Most people don’t even consider seeing birds on safaris when planning their adventure in the wild.
Anyone who is planning a safari dreams of watching lions protect their territory, elephants charging through the forest, or a big cat hunt playing out beside a hippo-filled waterhole.
Unless you’re an avid birder, there’s a good chance that our winged friends aren’t very high on your agenda.
Despite their beauty and extravagance, the majority of people don’t find birds as exciting as the big stuff – most are more interested in wild dogs, cheetahs or leopards, among others.
However, witnessing birds on safari is always an unexpected highlight. This article shows you the top ten: classic species, what they sound like, and where you can encounter them.
If you’re already excited about birds on safari, then this article is an introduction to what you can find.
And if you’re thinking “birds in safari itineraries?” then this should change your opinion a little.
10 Common Safari Birds to See in the Savanna
Whether you’re hoping to spot small or giant African birds, safaris offer abundant opportunities to marvel at these stunning creatures.
Here are some incredible species to add to your birding bucket list.
1. African fish eagle
Undoubtedly Africa’s most striking symbol, and Zambia’s national emblem, this is the ultimate bird to see on safari.
If you haven’t already guessed it by the name, their diet mainly includes fish. So you’ll likely find these large African birds near open water bodies.
The fish eagle is unmistakable with its white head and breast, chestnut belly and forewings, black under-wings, and white tail.
Male and female appear similar, but the female is generally larger.
Average size: 2.1-3.6 kg; 63-77 cm in length.
Call: Loud, piercing, cheerful yelp. ‘Kyow-kow-kow’ type. 🙂
Habitat: Aquatic: rivers, lakes, and dams – feeds on fish.
Range: Sub-Saharan Africa.
2. Helmeted guineafowl
Not the most intelligent of creatures, but it is intriguing nonetheless. They are one of the most unique birds of the savanna, with several quirky traits.
The helmeted guineafowl has a ‘bead-like’ design with dark gray feathers and tiny white dots.
They boast bald faces and necks with striking blue-colored skin. Admittedly, they’re not at the top of the list of beautiful African birds.
Both helmeted guineafowl sexes have a casque on the head, though the male’s “helmet” is longer.
These guineafowls have an omnivorous diet, and while they can fly, they choose to walk unless they find themselves in danger.
Average size: 1.3 kg; 53-58 cm in length.
Call: ‘krrdii-krrdii-krrdii-krrdii’.
Impressive, huh? Who would’ve thought in the first place that I, “Africa Freak”, could speak guineafowl language? 🙂
Disclosure – I’ve spent many mornings watching them roam outside my safari camp.
Habitat: All types of open and wooded grasslands + coastal forests.
Range: Most of Sub-Saharan Africa, except in rainforests and the Somali region.
3. Grey (southern) crowned crane
Highly characteristic of its stunning bristly crown, the grey crowned crane is a majestic bird. Safari goers wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to catch a glimpse of this beauty.
You can find them in grassland and wetland areas in Africa. Unfortunately, the grey-crowned crane is an endangered species with a declining population.
They face threats such as the illegal removal of birds from the wild and habitat loss.
Average size: 3.5 kg; 100-110 cm in length.
Call: Trumpeting ‘may hem’ flight call (easily confused with the Norwegian black metal band).
Habitat: Grasslands, flooded plains, marshes, and agricultural land.
Range: Most of Eastern and Southern Africa.
4. Lilac-breasted roller
A stunningly exquisite bird that you are most likely to encounter during a game drive. “Rolls” are on display and explode into a myriad of colors when giving chase.
The lilac-breasted roller is a multicolored beauty of the roller family. Many are familiar with birds from this family for their ability to perform aerial acrobatics in flight.
Lilac-breasted rollers can breed in flight too, and they are monogamous birds believed to mate for life.
If you’re patient enough when having a picnic, say on the Serengeti, this bird may perch on your safari vehicle.
For those hoping to catch sight of birds in Kenya, safari experiences should include searching for this fascinating species.
Average size: 110 g; 36-38 cm in length.
Call: A loud guttural rak-rak sound.
Habitat: Grasslands and wooded acacia savannas. The lilac-breasted roller perches conspicuously and habitually on termite mounds, high treetops, or telephone wires from where it scans the ground for large insects.
Range: The bird’s range coincides with the great wildlife corridors of Eastern and Southern Africa.
5. Southern ground hornbill
These are the turkey birds of the savannah. With its jet-black feathers and vibrant red patches, the southern ground hornbill looks a little like a turkey or vulture.
You can distinguish the female from the male, thanks to its blue throat patch.
Not necessarily a looker, but you know you are on safari when a southern ground hornbill makes an appearance.
Average size: 3.8 kg; 100 cm in length.
Call: A loud, booming duet ‘oomph-oomph,’ given on early mornings.
Habitat: Savanna, woodlands, and grasslands.
Range: Central Kenya and Southern Congo, south to Central Botswana and Eastern South Africa.
6. African hoopoe
The African hoopoe is a medium-sized bird that flies impressively, like a giant butterfly with pied wings. It is one of the only African bird species with a “punk-like” crest and a long decurved bill.
These funky, exotic-looking birds of Africa mainly feed on insects like beetles, locusts, and grasshoppers. They have a few natural predators, including cats and big African birds, such as hawks and eagles.
The African hoopoe is one of the top species to see on safari for bird lovers.
Average size: 38-67 g; 25-29 cm in length.
Call: A frequently uttered ‘hoop-hoop-hoop’.
Habitat: Wooded savannas, open parklands, and suburbs. We used to have a few of them visiting our garden in Johannesburg.
African hoopoes are very funny little birds that walk at a fast pace, probing the soil with their extended bill.
Range: Found throughout Africa.
7. Ostrich
The world’s largest and heaviest bird and the only one with just two toes. You might already know that ostriches lay large eggs, but did you know that they have three stomachs?
Another interesting fact about these big birds in Africa is that they have no teeth. Instead, they swallow pebbles to help with grinding food for easier digestion.
Common ostriches are flightless. However, they are also one of the world’s fastest animals.
Males are black with white wings, while females are dull brown with “dirty” white wings.
Sorry ladies, but in the animal kingdom, males are usually more attractive than females.
Average size: 63-140 kg; 1.7-2.8 m tall.
Call: Habitually heard at night or when displaying; a loud booming call, ‘boo-boo-booo-hooo’ (sounds like a cry when you write it down).
Believe it or not, the noise itself is very similar to the roar of a lion. Scaaary!
Ostriches can also whistle.
Habitat: Open semi-arid plains and woodlands.
Range: Southern edge of the Sahara and Sahel, and through much of East Africa. Southern races are also widespread, especially in farming areas where farmers raise them for their eggs, feathers, meat, and skin.
Oudtshoorn in South Africa is the ostrich capital, home to over half the world’s ostrich products.
Did you know?
A single ostrich egg can provide an omelet for at least 10 people (or 12 moderate eaters).
Bon appétit!
8. Marabou Stork
Birds don’t always come to mind when you think of ugly African animals. However, the enormous marabou stork isn’t the front runner when it comes to beauty.
They have featherless heads, scabby pink faces and a long reddish throat sac.
These large African birds have cloak-like feathers on their bodies, giving an eery appearance. It is a true scavenger that cleans out carcasses in search of bits and pieces of meat.
The marabou stork is frequently associated with African vultures but is quite different in behavior.
They can be scary.
One Africa Freak contributor used to come home to marabous picking the scraps off his verandah in Lake Naivasha, Kenya.
Average size: 4.5-8 kg; 1.2-1.3 m in length.
Call: Primarily silent, but can clap its beak during display.
Habitat: Mainly savannas and plains in the wild. They are also becoming present in towns: around dumps, fish markets, or abattoirs.
Range: From Senegal to Natal (South Africa); avoids rainforests and deserts.
9. (African) white-backed vulture
The white-backed vulture is Africa’s most widespread large vulture known as the “garbage man” of the savannah.
Often confused with the Cape vulture, the white-backed vulture is smaller in size and has a dark eye (Cape vultures have honey-colored eyes). Sadly, these endangered birds of Africa have a declining population.
Average size: 4.2-7.2 kg; 78-98 cm in length.
Call: Grunts and goose-like hisses and cackles.
Habitat: Open plains and wooded country where game is abundant.
Range: West Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and throughout Southern Africa.
10. Red-billed oxpecker
The appointed beautician of the African bushveld.
The red-billed oxpecker has captivating yellow-ringed eyes that contrast with its olive-brown plumage. It is a medium-sized bird very similar to the yellow-billed oxpecker but with an all-red bill.
Red-billed oxpeckers are fairly common birds in Africa that you might spot enjoying a piggyback ride on other animals.
It is commonly mixed with large mammals (buffalo, rhino, hippo), as it removes unwanted parasites such as ticks and flies from the host’s body.
In fact, the red-billed oxpecker will clean the animal’s body thoroughly, even parts such as ears and nostrils.
It’s quite a spectacle to watch!
Average size: 0.5 kg; 20 cm in length.
Call: A scolding ‘churrrr’ and a hissing ‘zzzzzzist.’
Habitat: Savanna, in close proximity to cattle and game.
Range: Eritrea south through Eastern Africa to Eastern South Africa.
Admire African Savanna Birds on a Safari
These ten safari birds are relatively common and widespread. They are just an introduction, though.
To see many more small and big African birds, you should visit Africa and connect with your wild side.
Remember, you can customize safaris to your interests. So if you want to see birds in the African savanna, then tell your safari operator, so they can go searching for rare species.
