Iconic bird of Tanzania

Common Birds of Tanzania

Tanzania combines the world's most dramatic wildlife spectacle with 1,100+ bird species — over 200 species recordable in a single Ngorongoro Crater morning.

1,100+
Total species
25+
Endemics
50
Threatened
Jun–Oct
Best months
🐦
1. Grey Crowned CraneEndangered
Balearica regulorum

Uganda and Tanzania's national bird — the golden crown of bristle feathers surrounding red-and-white face is unmistakable in pairs dancing on Serengeti plains.

📍 Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Arusha NP🗓 Jun–Oct
🐦
2. Fischer's LovebirdNear Threatened
Agapornis fischeri

A Tanzania endemic with a brilliant orange head and green body, flying in shrieking flocks across northern Tanzania bushland.

📍 North Tanzania, Serengeti border region🗓 Jun–Oct
🐦
3. Kori BustardNear Threatened
Ardeotis kori

Africa's heaviest flying bird — male displays by erecting the white undertail coverts in a tower of white feathers while puffing the neck and strutting across open grassland.

📍 Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire🗓 Jun–Oct
🐦
4. African JacanaLeast Concern
Actophilornis africanus

Strides across floating vegetation on enormous toes at Lake Manyara — the male carries newly hatched chicks tucked under its wings, with only tiny legs visible dangling beneath.

📍 Lake Manyara, Arusha NP🗓 Year-round
🐦
5. Lappet-faced VultureEndangered
Torgos tracheliotos

Africa's dominant vulture — the pink face wrinkles and enormous bill make it unmistakable; its presence at a kill drives other vultures from the carcass.

📍 Serengeti, Ruaha NP🗓 Jun–Oct
🐦
6. Lilac-breasted RollerLeast Concern
Coracias caudatus

Tanzania's most photographed bird — the nine-colored bird perches on termite mounds and acacia branches throughout the national parks, posing perfectly for wildlife photographers.

📍 Throughout Tanzania savannah🗓 Year-round
🐦
7. Rufous-tailed WeaverLeast Concern
Histurgops ruficauda

An endemic of the Tanzania-Kenya border region — a large, scruffy-looking weaver found in noisy flocks in open acacia-Commiphora scrub in the northern circuit parks.

📍 Northern Tanzania and Kenya border🗓 Year-round
🐦
8. ShoebillVulnerable
Balaeniceps rex

Tanzania's western areas hold small Shoebill populations in vast papyrus swamps — an ancient, primordial-looking bird that stands perfectly still for hours waiting for lungfish.

📍 Moyowosi, Ugalla River GR🗓 Jun–Sep

Ready to Bird Tanzania?

Use our smart trip planner to get a custom itinerary — best hotspots, species targets, and seasonal timing tailored to your visit.

Build My ItineraryBuy a Field Guide →
Common Birds of Tanzania | AvianScope