Government Publications Registration Number

11-1480592-001553-01

National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR)

BIRDS of WESTERN
NIBR is a subsidiary organization of the Ministry of Environment (MoE) of
the Republic of Korea established in 2007. The NIBR has a vision to become
a leading biological research institute contributing to green growth and
biodiversity conservation. The primary function of the NIBR is to survey,
research, preserve and manage national biological resources. The institute
also serves as an educational center for the general public to increase social
awareness on the importance of biological resources through exciting
exhibitions full of hands-on experiences. To achieve its mission and vision,
the NIBR works in close co-operation with both national and international
partners through mutual agreements.

BIRDS of WESTERN Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI)

TANZANIA
The Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) is a parastatal organization
under Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, established by Act of
Parliament No. 4 of 1980 (CAP 260 R.E. 2002) with the mandate to conduct,
BIRDS of WESTERN

TANZANIA
coordinate and oversee wildlife research in the country. The purpose of

TANZANIA
TAWIRI is to provide scientific information and advice to the Government,
Management authorities and the general public on sustainable
conservation and utilization of wildlife resources. TAWIRI is headed by a

GOMBE | MAHALE | RUBONDO | SAANANE | Board of Directors, Directorate of Research and Five Research Centers
located strategically to serve various ecosystems in the country. TAWIRI
MALAGARASI | NTAKATA | MINZIRO in collaboration with stakeholders spearheads implementation of priority
areas for wildlife research in Tanzania namely Human-Wildlife interactions,
Cover Biodiversity conservation, Water resources and wetland conservation,
Climate change and ecosystem dynamics, Wildlife diseases, Beekeeping,
Wildlife ecology and ecological interactions, as well as Natural resources
1 governance and infrastructure development.

University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM)

UDSM started in 1961 as a College of the University of London and is the
oldest and one of the premier higher learning institutions in Tanzania.
6 7 8 3 4 5
UDSM was established with three main objectives, namely to transmit
knowledge as a basis of action, from one generation to another, act as a
centre for advancing frontiers of knowledge through scientific research and
Jasson John, Edward Kohi, Jin-Young Park, Ally Nkwabi, Chang-Yong Choi, to meet the high level human resource needs of the Tanzanian society. The
University has several academic units in different fields of both social and
1. Corythaeola cristata Chacha Werema, Wee-Haeng Hur, Hankyu Kim and Jaeho Lee
natural sciences. The department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation is
2. Terpsiphone rufiventer
one of the pioneer academic units in the College of Natural and Applied
3. Balaeniceps rex Not for Sale
4. Chalcomitra amethystine Sciences. The department has a long reputable history in teaching,
5. Actophilornis africanus providing advisory and consultancy services, and conducting research in
6. Bugeranus carunculatus biodiversity. The birds of western Tanzania project is amongst the successful
7. Ixonotus guttatus research projects that was implemented in partnership with TAWIRI and
8. Merops nubicoides ISBN 978-89-6811-396-3 NIBR to the production of this book.
 BIRDS of WESTERN

TANZANIA
GOMBE | MAHALE | RUBONDO | SAANANE |
MALAGARASI | NTAKATA | MINZIRO
 Photographic credits

All images included in this book were taken by the authors, apart from those listed below. We are very
grateful to the following for allowing their images to be used in this book:

Chris Schmeling: Garganey (above).

Eager Melissa: Black-faced Rufous-warbler, Isabelline Wheatear (below), Vitelline Masked Weaver, and
Jameson's Firefinch.

Elia Mulungu: Blue Swallow (below).

Florence Peter Per: Red-faced Crombec, Wing-snapping Cisticola, African Hill-babbler, Eurasian Blackcap,
African Yellow White-eye, and Reichard's Seedeater.

Hyun-Young Nam: Garganey (below), Northern Shoveler, Ruff (below), Common Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit
(below), Collared Sand Martin, and Red-throated Pipit.

Ingrid & Ron Eggert: Egyptian Vulture.

Per Holmen: Common Ostrich, Cape Teal, Red-billed Teal, African Black Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, Fulvous
Whistling-duck, Eurasian Wigeon (above), Southern Pochard, Hottentot Teal, White-backed Duck, Common
Quail, Harlequin Quail, Crested Francolin, Coqui Francolin, Scaly Francolin, Hildebrandt's Francolin, Grey-
breasted Francolin, Red-winged Francolin, Shelley's Francolin, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe (below),
Lesser Flamingo, Greater Flamingo, Black Stork, Abdim's Stork, White Stork, Glossy Ibis, Yellow-billed
Egret, Malagascar Pond-heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, Black Heron, Dwarf Bittern, Pink-backed Pelican,
BIRDS of WESTERN TANZANIA Secretarybird, African Goshawk, Shikra (above), Ovambo Sparrowhawk (below), Black Sparrowhaw (above),
GOMBE | MAHALE | RUBONDO | SAANANE | MALAGARASI | NTAKATA | MINZIRO
Tawny Eagle, Steppe Eagle, Verreaux's Eagle, African Cuckoo-Hawk, Mountain Buzzard, Augur Buzzard
(below), Black-chested Snake-eagle, Western Marsh-harrier, Pallid Harrier, Lesser Spotted Eagle, White-
Copyright © 2019 National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR), Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) backed Vulture, Rüppell's Vulture, Booted Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Bat Hawk, Dark Chanting-goshawk,
Gabar Goshawk, European Honey-buzzard, Martial Eagle, African Harrier-hawk, Crowned Eagle, Bateleur,
Text and Photos © 2019 Lappet-faced Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Kori Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard (above), Denham's Bustard,
Jasson John, Edward Kohi, Jin-Young Park, Ally Nkwabi, Chang-Yong Choi, African Crake, Red-knobbed Coot, Lesser Moorhen, Allen's Gallinule, African Rail, Baillon's Crake, Common
Chacha Werema, Wee-Haeng Hur, Hankyu Kim and Jaeho Lee
Buttonquail, Spotted Thick-knee, Pied Avocet, Caspian Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Greater Sandplover,
Kittlitz's Plover, African Three-banded Plover, Grey Plover, Crowned Lapwing, Greater Painted-snipe,
Published by National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR)
Environmental Research Complex, 42 Hwangyeong-ro,
Lesser Jacana, Sanderling (above), Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Ruff (above), African Snipe, Black-tailed
Seo-gu, Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea Godwit (above), Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel, Red-necked Phalarope, Wood Sandpiper (below), Common
Tel: +82-32-590-7102 Greenshank, Common Redshank, Terek Sandpiper, Temminck's Courser, Black-winged Pratincole, Rock
https://www.nibr.go.kr/ Pratincole, Whiskered Tern, Gull-billed Tern, Grey-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Black-headed Gull,
African Skimmer, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Lemon Dove, African Olive-
Project Coordinated by pigeon, Mourning Collared-dove, Dusky Turtle-dove, African Green Pigeon, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove,
NIBR: Yeon Jae Bae, Se Chang Ahn, Kyung-Hee Oh, Jae-Shin Kang, Mijeong Jeon, Ross's Turaco, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Black Coucal, Blue-headed Coucal, Senegal Coucal, Great Spotted
Seonghyun Cho, Wonhee Kim, Dul-youn Ha, Wonhyeop Shin, Eunjin Bae Cuckoo, Jacobin Cuckoo, Levaillant's Cuckoo, Common Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, African Cuckoo, Thick-billed
TAWIRI: Julius Keyyu, Edward Kohi, Ally Nkwabi
Cuckoo, African Emerald Cuckoo, Klaas's Cuckoo, Common Barn-owl, African Grass-owl, Spotted Eagle-
UDSM: Flora Magige, Jasson John, Chacha Werema
owl, Verreaux's Eagle-owl, African Scops-owl, Southern White-faced Owl, Pel's Fishing-owl, African Wood-
Designed and printed by Doohyun Publishing Co.
owl, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Swamp Nightjar, Fiery-necked Nightjar, Montane Nightjar, Freckled Nightjar,
ISBN 978-89-6811-396-3 96490 Little Swift, Common Swift, White-rumped Swift, Horus Swift, Alpine Swift, Mottled Spinetail, Narina Trogon
Government Publication Registration Number 11-1480592-001553-01 (above), Purple Roller, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Half-collared Kingfisher, White-bellied Kingfisher, White-
fronted Bee-eater, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, African
Printed in the Republic of Korea Grey Hornbill, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Grey-throated Barbet, Double-toothed Barbet, Red-fronted Tinkerbird,
D'Arnaud's Barbet, Red-fronted Barbet, Hairy-breasted Barbet, Lesser Honeyguide, Scaly-throated
Honeyguide, Brown-backed Honeybird, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Nubian
Woodpecker, Olive Woodpecker, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Amur Falcon, Lanner Falcon, Sooty Falcon,
African Hobby, Dickinson's Kestrel, Lesser Kestrel, Eurasian Hobby, Red-footed Falcon, African Pygmy-falcon,
African Broadbill, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, Chestnut Wattle-eye, Jameson's Wattle-eye, Brown-throated
Wattle-eye, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Black-and-white Shrike-flycatcher, African Shrike-flycatcher, Retz's
Helmetshrike, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike, Pink-footed Puffback, Northern
Puffback, Tropical Boubou, Lühder's Bushshrike, Papyrus Gonolek, Brubru, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Grey
Cuckooshrike, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, Purple-throated Cuckooshrike, Long-tailed Fiscal, Lesser Grey
Shrike, Magpie Shrike, Eastern Black-headed Oriole, Eurasian Golden Oriole, Mountain Oriole, Eastern

BIRDS of WESTERN
Crested-flycatcher, White-bellied Tit, Miombo Tit, Cinnamon-breasted Tit, Grey Penduline-tit, Fischer's
Sparrow-lark, Rufous-naped Lark, Shelley's Greenbul, Plain greenbul, Spotted Greenbul, Cabanis's Greenbul,
Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Terrestrial Brownbul, Red-rumped Swallow, Northern House Martin, Angolan

TANZANIA
Swallow, Pearl-breasted Swallow, Barn Swallow, Wire-tailed Swallow, Black Saw-wing, Grey-rumped Swallow,
Red-throated Rock Martin, Long-billed Crombec, Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler, Brown Woodland-
warbler, Great Reed-warbler, Lesser Swamp-warbler, Sedge Warbler, Olivaceous Warbler, Mountain Yellow
Warbler, Fan-tailed Grassbird, Brown-headed Apalis, Grey Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Karamoja Apalis,
Buff-throated Apalis, Olive-green Camaroptera, Tabora Cisticola, Short-winged Cisticola, Singing Cisticola,
Rattling Cisticola, Red-faced Cisticola, Zitting Cisticola, Croaking Cisticola, Chirping Cisticola, Yellow-bellied
Eremomela, Grey-capped Warbler, Green-capped Eremomela, Buff-bellied Warbler, Tawny-flanked Prinia,
Scaly-breasted Illadopsis, Arrow-marked Babbler, Banded Warbler, Common Whitethroat, African Spotted
Creeper, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, Babbling Starling, Waller's Starling, Sharpe's Starling, Stuhlmann's
Starling, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Red-billed Oxpecker, Orange Ground Thrush, Red-tailed Ant Thrush,
GOMBE | MAHALE | RUBONDO | SAANANE |
African Thrush, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Pale Flycatcher, African Grey Flycatcher, Brown-backed Scrub-robin, MALAGARASI | NTAKATA | MINZIRO
Snowy-crowned Robin-chat, African Dusky Flycatcher, Ashy Flycatcher, Thrush Nightingal, Miombo Rock-
thrush, Rufous-tailed Rock-thrush, Arnot's Chat, Familiar Chat, Northern Wheatear, Capped Wheatear,
Pied Wheatear, White-starred Robin, Whinchat, Western Violet-backed Sunbird, Green-throated Sunbird,
Purple-banded Sunbird, Copper Sunbird, Regal Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird,
Bronzy Sunbird, Southern Grey-headed Sparrow, Chestnut Sparrow, Northern Grey-headed Sparrow, Swahili
Sparrow, Thick-billed Weaver (above), Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Yellow-crowned Bishop, White-winged
Widowbird, Red-collared Widowbird, Yellow Bishop, Yellow-mantled Widowbird, Southern Red Bishop,
Rufous-tailed Weaver, Dark-backed Weaver, Village Weaver, Brown-capped Weaver, Lesser Masked Weaver,
Little Weaver, Weyns's Weaver, Grey-capped Social Weaver, Red-headed Quelea, Cut-throat Finch, Yellow-
bellied Waxbill, Common Waxbill, Black-faced Waxbill, Black-crowned Waxbill, Purple Grenadier, Grey-
headed Nigrita, Grey-headed Silverbill, African Quailfinch, Orange-winged Pytilia, Magpie Mannikin, Blue-
breasted, Cordon-bleu, Blue-capped Cordon-bleu, Village Indigobird, Dusky Indigobird, Steel-blue Whydah,
Pin-tailed Whydah (above), Broad-tailed Paradise-whydah, Purple Indigobird, Striped Pipit, Long-billed Pipit,
Buffy Pipit, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Mountain Wagtail, Black-throated Canary, Thick-billed Seedeater, Jasson John, Edward Kohi, Jin-Young Park, Ally Nkwabi, Chang-Yong Choi,
Yellow-browed Citril, Streaky Seedeater, Brimstone Canary, Oriole Finch, Cabanis's Bunting, Cinnamon-
breasted Bunting and Blue Swallow (above). Chacha Werema, Wee-Haeng Hur, Hankyu Kim and Jaeho Lee
Ron Eggert: Wattled Crane and African Finfoot.

Steve Clark: African Finfoot, Stierling's Woodpecker, Marsh Tchagra and Moustached Grass-warbler.
Preface Foreword

The National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) has been conducting joint research This book is a product of successful collaboration between the Tanzania Wildlife Research
on biodiversity with many other countries around the world since its establishment in 2007. Institute (TAWIRI) and the National Institute of Biological Resource (NIBR) of the Republic of
Tanzania is known as a country with rich biodiversity of various ecosystems and any biologist Korea together with our implementing partner, the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM).
would like to visit there.
This book for the first time paints a different picture of western Tanzania, which is well
The NIBR has had a relationship with the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) known for Chimpanzee conservation. The ornithological picture of western Tanzania is highly
and started to carry out joint research in earnest since 2016. promising with the occurrence of more than 60% of the bird species found in Tanzania.
Currently in this book, 723 bird species out of 1,157 from 94 families are documented. There
The first joint project between TAWIRI and the NIBR is to research traditional medicinal
are around other 40 species thought to occur in the region which are not described in this
plants of Northern Tanzania and birds of Western Tanzania. As western Tanzania has various
book. There is a good number of bird species that are only found in western Tanzania. The
wetland ecosystems, many birds inhabit there, but there is not much relevant literature or
high diversity of habitats from vast Rift Mountains to Miombo woodlands and underground
books available. That is why TAWIRI and the NIBR have selected western Tanzania as a joint
water forest increases the uniqueness of the area and partly explains the high number of bird
research site.
species.
It has been three years since the beginning of our joint research and as the first
The use of Kiswahili names on every species is timely as it is now the official language for
achievement of our cooperation, a book on birds of Western Tanzania has been finally
the African Union (AU), Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African
published.
Community (EAC). This will not only help Swahili learners and tourists, but also the many
To date, many researchers from our two countries have worked hard. Researchers at native Swahili speakers who identify birds in their vernacular languages rather than Swahili.
TAWIRI, the NIBR and the University of Dar es Saalam have participated in this project with
In this book four national parks, three game reserves, one Ramsar site, one nature forest
passion.
reserve and a village forest reserve were surveyed from 2017 to 2019. The high proportion
This book contains photos and descriptions of 648 species of birds inhabiting western of species in this book were from field surveys and a small number of them were added from
Tanzania as well as results of bird surveys in seven protected areas in western Tanzania. I other field survey reports and publications. During the time of the development of this book,
am very pleased to see the publication of this great book about western Tanzania, where eight game reserves that occurred in western and north western Tanzania were upgraded
not enough research is available about birds. I hope that this book can be utilized by bird to national parks. These are Rumanyika– Karagwe, Ibanda-Kyerwa, Burigi-Chato, Kigosi and
researchers not only in our two countries but also around the world. Ugalla River National Parks. These parks join other existing national parks in the western
I believe that the publication of this book serves as the first successful step for biodiversity Tanzania and around Lake Victoria which are Mahale Mountains, Gombe, Saanane Island,
cooperation between Tanzania and Korea. I also believe that our two countries can Rubondo Island and Katavi. The book therefore will be an important reference for the large
further expand the scope of cooperation just like Tanzania’s rich biodiversity. I expect that protected area network in western Tanzania.
biodiversity research between Tanzania and Korea will go further in the future. TAWIRI and its partners believe that this book will be influential in learning and become
Once again I would like to express my appreciation to many researchers and editors in part of the large group of ornithologists across Tanzania and the rest of the world. We believe
Tanzania and Korea for their effort to publish this illustrated book. We, as the NIBR, promise the documentation of this book will open up more enthusiasm on learning about birds and
to work to continue follow-up studies that can yield fruitful results. bird watching not only to old folks but also to young birders and conservationists. TAWIRI
will use this opportunity to advance and encourage ornithological studies and build a
national database for birds that will open up the world of ornithology to both amateur and
professional.

Prof. Dr. Yeon Jae Bae Dr. Simon R. Mduma

President, National Institute of Biological Resources Director General, Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute

06 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 07

Acknowledgements Illustrated Glossary / Topography

First and foremost we thank both the governments of the United Republic of Tanzania and
the Republic of Korea for allowing the collaboration and funding the project. The production
of this book involved a number of organizations and individuals who contributed in different
ways including providing relevant permits and supporting field logistics as well as fieldwork
and data contribution.

Permits and logistics: Director General for Tanzania Commission for Science and Technology,
Commissioner General Immigration, Conservation Commissioners for Tanzania National
Parks, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority and Tanzania Forest Service Agency. Park
Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioners (formerly, Chief Park Wardens); Abel Mtui
(Saanane Island), Ignace J. Gara (Rubondo Island), Donatus Bayona (Gombe), Herman Batiho,
Crispin Mwinuka and Susuma Kusekwa (Mahale). Benard Mwigulu (Conservator, Minziro),
Hassan Omari (Assistant Conservator, Minziro), Wickson Kibasa (Ecologist, Rubondo), Gadiel
Moshi and Fredrick Mhalafu (Ecologists, Mahale), Moshi Katumba (Supervisor, Ntakata),
Benjamini Kijika, Patrick Kutondolana and Bigilamungu Kagoma (Managers, Moyowosi &
Kigosi), Japhari Lyimo and Saidi Kabanda (Managers, Ugalla), Woo-Shin Lee (Seoul National
University).

Field survey and data management: Maneno Mbilinyi, Elia Mulungu, Wilbard Bayona, Simula
Maijo, Hussein Kengwa, Edigar Apolinary, Yustas John, Samwel Petro, Juma Salehe, Namtasha
Charles, Qudra Kagembe, Joseph Nkuki, Maria Mbogo, Seleman Moshi and the Conservation
Rangers at Rubondo, Gombe, Saanane, Ntakata, Mahale, Kigosi, Moyowosi and Ugalla. The
leadership of all the villages surrounding the project sites were very supportive when
consulted.

Data contribution: Antony Collins, Bill Wallauer and Francesco Rovero.

08 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 09

CONTENTS

Preface 06 PIGEONS AND DOVES 172 SHRIKES 281

Forward 07 TURACOS 180 ORIOLES 287
Acknowledgements 08 COUCALS AND CUCKOOS 184 DRONGO 290
Illustrated Glossary / Topography 09 BARN OWLS 194 MONARCHS 291
OWLS 196 CROWS 293
CHAPTER 1 General Introduction 13
NIGHTJARS 201 TITS 295
SWIFTS 206 PENDULINE TIT 298
CHAPTER 2 Basic Site Information with Ornithological Notes 31
MOUSEBIRDS 210 NICATORS 299

CHAPTER 3 Species Accounts 53 TROGON 212 LARKS 301

ROLLERS 213 BULBULS 303
OSTRICH 54 KITES, HAWKS, VULTURES AND EAGLES 102
KINGFISHERS 216 SWALLOWS AND MARTINS 312
DUCKS AND GEESE 55 BUSTARDS 125
BEE-EATERS 223 CROMBECS AND AFRICAN WARBLERS 320
GUINEAFOWLS 64 FLUFFTAIL 128
HOOPOE 229 HYLIA 322
FRANCOLINS and QUAILS 66 FINFOOT 129
WOOD HOOPOES 230 LEAF WARBLERS AND ALLIES 323
GREBES 72 RAILS, GALLINULE AND COOTS 130
HORNBILLS 232 REED WARBLERS AND ALLIES 325
FLAMINGOS 74 CRANES 135
BARBETS AND TINKERBIRDS 236 GRASSHOPPER-WARBLERS AND
STORKS 76 BUTTONQUAIL 137 GRASSBIRD 329
HONEYGUIDES 243
IBISES AND SPOONBILLS 81 THICK-KNEES 138 CISTICOLAS AND ALLIES 330
WOODPECKERS 246
HERONS AND BITTERNS 84 STILTS AND AVOCETS 140 GROUND BABBLER 345
FALCONS 252
HAMERKOP 93 PLOVERS 142 LAUGHING THRUSHES 346
PARROTS AND LOVEBIRDS 259
SHOEBILL 94 PAINTED-SNIPE 149 OLD WORLD WARBLERS 348
BROADBILL 262
PELICANS 95 JACANAS 150 WHITE-EYE 351
WATTLE-EYES AND BATISES 263
CORMORANTS 97 SANDPIPERS, SNIPES AND PHALAROPES 152 HYLIOTA 352
HELMETSHRIKES AND VANGAS 267
DARTER 99 COURSERS AND PRATINCOLES 162 TREECREEPER 353
BUSH-SHRIKES AND PUFFBACKS 270
SECRETARYBIRD 100 GULLS, TERNS AND SKIMMERS 166 STARLINGS 354
CUCKOOSHRIKES 278
OSPREY 101 SANDGROUSE 170 OXPECKERS 361

10 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 11

THRUSHES 363 INDIGOBIRDS AND WHYDAHS 430
CHATS AND OLD WORLD FLYCATCHERS 367 WAGTAILS AND PIPITS 434
SUNBIRDS 385 FINCHES 441
OLD WORLD SPARROWS 394 BUNTINGS 446
WEAVERS AND WIDOWBIRDS 398 CHAPTER 1
WAXBILLS AND ALLIES 417

Bibliography 448
General Introduction
APPENDIX Distribution of Birds in Western Tanzania 451

Glossary 497
Indexes to Scientific names 503
Indexes to Common names 513
Indexes to Kiswahili names 523

12 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 13

General Overview Tanzania is rich in wildlife and is recognized as important country in biodiversity resources.
Wildlife based tourism is one of the major economic activities after agriculture, that generates
This book is a result of a three-year collaborative research project between Tanzania and the up to 17% of the National GDP. Throughout the foundation of Tanganyika then Tanzania,
Republic of Korea that was implemented through the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute the major economic tourism practice was hunting, which is now shifting to photographic
(TAWIRI) and the National Institute of Biological Resources (NIBR) of Korea with the funding tourism where birding is becoming significantly important as a tourism package. The western
from the Ministry of Environment of the Republic of Korea. The technical part of the project Tanzania has a huge potential for ecotourism due to the existence of diverse ecosystem and
was co-implemented by TAWIRI, University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM), and NIBR. The project unique fauna and flora. The Chimpanzees, the threatened water-dependent avifauna such as
covered seven key areas in western Tanzania: Gombe National Park, Mahale National Park, Wattled Crane Bugeranus carunculatus, Shoebill Balaeniceps rex, Papyrus Gonolek Laniarius
Rubondo Island National Park, Saanane Island National Park, Malagarasi-Muyovozi Ramsar mufumbiri, all have their distribution restricted in the western Tanzania. Other species that
Site, Ntakata Forest Reserve and Minziro Nature Forest Reserve. Details for each site are can be easily seen in western and not elsewhere in Tanzania includes Kungwe Appalis Apalis
provided in Chapter 2 of this book. argentea, Bocage’s Akalat Sheppardia bocagei, Forest Francolin Peliperdix lathami, Great Blue
Turaco Corythaeola cristata, Blue-breasted Bee-eater Merops variegatus, Western Nicator
The book covers Western Tanzania but mostly the north-western (NW) of the country (Figure
Nicator chloris, Plain Greenbul Eurillas curvirostris, and Western Black-headed Oriole Oriolus
1). Tanzania is the largest country in size in the East African region with a total area of 947,300
brachyrynchus.
km² of which 886,037 km² is surface land governed under administrative regions (NBS 2019).
Tanzania is divided into 31 administrative regions, 26 in Tanzania mainland and 5 in Zanzibar, The western Tanzania is also an important flyway and stop-over for many migrant bird species.
which covers Unguja and Pemba Islands (NBS 2019). Each region is subdivided into a number The avifauna of western Tanzania is diverse and unique. In this book, over 60% (723 species)
of districts, wards and then villages (in rural areas) or street (for urban). Typically, Tanzania of the birdlife in Tanzania was recorded in north western part of the country and the list is not
regions are clustered into zones; Coastal Regions, Southern Highlands Regions, Western complete because the South West (SW) part (south of Mahale) was not covered, and the size
Tanzania Regions, Central Tanzania Regions, Lake Zone and Northern Tanzania Regions. and remoteness coupled with biogeographical complexity, means that many have never been
Western Tanzania regions include Kigoma (Kigoma town), Tabora (Tabora Town), and Katavi studied. For example, over 40 species that are known to occur within Lake Tanganyika basin
(Mpanda town) (Katavi, sometimes falls in the Southern highlands zone), and Simiyu (Bariadi (Table 1) were not recorded from the project sites, some of them occur in the southern part (south
town). Lake zone regions include Kagera (Bukoba town), Geita (Geita town), Mwanza (Mwanza of Mahale). The western Tanzania is being opened for tourism, and in recent years five national
Town) and Mara (Musoma Town). The book covers part of western and lake zone regions. parks: Rumanyika-Karagwe, Ibanda-Kyerwa, Burigi-Chato, Ugalla River and Kigosi have been
gazetted. The infrastructure such as airports, roads, waterways, and ports have been improved
30.000 35.000 40.000 in the recent years.

Table 1: Species known to occur in western Tanzania (Lake Tanganyika basin) but are not
described in this book. Some of them occur in SW Tanzania (John and Bishibibiri 2019).
Species name Common name Family
Calherodius leuconotus White-backed Night-heron Ardeidae
-5.000 -5.000 Anas acuta Northern Pintail Anatidae
Synoicus adansonii African Blue Quail Phasianidae
Porzana porzana Spotted Crake Rallidae
Charadrius marginatus White-fronted Plover Charadriidae
Charadrius forbesi Forbes's Plover Charadriidae
Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover Charadriidae
Ptecles gutturalis Black-faced Sandgrouse Pteroclidae
-10.000 -10.000 Neafrapus boehmi Böhm's Spinetail Apodidae
Urocolius indicus Red-faced Mousebird Coliidae
Tricholaema frontata Miombo Pied Barbet Lybiidae
30.000 35.000 40.000 Trachyphonus erythrocephalus Red-and-yellow Barbet Lybiidae
Figure 1: The map of Tanzania indicating major towns/cities and major roads Trachyphonus usambiro Usambiro Barbet Lybiidae

14 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 15

 The extensive grassland as seen from the highest point in Minziro Village provide habitats for resident and
migrant birds.

A primary forest at Ntakata.

Bamboo grows in patches or in a belt, typically at higher altitudes above 2,000 m a.s.l. but as
low as 1,600 m on Mahale Mountain.
Woodland is an open stand of trees at least 8 m tall or more with a canopy cover of more
than 20%. The ground cover is usually dominated by grasses and herbs. Miombo woodland
is a dominant habitat type in western Tanzania. The major species are Brachystegia and
Jubernardia. Other species commonly found in this group are Pterocarpus angolensis, Afzelia
quanzesis and Albizia sp. The woodland in Minziro is dominated by Vachellia species and it is
found along the river valleys.
Great cormorant roosts are common and The Flame tree Erythrina sp. is common in forest
Grassland is an area dominated by grasses and occasionally other herbs, the canopy cover of
widespread at Rubondo. edges and in the grassland at Minziro. It mostly
which does not exceed 2%. Mountain and slope of hilly tops at Mahale, Gombe and Ntakata blooms in the dry season attracting many sunbird
are mostly covered grasses whereas in Saanane Island there are few patches of flat grassland species.
plains. Seasonally inundated areas of flood plains and poorly drained soils are found in
Minziro and dominate Malagarasi wetlands. Many of these areas have scattered trees or
grouped trees and shrubs, and when predominantly trees, it is termed as wooded-grassland.
Marsh and water (Aquatic) These are also particularly important habitats in western
Tanzania. The shorelines at Lake Victoria Islands, Lake Tanganyika (Mahale and Gombe),
and small lakes (in Malagarasi Ramsar Site), Malagarasi and Kagera riverines, all these offer
such habitats. Permanent swamps are typically dominated by uniform stands of papyrus and
those associated with rivers and lakes usually include lilies and other floating macrophytes
and some bird species are characteristic of these habitats e.g. Papyrus Gonolek, Black Crake
Zapornia flavirostra, etc. Few birds such as pelicans, terns and gulls frequent open waters in
these areas.
Landscape of Mahale Mountains National Park Grassland, a typical habitat of the hill crests in Gombe

28 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 29

Long-tailed Cormorant is a common and abundant waterbird at Saanane.

CHAPTER 2

Basic Site Information with

Ornithological Notes

30 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 31

This chapter describes the features, habitat, birds and important basic information of each maxima and families of the Helmeted Guinefowl Numida meleagris are also not uncommon
site visited in the course of the preparation of this book. The description covers four national on the shores. The avifauna on the lake shores also includes the waders such as Common
parks, a forest reserve, a forest nature reserve and a Ramsar site together with its associated Sandipiper Actitis hypoleucos and Green Sandpiper Tringa ochropus. Schalow's Turaco Tauraco
game reserves. Site descriptions include location maps and their importance for avifauna schalowi and Ross's Turaco Musophaga rossae and Lühder's Bushshrike Laniarius luehderi
conservation. utilize the mid and canopy strata of both the forest and woodlands, and are commonly heard
than seen. Blue-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon malimbica and Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara
are the birds of the river valleys occupied by the evergreen forest. Migratory birds in Gombe
GOMBE NATIONAL PARK include among many others the Tree pipit Anthus trivialis and Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa
striata, usually found in the open woodland on the upper slopes.
Established
1968 Precipitation and Temperature
4°39'0"S
Mean Annual Rainfall: 1,500-2,500 mm, minimum in August and maximum in April. Monthly
Surface area average temperature: 22-25oC.
56.2 km² including adjacent 1.5
km wide strip of Lake Tanganyika Location
waters.
Rural Kigoma District, Kigoma Region.
4°41'15"S
Habitat
Accessibility
The park is located along the shore
Can be reached by boat from Kigoma Town, 24 km to the park offices.
of Lake Tanganyika surrounded by
fishing communities especially to the
north and south. It is a mountainous Other important information and common wildlife species
park that rises from around 700 4°43'30"S Famous for Chimpanzee and a diverse primate fauna. It has the longest running study on the
m to more than 1,600 m above sea Eastern subspecies of the chimpanzee Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii initiated by Jane Goodall
level (a.s.l) in undulating terrains in the 1960s. It is operated by the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
that have a mosaic of dry and
moist forests, woodland and high
altitude grassland. The park has
permanent rivers with two beautiful 29°35'15"E 29°37'30"E 29°39'45"E

waterfalls – the Kakombe and ▲ Gombe National Park

Mkenke, which, also have spiritual
and cultural attachment to the community surrounding the park. Generally, Gombe occurs in
two ecoregions, the central Zambezian Miombo woodland and Lake Tanganyika. The park is
connected to a continuous forest ridge to Burundi and it is part of the large ecosystem that
forms the Gombe Ugalla Masito UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Number of Bird Species: 287

Ornithological notes
The Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis, African Fish-eagle Haliaeetus vocifer and Pied
Kingfishers Ceryle rudis are probably the most common species one meets at the lake shores. Jane Goodall House at Gombe. Dr. Jane Goodall is a reknowned primatologist and a pioneer of Chimpanzee
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp, pairs and singles of the Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle studies, strated her research in the 1960s at Gombe.

32 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 33

MAHALE MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK and open Miombo woodlands while the eastern side is dominated by Miombo woodlands,
bamboo forest and open grasslands. The western ridge of the Mahale Mountains has a
29°45'0"E 29°52'30"E 30°0'0"E 30°7'30"E unique topographical variation that forms a spectacular view than most of areas along Lake
6°0'0"S 6°0'0"S Tanganyika shoreline.

Number of Bird Species: 398

6°7'30"S 6°7'30"S

6°15'0"S 6°15'0"S

6°22'30"S 6°22'30"S
The beautiful scene of the western ridge of Mahale Mountains as seen from Lake Tanganyika.

Ornithological notes
Mahale is listed as an Important bird Area (IBA) because it hosts unique avifauna
29°45'0"E 29°52'30"E 30°0'0"E 30°7'30"E communities including one of the Albertine Rift endemics, the Kungwe Apalis Apalis argentea.
▲ Mahale Mountains National Park There are other species that have endemic subspecies in Mahale mainly Bocage's Akalat
Sheppardia bocagei, Yellow-throated woodland-warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla, and Yellow-
Established bellied Wattle-eye Dyaphorophyia ansorgei. Stuhlmann's Starling Poeoptera stuhlmanni is
another species that is only known from Mahale for Tanzania, which also occurs in some of
1985
the Albertine Rift mountain forest in Rwanda and Burundi. Mahale is also an important area
for Palearctic and intra-African birds migrating during October to November. Records indicate
Surface area that Yellow-billed kite Milvus migrans parasitus and Wahlberg’s eagle Aquila wahlbergi are
1,613 km² among the passage migrants at Mahale. Other migrant species include Common Buzzard
Buteo buteo and European Hobby Falco subbuteo. Mahale ridges are important terrain that
generates waves that support raptors to gain altitude and save energy as they soar over and
Habitat
around Mahale and neighbouring areas.
The park is characterized by the Albertine Rift mountain forest and central Zambezian
Miombo woodland ecoregions making it highly diverse in habitats. The peak of Mahale
Mountains range reaches 2,475 m above mean sea level i.e., Mt Kungwe which rises from Precipitation and Temperature
around 700 m a.s.l on the shore of Lake Tanganyika. The park vegetation has a distinct Mean annual rainfall: 1,500 mm, minimum June-July and maximum in December. Monthly
separation of the western (facing the lake and relatively wetter) and eastern the drier average temperature: 22oC.
part. The western side has more evergreen forest, high altitude grassland with few closed

34 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 35

 CHAPTER 3

Species Accounts

This chapter contains description of 648 bird species out of the 723 species presented in this
book (see Appendix). The description includes identification (accompanied by full-colour
photographs), status, distribution and habitat for each species.
Breeding colony of weavers at Saanane Island

52 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 53

 Ciconiiformes  | Ciconiidae
STORKS
Ciconia nigra
Black Stork
Large birds, normally with black and white plumage with Korongo Mweusi  L 100 cm
exception of the African Openbill. They have long necks, bill
STORKS

and legs, and webbed toes at the base. They fly with their Identification
neck extended. Sexes similar but males are somewhat Entirely glossy black except for the white
larger and taller than females. Young birds are dull. Eight lower breast and abdomen. The bare skin
species are detailed in this chapter. around the eye, the bill and legs are red; the
iris is brown. Sexes are similar in plumages,
although the male is larger and has a longer,
heavier, and sometimes a more recurved bill.
Immature is duller brown-black with yellow-
green bill tipped orange and greenish legs.

Status, distribution & habitat

Infrequent intra-African and Palearctic mi-
grant from October to April. Records are from
Mahale and Malagarasi.

Ciconiiformes  | Ciconiidae
Ciconiiformes  | Ciconiidae
Anastomus lamelligerus
African Openbill
Ciconia abdimii
Korongo Domowazi  L 81 cm Abdim's Stork
Korongo-Mayobwe  L 81 cm
Identification
Small, all black (dark) bird with a stout, dis- Identification
tinctively shaped bill. The bill is brownish It is predominantly blackish, with a white
horny coloured but pale, often dull yellowish rump and belly. The bare skin of the face is
tan, basally. The upper mandible is essential- lead-blue, with a red patch over and in front
ly straight, but the lower is curved upward, of the eye and under the bill. Legs and feet
leaving a gap between the two, which meet are dull olive, with a reddish ‘garter’ at the
again at the tip. The average gap is 6 mm. tibio-tarsal joint and on the toes. Male is
The legs and feet are black and the eye is slightly larger than the female. In flight, looks
brown. Sexes are alike, but males are slightly similar to Black stork but with a white rump.
larger than females. Immature is duller with Immature birds are duller and browner with
speckled white back, with black bill, initially less colourful soft parts.
is shorter without the gap.
Status, distribution & habitat
Status, distribution & habitat It is an intra-African migrant, occurring
Widespread and locally common in wetlands in western Tanzania in large flocks on dry
Flying flocks and family usually call when fly- ground in open country between October
ing to and from roosts to foraging areas. and May.

76 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 77

 Accipitriformes  | Accipitridae
KITES, HAWKS, VULTURES AND EAGLES
KITES, HAWKS, VULTURES AND EAGLES

Accipiter badius
Shikra
The birds of prey is a large and diverse group. They are medium to large birds Kipanga Mwekundu L 27-30 cm
often seen soaring high in the sky. They have long broad wings and broad
tails. They are characterized by powerful bill, talons or sharp claws and Identification
hooked beaks for killing and tearing prey. Eagles’ legs are feathered A small bird of prey with uniform grey upper-
down to the toes; snake eagles and buzzards have unfeath- parts. Underparts are white but finely barred
ered legs. On the other hand, vultures have naked heads with grey (male) or rufous brown (female).
and necks as an adaptation to probing into carcasses. Eyes are deep red (male) or orange (female).
In most species of this group, females are slightly Cere and bare feet are yellow. Juveniles are
larger than males. brown, with streaked chest and barred breast,
a dark central streak and yellow eyes.

Status, distribution & habitat

A very uncommon bird in the western Tan-
zania records are from woodland in the Mal-
agarasi Ramsar Site.

Accipitriformes  | Accipitridae Accipitriformes  | Accipitridae

Accipiter tachiro Accipiter minullus

African Goshawk Little Sparrowhawk
Kipanga-Misitu L 38-46 cm Kipanga Mdogo  L 25-28 cm

Identification Identification
Finely barred below. Eyes and feet are yel- It is among the smallest hawks. Upperparts
low. Black bill and grey cere. Dark rump. The are grey and underparts are white but finely
black tail has 3 white spots (could look like barred with brown across breast and washed
broad bands at far). Melanistic birds are all with rufous on flanks. It has a white-rump
black with dark-grey bands in the tail and band and two white spots on upper tail feath-
contrasting flight feathers in the underwing. ers distinctive. Cere and bare feet, toes, eyes
Females are larger than males. Immature is are yellow. Bill black. Females are larger than
dark brown above with rufous fringes and a males. Juvenile are browner, with large brown
whitish supercilium. It is heavily spotted be- spots on underparts.
low and some have dark throat streak.
Status, distribution & habitat
Status, distribution & habitat A widespread species and relatively common
Widespread and common in woodlands and in the woodlands.
forests.

102 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 103

 Rallidae  | Gruiformes
RAILS, GALLINULE AND COOTS
Fulica cristata
RAILS, GALLINULE AND COOTS

Red-knobbed Coot
Plumage of this group tends to be cryptic, with marked sexual dimor- Kiluwiri Domokifundo  L 46 cm
phism. Have short tail, rounded wings, long tarsi and long slander
toes. Coots and moorhens are bulky-bodied with small head, black rails Identification
which are wide spread and familiar species. They are terrestrial birds in- A dark grey-black coot except for the white
habiting moist grasslands, abundant vegetation, as well as temporal and frontal shield with white bill; webbed toes.
permanent swamp bodies. There are two tiny red knobs at the top of
the facial shield, which are not visible at any
great distance and are only present in the
breeding season; the black feathering be-
tween the shield and the bill is rounded. The
Immature is paler than the adult, has a whit-
ish breast, and lacks the facial shield.

Status, distribution & habitat

Locally uncommon across the wetlands,
pools and freshwater lakes in western Tanza-
nia. Records are from Rubondo and Malaga-
rasi.

Rallidae  | Gruiformes Rallidae  | Gruiformes

Crex egregia Gallinula angulata

African Crake Lesser Moorhen
Kiluwiri-Afrika  L 23 cm Kukuziwa Mdogo  L 27 cm

Identification Identification
Has brown-streaked blackish upperparts, Smaller than Common Moorhen with dark
bluish-grey underparts and black-and-white plumage apart from the white undertail,
barring on the flanks and belly. It has a stub- greenish-yellow legs and a red frontal shield.
by red bill, red eyes, and a white line from the It has yellow bill tipped with red. There is
bill to above the eye. a frontal shield with rounded top and fairly
parallel sides. Immature is browner and lacks
Status, distribution & habitat
the red shield.
A locally intra-African migrant mainly occur-
ring in October to May visiting wet grassland Status, distribution & habitat
and marshes. Available records are from Mal- Uncommon local resident and intra-African
agarasi and Mahale. migrant. Inhabits well-vegetated wetlands.
Available records are from Rubondo and Mal-
agarasi.

130 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 131

Columbiformes  | Columbidae Columbiformes  | Columbidae

Streptopelia decipiens Streptopelia semitorquata

Mourning Collared-dove Red-eyed Dove
Kuyu Jichonjano L 29 cm Tetere Jichojekundu  L 32 cm

Identification Identification
Pale collared dove with pale yellow eyes A large dove with pale face and pinkish head
ringed with orange-red. Light grey-brown and breast. Dark-red eyes appear black at
wings with paler grey coverts along outer a distance. Crown is grey, and forehead is
edges. White belly, neck, and under tail-co- whitish. Wings are entirely brown. Juvenile is
verts. Grey crown with pale pinkish neck and browner with smaller collar.
breast. Juveniles are brown on top of heads,
Status, distribution & habitat
lighter-brown on breast, and eyes are pale
A widespread and common dove throughout
brown.
the region in woodlands and forest edges.
Status, distribution & habitat
It is an uncommon bird in northwestern
Tanzania. Few birds were located at Saanane
Island, and other records come from Malaga-
rasi and Rubondo Island National Park.

Columbiformes  | Columbidae Columbiformes  | Columbidae

Streptopelia lugens Treron calvus

Dusky Turtle-dove African Green-pigeon
Kuyu Kifuawaridi L 30 cm Ninga  L 27 cm

Identification Identification
A very dark grey dove with slightly paler grey It has a yellow-green head, neck and breast.
face and conspicuous black patches on sides Grey to greyish olive upperparts. Cream-
of the neck. Rufous edges of the wing coverts coloured bill (tipped) with reddish base and
and tertials. Eye is orange-yellow with pur- cere. Small purple shoulder patch on green
plish eye-ring. Juvenile is paler and browner. wings. Pale-blue eyes in brown orbital ring.
Scarlet feet, green or grey (western birds)
Status, distribution & habitat
tail. Juveniles are dull and lack the purple
Not common, and records are from wood-
shoulder patch.
lands in Mahale Mountains. Records from
Malagarasi (this is a species of highlands/ Status, distribution & habitat
montane, above 1,800 m) is probably a wan- Common, gregarious and widespread in the
der to lower altitude. canopy at forest edges, woodlands and at any
fruiting tree especially fig.

176 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 177

Coraciiformes  | Coraciidae Coraciiformes  | Coraciidae

Coracias garrulous Coracias spatulatus

European Roller Racquet-tailed Roller
Chole-Ulaya  L 31 cm Chole Mkiarungu  L 38 cm

Identification Identification
A greenish blue bird with a blue head, chest- A roller with elongated outer-tail feathers
nut-brown back, blue underparts and short terminating in small rackets (spatulate tail
square-cut tail. The forehead and supraloral streamers), richer chestnut back and wing-
areas whitish; bend of the wing, lower back coverts which are mostly chestnut. Throat
and rump bluish purple. In flight, wings flash and breast lilac; white superciliary stripes,
blue and black. forehead and chin. Immature is duller with a
muddy crown and nape.
Status, distribution & habitat
A common and widespread Palearctic mi- Status, distribution & habitat
grant and passage migrant from October to Uncommon; occurs in pairs and occasionally
April. Occurs singly but can move in loose as- in groups inhabiting woodlands.
sociations.

Coraciiformes  | Coraciidae Coraciiformes  | Coraciidae

Coracias naevius Eurystomus glaucurus

Purple Roller Broad-billed Roller
Chole Kichwamarungi  L 33 cm Chole Domopana  L 25 cm

Identification Identification
A robust, strong-billed roller whose adult A bright chestnut roller with a broad yellow
has a rufous crown bordered by a conspicu- bill. Rump and tail blue; underparts deep
ous white supercilium. There is a white nape lilac. A conspicuous contrast is observable
patch; bill black, tail square-tipped. It is between chestnut (dark-rufous) back and
rufous-purple below broadly streaked with deep azure-blue outer-wing and tail in flight.
white. Upper back olive-green; lower back Immature is much duller brown above with
lilac, rump purple and tail purplish with a dusky yellow bill and pale blue underparts.
brownish-green central feathers. Immature Sexes similar.
similar but duller. Sexes similar.
Status, distribution & habitat
Status, distribution & habitat A common and widespread roller; occurs
Very uncommon species in the W Tanzania; singly and in small groups in bushed and
occurs singly and in pairs usually in rocky wooded grassland, woodland, and forest
areas and large trees in wooded and bushed edges. It is an intra-African migrant.
grasslands. Recorded at Malagarasi.

214 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 215

Passeriformes  | Laniidae Passeriformes  | Laniidae

Lanius isabellinus Lanius minor

Isabelline Shrike Lesser Grey Shrike
Mbwigu Isabela  L 18 cm Mbwigu Rangimbili  L 20 cm

Identification Identification
Adult male with creamy underparts, grey- A shrike with grey upperparts and pink un-
ish brown crown and mantle rufous crown, derparts, black face mask even extending to
and rufous rump and tail. Has blackish flight the forehead, white throat. Flight feathers
feathers with a white patch at the base of pri- black with white patch at the base of pri-
maries; black mask bordered above by buffy- maries. Immature dull, brown tinged above,
whitish superciliary stripes. buffy-whitish underparts; without black fore-
head.
Status, distribution & habitat
Common Palearctic migrant most numerous Status, distribution & habitat
in open country. A fairly common Palearctic migrant which
can be found in every possible habitat.

Passeriformes  | Laniidae Passeriformes  | Laniidae

Lanius mackinnoni Lanius souzae

Mackinnon's Shrike Souza's Shrike
Mbwigu Ubavumwekundu  L 20 cm Mbwigu Domojekundu  L 17 cm

Identification Identification
Adult male has dull grey upperparts, a white A small shrike whose adult male has a pale
“V” across the back (in the scapulars) and grey crown and nape; back and scapulars
plain black wings; underparts white. The tail grey. There is a V-shaped white across the
is slim and black with white edges at distal grey scapulars. Wings are rusty brown with
half. There is a black mask bordered above fine black barring. Female is similar to the
by whitish superciliary stripes. Adult female male but the flanks have a rufous wash. Im-
similar to male but with chestnut patch in mature has fine black barring on rufous
the flanks. Immature has brownish grey (with brown above.
fine barring) crown, mantle and back.
Status, distribution & habitat
Status, distribution & habitat Uncommon; usually solitary inhabiting wood-
Locally common at Minziro, often occurring lands in Mahale and Malagarasi.
solitarily and in pairs inhabiting forest edge,
woodland and gardens.

284 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 285

Passeriformes  | Muscicapidae Passeriformes  | Muscicapidae

Cercotrichas leucophrys Cichladusa arquata

White-browed Scrub-robin Collared Palm-thrush
Kurumbiza Kiunochekundu  L 15 cm Kurumbiza Mkufumweusi  L 18 cm

Identification Identification
Occurs in several races, but all with a rufous Russet-brown above with a pale cream eye,
rump and tail, ending with white tip and creamy-white throat with a narrow black
blackish sub-terminal. The race in western bib. It has grey sides to head and flanks.
Tanzania is of red-backed, most probably Young birds are variably streaked below with
zambesiana with dark crown and heavily brown.
streaked with dark blackish-brown under-
Status, distribution & habitat
parts. White edges to the wing-coverts form
Patchily distributed and rarely seen. It is a
two bars.
shy bird and associated with palms and near-
Status, distribution & habitat by undergrowth. Birds are however common
Widespread and common in the region. at Malagarasi.
Utilizing a variety of habitats but missing in
primary forests. Keeps to the cover but will
perch on top of bush for display and singing.

Passeriformes  | Muscicapidae Passeriformes  | Muscicapidae

Chamaetylas poliocephala Cichladusa guttata

Brown-chested Alethe Spotted Palm-thrush
Kiruwiji Kifuakahawia  L 15 cm Kurumbiza-Miluzi L 17 cm

Identification Identification
Chest-nut brown back. Dark grey-brown Rich brown above, with a more rufous tail.
head. It has a dull white stripe (supercilium) Underparts are white. It has black malar
from the bill to just behind the eye. White stripes extending as spots across the breast
throat and belly, flanks are dirty-grey or grey- and as elongated streaks on the flanks.
brown wash on flanks. Young birds are dark-
Status, distribution & habitat
brown above with pale orange spots, buff
Widespread and not uncommon at Gombe,
and grey below.
Rubondo, Saanane and Malagarasi. Forages
Status, distribution & habitat on the ground in a variety of habitats. It is
A common resident of forest undergrowth. sympatric with Collared Palm-thrush in the
Two races occur in western Tanzania; C. p. western Tanzania unlike much literature has
kungwensis is restricted to Mahale Mountains shown.
while C. p. carruthersi is found in Minziro.

370 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 371

Passeriformes  | Estrildidae Passeriformes  | Estrildidae

Odontospiza griseicapilla Pyrenestes ostrinus

Grey-headed Silverbill Black-bellied Seedcracker
Chigi Kichwacheupe  L 11 cm Chekechea Tumbojeusi  L 14 cm

Identification Identification
Is a stocky bird with a grey head studded A heavy-billed bird whose males have black
with white dots. Body is greyish-brown with back, belly and vent; head, breast, belly sides
partly black wings and tail and a white rump. and tail red. Female is slightly similar but
Immature can be told by the lack of white with dull brown above and below. Immature
spotting on the cheeks. is olive-brown with rusty rump and tail.

Status, distribution & habitat Status, distribution & habitat

Uncommon inhabiting open wooded grass- Fairly common, inhabiting forest under-
lands and bush. Records are from Minziro. growth and edges, marsh areas near forest
and moist thickets. Observations are from
Gombe and Minziro.

Passeriformes  | Estrildidae Passeriformes  | Estrildidae

Ortygospiza atricollis Pytilia afra

African Quailfinch Orange-winged Pytilia
Njiri Machomeupe  L 9 cm Njiri Bawanjano  L 13 cm

Identification Identification
Upperparts are grey-brown with blackish Forehead, face and chin of the male are red;
face; white eye-line and a red bill. Underparts crown and nape are grey. Back green with an
have a white chin patch, barred black; white olive tinge. Greater coverts are orange, pri-
upper breasts and flanks and an orange-buff mary coverts and flight feathers are blackish-
central belly. Breeding males have a red bill, brown with orange edges; rump is crimson.
while the bills of females and non-breeding The outer webs of tail feathers are red, and
males have a brown upper mandible and a the inner webs are brown. Upper breast is
red lower mandible. The female is paler than pale grey; lower breast olive. Female has pale
the male and has less distinctive barring. grey head, throat and upper breast; bill is red.
Immature resembles female, but is duller.
Status, distribution & habitat
Uncommon Quailfinch inhabiting short grass- Status, distribution & habitat
land especially near water. Records are from Fairly common inhabiting forest edges,
Malagarasi. miombo woodland and moist wooded grass-
lands.

424 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 425

 Passeriformes  | Emberizidae
BUNTINGS
Emberiza flaviventris
Golden-breasted Bunting
This group comprises of brown and golden buntings. The brown Kibarabara Tumbonjano L 15 cm
BUNTINGS

buntings are generally brown and rufous birds with marked heads.
The golden buntings have golden or yellow underparts; best iden- Identification
tified by a combination of head pattern, white on the wing, rump The adult male has striking head pattern with
colour and extent of yellow on the underparts. a white crown, black lateral crown stripes,
white supercilium and black-bordered white
ear coverts. Underparts are orange-yellow
becoming yellow on the throat; lower belly
whitish.

Status, distribution & habitat

Locally common and widespread in northwest-
ern Tanzania.

Passeriformes  | Emberizidae Passeriformes  | Emberizidae

Emberiza cabanisi Emberiza tahapisi

Cabanis's Bunting Cinnamon-breasted Bunting
Kibarabara  L 15 cm Kibarabara Tumbojekundu  L 15 cm

Identification Identification
Adult has white superciliary stripe. Male with Has black-streaked brownish back and black
plain black crown and sides of face; throat throat. Male with prominent black and white
and chin white. Female is duller with brown striped-head; underparts from breast to vent
head patterns. Immature similar to female. cinnamon-chestnut. Female with striped
dusky and tawny buff head; duller under-
Status, distribution & habitat
parts, dark tail edged with tawny. Immature
Fairly common in forest edge, bushed and
has the head streaked tawny russet and
wooded grasslands.
black.

Status, distribution & habitat

Common and widespread in rocky areas,
cliff bases and escarpments with some small
trees and open cover.

446 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 447

Bibliography Press.
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● Direct field observations

● Drawn from literature

450 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 451

452
IUCN
Common Name
Red List Tz Mala
Swahili Name (BirdLife Group/Genus Species Rubondo Saanane Gombe Mahale Ntakata Minziro
Status Endemic garasi
International)
2019
Struthionidae Ostriches

Struthio camelus ●

Anatidae Ducks and Geese

Mbuni Common Ostrich LC

Alopochen aegyptiaca ● ● ● ● ●

Anas capensis ●
Bata-Bukini Egyptian Goose LC

Anas erythrorhyncha ●
Bata-Kusi Cape Teal LC

Anas sparsa ● ● ●
Bata Domojekundu Red-billed Teal LC

Anas undulata ● ● ●
Bata Mweusi African Black Duck LC

Bata Domonjano Yellow-billed Duck LC

Dendrocygna bicolor ● ●
Fulvous Whistling-
Bata Rangimbili LC
duck

Dendrocygna viduata ●
White-faced
Bata Kichwacheupe LC

Mareca penelope ●
Whistling-duck

Netta erythrophthalma ●
Bata Domokijivu Eurasian Wigeon LC

auritus ●
Bata Jichojekundu Southern Pochard LC

Bata-Bukini Mdogo African Pygmy-goose Nettapus LC

Plectropterus gambensis ● ● ● ●
Bata-Bukini
Spur-winged Goose LC

Sarkidiornis melanotos ● ● ● ● ●
Bawakijani

Spatula clypeata ●
Bata Domokifundo African Comb Duck LC

Spatula hottentota ●
Bata-Chepeo Northern Shoveler LC

Spatula querquedula ●
Bata Domobuluu Hottentot Teal LC

Thalassornis leuconotus ●
Bata Mchirizimweupe Garganey LC

Numididae Guineafowls
Bata-Mgongomweupe White-backed Duck LC

IUCN
Common Name
Red List Tz Mala
Swahili Name (BirdLife Group/Genus Species Rubondo Saanane Gombe Mahale Ntakata Minziro
Status Endemic garasi
International)
2019

Guttera verreauxi ● ● ● ●
Western Crested
Kololo-Magharibi LC

meleagris ● ● ● ● ●
Guineafowl

Phasianidae Francolins and Quails

Kanga Helmeted Guineafowl Numida LC

Coturnix coturnix ● ● ●

Coturnix delegorguei ● ● ●
Kituitui Common Quail LC

Dendroperdix sephaena ●
Kituitui-Tambo Harlequin Quail LC

Peliperdix lathami ●
Kwale-Kishungi Crested Francolin LC

Peliperdix coqui ● ● ●
Kwale-Misitu Forest Francolin LC

Pternistis squamatus ● ● ●
Kwale Mdogo Coqui Francolin LC

Kwale-Mabaka Scaly Francolin LC

Pternistis hildebrandti ● ● ● ●
Hildebrandt's
Kwale LC
Francolin

Pternistis rufopictus ●
Grey-breasted
Kwale Kifuakijivu LC TZ
Francolin

afer ● ● ● ●
Kwale
Red-necked Francolin Pternistis LC
Shingonyekundu

Scleroptila streptophora ● ●
Ring-necked
Kwale Shingonyeusi NT

levaillantii ● ●
Francolin

Scleroptila shelleyi ● ●
Kwale Bawajekundu Red-winged Francolin Scleroptila LC

Podicipedidae Grebes
Kwale-Shelleyi Shelley's Francolin LC

Podiceps cristatus ●

Tachybaptus ruficollis ● ●
Kiwizi-Ushungi Great Crested Grebe LC

Phoenicopteridae Flamingos
Kiwizi Mdogo Little Grebe LC
BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 453
Winding Cisticola 339 Z Indexes to Kiswahili names
Wing-snapping Cisticola 336
Wire-tailed Swallow 316 Zebra Waxbill 418
Woodland Kingfisher 221 Zitting Cisticola 339 B Chechele-Kusi 376
Chechele Kijivu 369
Woodland Pipit 436
Bata-Bukini 55 Chechele Kijivu 374
Wood Sandpiper 158
Bata-Bukini Bawakijani 60 Chechele Kijivucheusi 373
Bata-Bukini Mdogo 60 Chechele Machomeupe 375
Bata-Chepeo 61 Chechele Madoa 378
Y Bata-Kusi 56 Chechele Maji 374
Bata-Mgongomweupe 63 Chechele Mweupe 368
Yellow-bellied Eremomela 342
Bata Domobuluu 62 Chechele Rangirisasi 367
Yellow-bellied Greenbul 305
Bata Domojekundu 56 Chechele Tumbojekundu 376
Yellow-bellied Hyliota 352
Bata Domokifundo 61 Chekechea Tumbojeusi 425
Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye 264
Bata Domokijivu 59 Chekehukwa-Madoa 138
Yellow-bellied Waxbill 418
Bata Domonjano 57 Chekehukwa-Maji / Chekeamwezi 139
Yellow-billed Duck 57
Bata Jichojekundu 59 Chekele Mwekundu 292
Yellow-billed Egret 87
Bata Kichwacheupe 58 Chekele Tumbojekundu 291
Yellow-billed Oxpecker 361
Bata Mchirizimweupe 62 Chekele Ushungi 292
Yellow-billed Stork 80
Bata Mweusi 57 Chigi-Madoa 427
Yellow-breasted Apalis 332
Bata Rangimbili 58 Chigi Kichwacheupe 424
Yellow-browed Citril 442
Buabua-Chokowe 166 Chigi Mkuu 427
Yellow-crested Woodpecker 251
Buabua Bawajeupe 167 Chigi Rangimbili 426
Yellow-crowned Bishop 401
Buabua Domokuu 167 Chiku Kifuacheupe 279
Yellow-eyed Bristlebill 305
Bundi-Babewatoto 194 Chiku Koozambarau 280
Yellow-fronted Canary 443
Bundi-Mbuga 195 Chiku Mweupe 278
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird 239
Bundi-Msitu 198 Chiku Mweusi 279
Yellow-mantled Widowbird 404
Bundi-Msitu 200 Chiriku Domonene 442
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird 239
Bundi Machonjano 196 Chiriku Kifuamichirizi 443
Yellow-spotted Barbet 236
Bundi Mlasamaki 199 Chiriku Koojeusi 441
Yellow-spotted Petronia 396
Bwerenda Domobuluu 422 Chiriku Manjano 444
Yellow-streaked Greenbul 309
Bwerenda Mwekundu 422 Chiriku Michirizi 444
Yellow-throated Bush-sparrow 397
Chiriku Usomweupe 442
Yellow-throated Longclaw 438
Chiriku Usonjano 443
Yellow-throated Sandgrouse 171
Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler 323 C Chole-Ulaya 214
Chole 213
Yellow-whiskered Greenbul 307
Chambombe-Miombo 296 Chole Domopana 215
Yellow Bishop 403
Chambombe Kifuakahawia 296 Chole Kichwamarungi 214
Chambombe Tumbojeupe 295 Chole Mkiarungu 215

522 BIRDS OF WESTERN TANZANIA 523