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Birdlife found in Lamu

Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site off the coast of Kenya, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. As the center of Swahili and Islamic culture, Lamu boasts centuries-old architecture, bustling markets, and a rich cultural heritage that draws visitors from around the world. Beyond its cultural significance, Lamu is a paradise for birdwatchers, offering an exceptional opportunity to observe an incredible diversity of birdlife. With over 482 recorded species, including migratory birds and endemic species, the island’s mangroves, coastal wetlands, and lush vegetation provide a perfect haven for avian enthusiasts. Whether spotting kingfishers along the waterways or marveling at flocks of waders and herons in the tidal flats, Lamu’s serene environment makes it an ideal destination for anyone seeking a unique birdwatching experience.

Here are the birds you might see in Lamu...

ANSERIFORMES: Anatidae

• White-faced Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna viduata)

• Fulvous Whistling-Duck (Dendrocygna bicolor)

• White-backed Duck (Thalassornis leuconotus)

• Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos)

• Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)

• Spur-winged Goose (Plectropterus gambensis)

• African Pygmy-Goose (Nettapus auritus)

• Blue-billed Teal (Spatula hottentota)

• Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata)

• Red-billed Duck (Anas erythrorhyncha)

• Southern Pochard (Netta erythrophthalma)

GALLIFORMES: Numididae

• Helmeted Guineafowl (Numida meleagris)

• Vulturine Guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum)

• Eastern Crested Guineafowl (Guttera pucherani)

GALLIFORMES: Phasianidae

• Crested Francolin (Ortygornis sephaena)

• Blue Quail (Synoicus adansonii)

• Harlequin Quail (Coturnix delegorguei)

• Yellow-necked Spurfowl (Pternistis leucoscepus)

COLUMBIFORMES: Columbidae

• Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon (Columba delegorguei)

• Mourning Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decipiens)

• Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata)

• Ring-necked Dove (Streptopelia capicola)

• Laughing Dove (Spilopelia senegalensis)

• Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove (Turtur chalcospilos)

• Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria)

• Namaqua Dove (Oena capensis)

• African Green-Pigeon (Treron calvus)

PTEROCLIFORMES: Pteroclidae

• Black-faced Sandgrouse (Pterocles decoratus)

OTIDIFORMES: Otididae

• Buff-crested Bustard (Lophotis gindiana)

MUSOPHAGIFORMES: Musophagidae

• White-bellied Go-away-bird (Crinifer leucogaster)

• Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri) - Near-threatened

CUCULIFORMES: Cuculidae

• White-browed Coucal (Centropus superciliosus)

• Black Coucal (Centropus grillii)

• Green Malkoha (Ceuthmochares australis)

• Levaillant’s Cuckoo (Clamator levaillantii)

• Pied Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus)

• Thick-billed Cuckoo (Pachycoccyx audeberti)

• Dideric Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx caprius)

• Klaas’s Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx klaas)

• African Emerald Cuckoo (Chrysococcyx cupreus)

• Black Cuckoo (Cuculus clamosus)

• Lesser Cuckoo (Cuculus poliocephalus)

• African Cuckoo (Cuculus gularis)

• Madagascar Cuckoo (Cuculus rochii)

• Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

CAPRIMULGIFORMES: Caprimulgidae

• Nubian Nightjar (Caprimulgus nubicus)

• Donaldson Smith’s Nightjar (Caprimulgus donaldsoni)

• Fiery-necked Nightjar (Caprimulgus pectoralis)

• Plain Nightjar (Caprimulgus inornatus)

• Slender-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus clarus)

• Square-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus fossii)

APODIFORMES: Apodidae

• Mottled Spinetail (Telacanthura ussheri)

• Bat-like Spinetail (Neafrapus boehmi)

• Alpine Swift (Tachymarptis melba)

• Common Swift (Apus apus)

• Little Swift (Apus affinis)

• White-rumped Swift (Apus caffer)

• African Palm Swift (Cypsiurus parvus)

GRUIFORMES: Rallidae

• Corn Crake (Crex crex)

• Spotted Crake (Porzana porzana)

• Lesser Moorhen (Paragallinula angulata)

• Allen’s Gallinule (Porphyrio alleni)

• Black Crake (Zapornia flavirostra)

GRUIFORMES: Heliornithidae

• African Finfoot (Podica senegalensis)

CHARADRIIFORMES: Burhinidae

• Spotted Thick-knee (Burhinus capensis)

• Water Thick-knee (Burhinus vermiculatus)