Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of the best places for bird watching in northern Tanzania. The area has many habitats, which allow different bird species to live and feed throughout the year. Birds are found in the highlands, forests, open plains, wetlands, and on the crater floor. Because of this, Ngorongoro supports more than 500 bird species.
Most of the birds in Ngorongoro are resident species, meaning they live in the area all year. Others are migratory birds that arrive between September and April from Europe and North Africa. These seasonal visitors increase the total number of species seen during certain months.
Some of the notable birds you are likely to see in Ngorongoro include the kori bustard, secretary bird, ostrich, grey crowned crane, lesser and greater flamingos, rufous napped lark, grassland pipit, long crested eagle, capped wheatear, northern anteater chat, black crake, dusky turtle dove, yellow billed stork, African sacred ibis, helmeted guinea fowl, superb starling, African white backed vulture, Egyptian goose, rufous tailed weaver, black bellied bustard, emerald spotted wood dove, Fischer’s sparrow lark, yellow throated sandgrouse, augur buzzard, Fischer’s lovebird, and the red capped lark.
Migratory bird species seen in Ngorongoro include the European roller, Caspian lapwing, European bee eater, pallid harrier, Montagu’s harrier, northern wheatear, European swallow, lesser kestrel, European storks, and the rosy breasted long claw.
Many other bird groups are also present in the conservation area. These include turacos, herons, egrets, falcons, woodpeckers, shrikes, paradise flycatchers, kingfishers, bee eaters, martial eagles, waxbills, pelicans, plovers, sunbirds, warblers, cisticolas, waders, ducks, and barbets.
The best months for bird watching in Ngorongoro are November and April, when both resident and migratory birds can be seen. However, birding is good throughout the year. Visitors are advised to carry binoculars, a camera, and extra batteries to enjoy the experience fully.
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