Ruaha National Park

Birds

Expert

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Ruaha National Park has an impressive checklist of over 450 birds. This great diversity of species is a function of Ruaha’s location, which is transitional to the acacia savannah of East Africa and the miombo woodland belt of southern Africa. Crested barbet, whose persistent trilling is a characteristic sound of the southern bush, occurs in Ruaha, alongside central Tanzanian endemics such as yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Ruaha NP

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Ashy starling
Common, endemic

Birding Rating

Expert Rating

3.6/5 7 Birding Reviews

User Rating

4.5/5 52 Birding Reviews

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

(E) endemic = only lives in Tanzania

Facts & Figures

Bird Species

450+

Migratory Birds

Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Ruaha is good year-round, but is at its best from November to April when Palearctic and intra-African migrants are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. For wildlife viewing, June to October (the middle and end of the Dry season), is best for visiting the park.