r QH 1 El IX NH JOURNAL F THE EAST AFRICA NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY AND NATIONAL MUSEUM 15 June, 1980 No. 170 CHECK-LIST OF THE BIRDS OF TSAVO EAST NATIONAL PARK, KENYA P.C. Lack* E.G.I./A.E.R.G., Dept, of Zoology, South Parks Road, Oxford, U.K. W. Leuthold* Stolzestrasse 19, CD — 8006, Zurich, Switzerland C. Smeenk* Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Postbus 9517, 2300 RA Leiden, The Netherlands INTRODUCTION In contrast to the large mammals, the bird faunas of East Africa’s National Parks are rather poorly known. Williams (1967) provides a species list for most National Parks and several other reserves and the local National Parks organisations have also compiled a list for some. However, neither of these gives details of specific records nor, with a few exceptions any indication of the abund- ance or occurrence of the species. Also they often disagree. The only Parks for which an annotated list exists are Arusha National Park, Tanzania (Beesley 1972) and Kidepo National Park, Uganda (Elliott 1972). The purpose of this paper is to collate what is known of the birds of Tsavo East National Park at present. It is mainly based on our collective observations which span eight years. PL was in the Park working intensively on the land-birds from November 1974 till January 1977 and he also did a little mist-netting mostly just outside the Park boundary; WL made observations while working on mammals from November 1968 till May 1976 though doing very little fieldwork after mid 1974; and CS during a study on birds of prey from July 1970 till January 1973 (Smeenk 1974, Smeenk & Smeenk- Enserink 1976). Various other people supplied additional information in response to two requests in the East Africa Natural History Society (EANHS) Bulletin, particularly A.D. Forbes-Watson, who lived in the area in 1959-60 and compiled a preliminary species list in 1967. THE AREA COVERED This list refers primarily to the part of Tsavo East National Park south of the Galana River simply because it has been visited most often. This area is hereafter called the ‘southern area’ — similarly the northern area for the part north of the river (see Fig. 1). But we feel that the list can be taken as representative of a larger area encompassing very broadly the arid bush area from the Tana River in the north to the Mkomasi region of Tanzania in the south and from the coastal more or less evergreen scrub in the east to, approximately, a line drawn from Kibwezi to Voi and then southward. Obviously it will be less reliable near the periphery particularly where this adjoins different habitats for example the coastal scrub. Outside the southern area of the Park specific areas that have been visited include: 1) the Commi- phora woodland just to the south and west of the main Nairobi-Mombasa road on either side of Voi. This habitat is similar to that which covered much of the Park when it was gazetted in 1948 (D.L.W. Sheldrick pers. comm.). 2) Parts of Galana Ranch — this was visited at intervals by two of us; and *Present addresses are given above. While in Tsavo East all three authors were based at the Tsavo Research Station, Voi, Kenya. All correspondence should be addressed to the first author at the address above. Page 2 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 records were sent by B.R. Heath, who has been living there for some years, and I.S.C. Parker, who lived there in the early 1960s. 3) Parts of the northern area of the Park, notably the Tiva River, Yatta Plateau near Ntharakana, Umbi and Mukomwe. For these and other place names mentioned see Fig. 1. The list is probably representative, too, of most of the plains area of Tsavo West National Park. However, certain areas of this Park differ considerably and harbour many extra species e.g. the Chyulu Hills and Lake Jipe. Also we do not refer to the migrants that are attracted, often in very large numbers, to the lights of Ngulia Safari Lodge under some weather conditions (Pearson & Backhurst 1976). In response to requests we also received a number of records from Bushwhackers Safari Camp, just to the north-west of Tsavo East. However, since none of us is familiar with the area and a specific study is being carried out there by D.E. Pomeroy we have decided not to include it in the present list. CLIMATE The most important element, as in all semi-arid and arid areas, is rainfall. In general Tsavo East has two rainy seasons — mid November to late December (short rains) and mid March to early May (long rains). Unlike much of the rest of Kenya it is the former that is the more reliable (Tyrell & Coe 1974); indeed in several recent years the long rains have largely failed. Moreover, rainfall may vary substantially in both time and space particularly from isolated thunderstorms. Park headquarters at Voi receives about 450-500 mm of rain per annum (though recently it has been somewhat less), about half falling in each rainy season. This total decreases fairly sharply to the east, to about 250 mm p.a. at Aruba, and increases again between Sala and the coast. Mean maximum and minimum temperatures vary from about 34°C and 21°C respectively in March to 28°C and 17°C in August (see Fig. 2 of Leuthold 1977c). THE HABITATS (a) Land habitats Greenway (1969) published a check-list of the plants of Tsavo East based on collections, mainly from the southern area, and also gave a general description of the vegetation types. However, Pratt Greenway & Gwynne (1966) proposed a more general system of vegetation classification based on canopy cover and this is used here. The area we are considering falls entirely into Pratt et aV s ecological zoneV which is characterised by an arid climate with “the woody vegetation being dominated by Commiphora , Acacia and allied genera, often of shrubby habit”. Within this are several physiognomic types, and the most important of those extant in Tsavo East today are as follows. The nomenclature of plant species mentioned in this paper follows that of Flora of Tropical East Africa (1952 — in progress); Gillett & MacDonald, A Numbered Check-list of Trees, Shrubs and Noteworthy Lianes Indigenous to Kenya (1970); and Agnew, Upland Kenya Wild Flowers (1974). (i) Woodland/ woodland thicket ( trees >20% canopy cover , cover of bushes variable ) This is the thickest habitat except for small patches of riverine forest. There is an open canopy usually at 7-8 m, though in places up to 10 m above the ground. The trees are predominantly Commi- phora spp. and Acacia spp. (mostly A. tortilis and A. thomasii ) with several other species interspersed, especially Lannea alata , Boswellia hildebrandtii and Sterculia spp. The bush layer is variable from almost none to nearly impenetrable thickets with Grewia spp. and in places Sansevieria ehrenbergii prominent. Grasses are usually sparse. When the Park was gazetted this was the predominant vegetation type. However, south of the Galana River this habitat now exists only outside the Park boundary. But in the northern area and beyond large tracts of it still remain, though they may have been thinned out locally. In the southern area and to a lesser extent elsewhere, elephants Loxodonta africana and fires have opened it up and sometimes modified it very considerably leaving a range of habitats described in the next section. For further details and references to these changes see Leuthold (1977a, 1977c). No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 3 Fig. 1 : Map of Tsavo East National Park, showing the places mentioned in the text. VSL — Voi Safari Lodge; HQ — Park headquarters; K — Kanderi; ND — Ndololo; BW — Bushwhackers Safari Camp; Park bound- ary; Nairobi to Mombasa road and railway. Page 4 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 (ii) Main habitats now in the Park Although there have always been more open areas in the original woodland many, if not most of the habitats now present in the Park are derived from the latter by destruction of trees. The elephants seem to like Commiphora spp. and Acacia spp. especially, and as a result these species have been the first to be killed or damaged. The dominant species of trees are now Delonix data , Melia volkensii, and Platycelyphium voense (Leuthold 1977a). Hardly anywhere in the southern area do they reach more than 5-10% canopy cover, and are usually less than 2%. However, they are very important for birds. The opening up of the tree canopy has benefited many species of shrubs which are now the dominant woody plants in most areas though thickets have also been modified by the elephants. Dominant species now include Premna (2 spp.), Erythrochlamys spectabilis , Bauhinia taitensis, and especially Scricocomopsis (2 spp.) which may occur in extensive nearly pure stands. Other locally important species are Boscia coriacca which may grow to 5-6 m as a small tree, Thylachium thomasii and Carphalea ( Dirichletia ) glaucescens. Grasses too have increased and, in a few places, may reach 75% cover though more usually 25-50%. Prominent genera include Aristida , Brachiaria, Cenchrus , Chloris, Digitaria, Eragrostis, and Panicum. Habitats range from open grassland (<2% cover of trees and bushes) to wooded bushland (trees 2-20%, bushes >20%). However, the habitat in large parts of the southern area is bushed grassland (trees <2%, bushes 2-20%). In general the vegetation is denser in the western parts with higher rainfall than in the eastern. Near permanent water it may become very open due to heavy grazing and trampling by mammals. Grassland with no bushes is rare and almost restricted to alluvial deposits such as near Irima Hill. The northern area has, in general, denser vegetation especially away from the Galana and Tiva Rivers. Also there are some areas with a rather different species composition including for example Terminalia orbicularis and Cassia abbrcviata. Finally along the western side of the Park and especially on the Yatta Plateau the baobab Adansonia digitata may be important locally though many have been damaged or eliminated by elephants. (iii) Riverine vegetation The upper parts of the Voi River supports a small area of riverine forest. This has a nearly closed canopy at about 20 m with Newtonia hildebrandtii, Dobera glabra , Kigelia africana, and Ficus spp. as dominants. The undergrowth too, may be very thick with e.g. Capparis, Salvadora, Azima and Pluchea spp. East of Ndololo this forest thins out to become a fringe of trees. The Galana and Tiva Rivers are somewhat different. There is hardly more than a fringe of trees along either although before the 1961 floods there was more. There are two main types: Acacia elatior fringes and stands of the doum palm Hyphaene coriacca. At intervals along both rivers there are also some thickets, consisting mainly of the succulent bush Suaeda monoica. (iv Other Habitats Around waterholes there is often a much more luxuriant vegetation than in the surrounding area, both of bushes, especially Lawsonia inermis , and grasses. In the west there are a few rocky hills e.g. Irima, several near Voi, and in the northern area Ithumba, Kiasa, and Jimetunda. They are usually rather thinly covered with bushes and trees often of species not occurring elsewhere (Greenway 1969). They seem particularly attractive to some birds of prey and species that otherwise occur only in thicker habitats. The top of the Yatta Plateau, too, provides a slightly different habitat type having a very thick bush cover especially in the northern parts. Finally, a minor but important habitat for breeding swifts and swallows is provided by buildings, mainly near Voi. (b) Aquatic habitats The rather few sources of permanent water considerably restrict the distribution of many mammals and some birds in the dry season. Major sources are: 1) the Tsavo, Athi and Galana Rivers; the Tsavo and Galana always flow but the Athi may be reduced to a series of pools at the end of the dry seasons. 2) Aruba Dam; an artificial lake formed by a dam across the Voi River about 30 km east of Voi. 3) Pools along the upper parts of the Tiva River as far east as Roka. Minor sources include pools and No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 5 springs in some of the tributaries to the Galana and Athi Rivers and the upper parts of the Voi River; a few springs along the Yatta Plateau artificial waterholes at Voi Safari Lodge; and a few artificially enlarged waterholes south of the Voi River which hold water for much of the dry seasons. In the rainy seasons the situation changes drastically. Seasonal rivers start to flow the two most important being the Voi and Tiva which may continue well beyond the eastern boundary of the Park. More important for animal dispersal though, are numerous shallow pans which hold water for varying periods after the rains. SEASONALITY OF THE BIRD FAUNA Species which breed in the Palaearctic form a very important part of the Tsavo bird fauna. They start to arrive in September (a few waders in August) but large numbers do not usually reach Tsavo before November and their arrival coincides with the onset of the rains. Many species then remain in Tsavo through the northern winter but others leave and evidently move further south after mid January when Tsavo begins to dry out. A return passage starts in mid March and lasts till early May again more or less coinciding with the rainy season. Most passerine migrants are commoner in Nov- ember-December than in April but for a few, notably the Lesser Grey and Red-backed Shrikes Lanius minor and L. collurio collurio, the opposite is true. Seasonal occurrence, however, is not restricted to Palaearctic species. Movements of many African species are equally well-marked and most of them appear to be governed by the rainfall pattern. Species showing pronounced influxes into Tsavo during the rains include many seed-eaters, especially weavers (Ploceidae) and some doves (Columbidae), almost all cuckoos (Cuculidae) and the Golden Pipit Tmetothylacus tenellus. Of most of these species, however, a few individuals may be found at any time of year; and because of the often patchy distribution of rainfall the occurrence of them may be very localised. Most species which breed in the area nest in one or both rainy seasons but some do so in the dry season e.g. the larger birds of prey. CHANGES IN THE BIRD FAUNA The habitat changes in the southern area of the Park have resulted in a substantial change in the bird species composition. This will be apparent from the systematic list and will be quantified elsewhere (Lack in prep.). Any future changes will depend largely on vegetation trends, which in turn will depend primarily on rainfall and its effects both on plant growth and on the elephant populations. THE SYSTEMATIC LIST Nomenclature and Arrangement — Scientific names and arrangement follow Forbes-Watson (1971). This is the nomenclature used by the National Museum, Nairobi and, with minor modifica- tions, follows White (1965) for non-passerines and Hall & Moreau (1970) for passerines. English names follow Mackworth-Praed & Grant (1957-60) except for Mirafra pulpa which these authors treat as conspecific with M. cantillans. The Mackworth-Praed & Grant number precedes each species. Geographic names — These can be located on Fig. 1. For many species the name ‘Kanderi’ figures prominently. This was a large permanent waterhole in 1968-70 attracting many water-birds. However it silted up in 1971 and it is now a grassy swamp which becomes waterlogged in the rains and is generally much less attractive to birds than previously. Migrant dates — Only the period when a species occurs regularly is given. In most cases there are odd records before and after this period and if there is no prefix to a month the species occurs through- out. “Winter” refers to the northern winter and in practice primarily November to April (see above). Breeding — Species which have been recorded breeding in the Park are marked*. For several other species that almost certainly do breed regularly there is only circumstantial evidence (e.g. carrying nest material, copulation) and these are marked +. But even then the total list of breeding species is far from complete. “Formerly” — Several species have a comment preceded by “formerly” and usually attributed to A.D. Forbes-Watson. In all cases this refers to his period of residence in the area in 1959-60. Other cases are specified. Page 6 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 Specific records — Responsibility for individual records rests with the original observers. “Un- usual” records were queried personally and rejected only if the observer expressed doubt. Species which have not been recorded within the borders of Tsavo East National Park are bracketed. With two exceptions, regarding species not otherwise recorded ( Corvus splendens) or not recently {Hirundo senegalensis ) which were both seen in April 1977, no records after 31 December 1976 are included. Abbreviations — The following observers are referred to by their initials only: the three authors (PL,WL,CS), A.D. Forbes-Watson (AFW), W.J. Plumb (WP) and G. Rilling (GR). A postscript to the paper ‘Check-list of the birds of Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’ by P.C. Lack, W. Leuthold, and C. Smeenk. ADDENDUM It should be noted that, since early 1977 and the end of the collection of records for this paper, there have been heavy rains in Tsavo East N.P., and these, together with a reduction in the numbers of elephants, have led to a considerable growth of the vegetation. Both this growth and the rains themselves are likely to have had effects on the bird species and their numbers, particu- larly as the rains came after a series of very dry years with little plant growth. Struthionidae Ostriches 1 Struthio camcdus Ostrich * The Somali race 5. c. molybdophanes is now fairly common all over Tsavo East and to the east of the Park. It has been increasing in the Park since it was gazetted in 1948 (D.L.W. Sheldrick) but has not yet been seen south of the Nairobi-Mombasa railway where it is replaced by the Masai race S. c. massaicus. This latter has however been seen four times in the Manyani and Mbololo River area. For breeding information see Leuthold (1977b). Podicipitidae Grebes 4 Podiceps ruficollis Little Grebe Regular at Aruba November-January ; more rarely on seasonal waterholes and recorded in all months except June, August and September. 3 Podiceps nigrico/lis Black-necked Grebe 1 at Mudanda Rock 29.1 1.68, 1 at Kanderi 24.7.69 (both WL). Pelecanidae Pelicans 31 Pelecanas onocrotalus White Pelican Regular in small numbers at Aruba (mostly for roosting) and more rarely along the Galana and Voi Rivers. Occasionally occurs in large numbers. 32 Pelecanus rufescens Pink-backed Pelican As P. onocrotalus but in smaller numbers. Phalacrocoracidae Cormorants 25 Phalaerocorax carbo Cormorant Uncommon visitor to Aruba, more in May-August than at other times; 1 at Cottars Camp 7.8.73 (GR). 27 Phalaerocorax africanus Long-tailed Cormorant 2 at Kanderi 6.12.68 (WL), 3 at Aruba 21.2.71 (WL), 3 (2 juveniles) on lower Mbololo River 20.2.71 (CS) and 5 there 10.3.71 (WL). Anhingidae Darters 28 Anhinga rufa Darter 1 at Kanderi 27.2.69 (WL), 1 at Aruba 8.3.69, 21.2.71 and 7.3.71 (WL) and 27.3.71 (CS). Ardeidae Herons 48 Nycticorax nycticorax Night Heron 1 at Cottars Camp 27.12.73 (GR), 8 at Aruba 13-18.12.76 (WP). 43 Ardeola ralloides Squacco Heron Rare at Aruba and along the Voi River in any month, most frequent December- February. 42 Ardeola ibis Buff-backed Heron (Cattle Egret) Regular at Aruba October-May. A few seen elsewhere near water and at other times. 45 Bator ides striatus Green-backed Heron Uncommon in thick vegetation near water particularly in the Galana River near Sala. No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 7 39 Egretta ardesiaca Black Heron 2 at Punda Milia 23.6.72 (CS), 1 at Kanderi 21.4.73, 1 at Aruba 12-16.5.73 and 24.12.73, and 2 there 31.12.73 and 12.1.74 (all WL). 37 Egretta alba Great White Egret Regular along rivers and on waterholes all the year. 38 Egretta intermedia Yellow-billed Egret Uncommon on rivers, especially the Galana, at any time though commoner in rainy seasons. 40 Egretta garzetta Little Egret Uncommon at any water all the year. 33 Ardea cinerea Grey Heron Fairly common along the Galana and Voi Rivers all the year. 34 Ardea melanocephala Black-headed Heron Common at Aruba November-March with odd records most other months. During the rains, also, often seen on rivers, seasonal waterholes and in grassy areas. 35 Ardea goliath Goliath Heron * Regular along rivers throughout the year. 36 Ardea purpurea Purple Heron 1 at Aruba 4.2.69, 1 at Kanderi 1.1.70, 1 on Galana River 28.8.71 (all WL). Scopidae Hammerkop 53 Scopus umbretta Hammerkop * Regular along all rivers and watercourses with large trees, in which nests are often obvious. Ciconiidae Storks 55 Ciconia ciconia White Stork Very variable in numbers. Rare before late December and after March; may occur anywhere. 56 Ciconia nigra Black Stork A few records each year late October-March all from the Galana River or nearby. 58 Ciconia abdimii White-bellied or Abdim’s Stork Common November through to mid March often occurring in flocks of 50 and more (maximum several hundred). Does not arrive until the rains break and are commonest at though not restricted to water. 57 Ciconia episcopus Woolly-necked or Bishop Stork Regular in small numbers all the year especially around Voi and the Mbololo River. Can usually be seen- at Voi Safari Lodge. 60 Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis Saddle-bill or Jabiru Seen solitarily at waterholes mainly south of the Voi River and is also regular on the Tiva River. May occur at any time. 59 Anastomus lamelligerus Open-bill A few at Aruba all the year but large numbers may be seen there, along the Voi River and on sandbanks in the Galana River November-April. 61 Leptoptilos crumeniferus Marabou Fairly common resident around Voi and Aruba. Rare elsewhere. 62 Ibis ibis Wood-Ibis Regular at Aruba and along the Galana River all the year. Also occurs at water elsewhere during the rains. Threskiornithidae Ibises, Spoonbills 63 Threskiornis aethiopicus Sacred Ibis Common at Aruba and along the Voi River all the year. Rare elsewhere. 65 Bostrychia hagedcish Hadada Ibis 10 records (8 of them July-October) 1969-1972 and none after that from the Voi and Galana Rivers (WL); few in Voi River forest 22.4.71 (CS); few near Cottars Camp 7.8.73 and 27.12.73 (GR); few near Sala 1.1.75 (PL). 68 Plegadis falcinellus Glossy Ibis Small groups (up to 8) periodically spend a month or so at Aruba, mainly June-August. Rare elsewhere. 70 Platalea alba African Spoonbill Regular at Aruba and along the Galana River all the year. Rare elsewhere. Phoenicopteridae Flamingoes 71 Phoenicopterus ruber Greater Flamingo All at Aruba: 1 on 11.9.72 (CS); 1 on 21.9.72 and 3.10.72 (WL); 2 on 22.4.76, a young bird on 8.7.76 (both PL); 17 (mostly young) in August-September 1976 with 10 remaining into November (PL, several observers). 72 Phoenicopterus minor Lesser Flamingo 1 at Aruba 2.9.74 (WL); 1 there 2 1 . 1 0.76 .(PL). Anatidae Ducks, Geese 95 Dendrocygna bicolor Fulvous Tree-Duck 16 at Kanderi 3.11.69, 1 at Aruba 15.5.70, 12 near Lugard’s Falls 12.4.71 (all WL); 1 at Lima 23.4.71, 8 Page 8 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 at Kanderi 24.4.72 (both CS); 8 at Aruba 25.5.76 (PL & M. Garnett); 20 at Aruba 4.12.76 (PL & D.J. Pearson). 94 Dendrocygna viduata White-faced Tree-Duck Small flocks (up to 13 seen) occur at Aruba periodically. Occasionally at other waterholes. 99 Alopoehen aegyptiaca Egyptian Goose * Common wherever there is water. Goslings are often seen even on seasonal waterholes. May occur in some numbers at Aruba (up to 150 recorded). 100 Plectopterus gambensis Spur-winged Goose 1 along the Galana River 2.4.71 (WL) and 7.4.71 (P.L. Britton); 3 at Kanderi 19.6.71 and 29.6.71, 1 at Kono Moju 8.2.74 (all WL). 98 Sarkidiornis melanota Knob-billed Goose Occurs at any water, almost all records being soon after rain. 86 Anas penelope Wigeon 2 December and 8 January records in 4 different winters at Aruba and/or Kanderi (WL and PL) (see Leuthold 1973b). 85 Anas strep era Gad wall 1 (female) near Aruba 24.12.73 (WL) (see Leuthold & Leuthold 1974). 87 Anas crecca Teal 1 seen three times on Ndara Borehole 7-24.1.71 (CS); 1 (female) on a waterhole 12 km north-east of Park HQ 22.1.74 (WL) (both records in Leuthold & Leuthold 1974). 89 Anas capensis Cape Wigeon 1 at Aruba 7.11.71 (CS). 92 Anas acuta Pintail Seen in most winters at Aruba; maximum c. 25 there 12.1.74 and 1.3.74 (WL). 91 Anas erythrorhynchos Red-bill Regular in small numbers (up to 25) at Aruba. Also often on seasonal waterholes. 90 Anas hottentota Hottentot Teal Regular but rare, mainly at Aruba. No records April-June or September. 88 Anas querquedula Garganey Regular (up to 50 at a time) at Aruba late October-mid April. Also seen on some of the larger waterholes. 80 Anas clypeata Shoveler A few each winter (but WL saw none till December 1973) at Aruba and larger waterholes mostly January- February. 77 Netta erythrophthalma Southern or African Pochard Rare visitor to Aruba and nearby November-February; 1 at Aruba 6.8.72 (WL) and 2 there 23.5.76 (PL & M. Garnett). 78 Aythya fuligula Tufted Duck 9 at Aruba 19.1.72 (CS, AFW, & D. Lack) and 9.2.72 (CS) Accipitridae Vultures, Eagles, Hawks For fuller accounts of most species of this and the two subsequent families see Smeenk (1974). 108 Aegypius tracheliotus Lappet-faced Vulture * Uncommon resident in all areas. There will often be 1 or 2 at a carcass with other vultures. 109 Trigonoceps occipitalis White-headed Vulture * As for A. tracheliotus. 106 Gyps ruepellii Ruppell’s Griffon Regular though uncommon visitor to carcasses. 107 Gyps africanus White-backed Vulture * Far outnumbers all other vultures put together. Common everywhere though especially along rivers where it nests. 110 Neophron perenopterus Egyptian Vulture Rare visitor, mostly in the dry season and usually seen near water e.g. Aruba, Voi Safari Lodge. 111 Neophron monachus Hooded Vulture Uncommon visitor to carcasses especially in the west of the Park. 183 Circus macrourus Pale Harrier Regular visitor late October-early April. Usually seen quartering fairly open grassland areas. 182 Circus pygargus Montagu’s Harrier As for C. macrourus but slightly commoner (based on sightings of males). 184a Circus aeruginosus Marsh Harrier 1 or 2 seen in most winters mostly near water December-February. 184b Circus ranivorus African Marsh Harrier 3 on Ndara Plains 18.1.75 (PL); 1 at Aruba 5.1.76 (PL & D.J. Pearson). 185 Polyboroides typus Harrier Hawk Sporadic visitor at any time. Most records are from close to Voi. 1 59 Terathopius ecaudatus Bateleur * Common resident. Numbers are augmented considerably January-March by non-breeding migrants. May occur almost anywhere. 155 Circaetus beaudouini Beaudouin’s Harrier-Eagle 1 near Aruba 22. 1 1 .72 and 30. 1 1 .72 (photographed, CS). No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 9 154 Circaetus pectoralis Black-chested Harrier-Eagle Can occur in any month though commonest December-February. Always uncommon and prefers open wooded and bushed grassland. 153 Circaetus cinereus Brown Harrier-Eagle Fairly common resident usually seen perched on top of a tree in open country. 156 Circaetus fasciolatus Southern Banded Harrier-Eagle 1 in Voi River forest 12.3.71 (photographed, CS). 177 Accipiter tachiro African Goshawk 1 specimen in the Education Centre at Voi with no data. 1 near Ndi 27.10.70, 1 at Irima 3.1.72, and 1 near Voi 31.3.72 (all CS). 176 Accipiter badius Shikra Uncommon visitor November-April. Occurs most frequently in thicker habitats near water. 1 by Voi River 24.7.71 (CS). 179 Melierax poliopterus Pale Chanting Goshawk * Common resident occurring almost everywhere (see Smeenk & Smeenk-Enserink 1976). 178 Melierax gabar Gabar Goshawk * Fairly common resident in thick habitats; sporadic elsewhere. Both normal and melanistic forms occur though the former is more common. See also Smeenk & Smeenk-Enserink (1976). 150 Kaupifalco monogrammicus Lizard Buzzard Sporadic visitor to the Voi River. 158 Bustastur rufipennis Grasshopper Buzzard Fairly common visitor from the start of the November rains till April, usually in the more open habitats. 166 Buteo rufinus Long-legged Buzzard 1 by the Voi River east of Aruba 13.2.72, 2 at Irima 21.2.72 (both CS, see Smeenk 1974 p. 15). 167 Buteo rufofuscus Jackal (Augur) Buzzard * 1 to 3 resident pairs near the hills around Voi and probably occurs around many of the other rocky hills in the west of the Park. 1 63 Buteo buteo vulpinus Steppe Buzzard Regular though rare late October-March and seen mostly near the hills around Voi. 149 Lophaetus occipitalis Long-crested Hawk-Eagle Irregular sporadic visitor mostly November-April. 146 Polemaetus bellicosus Martial Eagle * Fairly common resident occurring in most areas though commoner near large trees which it uses for nesting June-October. 145 Hieraaetus pennatus Booted Eagle Rare migrant November through to March to any area but particularly along the western edge of the Park near the hills. 143 Hieraaetus spilogaster African Hawk-Eagle * Uncommon resident in areas of thick bushes with trees especially along watercourses. Has probably decreased considerably in recent years. 137 Aquila heliaca Imperial Eagle 1 immature north of Aruba 26.1.72 (CS, see Smeenk 1974 p. 16). 139 Aquila rapax belisarius Tawny Eagle * Fairly common resident. May be seen almost anywhere. 138 Aquila rapax orientalis Steppe Eagle Common everywhere late October-early April, especially in the rains and then often attracted to termite swarms. 136 Aquila verreauxii Verreaux’s Eagle (* Maungu) A pair is seen fairly regularly around the hills near Voi. Also a pair near Ntharakana, and probably occurs at intervals around many of the rocky hills in the west of the Park. 142 Aquila wahlbergi Wahlberg’s Eagle * Fairly common breeding visitor and passage migrant mid August-May. Odd records in June and July. 160 Haliaaetus vocifer African Fish Eagle * A few resident pairs by permanent water especially Aruba and the Galana River. Sometimes at seasonal waterholes during the rains. 132 Milvus migrans Kite Fairly common along the Nairobi-Mombasa road and in and around Voi (elsewhere uncommon) October- March. Very few records at other times. The African race M. m. parasitus has been positively identified (CS). (1 of the Palaearctic race M. m. migrans seen near Voi 8.12.77 (P.L. Britton).) 133 Elanus caeruleus Black-shouldgred Kite > Regular but uncommon; most records are from the west of the Park and November-March. 131 Elanus riocourii Swallow-tailed Kite 4 half-way between Voi and Aruba 12.2.71 (CS); 1 half-way between Aruba and Sobo 23.12.76 (PL & D. Schmidl). 134 Macheiramphus alcinus Bat-eating Buzzard Seen near Park HQ several times July-August 1970 (CS, once by WL); 1 at Cottars Camp 21.9.73 (GR). It occurred regularly in Euphorbia robecchii trees especially near the Galana River in the early 1960s (I.S.C. Parker) but these have decreased and there is only one recent record (and this only probable) near Sobo inJuly 1976 (S. Trevor). (186 Pandion haliaetus Osprey) Page JO Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 1 flying down the Galana River, seen 10 km east of Sala 30.12.74 (PL). Falconidae Falcons 129 Polihierax semitorquatus Pigmy Falcon * Common resident almost everywhere. 1 1 3 Falco biarmicus Lanner Resident in very small numbers. Influxes may occur especially when termites are swarming and/or large flocks of Quelea quelea are present, mainly November-March. 1 1 2 Falco peregrinus Peregrine * Seen sporadically all the year; 1 or 2 resident pairs near the hills of Voi and Maungu. Most records December-May suggesting the presence of Palaearctic migrants. (1 14 Falco fasciinucha Taita Falcon) 1 possible near Kanderi 11.6.76 (PL, see Lack 1976); 1 possible near Voi 27.12.73 (E. Bengtsson). (1 16 Falco cuvieri African Hobby) Seen several times near Lali Hills in the rains 1960-62 (I.S.C. Parker). 115 Falco subbuteo (European) Hobby Regular passage migrant especially in spring (April nearly exclusively). A few November records. 1 1 8 Falco concolor Sooty Falcon 1 female collected Lali Hills 20.11.60 (I.S.C. Parker); 1 near Kanderi 13.11.69 (WL); 1 near Mtito Andei 27.4.76 (PL); 1 probable near Voi 22.12.72 (J. Squire). 122 Falco chicquera Red-necked Falcon 1 by the Galana River between Sala and Sobo 17.6.69 (WL). 120 Falco amurensis Eastern Red-footed Falcon Occurs in small but variable numbers (occasionally large flocks on migration) November-December and April. 126 Falco naumanni Lesser Kestrel Regular but uncommon visitor in variable numbers mainly to open areas mid December- March. 123 Falco tinnunculus Kestrel Fairly common November-April which suggests they are Palaearctic birds. Only 1 record outside these dates, near Irima 24.6.75 (PL). Sagittariidae Secretary Bird 103 Sagittarius serpentarius Secretary Bird * Resident in small numbers, usually in areas with plenty of grass. Possibly an influx November-April. Phasianidae Game Birds There seems to have been a marked decrease in numbers of resident species in recent years and this cannot be wholly explained by the habitat changes. 195 Francolinus sephaena Crested Francolin * Fairly common resident in woodland, less so in riverine vegetation, and less still in other thick habitats. 203 Francolinus hildebrandti Hildebrandt’s Francolin Resident on the rocky hills around Voi. Also occurs on other rocky hills. 210 Francolinus leucoscepus Yellow-necked Spurfowl * Resident; now almost confined to riverine vegetation and other damper areas, though it is more widespread in the rains. 212 Coturnix delegorguei Harlequin Quail * Very common during and shortly after the short rains. Reappears in small numbers in April. Occurs in all but the thickest habitats. Numididae Guinea-Fowl The same general comment as for Phasianidae applies. 215 Nuniida meleagris Helmeted Guinea-Fowl * Fairly common resident in woodland and rare in other thick habitats. 218 Guttera pucherani Kenya Crested Guinea-Fowl Formerly occurred regularly along the Voi River especially at Ndololo. Last seen in November 1973 (WL). 219 Acryllium vulturinum Vulturine Guinea-Fowl * A large flock lives around Park HQ. Scarce elsewhere in thick habitats. Turnicidae Button-Quails 365 Turnix sylvatica Button-Quail * Visitor in variable numbers during the rains, especially when these are good. Confined to areas with high grass cover. 367 Ortyxelos meiffrenii Quail Plover Resident in small numbers throughout the area though not seen in woodland. It has probably been ex- tending its range recently (Lack 1975b). No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 11 Gruidae Cranes 245 Balearica pavonina South African Crowned Crane Sporadic visitor to waterholes. Most records January-May. Rallidae Crakes, Rails 224 Crex egregia African Crake 1 at Kanderi 25.6.72 (CS). 225 Limnocorax flavirostra Black Crake Sporadic visitor to the Voi River when the water is flowing. Heliornithidae Finfoots (243 Podica senegalensis Peter’s Finfoot) Seen twice on the Galana River near the HQ of Galana Ranch (B.R. Heath). Otididae Bustards 250 Otis kori Kori Bustard Rare visitor to open grassy areas. 252 Neotis heuglini Heuglin’s Bustard 1 near Sala 17.6.69 (WL); seen once on the Tiva floodplain on Galana Ranch in the early 1960s (I.S.C. Parker). 257 Eupodotis ruficrista Crested Bustard + Very common resident in all habitats except open grassland, preferring thicker ones. 256 Eupodotis senegalensis White-bellied or Senegal Bustard Uncommon resident mainly in open grassland. (258 Eupodotis melanogaster Black-bellied Bustard) Records of this species probably refer to E. hartlaubii. 259 Eupodotis hartlaubii Hartlaub’s Bustard Resident in small numbers in more open habitats. Jacanidae Jacanas 264 Actophilornis africana Jacana Occasional visitor to water e.g. Aruba. Rostratulidae Painted Snipes 297 Rostratula benghalensis Painted Snipe Sporadic visitor to the Voi River and large waterholes mainly in the rains. Charadriidae Plovers 287 Vanellus armatus Blacksmith Plover 1-2 seen 5 times June-November 1972 and 4 times April-June 1973 at Aruba and/or Kanderi (WL); several at Aruba 4.11.72 (CS); 1 at Cottars Camp 7.8.73 (GR). 286 Vanellus spinosus Spur-winged Plover * Several resident pairs at Aruba and on the Tiva River. Rare elsewhere. May be a recent arrival as all WL’s records are after August 1972 except for 2 in 1971. 292 Vanellus tectus Blackhead Plover * Fairly common resident in dry areas with open ground. 282 Vanellus lugubris Senegal Plover Sporadic visitor to any area, almost all June-August. 281 Vanellus coronatus Crowned Plover * Fairly common resident occurring only in more grassy areas where it is more common than V. tectus. Plovers calling at night are probably all this species. 278 Pluvialis dominicus Eastern Golden Plover 2 at Aruba 5.1.76 (PL & D.J. Pearson). 279 Pluvialis squat arola Grey Plover 1 at Aruba 14.11.73 (WL). 266 Charadrius hiaticula Ringed Plover A few are resident at Aruba through the winter (records August-May). Also on waterholes and the Galana River. 267 Charadrius dubius Little Ringed Plover Sporadic visitor to water mainly November-February. 271 Charadrius pecuarius Kittlitz’s Sand-Plover * Resident in small numbers at Aruba with fewer on the Galana and Tiva Rivers. Occasionally at seasonal waterholes. 272 Charadrius tricollaris Three-banded Plover * Very few resident at Aruba. Commoner on pools and the Galana River and is often on roads. 268 Charadrius marginatus White-fronted Sand-Plover 1 at Kanderi 1.6.71 (CS); 1 along Galana River 3.7.73 (WL); 1 at Aruba 23.1.75 (D.A. Turner); up to 6 Page 12 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 at Aruba 7-21.6.76 (PL). 274 Charadrius mongolus Mongolian Sand-Plover 6 records at Aruba and other water late August-late November. 277 Charadrius asiaticus Caspian Plover Fairly common visitor, usually in small flocks though up to 200 seen (Aruba airstrip 24.2.75 (PL)), September-March. Occurs primarily in very open areas especially to the south and east of Aruba. Scolopacidae Waders These are common winter visitors in Africa, but some individuals of many species can be found through- out the Palaearctic summer. In Tsavo this is especially true of Tringa nebularia , some of which can be found every year in June and July. 318 Tringa nebularia Greenshank Fairly common at any water all the winter. See above. 317 Tringa stagnatilis Marsh Sandpiper Regular all the winter though never in large numbers. Can occur at any water. Seems to arrive later than most other regular waders with only very few before late October. 314 Tringa glareola Wood Sandpiper The commonest Tringa. Occurs at all water though not usually in large flocks. 313 Tringa ochropus Green Sandpiper Rather scarce all the winter and prefers small waterholes or small watercourses. Most October-December. 312 Tringa hypoleucos Common Sandpiper Regular in small numbers all the winter, but especially so on autumn passage where it is one of the first migrants to arrive back, being fairly common in August. 3 1 6 Tringa erythropus Spotted Redshank Seen in small numbers December-March. Seems to prefer isolated waterholes. 311 Tringa terek Terek Sandpiper 1 at Aruba 4.11.72 and 11.11.72 (CS), 2 there 5.1 1 .72 (WL & CS) (see Leuthold 1974); 1 at Aruba 4.10.76 and 1.11.76 (PL). 299 Gallinago media Great Snipe 1 at Aruba 1.11.72 (CS); 1 there 13-18.12.76 (WP). 298 Gallinago gallinago Common Snipe Occurs in small numbers in reedy swamps November-March. This being the only period they are seen, they are usually assumed to be this species and not G. nigripennis ; 2 at Aruba 5.1.76 were certainly G. gallinago (D.J. Pearson). 303 Calidris ferruginea Curlew Sandpiper Mainly seen at Aruba or the Galana River on autumn passage (August-October) though a few may remain all the winter till May. 305 Calidris minuta Little Stint Very common at any water all the winter though large numbers do not arrive at Aruba before November. 308 Calidris alba Sanderling 1 at Aruba 2.1 1.72 and 3 there 19.1 1 .72 (both WL); 1 at Aruba 20.9.76 and 4.10.76 (PL), 309 Philomachus pugnax Ruff As for Calidris minuta. 319 Limosa limosa Black-tailed Godwit 1 at Aruba 3.1 1.69 and 8.1 1.69, 1 at Kanderi 1.1.70 and 7.1.70, 2 at Aruba 5.1 1.73 (all WL); 2 at Aruba 9.9.76 (PL); 1 at Aruba 15-17.12.76 (WP). Recurvirostridae Stilts, Avocets 296 Himantopus himantopus Black-winged Stilt * Occurs in small numbers all the year; larger numbers occur especially at Aruba October-March with up to 100 recorded there after mid December. 295 Recurvirostra avosetta Avocet 3 at Aruba 7. 1 1 .71 (CS); 1 there 5.1 1.72 and 2 there 19.1 1.72 (WL); 1 there October-November 1976 (PL). The dates suggest they are Palaearctic birds. Phalaropidae Phalaropes 323 Phalaropus lobatus Red-necked Phalarope l at Aruba 4.10.76 (photographed, PL). Burhinidae Thicknees 262 Burhinus capensis Spotted Thicknee Scarce resident usually in thick habitats. Rarely seen by day. 263 Burhinus vermiculatus Water Thicknee Local resident along the Tsavo, Athi and Galana Rivers. Not seen elsewhere. Glareolidae Coursers, Pratincoles 325 Cursorius cursor Cream-coloured Courser Sporadic visitor. All records are east of Aruba and usually singles. Were seen “fairly frequently” on No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 13 Galana Ranch October-March in the early 1960s (I.S.C. Parker). 326 Cursorius temminckii Temminck’s Courser + Uncommon visitor to open plains mainly to the east of or at Aruba and mainly April-October especially May and June. 327 Cursorius africanus Two-banded Courser 1 near Mtito Andei 27.12.73 (GR). 328 Cursorius cinctus Heuglin’s Courser Fairly common resident though rarely seen unless flushed at one’s feet. Occurs in all habitats except open grassland. 329 Cursorius chalcopterus Violet-tipped Courser Rarely seen on the roads at night; most records December-May. 330 Glareola pratinco/a Pratincole Occurs sporadically at Aruba December-April ; maximum together 15-20 there 19.2.71 (CS). Laridae Gulls, Terns 345 Larus ridibundus Black-headed Gull Records at Aruba: 2-4 on 11-19.1.72 (WL & CS), 1 on 21.12.72 (CS), 5-6 on 30.12.72, 1 on 3.1.73 and 4-5 on 1.3.74 (all WL). Also 1 at Mudanda Rock 5.1.73 (WL). 340 Larus fuscus Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 adult and 1 immature at Aruba 20.11.75 (PL). 349 Sterna nilotica Gull-billed Tern A few records of single birds mostly at Aruba and mainly October-November. 362 Sterna hybrida Whiskered Tern 4 in breeding plumage at Aruba 22.11.74 (PL); at least 3 there 4.12.76 (D.J. Pearson). See under next species. 361 Sterna leucoptera White-winged Black Tern “Marsh Terns” occur regularly in small numbers at Aruba all the winter but are more numerous (rarely more than 10 together) December-April. They are assumed to be predominantly S. leucoptera though some S. hybrida certainly occur (see above). In April some S. leucoptera can be seen in various stages of moult into breeding plumage. Rynchopidae Skimmers 364 Rynchops flavirostris African Skimmer 1 at Kanderi 27.5.71 (WL). Pteroclididae Sandgrouse 369 Pterocles exustus Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse Seen at intervals along the Nairobi-Mombasa road (AFW) and occasionally on Galana Ranch (B.R. Heath). A small influx (with flocks up to 22) occurred mainly to the south of the Voi River June- October 1976 (PL). 370 Pterocles decoratus Black-faced Sandgrouse * Very common resident over the whole area. In the dry season, concentrations at water may be spectacular especially at and just to the west of Roka. Columbidae Pigeons, Doves 379 Columba guinea Speckled Pigeon 3 near Ndololo 9.4.70 (WL). 386 Streptopelia semitorquata Red-eyed Dove + Fairly common resident in woodland and along major rivers. 387 Streptopelia decipiens Mourning Dove Fairly common resident along rivers where there is a fringe of trees especially Acacia elatior but not in riverine forest. 388 Streptopelia capicola Ring-necked Dove * Very common resident everywhere. 392 Streptopelia senegalensis Laughing Dove * In small numbers all the year mainly near to water. A very large increase occurs in January-February. 393 Oena capensis Namaqua Dove * Very small numbers can be found at all times especially at e.g. Aruba. Increases considerably in the 2-3 months after the short rains. 394 Turtur tynipanistria Tambourine Dove Formerly occurred in the Voi River forest (AFW). No recent records. 397 Turtur cha/cospilos Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove + Common resident in woodland, and along the Voi River; and less so in other thick habitats. 401 Treron australis Green Pigeon Formerly occurred sporadically along the Voi River (AFW). No recent records. Psittacidae Parrots 448 Poicepha/us rufiventris Orange- bellied Parrot Page 14 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 Fairly common resident in thicker habitats usually with large trees especially baobabs. Musophagidae Turacos 434 Tauraco porphyreolophus Violet-crested Turaco Formerly occurred in riverine trees e.g. along the Mbololo River (AFW) No recent records. 440 Corythaixoides leucogaster White-bellied Go-Away-Bird Common resident in woodland. Also occurs in riverine fringes and some thick habitats e.g. on the Yatta Plateau. Cuculidae Cuckoos 413 Clamator glandarius Great Spotted Cuckoo * Regular in small numbers in thicker habitats October-March especially December-January. 1 June record (PL) and a fledgling seen in April 1976 (Trevor & Lack 1976). 415 Clamator jacobinus Black-and-White Cuckoo * Fairly common migrant November-January and April-early May with a few in between. Mainly occurs low down in bushes in thicker habitats. A fledgling in February 1977 (Turner 1977). 406 Cuculus solitarius Red-chested Cuckoo Only recorded November-January and then only in woodland and around Park HQ. 407 Cuculus clamosus Black Cuckoo Heard rarely (hardly ever seen!) in woodland November-February ; 1 at Voi River 20.2.71 (CS). 404a Cuculus canorus canorus European Cuckoo Fairly common migrant December-January and especially April. May occur in any habitat preferably with trees. 404b Cuculus canorus gularis African Cuckoo Fairly common in thicker habitats, mainly November-January. Also rarely in April. (405 Cuculus poliocephalus Lesser Cuckoo) 2 adults (grey form) at Voi in April 1976 (J.G. Williams). 418 Chrysococcyx klaas Klaas’ Cuckoo Heard fairly often (seen rarely) in all thicker habitats. Commonest in the rains but can be seen at any time of year. 417 Chrysococcyx caprius Didric Cuckoo Common everywhere November-January and a few April-May (numbers fluctuate with the amount of rain). Rare in the dry seasons. 416 Chrysococcyx cuprous Emerald Cuckoo 1 male calling (and seen) Voi River forest 19.11.74, 1 female at Ndololo 9.12.75 (both PL). 424 Ceuthmochares acre us Yellow- Bill 1 in Voi River forest 21.1 1.74 (PL); 1 at Roka 1 1.11.75 (PL & WL). Seen fairly often in thickets near Sala (B.R. Heath, once by F. Alexander). 423 Centropus superciliosus White-browed Coucal * Occurs in thick bushes along all watercourses. At least some are resident but is much more prominent in the rains. Tytonidae Barn Owls 528 Tyto alba Barn Owl 1 roosting near Ndara 12.1.72 and soon after (CS). Has occurred in Voi (AFW). Strigidae Owls 534 Otus scops Scops Owl Many along the Tiva River (F. Alexander) and is probably fairly common along both the Galana and Voi Rivers though very rarely seen. One is resident at Cottars Camp. Formerly (and up to 1971) it was often heard at night and not only near rivers, but it is certainly not common now near Park HQ. 536 Otus leucotis White-faced Scops Owl Seen occasionally near Sala (B.R. Heath) and has been seen at Lugard’s Falls (AFW). 543 Bubo africanus Spotted Eagle-Owl * Widespread but scarce resident mainly in thicker habitats. Often rests by day on or near the ground. 544 Bubo lacteus Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl * Uncommon resident especially along rivers and watercourses. Rests by day on the branches of large trees. 538 Glaucidium perlatum Pearl-spotted Owlet + Common resident everywhere with trees especially along rivers. Caprimulgidae Nightjars Fairly commonly seen on the roads at night during the rains, more rarely in the dry seasons. All species are probably migratory to some degree. Most positive records refer to road casualties. 547 Caprimulgus europaeus European Nightjar Passage migrant, mainly November. 553 Caprimulgus nubicus Nubian Nightjar 1 on road to Voi from the Park 5.3.71 (photographed, CS); 2 seen in the lights of Voi Safari Lodge 28.6.76 No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 15 (WP); formerly seen fairly often (AFW). 1 collected with an egg at Tsavo River 2.4.34 (Peters & Loveridge 1937) is C.fossii (R.M. Paynter in litt.). 548 Caprimulgus fraenatus Dusky Nightjar 1 at Irima 2.1.72 (CS); 1 near Voi 7.12.76 and another there 12.12.76 (PL). 552 Caprimulgus donaldsoni Donaldson-Smith’s Nightjar * Probably the commonest species occurring in both rufous and grey forms. 556 Caprimulgus inornatus Plain Nightjar 1 seen in the hand near Park HQ 27.12.70 (CS); 1 near Voi 18.12.75 (PL). 554 Caprimulgus tristigma Freckled Nightjar Formerly occurred in rocky areas especially domed granite hills e.g. Mudanda Rock and Maungu (AFW). No recent records. 560 Caprimulgus fossii Gabon Nightjar * 2 specimens in Education Centre at Voi, one dated 15.12.58, other undated (identities checked by PL in National Museum). 3 specimens near Voi in January 1975 (PL). Formerly often heard (AFW). See C. nubicus. 565bCaprimulgus clarus Long-tailed Nightjar 1 specimen in the Education Centre at Voi dated 8.12.58 (identity checked by PL in National Museum). Common on Galana Ranch (B.R. Heath). Formerly often heard (AFW). Apodidae Swifts 640 Apus melba Alpine Swift Sporadic visitor usually in company with other swifts. Most records in January. 641 Apus aeqatorialis Mottled Swift Rarely seen hawking over the Voi River and around Voi. 636 Apus apus Common Swift Fairly large all dark swifts are seen regularly all the Palaearctic winter especially December-February and some can be seen at any time suggesting at least some are resident birds probably A. barbatus. Such swifts can be seen at any season in the Taita Hills (PL, AFW). 637 Apus niansae Nyanza Swift 4 positive records near the Voi River December-January (PL, D.J. Pearson). 636b Apus barbatus Black Swift No positive records but see above under A. apus. 645 Apus horus Horus Swift 2 at Maungu 23.10.71 (CS); a few along the Galana and Mbololo Rivers 1.12.76 (R.J. Dowsett). 644 Apus caffer White-rumped Swift * Resident round where it nests in buildings and culverts but may occur anywhere at intervals. 643 Apus affinis Little Swift * Nests commonly on buildings. Resident around these but may be seen anywhere at intervals. 646 Cypsiurus parvus Palm Swift * Common resident wherever there are doum palms. Regular but uncommon away from these. 647 Telacanthura ussheri Mottle-throated Spinetail Several along the Tiva River near Roka 11.1 1.75 (PL & WL) and it has been seen near Manyani (AFW). 648 Neafrapus boehmi Boehm’s Spinetail Has been recorded at Lugard’s Falls (AFW). Collidae Mousebirds 566 Colius striatus Speckled Mousebird Resident in very small numbers but may increase considerably when fruit is ripe notably Salvadora persica (August-September). Almost restricted to riverine vegetation. 567 Colius leucocephalus White-headed Mousebird 1 about 5 km south of Voi 22.5.76 (PL & M. Garnett), 4 there 22.7.76 (PL); seen at Buchuma (F. Alexander) and formerly regular at Maungu (AFW). 568 Colius macrourus Blue-naped Mousebird * Fairly common resident occurring mainly along rivers and watercourses and in woodland though also often in very dry areas. Trogonidae Trogons 570 Apaloderma narina Narina’s Trogon 1 at Park HQ 10.8.76 and was formerly fairly common along the Tiva River (both D.L.W. Sheldrick). Alcedinidae Kingfishers 465 Ceryle rudis Pied Kingfisher Regular but uncommon resident along the Galana River and its tributaries. Rare elsewhere. 470 Alcedo crista ta Malachite Kingfisher Sporadic visitor to suitable water mainly during and after the rains. 471 Ceyx picta Pigmy Kingfisher 1 at Ndara 10.5.73 (WL); 1 on Voi River 21.11.74, 1 near Sala 31.12.74, 1 by a waterhole c. 30 km north- east of Aruba 12.4.76 (all PL). 479 Halcyon chelicuti Striped Kingfisher Page 16 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 Fairly common resident wherever there are large trees with open ground underneath. 476 Halcyon albiventris . Brown-hooded Kingfisher Rare in the Voi River forest. All records are October-May. 477 Halcyon leucocephala Grey-headed Kingfisher Occurs fairly commonly along rivers November-May but may disappear completely June-October as in 1975 (PL) though a few can usually be found all the year. Meropidae Bee-Eaters A large number pass fairly high overhead late August-November and April-early May. Merops apiaster and both races of M. superciliosus are certainly involved but the proportions of each are unknown as the majority are too high for positive identification. 481 Merops apiaster Bee-Eater Passage migrant September-October and April. See above. 482a Merops superciliosus superciliosus Madagascar Bee-Eater (*) Fairly common visitor especially in woodland where it feeds from perches on the pylons December- April. See above. Possibly bred along the Athi River in August 1974 (WL) and 1 feeding fledgling Indicator indicator near Sala 5.7.76 (photographed, J. Mulder per CS). 4%2bMerops superciliosus persicus Blue-cheeked Bee-Eater Rare visitor mainly near to rivers October-March especially after mid January. See above. 484 Merops nubicus Carmine Bee-Eater Sporadic visitor in very small numbers February-March. 486 Merops albicollis White-throated Bee-Eater Visitor, often in fairly large numbers, after rain late October- April. 488 Merops pusillus Little Bee-Eater * Uncommon resident occurring mainly near rivers and watercourses. 491 Merops revoi/ii Somali Bee-Eater 15 years ago only seen north of the Galana River (AFW). Now uncommon resident throughout the area between the Galana and Voi Rivers in any habitat, preferring areas with thick bushes (see Leuthold 1973a). To date only 1 record south of the Voi River (5 km) 6.9.76 (PL). Coraciidae Rollers 457 Coracias garrulus European Roller Very common mainly in more open areas November- April. Large very loose flocks may be seen moving slowly through at 20-30 m above the ground when there are storms nearby and during spring passage in April. 460 Coracias caudatus Lilac-breasted Roller * Scarce but regular resident wherever there are large trees. A few of the Somali race C. c. lorti (apparently non-breeding migrants) may be seen December-March. 461 Coracias naevia Rufous-crowned Roller + Variable in numbers from year to year occurring most commonly March-July. Usually near large trees. 463 Eurystomus glaucurus Broad-billed Roller -(- Fairly common along the Voi and Tiva Rivers November-May, but appears at other times after rain e.g. late September 1976. Occasional elsewhere near baobabs. Upupidae Hoopoes 517 Upupa epops epops/senegalensis Hoopoe or Senegal Hoopoe Birds with a white bar on the primaries are rare visitors November-February. Habitat as below. 518 Upupa epops africana South African Hoopoe Partial migrant, mainly in thicker habitats with some bare ground. Regular December-June but rare during the rest of the year. Phoeniculidae Wood-Hoopoes 519 Phoeniculus purpureus Green Wood-Hoopoe or Kakelaar * Fairly common resident where there are large trees, especially along rivers. 520 Phoeniculus granti Violet Wood-Hoopoe A group along the Tiva River near Roka in February 1969 (F. Alexander), a group along the Galana River in August 1972 (J. Squire) are the only positive records. 527 Phoeniculus minor Abyssinian Scimiter-bill * Fairly common resident, especially in thicker habitats. 526 Phoeniculus cyanomelas Scimitar-bill 2 in Voi River forest 18-19.3.69 (WL); 1 at Cottars Camp 27-28.3.76 (GR). Bucerotidae Hornbills 504 Tockus nasutus Grey Hornbill + Fairly common resident (but seems commoner in the rains) in open areas with some trees though also occurs in thicker habitats. Can occur in drier areas than other Tockus species. 505 Tockus erythrorhynchus Red-billed Hornbill * Common resident wherever there are trees. No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 17 507 Tockus deckeni Vonder Decken’s Hornbill * Very common resident in woodland but relatively scarce elsewhere. May increase in numbers when there is abundant Commiphora fruit, especially July-September. (508 Tockus jacksoni Jackson’s Hornbill) A bird collected on Tsavo River 5.4.34 (Peters & Loveridge 1937) is T. deckeni (R.M. Paynter in lift.) 506 Tockus flavirostris Yellow-billed Hornbill * Uncommon resident in woodland; rare in other thick habitats. Formerly common (AFW). 509 Tockus alboterminatus Crowned Hornbill Seen at intervals in and around the Voi River forest mostly November-March. Occasional elsewhere near rocky hills. 501 Bycanistes brevis Silvery-cheeked Hornbill 1 on Voi River 18.10.69 (WF); a few there 19.2.71 and 12.3.71 (CS); 1 probable (certainly this or B. buci- nator) 10 km east of Sala 12.12.75 (PL). Formerly in Voi River forest (AFW). 515 Bucorvus cafer Ground Hornbill A few seen at intervals just within the western edge of the Park, along the Voi River. Uncommon along the Nairobi-Mombasa road, Formerly fairly common in many areas (AFW). Capitonidae Barbets 580 Lybius melanopterus Brown-breasted Barbet Regular in small numbers in the Voi River forest especially at fruiting trees. 576 Lybius leucocephalus White-headed Barbet Formerly came to fruiting trees along the Voi River (AFW). No recent records but does occur in the Bura River forest near Taita Hills Lodge. 575 Lybius torquatus Black-collared Barbet 1 at Ndololo 21.12.74 (PL). 583 Lybius melanocephalus Black-throated Barbet * Very common resident in woodland, but not seen outside this habitat. 584 Lybius lacrymosus Spotted-flanked Barbet * Fairly common resident along rivers. Also occurs around Park HQ and very rarely in woodland. 585 Lybius leucomelas Red-fronted Barbet Formerly rare in dry Acacia areas (AFW). No recent records. 594 Pogoniulus pusillus Red-fronted Tinker-Bird Uncommon resident in woodland, riverine vegetation and near rocky hills; rare elsewhere. 597 Pogoniulus bilineatus Golden-rumped Tinker-Bird Formerly seen along the Voi River (AFW). No recent records. 603 Trachyphonus darnaudii D’Arnaud’s Barbet * Common resident in all areas with thick bushes but not in riverine vegetation. 601 Trachyphonus erythrocephalus Red-and-Yellow Barbet * Fairly common resident usually in more open areas than T. darnaudii. Also occurs in the more open parts of riverine vegetation. Indicatoridae Honey-Guides 606 Indicator variegatus Scaly-throated Honey-Guide 2 along the Voi River 12.3.71 (CS). Formerly in the Voi River forest (AFW). 605 Indicator indicator Black-throated (or Greater) Honey-Guide * Rare in thick habitats south of the Galana River. Considerably commoner in parts of the northern area. Fledgling seen being fed by Merops s. superciliosus (q.v.). 608 Indicator minor Lesser Honey-Guide Rare in woodland and riverine vegetation. Most often seen during the rains. Formerly often heard in the Voi River forest (AFW) and up to 1972 (CS). Picidae Woodpeckers 619 Campethera nubica Nubian Woodpecker -f Common resident. The commonest woodpecker occurring wherever treeless areas where there are many dead stumps. 623 Dendropicos fuscescens Cardinal Woodpecker Fairly common resident in most areas though prefers the presence ot 629 Thripias namaquus Bearded Woodpecker Rare resident in areas with large trees. Alaudidae Larks 654 Mirafra cantillans Singing Bush-Lark -f Fairly common partial migrant in grassland. Commoner in the rains and only obvious when singing. — Mirafra pulpa Friedmann’s Bush-Lark Uncommon visitor to well-grassed areas with a few bushes in the rains, especially December-January (see Lack 1977). 657 Mirafra hypermetra Red-winged Bush-Lark + Very common resident, almost restricted to open grassland. there are trees. May also occur in trees. Page 18 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 660 Mirafra rufocinnamomea Flappet Lark 2 near Sobo 21.7.71 (CS); 1 near Mtito Andei 26.4.76 (PL); has been heard near Maungu (AFW). 665 Mirafra poecilosterna Pink-breasted Lark * The commonest and most widespread resident lark occurring everywhere except woodland where there are thick bushes underneath and riverine forest. 682 Eremopterix leucopareia Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark Formerly fairly common around Aruba and along the Nairobi-Mombasa road in the early 1960s (D.A. Turner). No recent records. Has evidently been replaced by E. signata. 681 Eremopterix signata Chestnut-headed Sparrow-Lark * Common partial migrant being commoner in and soon after the rains. Often seen in pairs during the rains though in flocks at other times. Occurs mainly in more open areas. 679 Eremopterix leucotis Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Uncommon visitor in flocks (usually small) to open grassy habitats soon after rain. Hirundinidae Swallows, Martins 1068 Riparia riparia European Sand Martin A few records each autumn, September-early January, mostly from Aruba. 1070 Riparia eincta Banded Martin 2 at Aruba 22.1 1.75 (E. Bengtsson). 1054 Hinmdo rustica European Swallow Appears in very large numbers when the short rains start and then becomes progressively scarcer till they have all left in early May. A few occur before November, the earliest being 12.8.76 (PL). 1061 Hinmdo smithii Wire-tailed Swallow Resident in small numbers in the vicinity of water. 1063 Hinmdo senegalensis Mosque Swallow Has been seen near Manyani (AFW). (At least 2 were seen at Mtito Andei 23.4.77 (WP).) 1062 Hinmdo daurica Red-rumped Swallow * Uncommon resident around culverts, and sometimes buildings. 1065 Hinmdo abyssinica Striped Swallow * Common resident around its nest sites on buildings, with a few in culverts. 1073 Hinmdo fuligida African Rock Martin * Fairly common resident around rocky hills. 1074 Delichon urbica House Martin A few are seen most winters from late November-early May. Motacillidae Wagtails, Pipits Some of 695-701 Motacilla flava ssp. Yellow Wagtail subspecies Uncommon but regular visitor in small numbers to short grass areas, especially Aruba, November-early May. Which race or races are involved is unknown. 694 Motacilla cinerea Grey Wagtail 1 at Aruba 19.2.71 (CS). 691 Motacilla aguimp African Pied Wagtail * Fairly common resident near water especially the Galana River, and around buildings. 706 An thus novaeseelandiae Richard’s Pipit Uncommon visitor, especially to Aruba, but also to other short grass areas November- April. 705 Anthus leucophrys Sandy Plain-backed Pipit 1 south of Aruba 27.1.71, a few at Aruba 27.3.71 (both CS); formerly occurred in very open areas (AFW). 708 Anthus trivialis Tree Pipit Few at Aruba 27.3.71 and 1 there 7.11.71 (both CS); 7 at Ndololo 8.3.76 were probably this species (PL). 713 Anthus cervinus Red-throated Pipit Sporadic visitor to Aruba and surroundings. Records December-March. 715 Tmetothylacus tenellus Golden Pipit * Very common during and soon after the rains in all areas. May disappear entirely June-October. 720 Macronyx aurantiigula Pangani Longclaw * Fairly common resident in open grassy areas. Campephagidae Cuckoo-Shrikes 1081 Campephaga /Java Black Cuckoo-Shrike Rare, probably resident, mainly in woodland and riverine forest; is relatively common in the Tiva River/ Yatta Plateau area. Pycnonotidae Bulbuls 743 Pycnonotus barbatus dodsoni White-eared Bulbul * Common resident in thicker habitats especially woodland. 773 Andropadus importunus Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul * Common resident in woodland and riverine forest. 769 Chlorociehla flaviventris Yellow-bellied Greenbul Recorded along the Voi River (AFW,CS). No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 19 754 Phyllastrephus strepitans Northern Brownbul * Fairly common resident in woodland and along watercourses; always in thick bushes. 1148 Nicator chloris Nicator Rare, probably resident, in the thickest parts of woodland. Only noticeable when singing in the rains. Laniidae Shrikes 1097 Eurocepphalus rueppelli White-crowned Shrike * Common resident wherever there are trees. 1090 Prionops plumata Straight-crested Helmet-Shrike + Fairly common resident in woodland and slighdy less so in other thick habitats. Not in riverine vegetation. 1095 Prionops retzii Retz’s Red-billed Shrike * Fairly common resident in riverine vegetation. 1098 Nilaus afer Northern Brubru * Fairly common resident in open areas with trees. 1130 Dryoscopus pringlii Pringle’s Puff-back Rare, probably resident, in woodland near Voi and on the northern boundary of the Park. Fairly common near Ntharakana in wooded bushland. 1128 Dryoscopus cubla Black-backed Puff-back -f- Fairly common resident along the Voi and Tiva Rivers. 1135 Tchagra jamesi Three-streaked Bush-Shrike Fairly common resident in thick habitats. 1134 Tchagra australis Brown-headed Bush-Shrike 1 on Voi River 15.12.76 (WP); 1 possible at Ndololo 9.4.76 (PL). 1133 Tchagra senegala Black-headed Bush-Shrike * Rare resident in very thick parts of woodland. 2 records along the Voi River and 1 at Gazi (PL). 1147 Rhodophoneus cruentus Rosy-patched Shrike * Common resident in bushy areas preferably without trees. 1126 Laniarius ruficeps Red-naped Bush-Shrike 1 along the Mbololo River 19.8.72 (CS); seen once in woodland around Park HQ (AFW). 1125 Laniarius aethiopicus Tropical Boubou Rare in Voi River forest. Usually only heard and this mainly in the rains. A pair near Park HQ 23.8.70 (CS). 1121 Laniarius funebris Slate-coloured Boubou * Common resident in woodland and in dry watercourses but seems to be absent from the Voi River veget- ation. 1138 Malaconotus sulfureopectus Sulphur-breasted Bush-Shrike Rare, probably resident, in woodland and riverine vegetation; occasional elsewhere. Most records are of birds heard in the rains. Formerly “not uncommon” (AFW). 1142 Malaconotus quadricolor Four-coloured Bush-Shrike Formerly occurred rarely along the Voi River (AFW). No recent records. 1144 Malaconotus blanchoti Grey-headed Bush-Shrike Uncommon resident in woodland and riverine vegetation. 1112 Lanius collurio collurio Red-backed Shrike A small passage in autumn (late October-mid November), then in very small numbers through the winter but nearly completely replaces L. c. isabellinus during April in which month it is very common. Occurs in all habitats except very open grassland without dead stumps. 1114 Lanius collurio isabellinus Red-tailed Shrike Very common winter resident arriving about two weeks after L. c. collurio in November and staying till early April. Habitat as above and see above. 1103 Lanius minor Lesser Grey Shrike Fairly common migrant extreme end of March-early May (18.5.71 is the latest (CS)), occurring mainly in the more open habitats. Also 1 about 10 km south of Aruba 15.10.71 (CS). 1108 Lanius cabanisi Long-tailed Fiscal * Uncommon resident. Repalces L. dorsalis in some slightly dampei areas e.g. along the Voi River. 1107 Lanius dorsalis Taita Fiscal * Very common resident in open areas but occurs in all habitats except woodland and riverine vegetation. Muscicapidae Thrushes, Chats, Chatterers, Warblers, Flycatchers 883 Saxicola rubetra Whinchat 1 at Kanderi 10.12.74 (PL). 854 Oenanthe oenanthe Wheatear Common migrant late September-October and fairly common April. A few are winter residents and 2 individuals were recorded several times May-.lune 1976 and 1 on 21.7.75 (PL). Prefers open habitats. 859 Oenanthe pleschanka Pied Wheatear Fairly common migrant October-November. Regular but not common thereafter till April. Occurs in thicker habitats than other Oenanthe species, but not in woodland. 855 Oenanthe isabellina Isabelline Wheatear Common winter migrant late October-April in more open areas. 868 Oenanthe pileata Capped Wheatear Uncommon visitor to very open areas especially March-June. Odd records January-August. Page 20 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 871 Cercomela familiaris Red-tailed Chat 1 at Park HQ 30.3.72 (CS). 876 Myrmecocichla cinnamomeiventris Cliff-Chat 1 male was periodically recorded at Voi Safari Lodge 1970-1975; 1 at Maungu 31.12.70 (CS). Formerly a pair above Park HQ (AFW). 850 Monticola saxatilis Rock Thrush Common winter migrant October-April in the more open areas. 934 Cercotrichas galactotes Rufous Warbler Common winter migrant occurring wherever there are thick bushes November-mid April. 911 Cercotrichas leucophrys White-winged Scrub-Robin * Common resident in all thick habitats except riverine vegetation. 913 Cercotrichas quadrivirgata Eastern Bearded Scrub-Robin Formerly occurred along rivers (AFW). No recent records. 909 Cichladusa guttata Spotted Morning Warbler * Rare resident in woodland. Formerly common especially along riverbeds (AFW). 884 Cossypha heuglini White-browed Robin-Chat Formerly regular, especially along the Voi and Galana Rivers (AFW). No recent records. 848 Neocossyphus rufus Red-tailed Ant-Thrush Has been seen once or twice along the Voi River (AFW). No recent records. 921 Luscinia megarhynchos Nightingale Very few positive records. All in riverine vegetation March-April but it may well be more widespread. Neither of 2 caught and ringed was L. m. hafizi. 922 Luscinia luscinia Sprosser Fairly common passage migrant October-December and April to thick habitats especially riverine. 920 Irania gutturalis White-throated Robin Fairly common winter visitor in thick habitats November-April especially December-January. 843 Turdus tephronotus Bare-eyed Thrush Common resident in woodland. Rare in other thick habitats and then mainly in the northern area. 732 Turdoides rubiginosus Rufous Chatterer * Rare in thick bushes along rivers. Also in woodland but is much rarer there than T. aylmeri. 733 Turdoides aylmeri Scaly Chatterer * Uncommon resident in very thick bushes mostly in woodland. 940 Locustella fluviatilis River Warbler 1 caught and ringed in woodland near Voi 31.3.75 (PL) (see Lack 1975a); l near Voi Gate 25-29.12.76 (PL & D. Schmidl). 947 Acrocephalus schoenobaenus Sedge Warbler Rare migrant mid April-early May, usually near to water in reedy margins; 1 at Voi Safari Lodge 5.1.75 (PL). 945 Acrocephalus palustris Marsh Warbler Fairly common migrant November-December and more rarely in April. Prefers areas with trees. 944 Acrocephalus scirpaceus Reed Warbler 1 probable (with A. palustris nearby) at Aruba 13-18.12.76 (WP). 942 Acrocephalus arundinaceus arundinaceus Great Reed Warbler 3 ccaught and ringed at Ndololo 19.4.76 (PL). 943 Acrocephalus arundinaceus griseldis Basra Reed Warbler Ociasional migrant to thicker areas. Records in December (several seen) and April (1 caught and ringed near Vo 13.4.76 (PL)). 955 Acrocephalus gracilirostris Greater Swamp Warbler Formerly occurred in swamps (AFW). No recent records. 1051 Sphenoeacus mentalis Moustache Warbler Has occurred in rank grass (AFW). No recent records. 936 Hippolais olivetorum Olive-Tree Warbler 1 at Park HQ 17.1.71 (CS); 1 at Voi Safari Lodge 7.3.75 (B.S. Meadows); 1 probable near Irima 4.11.75 (PL); 1 on Galana Ranch 13.11.76 (PL); 1 at Aruba 13-18.12.76 (WP). 937 Hippolais languida Upcher’s Warbler Fairly common winter migrant especially January-April in bushy areas, and fairly common in woodland. 938 Hippolais pallida Olivaceous Warbler Common winter migrant to areas with trees November-April ; especially common in woodland and riverine vegetation. 933 Sylvia nisoria Barred Warbler Fairly common migrant November-April in thick bushes even where these are in fairly open areas. 925 Sylvia borin Garden Warbler Uncertain status. Certainly occurs fairly regularly mainly in thicker areas December- April. 924 Sylvia communis Whitethroat Common migrant in bushes November-January and April; a few remain all through the winter. 959 Phylloscopus trochilus Willow Warbler Common migrant to any area with trees October-November and March-April; only very few remain December-Febr uary . 1024 Cisticola chiniana Rattling Cisticola Rare, probably resident. Records from around Voi (several), Irima and the Mbololo River. No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 21 1033 Cisticola galactotes Winding Cisticola Rare visitor to rank grass in damper areas (e.g. Aruba and parts of the Voi River) during the rains. 1042 Cisticola cinereola Ashy Cisticola * Fairly common resident in grassland and open bushed grassland. 1041 Cisticola nana Tiny Cisticola Uncommon resident in the more open parts of woodland. Also seen regularly in one or two isolated areas with large trees e.g. near Voi Gate and a part of Maungu Plains. 1018 Cisticola aridula Desert Cisticola Rare in open grassland. Most records are in the rains but this may be simply that it is more obvious then. 1045 Prinia subflava Tawny-flanked Prinia 2 along the Voi River 11.11.71 (CS); 3 at Gazi 11.8.75 (PL). 1046 Prinia somalica Pale Prinia Seen once north of Sala (AFW). 979 Apalis flavida Black-breasted Apalis Rare in woodland, and other thick bush in the northern area. Probably resident but all PL’s records (10) May-October. Formerly fairly common (AFW). 987 Spiloptila rufifrons Red-faced Apalis Rare resident in thick bushland. Formerly fairly common (AFW). 995 Phyllolais pulchella Buff-bellied Warbler Formerly “not uncommon” in the tops of larger Acacia trees (AFW). No recent records. 1011 Camaroptera brevicaudata Grey-backed Camaroptera Occasional in woodland and riverine forest. 968 Camaroptera simplex Grey Wren Warbler -j- Fairly common resident in all thick habitats. 1004 Eremomela flavicrissalis Yellow- vented Eremomela * Uncommon resident in the more open parts of woodland. Rare in other thick habitats. 996 Sylvietta brachyura Crombec * Fairly common resident, especially in woodland. 999 Sylvietta isabellina Somali Long-billed Crombec * A pair with eggs near Park HQ 7.6.72 (CS); 1 along the Mbololo River 15.4.75 (PL). Formerly “not uncommon” (AFW). 787 Parisoma boehmi Banded Tit-Flycatcher 1 in Acacia tortilis woodland 30 km north-east of Aruba 21.6.76 (PL). Formerly uncommon in large Acacia trees (AFW). 778 Muscicapa striata Spotted Flycatcher Fairly common late October-mid April in thicker habitats, especially riverine vegetation. 785 Muscicapa caerulescens Ashy Flycatcher 1 at Ndololo 24.9.71 (S. Keith per WL); 1 at Ndololo 17.4.76 (PL). 788 Myioparus plumbeus Grey Tit-Flycatcher 1 at Ndololo 12.5.75 and 29.9.75 (PL). Formerly fairly common along the Voi River (AFW). 799 Melaenornis pammelaina South African Black Flycatcher Few near Park HQ August 1970, 1 by Mbololo River 19.8.70 (both CS). 793 Bradornis microrhynchus Grey Flycatcher + Uncommon resident in thicker habitats. Formerly common (AFW). 792 Bradornis pallidus Pale Flycatcher Present status uncertain. PL thought all Bradornis spp. that he saw were B. microrhynchus and did see B. pallidus in the Taita Hills. However, AFW certainly saw this species formerly and CS and J. Squire have both seen it in the Tsavo area in the last 5 years. 817 Batis molitor Chin-spot Puff-back Flycatcher * Fairly common resident in woodland. Rare elsewhere. 8 1 9 Batis perkeo Pigmy Puff-back Flycatcher Uncommon resident in thicker habitats especially in the northern area. 820 Batis minor Black-headed Puff-back Flycatcher Uncommon resident in riverine vegetation. Rare elsewhere though regular at Voi Safari Lodge. 832 Terpsiphone viridis Paradise Flycatcher * Uncommon visitor to thicker habitats especially woodland, riverine vegetation and gardens mostly in the rains. Paridae Tits 1151 Parus afer Grey Tit Rare resident in thicker habitats, especially woodland in the northern area. 1155 Parus albiventris White-breasted Tit Occurred regularly around Park HQ 1969-1972 (WL, CS). Only 3 records (all near Park HQ) in 1975-1976 (PL). 1161 Anthoscopus musculus Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit Rare resident in thick habitats especially in the northern area. Nectariniidae Sunbirds 1274b Anthreptes orientalis Violet-backed Sunbird + Page 22 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 Uncommon resident especially in woodland though also in other thick habitats. Fairly common along the Tiva but not the Galana or Voi Rivers. 1271 Anthreptes collaris Collared Sunbird Uncommon resident along rivers and around Park HQ. 1269 Nectarinia o/ivacea Olive Sunbird Formerly in the Voi River forest (AFW). No recent records. 1261 Nectarinia amethystina Amethyst Sunbird * Uncommon resident along rivers and in other damper places e.g. gardens. Also rare in woodland. 1264 Nectarinia hunteri Hunter’s Sunbird * Common resident in all habitats except open grassland. 1251 Nectarinia venusta Variable Sunbird Formerly occurred around houses and along the Voi River (AFW). 1 at Ndololo 19.8.69 (WL). 1242 Nectarinia bifasciata (Tsavo) Purple-banded Sunbird Fairly common resident in woodland. Rare in other thick habitats. 1245 Nectarinia mariquensis Mariqua Sunbird Formerly “not uncommon” (AFW). No recent records. 1233 Nectarinia pulchella Beautiful Sunbird Formerly fairly common in woodland (AFW). No recent records. 1234 Nectarinia nectarinioides Smaller Black-bellied Sunbird * 1 on Voi River 23.12.71 (CS); 1 there on each of 19.11.74, 9.12.75 and 9.12.76 (PL); 1 near Mtito Andei 23.11.75 (E. Bengtsson). Formerly common in woodland (AFW). 1230 Nectarinia kilimensis Bronzy Sunbird 1 probable at Voi Safari Lodge 13.12.76 (WP). Zosteropidae White-eyes 1219c Zosterops abyssinica Yellow White-eye Sporadic visitor to areas with large trees. Emberizidae Buntings (1469 Ernberiza flaviventris Golden-breasted Bunting) 2 collected near Tsavo River 4.4.34 (Peters & Loveridge 1937) are E. poliopleura (R.M. Paynter in litt .). 1470 Ernberiza poliopleura Somali Golden-breasted Bunting * Fairly common resident in areas with dense bushes. 1476 Ernberiza tahapisi Cinnamon-breasted Rock-Bunting Sporadic visitor usually fairly close to water; most records December -February. Fringillidae Finches 1448 Serinus mozambicus Yellow-fronted Canary 1 probable on Voi Sisal Estate 14.3.76 (PL). Formerly occurred around the houses in the Park (AFW). 1459 Serinus atrogularis Yellow-rumped Seed-Eater Rare in small flocks, usually near water or in gardens and may occur at any time. 1449 Serinus dorsostriatus White-bellied Canary Rare in wooded and bushed grassland, occurring after rain. Formerly fairly common in woodland (AFW). 1452 Serinus donaldsoni Grosbeak Canary 2 about 15 km north of Aruba 26.6.72 (CS). Seen once in Voi (AFW). Estrildidae Waxbills 1406 Hypargos niveoguttatus Peter’s Twin-spot 1 by the Voi River 26.3.71 (CS). 1410 Pytilia melba Green-winged Pytilia (Melba Finch) + Fairly common resident in all thicker habitats though rarely seen. (1409 Pytilia afra Orange-winged Pytilia) Formerly seen at Voi (AFW). 1420 Estrilda rhodopyga Crimson-rumped Waxbill Fairly common visitor to riverine vegetation and other damper areas December-March. 1418 Estrilda astrild Waxbill 2 by the Voi River 7.12.74 (PL) and formerly occurred there (AFW). 1427 Estrilda erythronotus Black-cheeked Waxbill 1 along Galana River 24.5.68 (WL); 1 near Voi 30.5.75 (PL & WL) and 13.1.76 (PL). Formerly common particularly along e.g. Mbololo River (AFW). 1433 Uraeginthus ianthinogaster Purple Grenadier Rare resident in woodland and thick wooded bushland (e.g. on the Yatta Plateau). 1 by the Voi River 21.2.69 (WL). 1431 Uraeginthus bengalus Red-cheeked Cordon-Bleu + Fairly common resident but restricted to riverine vegetation and gardens. 1432 Uraeginthus cyanocephalus Blue-capped Cordon-Bleu Sporadic visitor usually singly or in pairs to thicker habitats. 1411 Lagonosticta sp. Fi refinch species No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 23 Probably either L. rhodopareia jamesoni or L. rubricata. Rare visitor along the Voi River December- January and April. 1403 Ortygospiza atricollis Quail-Finch 1 near Irima 13.1.69 (WL). 1402 Amadina fascia ta Cut-throat * Fairly common visitor in variable numbers to the more open habitats mainly Decern ber-June. 1383 Lonchura malabarica Silver-bill -j- Rare resident almost always near water. There was a small resident flock around Voi Safari Lodge in 1976. 1384 Lonchura griseicapilla Grey-headed Silver-bill Uncommon in small flocks in any area mostly December-May. 1379 Lonchura cucullata Bronze Mannikin Uncommon resident in riverine vegetation and especially around houses. Ploceidae Weavers, Sparrows 1441 Vidua macroura Pin-tailed Whydah Uncommon visitor especially to riverine vegetation during and soon after the rains. 1443 Vidua fischeri Fischer’s Whydah Irregular sporadic visitor to any area with trees. 1442 Vidua hypocherina Steel-blue Whydah Seen along the Tiva River in February 1969 (F. Alexander). 1444 Vidua paradisaea Paradise Whydah Visitor in variable numbers mainly soon after the rains. 1434-40 Hypochera sp. Indigo-Bird species Rare visitor to riverine vegetation in the rains. 1358 Amblyospiza albifrons Grosbeak Weaver Formerly occurred in Voi swamp (AFW). No recent records. 1341 Ploceus subaureus Golden Weaver * Uncommon visitor in the rains, usually to reed-beds e.g. in the Galana River near Sala. 1319 Ploceus intermedius Masked Weaver * Fairly common visitor during the rains mainly to woodland and more rarely to other thick habitats. Nests are usually near water. 1321 Ploceus velatus Vitelline Masked Weaver + Rare visitor mainly to woodland in the rains. 1313 Ploceus cucullatus nigriceps Layerd’s Black-headed Weaver * Fairly common visitor during the rains to the Voi area, especially November- January . Rare elsewhere and a few may remain all the year. 1327 Ploceus rubiginosus Chestnut Weaver * Fairly common visitor to any habitat in both rainy seasons but especially December. 1337 Ploceus ocularis Spectacled Weaver Formerly in the Voi River forest (AFW). No recent records. 1336 Ploceus nigricollis Black-necked Weaver * Fairly common resident in woodland. In the northern area also in other thick habitats. 1359 Malimbus rubriceps Red-headed Weaver * Rare resident in woodland and riverine vegetation and fairly common around Park HQ often nesting near or in buildings. 1360 Quelea quelea Red-billed Quelea * Visitor, sometimes in huge flocks, to any area where there is grass seed, especially January-February but odd records all the year. 1373 Euplectes albonotatus White-winged Widow-Bird + Visitor in small flocks to the Voi River area December-January. 1368 Euplectes diadematus Fire-fronted Bishop * Common visitor to any grassy habitat during and shortly after the rains (commoner in December than in April). Not seen formerly (AFW). (1365 Euplectes hordeaceus Black-winged Red Bishop) Appeared in some numbers in the central grasslands of Galana Ranch and along the Tiva River after the 1961 floods (I.S.C. Parker). 1364 Euplectes nigroventris Zanzibar Red Bishop * Rare visitor to rivers mainly December-January. (1405 Anomalospiza imberbis Parasitic Weaver) Seen once in Voi (AFW). 1285 Bubalornis niger Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver * Common resident in most areas. Most obvious when around its nest trees in the early part of the rains. 1286 Dinemellia dinemelli White-headed Buffalo-Weaver * Very common resident in all areas. 1287 P/ocepasser maha/i Stripe-breasted Sparrow-Weaver * Common resident in riverine vegetation except forest. Also around buildings. 1291 Pseudonigrita arnaudi Grey-headed Social Weaver Formerly occurred in small numbers (AFW). No recent records. 1292 Pseudonigrita cabanisi Black-capped Social Weaver + Page 24 Lack, Leuthold & Smeenk No. 170 Rare visitor in flocks to thicker habitats. All recent records are from the Manyani area. 1303 Passer gongonensis Parrot-billed Sparrow * Common resident in most wooded and bushed areas including riverine but is rare in woodland. 1308 Petronia pyrgita Yellow-spotted Petronia * Common resident in all habitats. Sturnidae Starling 1203 Onychognathus morio Redwing Starling A resident pair at Voi Safari Lodge. An influx occurred to a small area of woodland 5 km north of Voi August-September 1975 (PL). Occasional records from other rocky hills. 1188 Lamprotornis chalybaeus Blue-eared Glossy Starling * Uncommon resident along rivers especially the Voi River. Occasional elsewhere. 1196 Lamprotornis purpuropterus Ruppell’s Long-tailed Glossy Starling Fairly common in the northern area especially along the Tiva River and is probably resident there. Sporadic visitor to the southern area where usually seen near the Galana River. 1184 Cinnyricinclus leucogaster Violet-backed Starling Sporadic visitor mainly to woodland late March-September; 1 on Galana Ranch in November (B.R. Heath). 1187 Speculipastor bicolor Magpie Starling Sporadic visitor in flocks to thicker habitats mostly in the northern area. 1211 Spreo fischeri Fischer’s Starling + Fairly common resident preferring bushy areas. 1214 Spreo hildebrandti Hildebrandt’s Starling Rare visitor to any area. 1215 Spreo shelleyi Shelley’s Starling Uncommon visitor, often in flocks, mainly to the northern area. Sometimes occurs in large numbers e.g. a few hundred, mostly immatures, along the Mbololo River 4.2.71 (CS). 1216 Spreo superbus Superb Starling * Very common resident occurring mainly where there are trees. Occurs in larger flocks where the habitat is thicker. 1198 Cosmopsarus regius Golden-breasted Starling -f Common resident preferring thicker habitats. 1 1 82 Creatophora cinerea Wattled Starling * Visitor in variable numbers (flocks up to 200 noted) to any area mostly during the rains. 1218 Buphagus ervthrorhynehus Red-billed Oxpecker * Common resident in all habitats. Oriolidae Orioles 1164 Oriolus oriolus Golden Oriole Fairly common migrant October-November and April to any area with trees. A few stay through the winter. 1165 Oriolus auratus African Golden Oriole A specimen in the Education Centre at Voi dated 6.10.67; 1 at Ndololo 20.8.69 and 24.8.69 (WL); 1 by the Voi River 8.7.72 (CS). 1167 Oriolus larvatus Black-headed Oriole * Common resident in woodland and riverine vegetation. Uncommon in other areas with trees. Dicruridae Drongos 1088 Dicrurus adsimilis Drongo * Very common resident wherever there are trees, however sparse. Corvidae Crows (1174 Corvus splendens Indian House Crow) (1 seen near Mtito Andei 20.3.77 (L. Campbell in National Museum Newsletter) and 23.4.77 (WP).) 1172 Corvus albus Pied Crow Fairly common resident in and around Voi town and along the Nairobi-Mombasa road but rarely inside the Park boundary. 1175 Corvus albicollis White-necked Raven * Common resident around Voi but not extending more than about 10 km into the Park. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We are very grateful to the former Kenya National Parks for permission to work in Tsavo East National Park and PL and WL also to the Department of Wildlife Conservation and Management, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife for permission to continue after the change of administration. PL acknowledges with gratitude financial suppoit from the Royal Society, the Leverhulme Trustees, the Frank M. Chapman Memorial Fund and the National A udubon Society ; and CS from the Netherlands Foundation for the Advancement of Tropical Research (WOTRO). We wish to thank the following for making records available to us: Mrs. F. Alexander, E. Bengtsson, P.L. No. 170 Birds of Tsavo East National Park Page 25 Britton, R.J. Dowsett, E.R. Easton, A.D. Forbes-Watson, B.R. Heath, T. Huels, N. Larkman, Mrs. B.M. Leuthold, B.S. Meadows, J. Miskell, I.S.C. Parker, D.J. Pearson, H. Pelchen, W.J. Plumb, D.E. Pomeroy, G. Rilling, the late D.L.W. Sheldrick, Mrs. N. Smeenk, D. Smith, J. Squire, D.A. Turner, J.G. Williams and Mrs. J. Williams Chandley. Mrs. B.M. Leuthold and Mrs. N. Smeenk kindly read and criticised the whole manuscript, A.D. Forbes- Watson, B.R. Heath and D.A. Turner the systematic list and M.J. Coe the introductory section. REFERENCES Beesley, J.S.S. (1972). Birds of the Arusha National Park, Tanzania. Jl. E. Africa nat. Hist. Soc. natn. Mus. 132:1-30. Elliott, C.C.H. (1972). An ornithological survey of the Kidepo National Park, northern Uganda. Jl. E. Africa nat. Hist. Soc. natn. Mus. 129:1-31. Forbes-Watson, A.D. (1971). Skeleton check-list of East African birds. Nairobi (duplicated). Greenway, P.J. (1969). A check-list of plants recorded in Tsavo National Park (East). Jl. E. Africa nat. Hist. Soc. natn. Mus. 27:169-209. Hall, B.P. & Moreau, R.E. (1970). An atlas of speciation in African passerine birds. London: British Museum. Lack, P.C. (1975a). Some records of “less common Palaearctic migrants” in Tsavo East 1974-75. EANHS Bull. 1975:87-88. Lack, P.C. (1975b). Range expansion of the Quail Plover. EANHS Bull. 1975:110. Lack, P.C. (1976). The status of the Taita Falcon. EANHS Bull. 1976:103-104. Lack, P.C. (1977). The status of Friedmann’s Bush-Lark, Mirafra pulpa. Scopus 1 :34-39. Leuthold, W. (1973a). Is the Somali Bee-Eater extending its range? EANHS Bull. 1973:101. Leuthold, W. (1973b). Less common Palaearctic migrants. EANHS Bull. 1973:1 11-112. Leuthold, W. (1974). Inland observations of the Terek Sandpiper. EANHS Bull. 1974:153. Leuthold, W. (1977a). Changes in tree populations of Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. E. Afr. Wildl. J. 15:61-69. Leuthold, W. (1977b). Notes on the breeding biology of the Ostrich Struthio camelus in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. Ibis 119:541-544. Leuthold, W. (1977c). Spatial organisation and strategy of habitat utilisation of elephants in Tsavo East National Park, Kenya. Z. Saugetierkunde 42:358-379. Leuthold, W. & Leuthold, B.M. (1974). Recent observations of migratory shore and water birds in Tsavo East National Park. EANHS Bull. 1974:72-74. Mackworth-Praed, C.W. & Grant, C.H.B. (1957-60). African Handbook of birds. Series 1, 2 vols. 2nd ed. London: Longmans, Green & Co. Pearson, D.J. & Backhurst, G.C. (1976). The southward migration of Palaearctic birds over Ngulia, Kenya. Ibis 118:78-105. Peters, J.L. & Loveridge, A. (1937). Scientific results of an expedition to rainforest regions in eastern Africa. IV, Birds. Bull. Mus. comp. Zool. Harvard 79:128-205. Pratt, D.J., Greenway, P.J. & Gwynne, M.D. (1966). A classification of East African rangeland with an appendix on terminology. J. appl. Ecol. 3:369-382. Smeenk, C. (1974). Comparative-ecological studies of some East African birds of prey. Ardea 62:1-97. Smeenk, C. & Smeenk-Enserink, N. (1976). Observations on the Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax po/iopterus, with comparative notes on the Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar. Ardea 63:93-1 15. Trevor, S. & Lack, P.C. (1976). Great Spotted Cuckoo parasitising Superb Starling. EANHS Bull. 1976:50. Turner, D.A. (1977) A new host for the Black-and-White Cuckoo, Clamator jacobinus. Scopus 1 :5 1 -52. Tyrell, J.G. & Coe, M.J. (1974). The rainfall regime of Tsavo National Park, Kenya and its phenological significance. Journal of Biogeography 1 : 187- 192. White, C.M.N. (1965). A revised check-list of African non-passerine birds. Lusaka: Government Printer. Williams, J.G. (1967). A field guide to the National Parks of East Africa. London: Collins. received 15 December 1978 Editors: Jean Hayes, M.G. Gilbert, A. 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