Bird Viewing — Top 50 Birds of Malawi

Haliaeetus vocifer · Accipitridae

Malawi's national bird! The highest concentration anywhere in the world is found along Lake Malawi. Its haunting call echoing across the water is the quintessential sound of Africa. Watch it swoop down to snatch fish from just below the surface.

Agapornis lilianae · Psittacidae

A Malawi special! This tiny, brilliantly coloured parrot with its orange-red face is found only at Liwonde National Park in Malawi. Highly social, they fly in noisy flocks and are one of the most sought-after species for visiting birders.

Merops boehmi · Meropidae

A stunning country special with russet cap and turquoise-green plumage. Perches on low branches and hawks insects in graceful sallying flights. A must-see at Liwonde where it frequents riverine woodland along the Shire River.

Scotopelia peli · Strigidae

One of the world's largest owls with a wingspan over 1.5m! This ginger-feathered giant hunts fish at night from overhanging branches. Liwonde's Shire River is one of the best spots in Africa to see this elusive nocturnal predator.

Pitta angolensis · Pittidae

The holy grail of African birding! This incredibly rare migratory visitor breeds in Malawi's forests from November to February. With stunning rainbow plumage of green, blue, yellow and red, spotting one is a life-changing birding moment.

Chamaetylas choloensis · Muscicapidae

One of Malawi's two endemic species! This secretive thrush-like bird with rusty olive-brown upperparts skulks on the forest floor. Total population only 2,500-4,000 individuals. Found only in montane forests of Mulanje and Thyolo.

Apalis flavigularis · Cisticolidae

Malawi's other endemic! This tiny, vibrant lime-green and yellow warbler lives exclusively in the montane forests of Mount Mulanje. Population only 1,500-6,000. A hike up Malawi's highest mountain rewards you with this jewel.

Coracias caudatus · Coraciidae

Often called Africa's most beautiful bird! With 8 different colours in its plumage including lilac, turquoise, blue, green and rufous, it's a photographer's dream. Performs spectacular rolling aerial displays during courtship.

Bucorvus leadbeateri · Bucorvidae

Truly prehistoric-looking! The largest hornbill, walking boldly on the ground in groups. Their deep booming call carries 5 km. Striking black plumage with vivid red facial skin. Can live up to 70 years!

Bugeranus carunculatus · Gruidae

Africa's largest crane at 175 cm! This elegant bird with distinctive white wattles is critically endangered. Nyika's montane dambos provide crucial breeding habitat. A truly magnificent and rare sight.

Stephanoaetus coronatus · Accipitridae

Africa's most powerful eagle! Can take prey up to 30 kg. This fearsome raptor hunts monkeys and small antelope in montane forests. Its distinctive crest and barred underwings are unmistakable.

Polemaetus bellicosus · Accipitridae

Africa's largest eagle with wingspan up to 2.6 m! Soars high above the savanna hunting hares and game birds. Increasingly rare due to habitat loss and persecution.

Smithornis capensis · Calyptomenidae

Performs remarkable circular display flights producing a frog-like buzzing with its wings. Often overlooked due to cryptic plumage, but its unique display makes it a birder's delight.

Erythrocercus livingstonei · Stenostiridae

Named after explorer David Livingstone! This delightful small flycatcher with bright rufous tail is a Liwonde specialty. Flits actively through the mid-canopy, fanning its distinctive chestnut tail.

Apaloderma vittatum · Trogonidae

Stunning bird with iridescent green head, crimson breast and boldly barred tail. Sits motionless on branches before sallying out to catch insects. The montane forests of Mulanje and Zomba are prime locations.

Apaloderma narina · Trogonidae

Bright emerald-green upperparts and brilliant crimson underparts. Often heard before seen — its soft hooting call resonates through the forest. Named after a Khoikhoi woman by explorer Le Vaillant.

Coracias spatulatus · Coraciidae

Stunning roller with elongated outer tail feathers ending in racket-shaped tips. A Liwonde speciality found in mopane woodland, performing spectacular aerial displays during breeding.

Corythornis cristatus · Alcedinidae

A tiny jewel of electric blue and orange! This miniature kingfisher perches on reeds along rivers and lakes, diving headfirst to catch small fish. One of the most photogenic birds in Malawi.

Ceryle rudis · Alcedinidae

The world's largest hovering bird! Unmistakable black and white kingfisher that hovers dramatically before plunging into water. Often seen in pairs along Lake Malawi and the Shire River.

Megaceryle maxima · Alcedinidae

Africa's largest kingfisher at nearly 50 cm! Impressive bird with chestnut breast and spotted black-and-white plumage. Often seen perched on branches overhanging rivers and streams.

Actophilornis africanus · Jacanidae

The 'Jesus bird' that walks on water! Its incredibly long toes distribute weight across lily pads. Males carry chicks under their wings. Common on quiet waters throughout Malawi.

Rynchops flavirostris · Laridae

Flies with its lower mandible skimming the water surface to catch fish — a feeding technique unique among birds! Nests on sandbanks along the Shire River. Stunning at sunset.

Phalacrocorax lucidus · Phalacrocoracidae

Large cormorant often seen drying its wings on rocks and branches along the lake. Expert diver that pursues fish underwater. Colonial nester, often seen in large groups.

Pelecanus onocrotalus · Pelecanidae

Massive waterbird with 3.6 m wingspan! Feeds cooperatively — groups herd fish into shallows before scooping them up. Spectacular sight on Lake Malawi especially during migration.

Scopus umbretta · Scopidae

Builds the largest nest of any bird — up to 2m wide and strong enough to support a man! The hammer-shaped head is unmistakable. Surrounded by superstition and folklore across Africa.

Upupa africana · Upupidae

Unmistakable with its dramatic erectile crest, bold black-and-white wing pattern, and long curved bill. Probes the ground for insects. Its distinctive 'hoop-hoop-hoop' call gives it its name.

Lybius melanopterus · Lybiidae

A Malawi special almost exclusively found in thick riverine habitats around Liwonde's Mvuu Camp. Has a distinctive loud duet call. Chunky bird with dark brown breast band and red face patches.

Hirundo atrocaerulea · Hirundinidae

Stunning iridescent dark blue swallow with deeply forked tail streamers. Nyika Plateau is one of the best spots in Africa to see this vulnerable species. Breeds in abandoned aardvark burrows on rolling grasslands.

Gyps africanus · Accipitridae

Critically endangered across Africa due to poisoning. Malawi's conservation efforts are helping protect remaining populations. Essential scavenger that prevents disease spread. Wingspan up to 2.2 m.

Gypohierax angolensis · Accipitridae

The vegetarian vulture! Unique among raptors for feeding mainly on palm fruit. Also takes fish and crabs. Often seen soaring above palm groves along Lake Malawi and the Shire River.

Terpsiphone viridis · Monarchidae

Males have spectacular tail streamers up to 30 cm long! Two colour morphs — rufous and white. Graceful aerial acrobat that hawks insects on the wing. Common in gardens and woodland.

Tauraco schalowi · Musophagidae

Brilliant green bird with striking crimson wing feathers revealed in flight. The red pigment (turacin) is unique to turacos — it actually contains copper! Loud 'kok-kok-kok' call echoes through forest canopy.

Bycanistes bucinator · Bucerotidae

Named for its loud, baby-like wailing call! Large black-and-white hornbill with a distinctive casque. Females seal themselves inside tree holes to nest, relying entirely on the male to feed them.

Falco dickinsoni · Falconidae

A smart grey falcon often associated with Borassus palms. Frequently hunts from palm tops at dusk and dawn. A Liwonde specialty — listen for its sharp 'kee-kee-kee' call at sunset.

Cichladusa arquata · Muscicapidae

A charming lakeshore species found near palms. Beautiful rufous upperparts with a distinctive black breast band. Has a melodious and far-carrying song, especially at dawn and dusk.

Mycteria ibis · Ciconiidae

Elegant wading bird with pink-tinged white plumage, red face mask and bright yellow bill. Feeds by touch — sweeping its partially open bill through shallow water to detect prey.

Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis · Ciconiidae

Africa's tallest stork at 150 cm! Spectacular multicoloured bill — black with red band and yellow saddle. Often seen wading alone or in pairs in shallow water. A truly majestic waterbird.

Phoeniconaias minor · Phoenicopteridae

Smaller and deeper pink than the greater flamingo. Lake Chilwa hosts thousands during good water years. Their rose-pink masses create one of Malawi's most spectacular wildlife scenes.

Numida meleagris · Numididae

The most commonly seen game bird in Malawi! Striking spotted plumage with bony casque atop head. Travels in large, noisy flocks across grasslands. Often seen running across roads rather than flying.

Guttera pucherani · Numididae

More secretive cousin of the helmeted guineafowl, with distinctive curly black crest. Prefers denser forest habitat. Often heard scratching in leaf litter before being seen. Liwonde is an excellent spot.

Chalcomitra senegalensis · Nectariniidae

One of Africa's most stunning sunbirds! Males have iridescent green heads and throats with a vivid scarlet chest patch. Common in gardens where they visit flowering plants. Africa's answer to hummingbirds.

Tricholaema frontata · Lybiidae

A sought-after miombo specialist! Black and white bird with a distinctive yellow forehead patch. Dzalanyama Forest Reserve near Lilongwe is the best spot. Easily attracted by playing its call.

Lophaetus occipitalis · Accipitridae

Easy to identify by its dramatically long, wind-blown crest! Often perches conspicuously on roadside poles and dead trees. Mainly hunts rodents. One of the most commonly seen raptors in Malawi.

Cossypha heuglini · Muscicapidae

Malawi's most beloved songster! This beautiful orange-and-black bird sings complex, melodious duets at dawn and dusk. Common in gardens and lodge grounds. One of Africa's finest singers.

Myrmecocichla arnotti · Muscicapidae

A smart black-and-white chat of open woodland. The white wing patches flash conspicuously in flight. Perches prominently on dead branches and makes short fly-catching sallies. A good miombo indicator species.

Bubalornis niger · Ploceidae

One of the 'Small Five'! Named for following Cape buffalo herds. Highly vocal and social, building messy communal nests from twigs. You'll hear their loud chattering before you see them.

Eurystomus glaucurus · Coraciidae

A warm cinnamon-rufous roller with a brilliant blue throat and bright yellow bill. Often seen perched on dead snags at the forest edge. Active at dusk, hawking insects with agile aerial manoeuvres.

Batis dimorpha · Platysteiridae

A tiny black-and-white flycatcher formerly grouped with Cape Batis. Key species for the Zomba Plateau endemic bird area. Active in the forest mid-canopy, constantly flitting between branches.

Colius striatus · Coliidae

Uniquely African birds found nowhere else in the world! Named for their mouse-like scurrying through vegetation. Long tails and soft, hair-like plumage. Social birds often seen in groups hanging from branches.

Treron calvus · Columbidae

Often heard but hard to see! Brilliant green plumage provides perfect camouflage in fig trees. Red eye-ring and feet. Hangs acrobatically from branches to reach fruit, more like a parrot than a pigeon.