I’ve been studying raptors (birds of prey) in the Athi-Kaputiei Ecosystem of southern Kenya for a few years now and recently published a paper on the findings of my research so far in SCOPUS: Journal of East African Ornithology. In the paper I share a lot of info on the abundance, distribution and status of raptors in the area. Being a scientific publication however, the space available for photos was limited. I’d therefore like to share more photos of the raptors I’ve recorded as a way of highlighting the beauty and diversity of the raptors, and wildlife overall, in this incredible but highly threatened part of Kenya. The paper focuses on resident raptors but here I include photos of migrants as well. All photos were taken within the greater Athi-Kaputiei Ecosystem. Names used here follow the Checklist of the Birds of Kenya – Fourth Edition (Bird Committee, the East Africa Natural History Society, 2009). I’ve also included alternative names for some birds.
Falcons (Falconidae)
Common Kestrel Falco tinnunculus
Male of the Palearctic migrant race F. t. tinnunculus in Olerai ConservancyF. t. tinnunculus female – Olerai Conservancy
Lanner FalconFalco biarmicus
A juvenile near Swara Plains (Game Ranching)
Peregrine FalconFalco peregrinus
The only photo I ever managed of a Peregrine in the entire area. Not exactly award-winning! They are hard to find and even harder to photograph! This one is an adult from a pair of the resident race F. p. minor.
Diurnal Birds of Prey other than Falcons (Accipitridae)
Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius
An adult on the prowl in Nairobi National Park Sub-adult attacking prey. It was unsuccessful on this attempt. They are however lethal predators, capable of tackling an impressive array of prey including scorpions, snakes, rodents, hares and hedgehogs. A pair hunting together – Nairobi National ParkIn flight over the Kisaju ValleyDrying off after being hammered by a storm …… and having a stretch while at it
African Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus
The bright red eyes of this kite are striking!Hunting individuals are entertaining to watch as they hover in search of preyTalons ready to engage
Black KiteMilvus migrans
The Afrotropical race M. m. parasitus (also called the Yellow-billed Kite) is common in towns and other human settlements.An adult of the Palearctic migrant race M. m. migrans gliding high over Olerai
African Fish EagleHaliaeetus vocifer
Adult male perched along the Empakasi (Mbagathi) River Adult from the Hyena/Nagolomon Dam pair in flight – Nairobi National Park1st year (juvenile) at Hyena Dam – Nairobi National Park2nd year bird along the Mokoyeti River – Nairobi National Park
White-backed VultureGyps africanus
Adult with a full crop after a good feedContrary to popular belief, vultures are very clean birds. The White-backed Vultures of Nairobi National Park bath daily after they’ve had their meal.Drying off after a bath Marabou Storks Leptoptilos crumenifer often join them at the bathing poolAdult in flightImmature bird in flight – Machakos Ranching
Rüppell’s VultureGyps rueppellii
Rüppell’s Vultures also bath regularlyDrying off, wih a juvenile White-backed Vulture preening itself close bySoaring near OloosuyianComing in to roost at duskWaking up at a roost (with juvenile White-backed Vultures)
Lappet-faced VultureTorgos tracheliotus
A pair in Nairobi National Park
Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
Adult in Olerai ConservancyImmature bird near OlooloitikoshiAdult in flight
Brown Snake EagleCircaetus cinereus
A distant sighting on Kapiti HillPartial silhouette of a bird hunting over the Isinya River
Attempting to raid Speckle-fronted Weaver nests in Olerai ConservancyIn flight – Kapiti Plains Estate (ILRI Research Centre)
Eastern Chanting GoshawkMelierax poliopterus
Adult near Lenchani Adult in flight Looking less than amused after an unsuccessful attack on a Red-headed Rock Agama lizardJuvenile near Emarti
Gabar GoshawkMicronisus gabar
Adult in the riparian woods of the Olkejuado RiverPair along the Isinya RiverDark morph female on its nest. The ‘normal morphed’ male was keeping watch nearby.
Augur BuzzardButeo augur
The unmistakable broad-winged orange-tailed raptorSoaring with its wings held in the typical slightly upturned shape
Tawny EagleAquila rapax
Typical adult – Nairobi National ParkPale adult – Lukenya HillMoulting adult in flight – Olerai ConservancySub-adult in flight – Silole SanctuaryTogether with White-backed Vulture in Machakos Ranching. Both have full crops so had clearly fed recently. Tawnys scavenge regularly and often associate with vultures at carcasses, making them one of the most vulnerable eagles to secondary poisoning (the main cause of the steep decline of African vultures).
Sub-adult near OleraiPart of a small kettle rising on a thermal on their southward migration
Verreaux’s Eagle (or Black Eagle)Aquila verreauxii
As seen from above. Hunting for hyraxes on the rocky slopes of Lukenya Hill. This massive unique-looking eagle is one of my favorite birds.
African Hawk EagleAquila spilogaster
Adult male at Game Ranching Adult female – Game RanchingAdult in flightPair hunting in tandemAdult with full crop after a good mealJuvenile in Olerai Conservancy
Martial EaglePolemaetus bellicosus
Adult male in Nairobi National ParkAdult female from the NNP pair – Silole SanctuaryMale checking out a potential branch to add to a new nest they were building …… decides the branch is suitable …… breaks it off …… and takes it to the nest.A juvenile in Olerai Conservancy
Barn Owls (Tytonidae)
Barn Owl Tyto alba
Roosting adult
Typical Owls (Strigidae)
Spotted Eagle OwlBubo africanus
This individual had an injured left eye. Very possibly from having stones thrown at it. Persecution as ‘bad omens’ is a major threat to owls in most of Kenya. It’s important to change people’s attitudes towards owls. They are key to healthy ecosystems.
Africa’s largest owl. It can take prey as large as dik-dik, young warthogs and Great White Egret! Though hedgehogs tend to be its favorite prey.A roosting pair
This research was supported through funding from the National Geographic Society and The Peregrine Fund.
Feel free to check out the ShotsByShema prints store to get various prints of bird and wildlife photos taken in the Athi-Kaputiei and other parts of Kenya
Sidney is a Kenya-based ornithologist and photographer specializing in the birds of Africa, with an especially keen interest in the birds of prey (raptors) of Kenya.
Sidney is a Kenya-based ornithologist and photographer specializing in the birds of Africa, with an especially keen interest in the birds of prey (raptors) of Kenya.
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