Common Birds of Tanzania

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.