​Birds – Arabuko Sokoke FR

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

More than 230 bird species have been recorded in Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. The area is well known for several globally threatened species, including the Sokoke scops owl and Clarke’s weaver. Other sought-after species that can be seen here include the Sokoke pipit, Amani sunbird and chestnut-fronted helmet-shrike. As always, forests don’t offer easy bird watching, but the rewards of interesting species are plentiful here. Even non-birders will enjoy some of the more noticeable forest birds, including the trumpeter and silvery-cheeked hornbill.

Notable Birds in Arabuko Sokoke FR
› ‹
Crested guineafowl
Common
Crowned hornbill
Common
Lizard buzzard
Occasional
Northern carmine bee-eater
Common migrant
Silvery-cheeked hornbill
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

(E) endemic = only lives in Kenya
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Arabuko Sokoke FR
Bird Species
230+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Arabuko Sokoke is a bird-watcher’s paradise throughout the year. A lot of the more unusual forest species are resident, and can be spotted at any time. The migratory birds are added to the mix from November to April. November and April are peak months for the short and long rains – heavy rain can interfere with bird-watching activities.

Want To Visit Arabuko Sokoke FR?

Arabuko Sokoke Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Arabuko Sokoke FR
Bird Species
230+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr