Broadbill  Smithornis capensis   We eventually tracked down a displaying bird for some excellent views at Kakamega Forest [medianus].

Forest Batis ◊  Batis mixta   Several seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [nominate].

Chinspot Batis  Batis molitor   Surprisingly few seen, but seen well in Lake Nakuru National Park [puella].

Pale Batis (East Coast B)  Batis soror   Several seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Western Black-headed Batis ◊  Batis erlangeri   Excellent views of several in the Kerio Valley [nominate].

Pygmy Batis  Batis perkeo   A thornbush species that was first seen well as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Brown-throated Wattle-eye (Common W-e)  Platysteira cyanea   Several seen very well at Kakamega Forest [nyansae].

Jameson’s Wattle-eye ◊  Platysteira jamesoni   A stunning pair gave some great looks at Kakamega Forest.

Grey-headed Bushshrike  Malaconotus blanchoti   Heard only at Lake Nakuru National Park.

Black-fronted Bushshrike  Chlorophoneus nigrifrons   A pair gave some good looks at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Bocage’s Bushshrike (Grey-green B)  Chlorophoneus bocagei   Several seen well at Kakamega Forest [jacksoni].

Orange-breasted Bushshrike  Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus   Heard on several occasions and one seen well on Manda Island [similis].

Gorgeous Bushshrike  Telophorus viridis   A few heard and brilliant views of a pair in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [nigricauda].

Rosy-patched Bushshrike  Telophorus [cruentus] cruentus  Great views of a few at Shaba National Reserve [hilgerti].

Rosy-patched Bushshrike ◊ (Tsavo B)  Telophorus [cruentus] cathemagmenus   Several seen superbly as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Brown-crowned Tchagra  Tchagra australis   A few heard and one or two seen well, the first at Nyeri.

Three-streaked Tchagra ◊  Tchagra jamesi   A pair seen along the track on Manda Island [mandanus]. Then, great views of a displaying bird north of Marsabit [nominate].

Black-crowned Tchagra  Tchagra senegalus   A few heard, and first seen in the Taita Hills [orientalis].

Black-backed Puffback  Dryoscopus cubla   First seen well on Manda Island [affinis].

Northern Puffback  Dryoscopus gambensis   A few seen well, the first during the drive to Lake Baringo [malzacii].

Pringle’s Puffback  Dryoscopus pringlii   Great views of a pair north of Archer’s Post.

Slate-colored Boubou  Laniarius funebris   Fairly common at the start of the tour with many seen well at sites such as Tsavo and Shaba.

Lühder’s Bushshrike  Laniarius luehderi   A few seen well at Kakamega Forest.

Black Boubou ◊ (Manda B)  Laniarius nigerrimus   Great views of several on Manda Island.

Tropical Boubou  Laniarius major   Fairly common and widespread. First seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

East Coast Boubou ◊  Laniarius sublacteus   A few excellent sightings in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Brubru  Nilaus afer   Several seen well, the first by the gate at Shaba National Reserve [minor].

White-crested Helmetshrike  Prionops plumatus   A flock of six seen well as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [vinaceigularis]. Also a few seen well in the Kerio Valley [talacoma].

Retz’s Helmetshrike  Prionops retzii   A few seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [graculinus].

Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike  Prionops scopifrons   Good numbers seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [kirki].

Grey Cuckooshrike  Ceblepyris caesius   Seen well on a couple of occasions at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [purus].

Petit’s Cuckooshrike  Campephaga petiti   Best views were in the garden of the Rondo Retreat at Kakamega Forest.

Purple-throated Cuckooshrike  Campephaga quiscalina   Heard only at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [martini].

Western Oriole (W Black-headed O)  Oriolus brachyrynchus   Heard, and seen very briefly in flight at Kakamega Forest [laetior].

Black-headed Oriole  Oriolus larvatus   First seen on Manda Island [reichenowi]. Also seen well at Lake Nakuru [rolleti].

Mountain Oriole ◊  Oriolus percivali   A few seen well, the first at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Eurasian Golden Oriole  Oriolus oriolus   Good numbers of migrants were noted, especially in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Fork-tailed Drongo (Common D)  Dicrurus adsimilis   Common and widespread, first seen on Manda Island [fugax].

Sharpe’s Drongo ◊  Dicrurus sharpei   Several seen well at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher  Trochocercus cyanomelas   A pair seen in a mixed flock in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [bivittatus].

African Paradise Flycatcher  Terpsiphone viridis   Several seen during the tour, including some fine males.

Northern White-crowned Shrike  Eurocephalus ruppelli   Fairly common. First seen as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Long-tailed Fiscal ◊  Lanius cabanisi   A few seen, the first at the Sabaki River Mouth.

Grey-backed Fiscal  Lanius excubitoroides   Just a few seen, the first in the Kerio Valley.

Taita Fiscal ◊  Lanius dorsalis   Fairly common, first noted as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Somali Fiscal ◊  Lanius somalicus   Great views of several in the grasslands north of Marsabit.

Northern Fiscal  Lanius humeralis   and widespread at higher elevations [nominate].

Mackinnon’s Shrike  Lanius mackinnoni   Great views of a couple at Kakamega Forest.

Lesser Grey Shrike  Lanius minor   Plenty of this late migrant were seen well, the first few as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Red-backed Shrike  Lanius collurio   Plenty of this late migrant were seen well, the first few as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

House Crow (introduced)  Corvus splendens   Extremely common along the coast [nominate].

Cape Crow  Corvus capensis   Good numbers seen, the first near to the Solio Ranch [kordofanensis].

Pied Crow  Corvus albus   Common and widespread.

Somali Crow ◊  Corvus edithae   Plenty seen well north of Marsabit.

Fan-tailed Raven  Corvus rhipidurus   Plenty seen well, the first at Shaba National Reserve [nominate].

White-necked Raven (W-naped R)  Corvus albicollis   Non leader. Seen on a journey by one of the group.

African Blue Flycatcher  Elminia longicauda   Many seen well at Kakamega Forest [teresita].

White-bellied Tit  Melaniparus albiventris   Several good sightings, the first at the edge of Nagngao Forest, Taita Hills.

Dusky Tit  Melaniparus funereus   A few seen well at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Acacia Tit (Northern Grey T)  Melaniparus thruppi   Seen very well on several occasions, the first at Shaba National Reserve [barakae].

Mouse-colored Penduline Tit  Anthoscopus musculus   Great views of a singing bird at Lake Baringo.

Eastern Nicator  Nicator gularis   Plenty heard, and a few brief views in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark ◊  Eremopterix signatus   Common, especially as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [nominate].

Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark ◊  Eremopterix leucopareia   Only seen well at Shaba National Reserve.

Pink-breasted Lark ◊  Calendulauda poecilosterna   Very common following the rains. First seen as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Fawn-colored Lark ◊ (Foxy L)  Calendulauda [africanoides] slopes  Several great looks, especially at Shaba National Reserve [intercedens].

Friedmann’s Lark ◊  Mirafra pulpa   Brilliant views of two singing birds at Shaba National Reserve.

Williams’s Lark ◊  Mirafra williamsi   Great views eventually of a few birds in the lava desert near to Shaba National Reserve.

Singing Bush Lark  Mirafra javanica   Amazingly common in some grasslands, especially as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [marginata].

Red-winged Lark  Corypha hypermetra   Common as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [nominate].

Sentinel Lark ◊  Corypha athi   Plenty seen well, the first seen on the journey up to the Aberdares [nominate].

Masked Lark ◊  Spizocorys personata   Brilliant views of a few in the lava fields north of Marsabit [mcchesneyi].

Thekla’s Lark  Galerida theklae   Great views of several in the lava rocky desert north of Marsabit [huriensis].

Crested Lark  Galerida cristata   A few seen well in the sandy areas around the villages north of Marsabit [somaliensis].

Red-capped Lark  Calandrella cinerea   Just a couple seen in Lake Nakuru National Park [williamsi].

Sombre Greenbul (Zanzibar S G)  Andropadus importunus   Especially common and conspicuous on Manda Island [insularis].

Slender-billed Greenbul  Stelgidillas gracilirostris   First seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [percivali]. Also seen at Kakamega Forest.

Red-tailed Bristlebill (Common B)  Bleda syndactylus   A vocal skulker, but a few decent looks at Kakamega Forest [woosnami].

Pale-throated Greenbul  Atimastillas flavigula   Good looks in the garden of the Rondo Retreat at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Joyful Greenbul ◊  Chlorocichla laetissima   Several seen well at Kakamega Forest. Nice and distinctive and yellow [nominate]!

Yellow-bellied Greenbul  Chlorocichla flaviventris   A few seen in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [centralis].

Honeyguide Greenbul  Baeopogon indicator   Heard only, at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Kakamega Greenbul ◊  Arizelocichla kakamegae   A few creeping around tree trunks at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Kikuyu Mountain Greenbul ◊ (O-b Mountain G)  Arizelocichla kikuyuensis   Best views were at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Olive-headed Greenbul ◊  Arizelocichla striifacies   Several seen well in the Taita Hills.

Little Greenbul  Eurillas virens   A couple seen and a few heard at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Yellow-whiskered Greenbul  Eurillas latirostris   Best views were at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Plain Greenbul (Cameroon Sombre G)  Eurillas curvirostris   Just one at a fruiting tree at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Ansorge’s Greenbul  Eurillas ansorgei   Several heard and two or three seen well at Kakamega Forest [kavirondensis].

Lowland Tiny Greenbul ◊  Phyllastrephus debilis   Brilliant views of one in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [rabai].

Terrestrial Brownbul  Phyllastrephus terrestris   Several skulkers seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [suahelicus].

Northern Brownbul ◊  Phyllastrephus strepitans   Several seen well on Manda Island.

Fischer’s Greenbul ◊  Phyllastrephus fischeri   It took some effort, but eventually seen well, including the pale eyes, in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Cabanis’s Greenbul  Phyllastrephus [cabanisi] cabanisi   Several heard only, at Kakamega Forest [sucosus].

Cabanis’s Greenbul ◊ (Placid G)  Phyllastrephus [cabanisi] placidus   Seen well at the Taita Hills.

Toro Olive Greenbul ◊  Phyllastrephus hypochloris   Good views of a skulking pair at Kakamega Forest. Others heard there.

Common Bulbul ◊ (Dodson’s B)  Pycnonotus [barbatus] dodsoni   Frequently seen in the drier areas of the east. First seen on Manda Island.

Common Bulbul ◊ (Dark-capped)  Pycnonotus [barbatus] tricolor   Common and widespread.

White-headed Saw-wing  Psalidoprocne albiceps   Best views were around Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Black Saw-wing  Psalidoprocne pristoptera   Plenty seen well and especially common around Mount Kenya [massaica].

Banded Martin  Neophedina cincta   Good views on the fence at Solio Ranch [suahelica].

‘Ethiopian Martin’ ◊  Riparia sp. nov.   A potentially new taxon, ‘Ethiopian Martin’ , was seen well at a small breeding colony along in the Aberdares National Park. Paler and greyer than typical Brown-throated Martin, apparently restricted to moorland, and different vocalizations.

Brown-throated Martin  Riparia paludicola   A few seen, the first at Timboroa Dam, on the drive to Lake Nakuru [ducis].

Red-throated Rock Martin  Ptyonoprogne rufigula   Seen at a number of sites, first noted in the Aberdares [nominate].

Barn Swallow  Hirundo rustica   Common and widepread.

Ethiopian Swallow  Hirundo aethiopica   Fairly widespread. First seen on Manda Island [amadoni].

Angola Swallow  Hirundo angolensis   A few seen around Kakamega Forest.

Wire-tailed Swallow  Hirundo smithii   Widespread in small numbers. First seen on the journey to Watamu [nominate].

Western House Martin  Delichon urbicum   Just a single migrant noted during the long and rough drive to Lake Baringo.

African Red-rumped Swallow  Cecropis melanocrissus   Seen well on a number of occasions [emini].

Lesser Striped Swallow  Cecropis abyssinica   Fairly common and widespread [unitatis].

Mosque Swallow Cecropis senegalensis   Several seen well in Nakuru National Park [monteiri].

Northern Crombec  Sylvietta brachyura   Great views of a pair near the gate at Shaba National Reserve [leucopsis]. Also seen around Lake Baringo [carnapi].

Red-faced Crombec  Sylvietta whytii   Several seen well, the first on the journey from Lamu Island to Watamu [minima]. Also seen at Lake Baringo [jacksoni].

Somali Crombec ◊ (S Long-billed C)  Sylvietta isabellina   Great views north of Archer’s Post.

Little Yellow Flycatcher ◊  Erythrocercus holochlorus   Several of this smart little bird seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Green Hylia  Hylia prasina   Heard only, on a couple of occasions at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Willow Warbler  Phylloscopus trochilus   A fairly common migrant, first seen in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [yakutensis].

Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler  Phylloscopus ruficapilla   A few heard only in the Taita Hills [minullus].

Brown Woodland Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus umbrovirens   A few seen on Mount Kenya, the first at Castle Forest Lodge [mackenzianus].

Uganda Woodland Warbler ◊  Phylloscopus budongoensis   Very common by voice, and a few seen well, at Kakamega Forest.

Lesser Swamp Warbler  Acrocephalus gracilirostris   One seen at Lake Baringo [jacksoni].

Sedge Warbler  Acrocephalus schoenobaenus   A singing bird seen at Lake Baringo.

African Yellow Warbler (Dark-capped Y W)  Iduna natalensis   Good views of a singing bird near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri [massaica].

Mountain Yellow Warbler  Iduna similis   Good views of a few in the Aberdares National Park

Eastern Olivaceous Warbler  Iduna pallida   A couple seen well in Tsavo East National Park [elaeica].

Upcher’s Warbler  Hippolais languida   One seen feeding in an acacia as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Evergreen Forest Warbler  Bradypterus lopezi   Superb views of a skulking pair in the Taita Hills [usambarae]. Also a few heard around Mount Kenya [mariae].

Cinnamon Bracken Warbler  Bradypterus cinnamomeus   Plenty heard during the trip, and some great looks at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Highland Rush Warbler ◊  Bradypterus centralis   Great views of one singing at close quarters in the wetland close to Iten [elgonensis].

Red-faced Cisticola  Cisticola erythrops   First seen well near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri [sylvia].

Singing Cisticola  Cisticola cantans   First seen well near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri [pictipennis].

Hunter’s Cisticola ◊  Cisticola hunteri   Common in the highlands. First seen at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Chubb’s Cisticola ◊  Cisticola chubbi   Several seen well at Kakamega Forest and in the garden of the Rondo Retreat there [nominate].

Rattling Cisticola  Cisticola chiniana   First seen well near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri [ukamba]. Also seen in the west [humilis].

Boran Cisticola ◊  Cisticola bodessa   Some good views near to Timau [nominate].

Ashy Cisticola ◊  Cisticola cinereolus   Seemed very conspicuous this year, at several sites. First seen as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [schillingsi].

Winding Cisticola  Cisticola marginatus   Some good looks at Lake Nakuru [nyansae].

Coastal Cisticola ◊  Cisticola haematocephalus   Fairly common on Manda Island, where several were seen well.

Levaillant’s Cisticola (Tinkling C)  Cisticola tinniens   Some good looks in the marshes on the way to Eldoret [oreophilus].

Stout Cisticola  Cisticola robustus   Seen well near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri [nuchalis].

Aberdare Cisticola ◊  Cisticola aberdare   They were hard work, but we eventually got good looks at a couple in the Aberdares National Park

Zitting Cisticola  Cisticola juncidis   First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [uropygialis].

Desert Cisticola  Cisticola aridulus   First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [tanganyika]. Also common near to Isiolo and in the grasslands around Marsabit [lavendulae].

Pectoral-patch Cisticola  Cisticola brunnescens  Brilliant views at Lake Nakuru [nominate].

Tawny-flanked Prinia  Prinia subflava   Fairly common and widespread, first seen on Manda Island [tenella].

Pale Prinia ◊  Prinia somalica   Several seen well, the first at Shaba National Reserve [erlangeri].

Banded Prinia ◊ (Black-faced P)  Prinia [bairdii] melanops   Heard only at Kakamega Forest.

Red-fronted Prinia (R-f Warbler)  Prinia rufifrons   Excellent views in the grasslands north of Marsabit [smithi].

White-chinned Prinia  Schistolais leucopogon   A couple of good sightings at Kakamega Forest [reichenowi].

Black-collared Apalis ◊  Oreolais pulcher   A cracking bird that was first seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Buff-bellied Warbler  Phyllolais pulchella   A few seen at Lake Baringo and Lake Nakuru.

Taita Apalis ◊  Apalis fuscigularis   We eventually found a skulking pair of this rarity in Nagngao Forest, Taita Hills.

Brown-tailed Apalis ◊  Apalis flavocincta   This species was first seen on Manda Island [nominate].

Yellow-breasted Apalis   Apalis flavida   A few noted [pugnax].

Black-throated Apalis  Apalis jacksoni   A great bird, first seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Black-headed Apalis  Apalis melanocephala   First seen well at Sokoke Forest Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [moschi].

Chestnut-throated Apalis ◊  Apalis porphyrolaema   Great views of a pair of this cracker at the Sirimon Gate on Mt Kenya.

Buff-throated Apalis  Apalis rufogularis   A couple seen in the canopy at Kakamega Forest [nigrescens].

Grey Apalis  Apalis cinerea   First seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Grey-capped Warbler  Eminia lepida   Great views of a pair near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri. Others heard.

Grey-backed Camaroptera  Camaroptera brevicaudata   Common. First seen on Manda Island [erlangeri]. Also seen in the west, such as at Kakamega Forest [griseigula].

Olive-green Camaroptera  Camaroptera chloronota   A few heard and one seen at Kakamega Forest [toroensis].

Grey Wren-Warbler  Calamonastes simplex   Fairly common, especially by voice! First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Black-faced Rufous Warbler  Bathmocercus rufus   Several seen well in the undergrowth at Kakamega Forest [vulpinus].

Yellow-bellied Eremomela  Eremomela icteropygialis   A couple showed well at Lake Baringo [griseoflava].

Yellow-vented Eremomela ◊  Eremomela flavicrissalis   Two or three of these tiny birds seen well at Shaba National Reserve.

Turner’s Eremomela ◊  Eremomela turneri   Excellent views on a few occasions at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

African Hill Babbler (Abyssinian H B)  Sylvia [abyssinica] abyssinica   A few seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Banded Parisoma ◊  Curruca boehmi   Excellent views between Shaba and Marsabit [marsabit].

Pale White-eye  Zosterops flavilateralis   A few noted. First seen on Manda Island [nominate].

Kikuyu White-eye ◊  Zosterops kikuyuensis   Quite a few seen, including brilliant looks at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Taita White-eye ◊  Zosterops silvanus   Just a few seen in Nagngao Forest, Taita Hills, where they were surprisingly elusive.

Northern Yellow White-eye  Zosterops senegalensis   A few seen well, especially at Kakamega Forest [jacksoni].

Brown Illadopsis  Illadopsis fulvescens   Excellent views of a pair at Kakamega Forest [ugandae].

Mountain Illadopsis ◊  Illadopsis pyrrhoptera   Brilliant views of a pair at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Scaly-breasted Illadopsis ◊  Illadopsis albipectus   Heard and seen briefly at Kakamega Forest.

Rufous Chatterer  Argya rubiginosa   A few seen well, the first by Lamu Airport on Manda Island [nominate].

Brown Babbler  Turdoides plebejus   Good views of a group at Lake Baringo [cinerea].

Hinde’s Babbler ◊  Turdoides hindei   Brilliant views of a couple of groups near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri.

Scaly Babbler ◊  Turdoides squamulata   Only seen by Lamu Airport on Manda Island and on the journey to Watamu the following day [nominate].

Arrow-marked Babbler  Turdoides jardineii   Plenty of good looks at Lake Nakuru.

Grey-chested Babbler ◊ (G-c Illadopsis)  Kakamega poliothorax   Absolutely stunning views of one at Kakamega Forest.

Southern Hyliota ◊  Hyliota australis   One seen well at Kakamega Forest [slatini].

Wattled Starling  Creatophora cinerea   Present in good numbers this year with 1000s present as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Black-bellied Starling  Notopholia corusca   First seen on Manda Island and a few noted along the coast [nominate].

Greater Blue-eared Starling  Lamprotornis chalybaeus   Seen at a number of sites, and confiding in the garden at Lake Nakuru [sycobius].

Rüppell’s Starling (R Long-tailed S)  Lamprotornis purpuroptera   Common towards the end of the trip. First seen in numbers around Lake Baringo [nominate].

Golden-breasted Starling  Lamprotornis regius   A real stunner, first seen well as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Superb Starling  Lamprotornis superbus   Common and widespread!

Hildebrandt’s Starling ◊  Lamprotornis hildebrandti   A few seen well at the end of the rough drive to Lake Baringo.

Fischer’s Starling ◊  Lamprotornis fischeri   Plenty seen well, with good numbers first seen as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

White-crowned Starling ◊  Lamprotornis albicapillus   Brilliant views of about 20 in the grasslands north of Marsabit [horrensis].

Violet-backed Starling  Cinnyricinclus leucogaster   Small numbers seen, the first at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Red-winged Starling  Onychognathus morio   Seen at anumber of spots, including several in the dining room at Shaba National Reserve [nominate].

Slender-billed Starling ◊  Onychognathus tenuirostris   A couple of sightings in the highlands, in the Aberdares National Park and on Mount Kenya [theresae].

Waller’s Starling   Onychognathus walleri   Several seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Bristle-crowned Starling ◊  Onychognathus salvadorii   A few seen well, including two in the dining room at Lake Baringo!

Stuhlmann’s Starling ◊  Poeoptera stuhlmanni   Several seen well at Kakamega Forest.

Abbott’s Starling ◊  Arizelopsar femoralis   Four flew over calling at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya. White bellies were visible in flight.

Magpie Starling ◊  Speculipastor bicolor   Plenty seen well, the first at Shaba National Reserve.

Red-billed Oxpecker  Buphagus erythrorynchus   Fairly common and widespread. First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

White-tailed Ant Thrush  Neocossyphus poensis   Good views of a few at Kakamega Forest [praepectoralis].

Red-tailed Ant Thrush  Neocossyphus rufus   Decent views of a few skittish birds in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [nominate].

Abyssinian Ground Thrush ◊  Geokichla piaggiae   Heard only at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [kilimensis].

African Thrush  Turdus pelios   Several seen well, especially at Kakamega Forest [centralis].

Abyssinian Thrush (Mountain T, Northern Olive T)  Turdus abyssinicus   Several seen well, the first at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Taita Thrush ◊  Turdus helleri   After much effort and persistence we tracked down a couple at Taita Hills, and managed some good views of them foraging on the forest floor.

Bare-eyed Thrush (African B-e T)  Turdus tephronotus   One seen well near to the Voi entrance gate at Tsavo East National Park.

Bearded Scrub Robin (Eastern B S R)  Tychaedon quadrivirgata   Just one seen by Lamu Airport on Manda Island [nominate].

White-browed Scrub Robin  Cercotrichas leucophrys   Fairly common. First seen near to the Taita Hills [vulpina]. Also common at Shaba National Reserve etc [brunneiceps].

Pale Flycatcher (East Coast) Agricola pallidus   Common. First seen on Manda Island [subalaris]. At sites such as low in the Aberdares, we saw the form murinus.

Chapin’s Flycatcher ◊  Fraseria lendu   Good views of a single bird taped in at Kakamega Forest. Stayed high in the canopy [nominate].

Ashy Flycatcher (Blue-grey F)  Fraseria caerulescens   Heard only in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [cinereola], and a pair seen high in the canopy at Kakamega Forest [brevicauda].

White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher  Melaenornis fischeri   Fairly common at higher elevations and particularly conspicuous at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Northern Black Flycatcher  Melaenornis edolioides   Seen well in the garden of the Rondo Retreat at Kakamega Forest [lugubris].

African Grey Flycatcher  Bradornis microrhynchus   Common in dry country. First noted at Shaba National Reserve [neumanni].

African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta   First seen in the Taita Hills [murina]. Common on Mount Kenya [pumila].

Spotted Flycatcher  Muscicapa striata   Just one seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [nominate].

White-starred Robin (W-s Forest R)  Pogonocichla stellata   Just one seen in the Taita Hills [helleri].

Brown-chested Alethe  Chamaetylas poliocephala   Great views of several at Kakamega Forest [carruthersi].

White-browed Robin-Chat  Cossypha heuglini   A few seen, the first west of Kabarnet, in the Tugen Hills, on the way to the Rift Valley descent [intermedia].

Rüppell’s Robin-Chat  Cossypha semirufa   A few heard, and seen at dusk at Naro Moru [intercedens].

Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat  Cossypha niveicapilla   A couple seen briefly at Kakamega Forest [melanonota].

Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat ◊  Cossypha cyanocampter   Great views of a couple at Kakamega Forest, including one hopping on the track [bartteloti].

Collared Palm Thrush ◊  Cichladusa arquata   Brilliant views of a pair at Roka Pools, near to the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Spotted Palm Thrush (S Morning T)  Cichladusa guttata   Fairly common. First seen on Manda Island [rufipennis]. Also common at sites such as Shaba National Reserve [intercalans].

Cape Robin-Chat  Dessonornis caffer   Fairly common in upland areas. First seen in the Taita Hills [iolaemus].

East Coast Akalat ◊  Sheppardia gunningi   We eventually all got some good views of this skulker in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [sokokensis].

Equatorial Akalat ◊  Sheppardia aequatorialis   Excellent views on a couple of occasions at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Grey-winged Robin-Chat ◊  Sheppardia polioptera   Brilliant views of one by the garden of the Rondo Retreat at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Little Rock Thrush ◊  Monticola rufocinereus   Excellent views of a male at the quarry near to Solio Ranch [nominate].

African Stonechat  Saxicola torquatus   Seen at plenty of sites, the first in the Taita Hills [axillaris].

Moorland Chat ◊  Pinarochroa sordida   Excellent views in the Aberdares National Park and on Mount Kenya [ernesti].

Mocking Cliff Chat  Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris   A few seen well in the Lake Baringo area [subrufipennis].

Anteater Chat (Northern A C)  Myrmecocichla aethiops   A few seen well in the more open grassy areas, the first as we drove past Solio Ranch [cryptoleuca].

Capped Wheatear  Oenanthe pileata   Just one seen, as we drove through Tsavo East National Park [livingstonii].

Brown-tailed Rock Chat ◊  Oenanthe scotocerca   A few seen well, the first as we were driving in to Shaba National Reserve [turkana].

Abyssinian Wheatear ◊ (Schalow’s W)  Oenanthe [lugubris] schalowi   Excellent views of a family party in Lake Nakuru National Park.

Plain-backed Sunbird ◊  Anthreptes reichenowi   Great views of a pair in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [yokanae].

Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird (Kenya V-b S)  Anthreptes orientalis   First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Often the first to arrive when the owlet call was played!

Grey-chinned Sunbird  Anthreptes tephrolaemus   A female seen at Kakamega Forest.

Collared Sunbird   Hedydipna collaris   Fairly common. Two forms seen, elachior in the east, first seen on Manda Island, and garguensis in the west seen at Kakamega Forest for example.

Amani Sunbird ◊  Hedydipna pallidigaster   Several were seen in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, usually high in the canopy.

Green-headed Sunbird  Cyanomitra verticalis   A single male was seen at Kakamega Forest [viridisplendens].

Olive Sunbird  Cyanomitra olivacea   Fairly common. Two forms seen, neglecta in the east, first seen at the Taita Hilla, and ragazzii in the west seen at Kakamega Forest for example.

Grey Sunbird ◊ (Mouse-coloured S)  Cyanomitra veroxii   Only seen in the garden of our hotel on Manda Island [fischeri].

Green-throated Sunbird  Chalcomitra rubescens   A couple of females seen at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Amethyst Sunbird  Chalcomitra amethystina   Fairly common and widespread. First seen on Manda Island [kalckreuthi].

Scarlet-chested Sunbird  Chalcomitra senegalensis   A few seen, the first in the Kerio Valley [lamperti].

Hunter’s Sunbird ◊  Chalcomitra hunteri   Plenty seen well, the first as we drove through Tsavo East National Park.

Tacazze Sunbird ◊  Nectarinia tacazze   Plenty seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya, where some stunning males entertained us [jacksoni].

Bronze Sunbird (Bronzy S)  Nectarinia kilimensis   Plenty seen well, especially around the garden at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Malachite Sunbird  Nectarinia famosa   A couple of males seen in the Aberdares National Park [cupreonitens].

Scarlet-tufted Sunbird ◊  Nectarinia johnstoni   Great views of pairs in the Aberdares National Park and on Mount Kenya [nominate].

Golden-winged Sunbird ◊  Drepanorhynchus reichenowi   This stunner was seen well in the Aberdares National Park [nominate].

Northern Double-collared Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris reichenowi   First seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [nominate].

Eastern Double-collared Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris mediocris   First seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Beautiful Sunbird  Cinnyris pulchellus   Many stunners seen brilliantly, especially at Lake Baringo.

Gorgeous Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris melanogastrus   A male at Tsavo.

Marico Sunbird (Mariqua S)  Cinnyris mariquensis   A male seen at Buffalo Springs National Reserve and another in the Kerio Valley [suahelicus].

Black-bellied Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris nectarinioides   First seen in Tsavo East National Park. Common at Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves [nominate].

Tsavo Sunbird ◊ (T Purple-banded S)  Cinnyris tsavoensis   Great views of a couple of males as we drove north and stopped at the edge of Tsavo West National Park.

Violet-breasted Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris chalcomelas   Brilliant views of a male, and a female seen more briefly (ignored!!), in a flowering tree as we drove south from Manda Island.

Abyssinian Sunbird ◊  Cinnyris habessinicus   Great views of a pair at Lake Baringo [turkanae].

Variable Sunbird  Cinnyris venustus   First seen on the tour in the Taita Hills, where fairly common [falkensteini].

Yellow-spotted Bush Sparrow  Gymnoris pyrgita   A few seen well, especially at Shaba National Reserve [nominate].

Chestnut Sparrow  Passer eminibey   A few big flocks and colonies seen, the first on the way to the Williams’s Larks near to Isiolo.

Kenya Sparrow ◊ (K Rufous S)  Passer rufocinctus   A few seen well during the tour.

Northern Grey-headed Sparrow  Passer griseus   One seen well as we were leaving Kakamega Forest [ugandae].

Parrot-billed Sparrow ◊  Passer gongonensis   Common and widespread for most of the tour.

House Sparrow  Passer domesticus   Introduced. Now common around Bubisa where they seem to swamp the Somali Sparrows.

Somali Sparrow ◊  Passer castanopterus   Several seen in Bubisa Village, but none were classic yellow-toned birds [fulgens].

White-billed Buffalo Weaver  Bubalornis albirostris   Good views of a colony in a tree at Marigat.

Red-billed Buffalo Weaver  Bubalornis niger   First seen as we were approaching the Sala Gate and as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Generall ycommon and widespread.

White-headed Buffalo Weaver  Dinemellia dinemelli   Fairly common. Two forms seen, the nominate in the east, first seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park, and boehmi further west.

White-browed Sparrow-Weaver  Plocepasser mahali   Very common and widespread [melanorhynchus].

Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver  Plocepasser superciliosus   A pair seen well as we crossed the Kerio Valley.

Donaldson Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver ◊  Plocepasser donaldsoni   Plenty seen well, the first at Buffalo Springs National Reserve, and seen as far north as Marsabit.

Black-capped Social Weaver  Pseudonigrita cabanisi   First seen well at Shaba National Reserve, and a colony admired on the long drive to Lake Baringo.

Speckle-fronted Weaver  Sporopipes frontalis   Several seen well on the long drive to Lake Baringo [emini].

Thick-billed Weaver (Grosbeak W)  Amblyospiza albifrons   Three in flight at the Sabaki River Mouth [unicolor].

Baglafecht Weaver (Reichenow’s W)  Ploceus [baglafecht] reichenowi   First seen at Taita Hills. Plenty more subsequently.

Little Weaver  Ploceus luteolus   Several smart males seen well at Lake Baringo [kavirondensis].

Spectacled Weaver  Ploceus ocularis   Several seen well, the first at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [crocatus].

Black-necked Weaver  Ploceus nigricollis   Two forms seen. First seen on Manda Island [melanoxanthus]. Plenty seen at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Black-billed Weaver  Ploceus melanogaster   Some great views of this smart weaver at Kakamega Forest [stephanophorus].

Eastern Golden Weaver (African G W)  Ploceus subaureus   First seen near the Voi Gate, Tsavo East National Park [aureoflavus].

Holub’s Golden Weaver  Ploceus xanthops   A brief sighting by the swamp on the way to Eldoret.

Golden Palm Weaver ◊  Ploceus bojeri   Brilliant views, especially at the Majlis Hotel on Manda Island. Also at the hotel at Watamu.

Northern Masked Weaver ◊  Ploceus taeniopterus   Great views of many along the lake shore at Lake Baringo [nominate].

Lesser Masked Weaver  Ploceus intermedius   First seen well at Shaba National Reserve, and also breeding outside our rooms at Lake Baringo [nominate].

Vitelline Masked Weaver  Ploceus vitellinus   Plenty seen well, especially at Shaba National Reserve [uluensis].

Speke’s Weaver ◊  Ploceus spekei   A fine colony by the reception of our lodge at Lake Nakuru.

Village Weaver (Black-headed W)  Ploceus cucullatus   First seen well on Manda Island. Some smart colonies seen [nigriceps].

Vieillot’s Black Weaver  Ploceus nigerrimus   Seen well at the nest in the garden of the Rondo Retreat at Kakamega Forest.

Black-headed Weaver  Ploceus melanocephalus   A male was seen well and photographed in a swamp east of Eldoret [fischeri].

Golden-backed Weaver ◊  Ploceus jacksoni   Great views of small numbers around Lake Baringo.

Chestnut Weaver ◊  Ploceus rubiginosus   Thousands were seen, especially around Shaba and Buffalo Springs National Reserves [nominate].

Dark-backed Weaver (Forest W)  Ploceus bicolor   Several seen well in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [kersteni]. Also a few seen well at Kakamega Forest [mentalis].

Brown-capped Weaver  Ploceus insignis   A few seen well creeping around like nuthatches at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Red-headed Malimbe  Malimbus rubricollis   Several seen very well creeping along tree limbs at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Red-headed Weaver  Anaplectes rubriceps   First seen well by the gate at Shaba National Reserve [leuconotus].

Red-billed Quelea  Quelea quelea   100s of 1000s as we drove through Tsavo East National Park, were impressive! A flock of perhaps a million or more in a huge long murmuration that went on for kms to the northwest of Isiolo was quite incredible.

Fire-fronted Bishop  Euplectes diadematus   c5 males dropped onto the top of a bush as we were approaching the Sala Gate for Tsavo East National Park. Incredibly bright and lovely birds, but sadly flew off too soon. Another 3 or 4 seen in flight as we drove past Tsavo West National Park, and although they dropped in, they could not be relocated. And then the icing on the cake… fantastic views of at least three males, displaying and singing from bush tops in the grasslands north of Marsabit. Absolute stunners!

Northern Red Bishop  Euplectes franciscanus   A fine male seen by the lake shore at Lake Baringo [nominate].

Yellow Bishop  Euplectes capensis   A couple of males seen briefly in the Taita Hills. A few others later in the trip [crassirostris].

Fan-tailed Widowbird  Euplectes axillaris   A single male seen at Lake Baringo.

White-winged Widowbird  Euplectes albonotatus   A few seen well, mainly in the Shaba area [eques].

Red-cowled Widowbird ◊ (Red-naped W)  Euplectes laticauda   Just a couple of sightings, the first flying over at the quarry near to Solio Ranch [suahelicus].

Long-tailed Widowbird  Euplectes progne   Seen on a few occasions, the first as we drove through Solio Ranch [delamerei].

Jackson’s Widowbird ◊  Euplectes jacksoni   Seen well on a number of occasions, the first as we drove through Solio Ranch.

Grey-headed Silverbill ◊  Spermestes griseicapilla   Great views of a small flock at Lake Baringo.

Bronze Mannikin  Spermestes cucullata   First seen on Manda Island.

Black-and-white Mannikin (Red-backed M)  Spermestes [bicolor] nigriceps   Plenty seen well in the Taita Hills.

African Silverbill  Euodice cantans   A few sightings, with the first seen well in the plains south of Marsabit [orientalis].

Yellow-bellied Waxbill  Coccopygia quartinia   Seen briefly a few times, the first at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [kilimensis].

Abyssinian Crimsonwing ◊  Cryptospiza salvadorii   Decent views of a male along the track at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [kilimensis].

Grey-headed Nigrita (G-crowned Negrofinch)  Nigrita canicapillus   First seen well in the lodge garden at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [diabolicus].

Black-cheeked Waxbill ◊  Brunhilda charmosyna   Only seen relatively briefly during the drive to Lake Baringo [nominate].

Kandt’s Waxbill ◊  Estrilda kandti   A few seen well along the track to Dragon’s Teeth, Mount Satima, in the Aberdares National Park [keniensis].

Common Waxbill  Estrilda astrild   A few seen, the first near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri [massaica].

Crimson-rumped Waxbill  Estrilda rhodopyga   One seen briefly at the Taita Hills, and a few others later in the trip [centralis].

Cut-throat Finch  Amadina fasciata   Best views were north of Marsabit [alexanderi].

Purple Grenadier  Granatina ianthinogaster   A few seen, the first near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri.

Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu  Uraeginthus bengalus   Very common, first seen on Manda Island [brunneigularis]. Assumed to be the nominate form further west such as at Lake Nakuru.

Blue-capped Cordon-bleu ◊  Uraeginthus cyanocephalus   A few seen in the Shaba area, with good views north of Archer’s Post.

Red-headed Bluebill ◊  Spermophaga ruficapilla   Great views of a pair at Kakamega Forest [nominate].

Green-winged Pytilia  Pytilia melba soudanensis   Several seen, the first along the track behind the Majlis Hotel on Manda Island [soudanensis]. Also seen at Shaba National Reserve for example [percivali].

Red-billed Firefinch  Lagonosticta senegala   First seen on Manda Island. A few other scattered sightings [ruberrima].

Village Indigobird  Vidua chalybeata   First seen on wires near the Voi Gate, Tsavo East National Park [amauropteryx].

Pin-tailed Whydah  Vidua macroura   Not uncommon, first seen at the Waterhole / Elephant Swamp in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Steel-blue Whydah ◊  Vidua hypocherina   Best was the male seen at Lake Baringo.

Straw-tailed Whydah ◊  Vidua fischeri   A few smart males seen along the roadside, north of Kangonde. A few other excellent males seen well.

Long-tailed Paradise Whydah (Eastern P W)  Vidua paradisaea   Several good males seen, especially as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. More seen well later in the trip.

Western Yellow Wagtail (Grey-headed W)  Motacilla [flava] thunbergi   A fine male seen at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya.

Cape Wagtail  Motacilla capensis  A few seen briefly, the first on the drive up the Aberdares National Park [wellsi].

Mountain Wagtail  Motacilla clara   First seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya. Also seen at Kakamega Forest [torrentium].

African Pied Wagtail  Motacilla aguimp   Common and widespread [vidua].

Golden Pipit ◊  Tmetothylacus tenellus   Lots seen brilliantly as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. Also seen well at Shaba National Reserve and in the grasslands north of Marsabit.

Sharpe’s Longclaw ◊  Macronyx sharpei   Brilliant views of a confiding individual on the Kinangop Plateau.

Yellow-throated Longclaw  Macronyx croceus   One seen at the Waterhole / Elephant Swamp in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. Also seen well in Lake Nakuru National Park [tertius].

African Pipit (Grassland P)  Anthus cinnamomeus   Several seen at various locations, the first at the Sabaki River Mouth [annae]. Many later in the trip were likely of the form lacuum.

Long-billed Pipit (Nairobi)  Anthus similis   A pair seen at the top of the escarpment in the Kerio Valley. Heavily marked and richly coloured. These birds are known as Nairobi Pipit [chyuluensis].

Plain-backed Pipit  Anthus leucophrys   A few seen well in Lake Nakuru National Park [goodsoni].

Striped Pipit  Anthus lineiventris   Great views of a singing bird in the Taita Hills.

Sokoke Pipit ◊  Anthus sokokensis   Great views of one, and others in songflight over the forest, in the Brachystegia forest at Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve.

Malindi Pipit ◊  Anthus melindae   Excellent views of 3+ at the waterhole/elephant swamp in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve [nominate].

Oriole Finch  Linurgus olivaceus   Excellent views of a female feeding by the track at Kakamega Forest [elgonensis].

African Citril ◊  Crithagra citrinelloides   Seen at a few sites. First seen well near to Le Pristine Hotel at Nyeri [kikuyuensis].

Southern Citril ◊ (East African C)  Crithagra hyposticta   A few seen well on the way to and around Kakamega Forest.

Reichenow’s Seedeater ◊  Crithagra reichenowi   Very common in the Taita Hills, and others seen elsewhere.

Yellow-fronted Canary  Crithagra mozambica   A couple seen by Lamu Airport, on Manda Island, were the only ones [nominate].

White-bellied Canary ◊  Crithagra dorsostriata   A few seen well, especially at Lake Baringo [taruensis].

Northern Grosbeak-Canary ◊  Crithagra donaldsoni   Great views of a male north of Archer’s Post.

Brimstone Canary  Crithagra sulphurata   A few brief sightings in and around Lake Nakuru [sharpii].

Stripe-breasted Seedeater ◊  Crithagra striatipectus   Brilliant views of a pair near to Timau.

Thick-billed Seedeater  Crithagra burtoni   A couple seen well at Castle Forest Lodge, Mount Kenya [albifrons].

Streaky Seedeater  Crithagra striolata   Common in highland areas [nominate].

Yellow-crowned Canary  Serinus flavivertex   A handful noted around Mount Kenya [nominate].

Striolated Bunting (Striated B)  Emberiza striolata   A few north of Marsabit were a surprise [saturatior].

Cinnamon-breasted Bunting (C-b Rock B)  Emberiza tahapisi   A few seen, the first at Shaba National Reserve [nominate].

Somali Bunting (S Golden-breasted B)  Emberiza poliopleura   First seen as we drove through Tsavo East National Park. A few others seen later, including north of Marsabit.

Golden-breasted Bunting (African G-b B)  Emberiza flaviventris   Only seen in the Kerio Valley [nominate].

MAMMALS

Southern Tree Hyrax  Dendrohyrax arboreus   Heard only

Bush Hyrax  Heterohyrax brucei

Rock Hyrax (Black-necked R H)  Procavia capensis

African Savanna Elephant  Loxodonta africana

Golden-rumped Sengi (Yellow-r E S)  Rhynchocyon chrysopygus   A fantastic creature!

Lion  Panthera leo   An amazing group on the road at Buffalo Springs!

African Civet  Civettictis civetta

Spotted Hyena  Crocuta crocuta

Common Dwarf Mongoose  Helogale parvula

Black-backed Jackal  Lupulella mesomelas

Grevy’s Zebra  Equus grevyi   Fantastic intricate patterning!

Plains Zebra (Common Z)  Equus quagga

White Rhinoceros (re-introduced)  Ceratotherium simum

Desert Warthog  Phacochoerus aethiopicus

Common Warthog  Phacochoerus africanus

Northern Giraffe (Reticulated G)  Giraffa [camelopardalis] reticulata

Northern Giraffe (Rothschild’s G)  Giraffa [camelopardalis] rothschildi

Maasai Giraffe  Giraffa tippelskirchi

Impala (Common I)  Aepyceros melampus

Hartebeest (Kongoni)  Alcelaphus [buselaphus] cokii

Black-fronted Duiker** (Mount Kenya D)  Cephalophus nigrifrons

Waterbuck (Defassa W)  Kobus [ellipsiprymnus] defassa

Waterbuck (Elipsen W)  Kobus [ellipsiprymnus] ellipsiprymnus

Gerenuk (Southern G)  Litocranius walleri

Guenther’s Dik-dik* Madoqua guentheri

Kirk’s Dik-dik  Madoqua kirkii

Grant’s Gazelle  Nanger granti

Bright’s Gazelle  Nanger notatus

Tana Gazelle  Nanger petersi

Beisa Oryx (Galla O)  Oryx beisa

Cape Buffalo (Cape B)  Syncerus caffer

Common Eland  Tragelaphus oryx

Greater Kudu (Northern K)  Tragelaphus strepsiceros

Minor Epauletted Fruit Bat  Epomophorus minor

African Sheath-tailed Bat  Coleura afra

Red-tailed Monkey (Black-cheeked White-nosed M)  Cercopithecus ascanius

Blue Monkey (Sykes’s M)  Cercopithecus [mitis] albogularis

Vervet Monkey  Chlorocebus pygerythrus

Guereza Colobus (Eastern Black-and-white C)  Colobus guereza

Olive Baboon  Papio anubis

Yellow Baboon  Papio cynocephalus

African Savanna Hare  Lepus victoriae

Red-legged Sun Squirrel  Heliosciurus rufobrachium

Ochre Bush Squirrel  Paraxerus ochraceus

Unstriped Ground Squirrel  Xerus rutilus

Typical Striped Grass Mouse (Zebra Mouse)  Lemniscomys striatus