Common Birds of Kenya

Kenya's national bird — the golden crown of bristle-like feathers surrounds a red-and-white face; pairs perform elaborate dancing displays in open grassland.

Africa's most photographed bird — nine colors in one bird, presented in a high-speed aerial display that shows off the brilliant blue wing panels to rival males.

Africa's largest eagle — powerful enough to knock a man down and capable of killing young impala; a Mara sighting of a perched adult is one of Africa's premier birding moments.

The world's tallest stork at 1.5 m — the yellow saddle at the base of its red-and-black bill is a unique structure found in no other bird; wades slowly in permanent wetlands.

Millions of Lesser Flamingos turning Lake Bogoria pink is one of the world's great wildlife spectacles — the alkaline water supports vast algae crops that the flamingos filter-feed on.

The only raptor that hunts entirely on foot — strides through grassland kicking venomous snakes to death with powerful blows; pairs are seen walking in open Mara plains.

One of Africa's most ornate birds — iridescent green-blue above, rich chestnut below, with a white breast band; confiding around lodges and campsites throughout Kenya.

Walks across lily pads on impossibly long toes — the male incubates eggs while the female defends the territory; a role reversal unique among shorebird families.