Lake Nakuru National Park is a birdwatcher’s dream, offering an incredibly diverse range of bird species thanks to its unique mix of ecosystems, including the alkaline lake, surrounding forests, and grasslands. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just looking to enjoy the beauty of nature, this guide will introduce you to some of the most common and spectacular birds you can encounter at Lake Nakuru.
Flamingos: The Star Attraction
The flamingos are the main draw at Lake Nakuru, especially the Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) and Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus). Lesser Flamingos, with their vibrant pink plumage, are often seen in large flocks feeding on the algae in the lake. Greater Flamingos, though fewer in number, are also a common sight. These larger flamingos have a paler pink hue and feed on small invertebrates. The sight of these birds along the shores, especially in the dry season when their numbers peak, is one of the most iconic wildlife spectacles in Kenya.
Birds of Prey and Scavengers
Lake Nakuru is also home to several notable birds of prey. The African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer) is one of the most recognizable, with its striking white head and chest, and its distinctive call often echoes over the lake. You’ll often spot these powerful raptors perched in trees, scanning the water for fish. Another large bird often seen around the lake is the Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus), a somewhat ungainly scavenger that plays a crucial role in cleaning up carrion. The park’s ecosystem is also supported by Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture (Gyps rueppelli), a common sight soaring in the skies in search of food.
Waterbirds and Waders
The shores of Lake Nakuru are teeming with waterbirds and waders, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. The Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) is a large, graceful bird known for group fishing activities, often seen gliding over the lake or resting in large flocks. Another common sight is the African Spoonbill (Platalea alba), easily identified by its unique spoon-shaped bill, which it uses to sweep through shallow waters in search of food.
You’ll also find Black-winged Stilts (Himantopus himantopus), with their long, pink legs and striking black-and-white plumage, wading in the shallows. Similarly, the Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis) is often seen standing near the water’s edge, patiently waiting to catch fish with its long yellow bill. These birds create a lively scene around the lake, constantly foraging along the shoreline.
Kingfishers and Smaller Birds
Lake Nakuru’s vibrant birdlife also includes several species of kingfishers. The Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis) is a small, black-and-white bird that’s easy to spot as it hovers above the water, waiting to dive for fish. Equally striking is the Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus), a tiny bird with brilliant blue and orange plumage often seen perched on reeds near the lake.
In addition to kingfishers, the White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides) adds a splash of color to the park. Known for their vivid green, red, and white feathers, these birds are often spotted darting through the air in search of insects. Birdwatchers should also look out for the Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), a bird with iridescent plumage that shimmers in shades of green, bronze, and purple as it wades through the wetlands near the lake.
Iconic Waterfowl and Cranes
Lake Nakuru’s wetlands are home to several species of waterfowl, including the Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca), easily recognizable by its distinct brown and white plumage with a dark patch around the eyes. You’ll often see them grazing near the water or swimming in small groups. Another common waterbird is the Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), which can be identified by its long, down-curved bill and black-and-white plumage.
One of the most striking birds in the park is the Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum). These elegant birds are adorned with a golden “crown” of feathers on their heads and are often found in pairs or small groups near the lake’s edge. Their presence adds to the overall majesty of the park’s birdlife.
Raptors and Buzzards
The Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur) is another bird of prey you’re likely to encounter at Lake Nakuru. With its bold black-and-white plumage, this medium-sized raptor is often seen soaring overhead or perched on trees, scanning the ground for small mammals and reptiles. Raptors like these play an important role in maintaining the park’s ecological balance.
List of 18 Most Common Birds in Lake Nakuru National Park
Here’s a list of the most common birds you are likely to encounter at Lake Nakuru National Park:
1. Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor)
- Description: Known for their vibrant pink plumage, Lesser Flamingos are the primary attraction at Lake Nakuru. They feed on the algae in the lake, creating a striking pink shoreline.
- Habitat: Found along the lake’s shores, especially in shallow waters.
2. Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
- Description: Larger than the Lesser Flamingo, Greater Flamingos are often found in the same areas but are fewer in number. They have a paler pink appearance and feed on small invertebrates.
- Habitat: Shallow waters of Lake Nakuru.
3. African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer)
- Description: A powerful bird of prey with a striking white head and chest, dark wings, and a distinctive, echoing call. Known for hunting fish, it often patrols the lake.
- Habitat: Perches in trees around the lake, overlooking the water for fish.
4. Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
- Description: These large waterbirds are recognizable by their pale plumage, long beaks, and expandable pouches. They often engage in synchronized group fishing.
- Habitat: Found along the lake’s shores and shallow waters.
5. Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis)
- Description: A small, black-and-white bird often seen hovering over the water before diving to catch fish. It is highly active and provides excellent birdwatching opportunities.
- Habitat: Found near the water’s edge, hunting for fish and small aquatic creatures.
6. African Spoonbill (Platalea alba)
- Description: Easily identified by its long, flat, spoon-shaped bill, this bird wades through shallow waters, sweeping its beak side to side in search of food like small fish and insects.
- Habitat: Shallow water near the lake’s edge.
7. Yellow-billed Stork (Mycteria ibis)
- Description: A large wading bird with a long yellow bill and a striking white body with black wing tips. It often stands motionless while fishing in shallow waters.
- Habitat: Near the lake’s shoreline or wading in shallow water.
8. Marabou Stork (Leptoptilos crumeniferus)
- Description: A large, dark bird with a bald head and neck, commonly referred to as a scavenger. Despite its somewhat ungainly appearance, the Marabou Stork is an important part of the ecosystem, cleaning up carrion.
- Habitat: Seen around the lake and near human settlements, often scavenging.
9. Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
- Description: This tall bird is easily identified by its long neck and sharp beak, used to spear fish. Grey Herons are frequently seen hunting in the shallow waters of the lake.
- Habitat: Along the edges of the lake and in marshy areas.
10. Black-winged Stilt (Himantopus himantopus)
- Description: A long-legged wader with black-and-white plumage and distinctive pink legs. These birds are often seen in small groups, feeding on invertebrates in the shallow waters.
- Habitat: Wading in shallow waters near the lake.
11. Sacred Ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus)
- Description: A black-and-white wading bird with a characteristic long, down-curved beak, often associated with marshy areas and shorelines.
- Habitat: Commonly found near the lake’s edges, feeding on aquatic invertebrates.
12. Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiaca)
- Description: With striking brown and white plumage and a dark patch around the eyes, these birds are often seen in pairs or small groups around the lake.
- Habitat: Commonly seen around water bodies and grazing in nearby grasslands.
13. Malachite Kingfisher (Corythornis cristatus)
- Description: A small, brilliantly colored kingfisher with electric blue and orange plumage. It is often seen perched on reeds near the water, hunting for fish.
- Habitat: Found along the reedy shores of the lake and small water channels.
14. Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
- Description: This bird has dark iridescent plumage that glows with shades of green, bronze, and purple in the sunlight. It feeds in wetlands, probing the mud for food.
- Habitat: Shallow wetlands near the lake and marshy areas.
15. Rüppell’s Griffon Vulture (Gyps rueppelli)
- Description: A large scavenger that is part of the park’s ecosystem. It can be seen circling the skies, often alongside other vultures, searching for carrion.
- Habitat: Open areas around the lake and savannah grasslands.
16. White-fronted Bee-eater (Merops bullockoides)
- Description: Known for its striking colors, this bird has green, red, and white feathers and is often seen catching insects in mid-air.
- Habitat: Found in open grasslands and along the lake’s edge.
17. Augur Buzzard (Buteo augur)
- Description: A medium-sized bird of prey with striking black-and-white plumage. It can be seen soaring above the park or perched on trees, scanning for small mammals and reptiles.
- Habitat: Forested and open areas surrounding the lake.
18. Grey-crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum)
- Description: A majestic bird with a golden “crown” of feathers on its head, these cranes are often found in pairs or small groups near the lake’s edge.
- Habitat: Wetlands and grasslands near the lake.
Conclusion
Lake Nakuru National Park offers an incredible diversity of bird species, making it a must-visit destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. From the stunning flamingos to the majestic raptors and colorful kingfishers, every visit to the park brings an opportunity to witness an extraordinary array of birds. Whether you’re enjoying the peaceful waterside scenes or watching powerful birds of prey in action, the birdlife of Lake Nakuru provides unforgettable experiences throughout the year.