Birds of Mount Kenya

Birdlife on Mount Kenya reflects the essence of a natural and wild ecosystem. From the noisy and colourful sunbirds flitting between alpine flowers to the stunning Abyssinian ground thrush, all contribute to one of the most spectacular montane ecosystems in the world. The abundant forest and diverse birdlife are the result of a fortuitous combination of climate and altitude, which has produced a variety of different habitats in a relatively small area. This rich environment has been created by the birds and their habitats, which have an intrinsic value to Kenya and the global community. Many individual species are attractive to birdwatchers and may in the future provide the basis for ecotourism. For instance, the Mount Kenya robin chat a highly localised Kenyan endemic, is a great attraction for tourists wanting to find birds that they cannot see in Europe.

The historical records of Mount Kenya, a towering extinct volcano that stands at a height of 5199 meters, have been successfully erased. The mountain, situated in central Kenya just south of the equator and a short distance from the town of Nanyuki, has a fascinating array of tracks including the north-western Sirimon Track, the Naro Moru Track, and the south-eastern Chogoria Track. These tracks offer hikers thrilling adventures and abundant opportunities for capturing breathtaking photographs. With its majestic peaks rising above the clouds and its enchanting landscapes, Mount Kenya has long captivated the hearts of tourists from around the world. Surprisingly, despite its popularity, the mountain and its forest have remained relatively unexplored until recent times. The significance of Birdlife in Mount Kenya is rooted in the critical role that birds play in the lives of the local Kenyan people and their surroundings. This holds particularly true for Mount Kenya and its Forest Reserve. The names used by the Kikuyu people, “Kirinyaga,” both for the mountain and its forest, demonstrate their deep knowledge and understanding of the avifauna that surrounds them. Interestingly, these names, which translate to “the bright mountain,” have their origins in the term “Kere Nyaga,” meaning the ostrich. Surprisingly, only few Kikuyu individuals are aware that “kere” is a Gikuyu misinterpretation and variation of the English term “quail.” It appears that the mix-up between these two birds by English speakers has been mirrored by the Kikuyu people as well.

Importance of Birdlife in Mount Kenya

Bird species have proven to be useful indicators of changes in the environment. For example, the restriction of the range of the Hinde’s babbler, now only found high on the moorlands, suggests that there has been a change in the forest habitat since the last ice age when Hinde’s babbler was a forest bird. The global decline in bird species and the rate at which new species are becoming endangered, due mainly to habitat destruction, has led to birds being prioritised in the allocation of conservation resources at local, national, and international levels. This is certainly true in Kenya. The forest and montane habitats on Mount Kenya are a rapidly diminishing resource. Although they are protected inside the National Park, and to an extent in the Forest Reserves, these areas are still under threat from illegal logging, the encroachment of agriculture, and the effects of climate change. Many of the Kenyan endemic bird species have a restricted range and are thus particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction. The montane species will be forced to move uphill as the climate warms until eventually, they run out of mountains. Measures are now being taken to safeguard the forest and montane areas of Mount Kenya with the implementation of the Mount Kenya Ecosystem Conservation Plan, largely through the work of the Mount Kenya Trust and other stakeholders. This is also in readiness for the predicted increases in tourism and population within the next few decades.

Bird Species of Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya is home to a diverse array of bird species, thanks to its varied habitats ranging from montane forests to alpine moorlands. Some of the notable bird species found on Mount Kenya include:

1. Crowned Hawk Eagle: The Crowned Hawk Eagle is a large and powerful bird of prey found in the forests of Mount Kenya. It is characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage, with a crest of feathers on its head resembling a crown. This eagle is known for its keen eyesight and impressive hunting abilities, often preying on small mammals and birds within its territory.
2. Jackson’s Francolin: Jackson’s Francolin is a ground-dwelling bird native to the slopes of Mount Kenya. It is recognized by its brown plumage with intricate patterns and markings, providing excellent camouflage among the undergrowth. This bird is typically shy and elusive, preferring to forage for insects and seeds in dense vegetation.
3. Abyssinian Long-eared Owl: The Abyssinian Long-eared Owl is a nocturnal bird species found in the forests and woodlands of Mount Kenya. As its name suggests, it has long ear tufts extending from the top of its head, giving it a distinctive appearance. With its keen hearing and silent flight, this owl hunts small rodents and insects under the cover of darkness.
4. Green Ibis: The Green Ibis is a striking bird with predominantly green plumage, found in the wetlands and marshes surrounding Mount Kenya. Its long, curved bill is adapted for probing mud and shallow water in search of aquatic invertebrates and small fish. Despite its vibrant colouration, the Green Ibis can blend seamlessly into its surroundings, making it a challenge to spot.
5. African Black Duck: The African Black Duck is a waterfowl species commonly sighted in the rivers and streams of Mount Kenya. It has dark plumage with subtle iridescence, often appearing black in certain lighting conditions. This duck is well-adapted to its aquatic habitat, feeding on aquatic plants, insects, and small aquatic animals.
6. Ayres’ Hawk Eagle: Ayres’ Hawk Eagle is a majestic raptor inhabiting the forests and montane regions of Mount Kenya. With its powerful talons and keen eyesight, it preys on a variety of small mammals and birds. This eagle is recognized by its broad wingspan and brownish plumage, often seen soaring high above the canopy in search of prey.
7. Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk: The Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk is a small bird of prey found in the woodlands and grasslands of Mount Kenya. It is characterized by its compact size, reddish-brown breast, and distinctive facial markings. This agile hunter preys on small birds and insects, using its sharp talons to capture prey in flight.
8. Great Sparrowhawk: The Great Sparrowhawk is a larger species of sparrowhawk found in the forests and open woodlands of Mount Kenya. It has a slate-grey plumage with bold streaks and markings, providing excellent camouflage among the trees. This bird of prey is known for its swift flight and precise hunting techniques, often ambushing small birds and mammals from concealed perches.

9. Scaly Francolin: The Scaly Francolin is a ground-dwelling bird species found in the grasslands and scrub habitats of Mount Kenya. It is named for the intricate scaling pattern on its plumage, which provides excellent camouflage among the vegetation. This bird feeds on a diet of seeds, insects, and small invertebrates, foraging primarily on the forest floor.
10. Silvery-cheeked Hornbill: The Silvery-cheeked Hornbill is a large and conspicuous bird with distinctive black and white plumage, adorned with striking silvery markings on its cheeks. It is commonly found in the montane forests and woodlands of Mount Kenya, where it feeds on fruits, insects, and small animals. The loud calls of this hornbill are often heard echoing through the forest canopy.
11. Hartlaub’s Turaco: Hartlaub’s Turaco is a colourful and arboreal bird species endemic to the forests of Mount Kenya. It is characterized by its vibrant green plumage, crimson wings, and prominent crest on its head. This turaco is known for its melodious calls and acrobatic flight through the dense canopy. It primarily feeds on fruits, leaves, and flowers found within its forest habitat.
12. Red-headed Parrot: The Red-headed Parrot is a striking bird species distinguished by its predominantly green plumage, with a bright red head and upper beak. It inhabits the montane forests and woodlands of Mount Kenya, where it forages for fruits, seeds, and nuts. This parrot is known for its raucous calls and social behaviour, often seen flying in noisy flocks through the canopy.
13. Bronze-naped Pigeon: The Bronze-naped Pigeon is a medium-sized bird species found in the montane forests and grasslands of Mount Kenya. It is characterized by its glossy greenish-black plumage, with a distinctive bronze-coloured patch on the back of its neck. This pigeon feeds on a variety of seeds, fruits, and grains found within its habitat, often foraging in small groups.
14. Mackinder’s Eagle Owl: Mackinder’s Eagle Owl is a large and powerful nocturnal bird of prey endemic to the montane forests and rocky outcrops of Mount Kenya. It has dark brown plumage with mottled patterns, providing excellent camouflage against the forest canopy. This owl hunts primarily at night, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects with its sharp talons and keen vision.
15. Rupell’s Robin-Chat: Rupell’s Robin-Chat is a small and secretive bird species found in the dense undergrowth and shrubbery of Mount Kenya. It is characterized by its olive-brown plumage, with a distinctive white throat and breast. This robin chat is known for its melodious song, often heard emanating from the forest floor as it searches for insects, spiders, and small fruits.
16. Jackson’s Spurfowl: Jackson’s Spurfowl, also known as Jackson’s Francolin, is a ground-dwelling bird endemic to the grasslands and shrublands of Mount Kenya. It has a cryptic plumage with intricate patterns, providing effective camouflage against its surroundings. This spurfowl feeds on a variety of seeds, insects, and vegetation, often foraging in small groups or pairs.
17. Speke’s Weaver: Speke’s Weaver is a small passerine bird species found in the grasslands and acacia savannas of Mount Kenya. It is characterized by its pale yellow plumage, with distinctive black markings on its wings and face. This weaver is known for its intricate nest-building skills, creating elaborate woven nests suspended from tree branches. It feeds primarily on seeds, grains, and small insects gleaned from the ground or vegetation.

18. Crowned Hornbill: The Crowned Hornbill is a medium-sized bird species characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage, with a striking crown of feathers on its head. It is commonly found in the montane forests and woodlands of Mount Kenya, where it feeds on a diet of fruits, insects, and small vertebrates. This hornbill is known for its loud, trumpeting calls and its habit of nesting in tree hollows.
19. White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher: The White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher is a small insect-eating bird species found in the dense undergrowth and forest understory of Mount Kenya. It is named for its slate-grey plumage and conspicuous white eye-ring. This flycatcher hunts by perching quietly and waiting for prey to pass by, darting out to catch insects in mid-air with its sharp bill.
20. Northern Double-collared Sunbird: The Northern Double-collared Sunbird is a colourful and nectar-feeding bird species native to Mount Kenya’s montane forests and heathlands. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the male sporting vibrant iridescent plumage, including metallic green, blue, and purple hues, while the female has a more subdued colouration. This sunbird plays a crucial role in pollinating flowering plants within its habitat.
21. Mountain Oriole: The Mountain Oriole is a medium-sized bird species characterized by its striking black and yellow plumage, reminiscent of a traditional oriole. It is often found in the forest canopy and edge habitats of Mount Kenya, where it forages for insects, fruits, and nectar. This oriole is known for its melodious song, consisting of flute-like whistles and trills.
22. Thick-billed Seedeater: The Thick-billed Seedeater is a small bird species commonly found in the grasslands and shrublands of Mount Kenya. It is named for its stout, conical bill adapted for cracking open seeds and grains. This seedeater feeds primarily on grass seeds, foraging on the ground or perching on grass stalks to pluck seeds from the seed heads.
23. Lesser Striped Swallow: The Lesser Striped Swallow is a medium-sized bird species known for its aerial acrobatics and graceful flight. It is characterized by its distinctive black and white plumage, with narrow stripes on its underparts. This swallow is commonly found in open habitats, including grasslands, savannas, and around Mount Kenya’s foothills, where it hunts insects on the wing.
24. Bronzy Sunbird: The Bronzy Sunbird is a small and colourful bird species endemic to the montane forests and heathlands of Mount Kenya. It exhibits sexual dimorphism, with the male displaying iridescent bronzy-green plumage, while the female has a duller olive-brown colouration. This sunbird primarily feeds on nectar from flowering plants, using its long, curved bill to probe deep into the flowers’ corollas.
25. Grey-capped Warbler: The Grey-capped Warbler is a small and inconspicuous bird species found in the dense undergrowth and shrubbery of Mount Kenya’s montane forests. It is named for its grey crown and upperparts, with a yellowish underbelly and distinct eye-ring. This warbler feeds on a variety of insects and small invertebrates, often foraging among leaf litter and fallen branches.
26. Holub’s Golden Weaver: Holub’s Golden Weaver is a medium-sized bird species known for its intricate nest-building skills and vibrant plumage. It is commonly found in the grasslands and wetlands surrounding Mount Kenya, where it constructs elaborate woven nests suspended from tall grasses or reeds. This weaver primarily feeds on seeds and insects gleaned from the ground or vegetation.
27. Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater: The Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater is a colourful and insect-eating bird species native to the open woodlands and savannas of Mount Kenya’s foothills. It is characterized by its cinnamon-coloured breast and underparts, with greenish upperparts and a black mask around its eyes. This bee-eater hunts flying insects, including bees and wasps, using its sharp bill to catch them in mid-air.
28. White-browed Crombec: The White-browed Crombec is a small and inconspicuous bird species found in the dense undergrowth and scrub habitats of Mount Kenya. It is named for the white stripe above its eyes, contrasting with its greyish-brown plumage. This crombec feeds on small insects and spiders, foraging among tangled vegetation and foliage for prey.

These are just a few examples of the avian diversity found on Mount Kenya, and birdwatching enthusiasts can expect to encounter many more species while exploring the mountain’s habitats.