​Birds – Shimba Hills NR

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.

Philip is an expert for SafariBookings and author of the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.

Philip is the author of the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.

Shimba Hills National Reserve’s checklist of 300 bird species includes coastal endemics such as Fischer’s turaco, green-headed oriole, east coast akalat and Uluguru violet-backed sunbird. Grassland birding in the reserve is rewarding, but the forest, though more challenging, is where the more interesting species might be seen. These include the spectacularly noisy trumpeter hornbill and silvery-cheeked hornbill. Hot spots for forest birds include the picnic site in Mwaluganje Forest and the wooden walkways at Shimba Hills Lodge.

Notable Birds in Shimba Hills NR
Black-bellied starling
Common
Crested guineafowl
Common
Fischer’s turaco
Locally common
Palm-nut vulture
Common
Trumpeter hornbill
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

(NE) near-endemic = lives in Kenya and neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Shimba Hills NR
Bird Species
300
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Shimba Hills is a favorite among bird-watchers at any time of year. Residents include many of the unusual forest birds, and they can be seen year-round. From November to April, migratory birds arrive and add to the already interesting array of species. Regarding the weather, be aware that November, April and May are peak months for rainfall, and heavy rain can restrict your birding activities.

Want To Visit Shimba Hills NR?

Shimba Hills Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Shimba Hills NR
Bird Species
300
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr