Birds in Ngorongoro Crater : Birds in Ngorongoro crater are among the attractions which can be seen during tours at the destination which is found in northern Tanzania.
The Ngorongoro crater is among the best birding destinations in Tanzania with over 500 bird species which can be seen within its ecosystem which is made up of a volcanic caldera, soda lake, savannah plains and acacia woodlands. There are resident and migratory bird species which are found at the destination during the year.
Birds of Ngorongoro crater can also be seen around the wetlands and one of the bird species which are popular at the destination are the flamingos which can be seen around Lake Magadi which is located at the inside of the crater.
Here are some of the Bird Species to find in Ngorongoro Crater
- Crowned Crane
The crowned crane, known for its distinctive golden crest, is often seen wading through the crater’s wetlands. This bird’s striking appearance and elaborate courtship dances make it a favorite among birdwatchers. In Ngorongoro, they thrive in the marshy areas, feeding on a diet of insects, small vertebrates, and plant matter. Their presence is crucial for the ecosystem as they help control insect populations and disperse seeds.
- Kori Bustard
The kori bustard, Africa’s heaviest flying bird, can be spotted striding across the open plains of Ngorongoro. With its formidable size and stately gait, this bird feeds primarily on insects, small mammals, and plant material. Its role as both predator and seed disperser makes it an essential part of the crater’s ecological balance.
- Lesser Flamingo
Lake Magadi within the crater hosts large flocks of lesser flamingos. These birds, with their pink plumage and elegant necks, feed on the blue-green algae thriving in the alkaline waters. Lesser flamingos are a key indicator species, reflecting the health of their hypersaline habitat, and their spectacular gatherings are a highlight for visitors.
- Martial Eagle
The martial eagle, one of Africa’s largest and most powerful eagles, soars over the crater’s skies. Predominantly a predator of mammals and birds, it maintains a critical role in controlling prey populations. Its impressive wingspan and keen hunting skills make it a formidable sight in the Ngorongoro landscape.
- Peregrine Falcon
Renowned for its speed, the peregrine falcon is often seen hunting other birds in mid-flight over the crater. This raptor’s presence is a testament to the rich avian life in the area, and its role as an apex predator helps regulate bird populations, contributing to the overall ecological balance.
- Augur Buzzard
The augur buzzard, with its striking black-and-white plumage, is a common sight perched on trees or soaring above the crater. This bird of prey feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles, playing a crucial role in the food web by controlling populations of these species.
- Tawny Eagle
Tawny eagles are frequently observed scavenging or hunting in the crater. These adaptable raptors feed on a variety of prey, including carrion, small mammals, and reptiles. Their opportunistic feeding habits make them an important component of the scavenger community, aiding in the decomposition process.
- Secretary Bird
The secretary bird, easily identifiable by its long legs and striking plumage, is a terrestrial raptor that hunts snakes, insects, and small mammals. Its unique appearance and behavior, such as its method of stomping prey to death, add to the diversity of raptors in the Ngorongoro Crater.
- White-backed Vulture
White-backed vultures are often seen circling above or feeding on carrion within the crater. These scavengers play a vital role in the ecosystem by cleaning up dead animals, thus preventing the spread of disease and recycling nutrients back into the environment.
- Lappet-faced Vulture
Lappet-faced vultures, the largest of the African vultures, are crucial for consuming large carcasses that other scavengers cannot manage. Their strong beaks allow them to tear through tough hides, facilitating the decomposition process and maintaining the ecological balance.
- Egyptian Vulture
The Egyptian vulture, distinguished by its white plumage and yellow face, is a versatile scavenger that feeds on a wide range of organic matter. Its ability to utilize tools to break open eggs demonstrates its intelligence and adaptability, making it an interesting subject for observation.
- Black Kite
Black kites are commonly seen gliding gracefully over the crater, scavenging for food. Their adaptability to various environments and opportunistic feeding habits make them one of the most widespread raptors in the area, contributing to the control of pest species.
- Yellow-billed Stork
The yellow-billed stork, with its vivid yellow bill and pinkish-white body, frequents the crater’s wetlands. It feeds by sweeping its open bill through the water to catch fish, frogs, and insects, playing a key role in the aquatic food web.
- Marabou Stork
The marabou stork, often regarded as unattractive due to its bald head and large stature, is an efficient scavenger. It feeds on carrion, garbage, and small animals, helping to clean the environment and prevent the spread of disease, thus maintaining ecological health.
- Sacred Ibis
Sacred ibis are commonly found foraging in the shallow waters of the crater’s lakes and marshes. Their diet consists of fish, frogs, insects, and other small aquatic organisms. These birds contribute to controlling pest populations and maintaining the health of wetland ecosystems.
- Grey Crowned Crane
Similar to the crowned crane, the grey crowned crane is distinguished by its grey body and elaborate golden crest. Often seen in pairs or small flocks, these cranes engage in intricate dances and vocalizations, adding to the vibrant avian life of Ngorongoro.
- Hadada Ibis
The hadada ibis, known for its distinctive loud call, is often seen probing the ground for invertebrates with its long, curved bill. Its foraging habits help aerate the soil and control insect populations, contributing to the crater’s biodiversity.
- African Fish Eagle
The African fish eagle, with its striking white head and powerful build, is a prominent feature around the crater’s water bodies. It preys mainly on fish but also takes birds and small mammals. This eagle’s presence indicates healthy aquatic ecosystems within Ngorongoro.
- Hammerkop
The hammerkop, with its unique hammer-shaped head, is often seen near water, building massive nests or foraging for fish, amphibians, and invertebrates. Its nesting behavior and role in the food web make it a fascinating and integral part of the crater’s avifauna.
- Lilac-breasted Roller
The lilac-breasted roller, with its vibrant plumage, is often seen perched on trees or power lines, scanning for insects and small prey. Its brilliant colors and acrobatic flight displays make it one of the most visually striking birds in Ngorongoro.
- Southern Ground Hornbill
The southern ground hornbill, a large, black bird with a striking red face and bill, is often seen foraging on the ground for small animals and insects. Its social behavior and role as a predator help maintain the balance of small vertebrate and invertebrate populations.
- European Bee-eater
The European bee-eater, a migratory species with vibrant plumage, frequents the crater during its breeding season. It catches insects in mid-air, contributing to the control of insect populations and adding to the crater’s seasonal avian diversity.
- Rufous-tailed Weaver
Endemic to northern Tanzania, the rufous-tailed weaver is a small, sociable bird that builds intricate nests. It feeds on seeds and insects, playing a role in both pollination and seed dispersal, which supports the vegetation dynamics of the crater.
- Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater
The cinnamon-chested bee-eater, with its rich chestnut breast and green back, is often seen hunting insects on the wing. Its presence enhances the ecological diversity and helps control insect populations within the crater.
- Superb Starling
The superb starling, known for its iridescent blue and orange plumage, is a common sight in Ngorongoro. These social birds feed on insects and fruits, aiding in pest control and seed dispersal, and their melodious calls add to the soundscape of the region.
- White-headed Buffalo Weaver
White-headed buffalo weavers are easily recognized by their stark white heads and orange underparts. They build large, communal nests and feed on seeds and insects, contributing to seed dispersal and insect population control.
- Speckled Mousebird
The speckled mousebird, with its drab brown plumage and long tail, is often seen in flocks feeding on fruits and leaves. Its role aids in the dispersal of seeds and the maintenance of vegetation within the crater.
- Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
Yellow-throated sandgrouse are ground-dwelling birds that blend into the arid plains of the crater. They feed on seeds and insects and are known for their remarkable ability to transport water to their chicks using specialized belly feathers.
- Golden-winged Sunbird
The golden-winged sunbird, with its metallic sheen and vibrant colors, is a nectar-feeder that pollinates flowers while feeding. Its role as a pollinator is crucial for the reproductive success of many flowering plants in the crater.
- African Hoopoe
The African hoopoe, easily identifiable by its distinctive “crown” of feathers and black-and-white barred wings, is often seen probing the ground for insects. Its foraging behavior helps control insect populations, contributing to the ecological health of Ngorongoro.
