Raptors of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara: Eagles, Vultures and Falcons

The open skies of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara are among the best places in Africa to watch birds of prey. With so much prey on the plains and so many carcasses during the migration, raptors are everywhere: perched on dead trees, soaring on thermals or crowding at kills.

Eagles

• Tawny eagle: the most common large eagle on the plains, often at kills.
• Martial eagle: Africa’s largest eagle, hunting from high in the sky.
• Bateleur: the colourful, almost tail-less eagle that rocks as it glides.
• Black-chested and brown snake eagles: hunters of snakes and lizards.
• African fish eagle: along the rivers, with its ringing call.
• Long-crested eagle: a small eagle with a floppy crest, often on posts and trees.

Vultures

White-backed, Rüppell’s, lappet-faced, white-headed and hooded vultures gather at carcasses, especially during the migration. Several species are critically endangered, so every sighting matters.

Falcons, kites and others

• Pygmy falcon: one of the world’s smallest raptors, living alongside buffalo weavers in dry bush.
• Lanner falcon: a fast, powerful falcon of open country.
• Black-winged kite: a small grey and white kite that hovers over grassland.
• Secretary bird: the long-legged raptor that hunts on foot.
• Augur buzzard: common on rocky hills and escarpments.

Migrants

From October to April, migrants from Europe and Asia, such as steppe eagles, harriers, lesser kestrels and Eurasian hobbies, add to the variety. Read our guide to raptor migration.

Tips

Bring binoculars, ask your guide to stop at likely perches, and watch the sky above kills. Large brown eagles can be hard to identify, so do not worry about naming every one.

Read our guides to the martial eagle, the bateleur and vultures.

Big Five Wildlife planning team

We plan private safaris across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, and write from time spent in these parks.