Going on a safari is a fantastic opportunity to witness the many beautiful, colorful birds of Tanzania in their natural habitat. Birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts and avid safari photographers alike will discover an incredible array of majestic creatures to observe. Out of the innumerable reasons for which many visit Tanzania, birding ranks high for wildlife enthusiasts and watchful observers eager to behold the beauty of these winged animals.
The breathtaking array of birds in Tanzania makes the region an obligatory stop on any birdwatcher’s list. Some of the wildest and most colorful birds you could imagine are found here. Due to the sheer number of species, there was no way to include every bird in Tanzania in this article.
The avifauna of Tanzania included a total of 1160 confirmed species as of October 2024. Of them, 29 are endemic, and four have been introduced by humans. One additional species is hypothetical as defined below; it and two proposed endemic species are not included in the counts.
Among these are famous flamingos, Fischer’s lovebirds, the Masai ostrich, and plenty of others. From among the notable safari birds you can expect to see, we picked out a select few whose stunning beauty deserves to be observed and cherished by everyone. Here’s your guide to identifying some of Tanzania’s most colorful birds and learning about their unique traits.
Here is a list of the bird species recorded in Tanzania.
Read also: Birds of the Savanna
The following tags highlight several categories of occurrence other than regular migrants and non-endemic residents.
Note: I already know I mis-ID'd a Glossy Ibis as a Hadada Ibis. I would sure appreciate any help correcting or providing IDs. Also, there are some nice photos - like that Little Bee-eater I posted in the gallery.
How to Identify Tanzania’s Most Colorful Birds
Tanzania is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering a dazzling array of bird species, many of which are incredibly colorful. From the strikingly vivid feathers of the Lilac-breasted Roller to the rich hues of the Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Tanzania’s birdlife is a feast for the eyes. But with so many colorful birds to choose from, how can you tell one from the other?
1. Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudata)
The Lilac-breasted Roller is one of the most iconic and vibrant birds in Tanzania. Known for its dazzling plumage, this bird has a unique combination of lilac, turquoise, blue, and green feathers. It's often spotted in the open savannahs of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire.
Lilac-breasted Roller
Read also: A Guide to African Lovebirds
Key Identification Features:
- Bright lilac breast
- Turquoise blue wings
- Bright green and blue tail
- Distinctive white wing patches that become visible during flight.
Where to Spot It:
- Serengeti National Park
- Tarangire National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
The Lilac-breasted Roller has an aggressive attitude, particularly when defending its nest. It will ascend 144 meters (472 feet) to dive bomb much larger raptors. They are primarily insectivores, but they also eat scorpions, snails, lizards, rodents, and even other birds.
2. African Bee-eater (Merops apiaster)
The African Bee-eater is a small but strikingly colorful bird, known for its vibrant green, yellow, and blue plumage. It has a slightly elongated tail and is often seen darting through the air in search of insects, particularly bees.
African Bee-eater
Read also: Learn about Lovebirds
Key Identification Features:
- Bright green body
- Yellow throat
- Blue and turquoise tail feathers
- Distinctive black stripe across the face
Where to Spot It:
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Tarangire National Park
3. Scarlet-chested Sunbird (Nectarinia senegalensis)
A true gem among Tanzania’s birds, the Scarlet-chested Sunbird dazzles with its vibrant red chest and striking metallic green head and back. This small, energetic bird is often seen feeding on nectar in the flowering plants of Tanzania’s woodlands and savannahs.
Scarlet-chested Sunbird
Key Identification Features:
- Bright scarlet chest
- Greenish iridescent back and head
- Small size with a slightly curved bill
Where to Spot It:
- Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
- Serengeti National Park
- Lake Manyara National Park
Top 10 Safari Spots in Tanzania🦁🌿 | Ultimate Wildlife Adventure
4. Violet-crowned Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster)
The Violet-crowned Starling is a strikingly colorful bird, known for its iridescent violet crown, brilliant purple plumage, and contrasting yellow and white belly. This starling species is often seen in open woodlands and savannahs, especially in areas where fruiting trees are abundant.
Violet-crowned Starling
Key Identification Features:
- Violet-blue crown
- Metallic green wings and back
- Yellow belly with white streaks
- Brightly colored but slightly smaller size compared to other starlings
Where to Spot It:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
5. Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus)
The Yellow-collared Lovebird is a small, colorful bird with a vivid green body, bright yellow collar, and striking red face. It is a member of the parrot family and is often seen in flocks. These lovebirds are known for their energetic nature and can be spotted in the forests and woodlands of Tanzania.
Yellow-collared Lovebird
Key Identification Features:
- Green body with a yellow collar
- Red face and throat
- Small and compact size
- Social, often seen in flocks
Where to Spot It:
- Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
- Mikumi National Park
- Serengeti National Park
6. African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
The African Fish Eagle is one of Africa’s most recognizable birds, thanks to its stunning contrast of colors. Its white head and dark brown body set off the bright yellow beak and legs, making it an easy bird to spot in the skies. This majestic bird is often seen around lakes and rivers, where it preys on fish.
African Fish Eagle
Key Identification Features:
- White head and tail
- Dark brown wings and body
- Bright yellow beak and legs
- Large size and powerful build
Where to Spot It:
- Lake Tanganyika
- Lake Manyara
- Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
Typically, they perch on a branch, then dive down in a graceful swoop to grab their dinner. The African Fish Eagle’s resoundingly clear call is sometimes known as The Spirit of Africa. This remarkable bird is a habitat generalist, meaning it can live in most climates. Its only true requirement is a large body of water, like a lake or the ocean.
In addition to fish, they eat large birds, frogs, baby crocodiles, and carrion. They’re even known to eat monkeys!
7. Superb Starling (Lamprotornis superbus)
The Superb Starling lives up to its name with its brilliant blue and orange plumage. This medium-sized bird is common across the savannahs and open woodlands of Tanzania and can often be spotted in flocks, busily hopping about on the ground or perched on trees.
Superb Starling
Key Identification Features:
- Brilliant blue back and wings
- Orange belly
- Shiny, iridescent feathers
- Medium size, often in flocks
Where to Spot It:
- Serengeti National Park
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Tarangire National Park
8. Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu (Uraeginthus bengalus)
This small, beautiful finch is known for its vivid blue feathers, which are accented by a striking red cheek patch. Often found in open woodlands or grasslands, the Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu is one of the smaller, yet most colorful, birds in Tanzania.
Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu
Key Identification Features:
- Vibrant blue body
- Bright red cheek patches
- Small, finch-like appearance
- Mildly energetic behavior
Where to Spot It:
- Serengeti National Park
- Tarangire National Park
- Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park)
9. Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (Merops persicus)
This vibrantly colored bird has turquoise cheeks, green wings, and a yellow belly, making it easy to spot as it hunts insects in mid-air. Known for its agility, the Blue-cheeked Bee-eater is a welcome sight for birdwatchers in Tanzania’s woodlands and savannahs.
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
Key Identification Features:
- Bright turquoise cheeks
- Green body
- Yellow belly
- Long, pointed wings and tail
Where to Spot It:
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Serengeti National Park
- Tarangire National Park
10. Kingfisher Species (Various Species)
Tanzania is home to several colorful kingfisher species, including the Malachite Kingfisher, with its brilliant turquoise body, and the Giant Kingfisher, known for its rust-colored belly and white-spotted back. These small but vibrant birds are often found near lakes, rivers, and marshes, diving into the water to catch fish.
Malachite Kingfisher
Key Identification Features:
- Bright, iridescent feathers
- Sharp, pointed beaks
- Colorful belly and head
- Often found near water
Where to Spot It:
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